As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 18, 2003
Registration No. 333-7912
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
POST EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 5 TO
FORM F-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
LJ INTERNATIONAL INC.
British Virgin Islands | 3911 | Not Applicable | ||
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code No.) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
Unit #12, 12/F, Block A
Focal Industrial Centre
21 Man Lok Street
Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
011-852-2764-3622
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
of Registrants principal executive offices)
Andrew N. Bernstein, P.C.
5445 DTC Parkway, Suite 520
Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111
(303) 770-7131
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area
code, of agent for service)
Copies of all communications to:
Andrew N. Bernstein, Esq.
Andrew N. Bernstein, P.C.
5445 DTC Parkway, Suite 520
Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111
Telephone: 303-770-7131
Facsimile: 303-770-7332
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act, check the following box: [ X ]
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ]
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ]
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ]
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434, please check the following box. [ ]
Calculation of Registration Fee
Proposed | Proposed | |||||||||||||||
maximum | maximum | |||||||||||||||
Title of each class | offering | aggregate | Amount of | |||||||||||||
of securities to be | Amount to be | price per | offering | registration | ||||||||||||
registered | registered | share (1) | price (1) | fee | ||||||||||||
Common Stock |
1,679,000 | (2) | $ | 5.00 | $ | 8,395,000 | $ | 2,477 | ||||||||
Redeemable Common Stock Purchase Warrants |
1,679,000 | (3) | $ | 0.125 | $ | 209,875 | $ | 62 | ||||||||
Common Stock underlying Redeemable
Common Stock Purchase Warrants |
1,679,000 | (4) | $ | 5.00 | $ | 8,395,000 | $ | 2,477 | ||||||||
Common Stock Underwriter Warrants |
146,000 | (5) | $ | 0.0000342 | $ | 5 | $ | 1 | ||||||||
Common Stock underlying Common Stock
Underwriter Warrants |
146,000 | (6) | $ | 8.25 | $ | 1,204,500 | $ | 356 | ||||||||
Warrant Underwriter Warrants |
146,000 | (7) | $ | 0.0000342 | $ | 5 | $ | 1 | ||||||||
Underwriter Underlying Warrants |
146,000 | (8) | $ | 0.21 | $ | 30,660 | $ | 10 | ||||||||
Common Stock underlying Underwriter
Underlying Warrants |
146,000 | (9) | $ | 8.25 | $ | 1,204,500 | $ | 356 | ||||||||
Total Fee (10) |
$ | 19,439,545 | $ | 5,740 | ||||||||||||
(footnotes on next page)
(1) | Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the amount of the registration fee in accordance with Rule 457 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act). | |
(2) | Includes 219,000 shares of common stock (the Common Stock or the Shares) reserved for the option, exercisable within 45 days after the date on which the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) declares this Registration Statement effective, to cover over-allotments, if any (the Over-Allotment Option), granted by the Company to Barron Chase Securities, Inc. (the Underwriter). | |
(3) | Includes 219,000 Redeemable Common Stock Purchase Warrants (the Purchase Warrants or the Warrants) reserved for the Over-Allotment Option. The Purchase Warrants (a) may be purchased separately from the Common Stock in the Offering, (b) are exercisable during a five-year period commencing on the effective date of this Registration Statement, and (c) shall be redeemable, at the option of the Company, at $0.25 per Purchase Warrant upon 30 days prior written notice, (i) if the closing bid price, as reported on The Nasdaq National Market_, or the closing sale price, as reported on a national or regional securities exchange, as applicable, of the shares of the Registrants Common Stock for 30 consecutive trading days ending within ten days of the notice of redemption of the Purchase Warrants averages in excess of $10.00 per share, subject to adjustment, and (ii) after a then current registration statement has been declared effective by the Commission with regard to the shares of Common Stock to be received by the holder upon exercise, but (iii) during the one-year period after the effective date of this Registration Statement, only with the written consent of the Underwriter. Pursuant to Rule 416 under the Securities Act, such additional number of these securities are also being registered to cover any adjustment resulting from the operation of the anti-dilution provisions relating to the Purchase Warrants. | |
(4) | Reserved for issuance upon exercise of the Purchase Warrants. Pursuant to Rule 416 under the Securities Act, such additional number of shares of Common Stock subject to the Purchase Warrants are also being registered to cover any adjustment resulting from the operation of the anti-dilution provisions relating to the Purchase Warrants. | |
(5) | To be issued to the Underwriter and/or persons related to the Underwriter. Pursuant to Rule 416 under the Securities Act, such additional number of Underwriter stock purchase options (the Common Stock Underwriter Warrants) are also being registered to cover any adjustment resulting from the operation of the anti-dilution provisions relating to the Common Stock Underwriter Warrants. | |
(6) | Reserved for issuance upon exercise of the Common Stock Underwriter Warrants. Pursuant to Rule 416 under the Securities Act, such additional number of shares of Common Stock subject to the Common Stock Underwriter Warrants are also being registered to cover any adjustment resulting from the operation of the anti-dilution provisions relating to the Common Stock Underwriter Warrants. | |
(7) | To be issued to the Underwriter and/or persons related to the Underwriter. Pursuant to Rule 416 under the Securities Act, such additional number of Underwriter warrant purchase options (the Warrant Underwriter Warrants) are also being registered to cover any adjustment resulting from the operation of the anti-dilution provisions relating to the Warrant Underwriter Warrants. | |
(8) | Reserved for issuance upon exercise of the Warrant Underwriter Warrants. Pursuant to Rule 416 under the Securities Act, such additional number of warrants to purchase shares of Common Stock |
subject to the Warrant Underwriter Warrants (the Underwriter Underlying Warrants) are also being registered to cover any adjustment resulting from the operation of the anti-dilution provisions relating to the Warrant Underwriter Warrants. | ||
(9) | Reserved for issuance upon exercise of the Underwriter Underlying Warrants. Pursuant to Rule 416 under the Securities Act, such additional number of shares of Common Stock subject to the Underwriter Underlying Warrants are also being registered to cover any adjustment resulting from the operation of the anti-dilution provisions relating to the Underwriter Underlying Warrants. | |
(10) | No additional fees are payable since the Registrant paid a registration fee of $6,434.00 upon the initial filing. |
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
PROSPECTUS
LJ INTERNATIONAL INC.
1,679,000 Warrants to Purchase Shares of Common Stock
and
1,679,000 Shares of Common Stock upon Exercise of the Warrants
In our April 1998 initial public offering, we sold 1,679,000 shares of common stock and 1,679,000 warrants to purchase 1,679,000 shares of our common stock. Each warrant entitled the holder to purchase one share of our common stock at $5.75 per share through April 15, 2003. On December 5, 2002, we elected to extend the exercise term of the Warrants through April 15, 2005.
In addition to these 1,679,000 warrants and 1,679,000 underlying shares of common stock, this prospectus covers the sale of 292,000 shares of common stock underlying the following securities that we sold to the underwriter and/or persons related to the underwriter:
| stock purchase options to purchase 146,000 shares of common stock; and | ||
| warrant purchase options to purchase 146,000 warrants to purchase shares of common stock. |
No minimum number of warrants must be exercised, and all funds that we receive upon exercise of the warrants and the underwriter warrants will be used for general corporate purposes. As of July 15, 2003, all 1,679,000 warrants and all of the underwriter warrants were outstanding. The common stock covered by this prospectus which is issuable upon exercise of the underwriter warrants is to be sold from time to time by or for the account of certain selling shareholders. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of the underwriter warrants and underlying common stock.
See Risk Factors beginning on page 5 to read about factors you should consider before buying our common stock and warrants.
Our common stock and warrants are traded on The Nasdaq National Market under the symbols JADE and JADEW. On July 15, 2003, the last sale prices for the common stock and the warrants were $4.78 per share of common stock and $0.87 per warrant.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of the prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Underwriting | Gross | |||||||||||
Price to | Discounts and | Proceeds to | ||||||||||
Public | Commissions | Us | ||||||||||
Per share of common stock on exercise of warrant |
US$5.75 | US$0.00 | US$5.75 | |||||||||
Total |
US$9,654,250 | US$0.00 | US$9,654,250 |
This information excludes estimated total expenses of this offering of approximately US$32,000 payable by us. It also does not include 292,000 shares of common stock registered for the account of selling shareholders to be offered from time to time in the market.
The date of this prospectus is July __, 2003
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | ||||
Prospectus Summary |
3 | |||
Risk Factors |
5 | |||
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements |
9 | |||
Use of Proceeds |
11 | |||
Nature of Trading Market |
12 | |||
Dividend Policy |
14 | |||
Capitalization |
15 | |||
Dilution |
16 | |||
Selected Consolidated Financial Data |
17 | |||
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
18 | |||
Our Business |
30 | |||
Our Management |
45 | |||
Selling Shareholders |
52 | |||
Description of Securities |
54 | |||
Taxation |
61 | |||
Plan of Distribution |
63 | |||
Legal Matters |
63 | |||
Experts |
63 | |||
Additional Information |
64 | |||
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements |
F-1 |
You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. We are not making an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of this prospectus.
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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
This summary is not complete and does not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing in our common stock. You should read the entire prospectus carefully, including the more detailed information regarding our company, the risks of purchasing our common stock discussed under Risk Factors, and our financial statements and the accompanying notes. Unless otherwise indicated, information in this prospectus assumes that there has been no exercise of the 1,679,000 warrants or any of the underwriter warrants.
The Company
We are a totally vertically integrated producer of finished semi-precious gemstones and fine quality gemstone jewelry. We primarily cut and polish semi-precious gemstones and design, manufacture, market and distribute gem set jewelry to fine jewelers, department stores, national jewelry chains and electronic and specialty retailers throughout North America and Western Europe. Our product line includes all major categories that are sought by major retailers, including earrings, necklaces, pendants, rings and bracelets. Our jewelry is crafted in gold, platinum and sterling silver and is set with semi-precious and precious stones, including diamonds.
We believe that our vertically integrated structure provides significant advantages over our competitors. All profits from value added processes are captured internally, rather than shared with third party manufacturers. This results in very competitive pricing for the retailer and enhanced profits for us. Innovative processes in stone cutting and manufacturing further enhance our competitive position.
Our principal executive offices are located at Unit #12, 12/F, Block A, Focal Industrial Center, 21 Man Lok Street, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, telephone 011 (852) 2764-3622.
The Offering
Securities offered by us | 1,679,000 warrants and 1,679,000 shares of common stock underlying the warrants. Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of common stock at $5.75 per share until April 15, 2005. The warrants are not exercisable unless, at the time of exercise, we have a current prospectus under the Securities Act covering the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants and such shares have been registered, qualified or deemed to be exempt under the securities laws of the states of residence of the exercising holders of the warrants. The warrants are subject to redemption by us. |
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Securities offered by selling shareholders |
292,000 shares of common stock underlying the underwriter warrants. | |
Use of Proceeds | We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the underwriter warrants or the underlying common stock. All funds that we receive upon the exercise of the warrants and the underwriter warrants will be used for general corporate purposes. | |
Risk Factors | Please read the Risk Factors section of this prospectus since an investment in our common stock or warrants involves a high degree of risk and could result in a loss of your entire investment. | |
Nasdaq National Market symbols | ||
Common Stock | JADE | |
Purchase Warrants | JADEW |
Advisers and Auditors
Legal Adviser | Andrew N. Bernstein, Esq. | |
Andrew N. Bernstein, P.C. | ||
5445 DTC Parkway, Suite 520 | ||
Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111 | ||
303-770-7131 | ||
Auditors | Moores Rowland | |
34th Floor, The Lee Gardens | ||
33 Hysan Avenue | ||
Causeway Bay, Hong Kong | ||
011-852-2909-5555 | ||
Member, Hong Kong Society of Accountants |
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RISK FACTORS
This offering involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below and the other information in this prospectus before deciding whether to invest in shares of our common stock. If any of these risks occur, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected. This could cause the trading price of our common stock to decline, and you might lose part or all of your investment.
We depend upon QVC, Inc. for a large portion of our sales and we cannot be certain that these sales will continue. If they do not, our revenues will likely decline.
Although we sell to a large number of customers in a variety of markets, a substantial portion of our sales involves offerings to one volume customer, QVC, Inc. For the fiscal years ended April 30, 2002 and December 31, 2002, QVC, Inc. accounted for approximately 28% and 25% of our sales. Although we have maintained a good and longstanding relationship with this customer, we do not have any long-term contracts with QVC, Inc., who orders only on a purchase order basis. The loss of QVC, Inc. as a customer or a significant reduction in its orders would have a materially adverse effect.
We are controlled by one of our existing shareholders, whose interests may differ from other shareholders.
Our largest shareholder beneficially owns or controls approximately 36.5% of our outstanding shares as of December 31, 2002. Accordingly, he has controlling influence in determining the outcome of any corporate transaction or other matter submitted to the shareholders for approval, including mergers, consolidations and the sale of all, or substantially all, of our assets, election of directors, and other significant corporate actions. He also has the power to prevent or cause a change in control. In addition, without the consent of this shareholder, we could be prevented from entering into transactions that could be beneficial to us. The interests of this shareholder may differ from the interests of the other shareholders.
We face significant competition from larger competitors.
The making and distribution of jewelry is a highly competitive industry characterized by the diversity and sophistication of the product. We compete with major domestic and international companies with substantially greater financial, technical and marketing resources and personnel than us. There can be no assurance other jewelry makers will not similarly develop low-cost, high-volume production capability or an even better process, providing greater competition for us and materially affecting our business prospects.
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There are numerous factors relating to the operations of our business that could adversely affect our success and results.
As a maker and merchandiser of low-cost, high-quality gem-set jewelry, our existing and future operations are and will be influenced by several factors, including:
| technological developments in the mass production of jewelry; | ||
| our ability to meet the design and production requirements of our customers efficiently; | ||
| the market acceptance of our customers jewelry; | ||
| increases in expenses associated with continued sales growth; | ||
| our ability to control costs; | ||
| our managements ability to evaluate the publics taste and new orders to target satisfactory profit margins; | ||
| our capacity to develop and manage the introduction of new designed products; and | ||
| our ability to compete. |
Quality control is also essential to our operations since customers demand compliance with design and product specifications and consistency of production. We cannot assure that revenue growth will occur on a quarterly or annual basis.
Our sales and marketing operations are performed principally at our executive offices which are located in Hong Kong. This means our results of operations and financial condition may be influenced by the political situation in Hong Kong and by the general state of the Hong Kong economy.
On July 1, 1997, sovereignty over Hong Kong was transferred from the United Kingdom to China, and Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region of China, an SAR. As provided in the Sino-British Joint Declaration on the Question of Hong Kong, referred to as the Joint Declaration, and the Basic Law of the Hong Kong SAR of China, referred to as the Basic Law, the Hong Kong SAR is to have a high degree of autonomy except in foreign and defense affairs. Under the Basic Law, the Hong Kong SAR is to have its own legislature, legal and judicial system and full economic autonomy for 50 years. We cannot assure, however, that changes in political or other conditions will not result in an adverse impact on our financial and operating condition.
Our production facilities are located in China. Our results of operations and financial condition may, therefore, be influenced by the economic, political, legal and social conditions in China.
Since 1978, the Chinese government has been reforming, and is expected to continue to reform, Chinas economic and political systems. Such reforms have resulted in significant social progress. Other political, economic and social factors could also lead to further readjustment of the
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reform measures. This refinement and readjustment process may not always have a positive effect on our operations in China. At times, we may also be adversely affected by changes in policies of the Chinese government such as changes in laws and regulations or their interpretation, the introduction of additional measures to control inflation, changes in the rate or method of taxation and imposition of additional restrictions on currency conversion and remittances abroad.
Our products are currently made at our production facility located in Shenzhen, China. However, our insurance may not adequately cover any losses due to fire, casualty or theft.
We have obtained fire, casualty and theft insurance aggregating approximately $12.0 million, covering several of our stock in trade, goods and merchandise, furniture and equipment and production facility in China. The proceeds of such insurance may not be sufficient to cover material damage to, or the loss of, our production facility due to fire, severe weather, flood or other cause, and such damage or loss would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, business and prospects. Consistent with the customary practice among enterprises in China and due to the cost in relation to the benefit, we do not carry any business interruption insurance in China.
Sales of our jewelry to retailers are generally stronger during the quarter ending December 31 of each year due to the importance of the holiday selling season.
The approximately 25% of our sales during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 to our largest customer, QVC, Inc., was not seasonal in nature. It has been our managements experience that the remaining 75% of our total sales is seasonally sensitive.
Our holding company structure creates restrictions on the payment of dividends.
We have no direct business operations, other than the ownership of our subsidiaries. While we have no current intention of paying dividends, should we, as a holding company, decide in the future to do so, our ability to pay dividends and meet other obligations depends upon the receipt of dividends or other payments from our operating subsidiaries and other holdings and investments. In addition, our operating subsidiaries are subject to restrictions on their ability to make distributions to us, including as a result of restrictive covenants and minimum net worth requirements in loan agreements, restrictions on the conversion of local currency into U.S. dollars or other hard currency and other regulatory restrictions.
It may be difficult to serve us with legal process or enforce judgments against us or our management.
We are a British Virgin Islands holding company, and all or a substantial portion of our assets are located in China and Hong Kong. In addition, all but one of our directors and officers are non-residents of the United States, and all or substantial portions of the assets of such
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non-residents are located outside the United States. As a result, it may not be possible to effect service of process within the United States upon such persons. Moreover, there is doubt as to whether the courts of the British Virgin Islands, China or Hong Kong would enforce:
| judgments of United States courts against us, our directors or our officers based on the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state; or | ||
| in original actions brought in the British Virgin Islands, China or Hong Kong, liabilities against us or non-residents based upon the securities laws of the United States or any state. |
Some information about us may be unavailable due to exemptions under the Exchange Act for a foreign private issuer.
We are a foreign private issuer within the meaning of the rules under the Exchange Act. As such, we are exempt from certain provisions applicable to United States public companies, including:
| the rules under the Exchange Act requiring the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission of quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or current reports on Form 8-K; | ||
| the provisions of Regulation FD aimed at preventing issuers from making selective disclosures of material information; | ||
| the sections of the Exchange Act regulating the solicitation of proxies, consents or authorizations in respect of a security registered under the Exchange Act; and | ||
| the sections of the Exchange Act requiring insiders to file public reports of their stock ownership and trading activities and establishing insider liability for profits realized from any short-swing trading transaction. |
Because of these exemptions, investors are not provided with the same information which is generally available about public companies organized in the United States.
Since we are a British Virgin Islands company, the rights of our shareholders may be more limited than those of shareholders of a company organized in the United States.
Under the laws of most jurisdictions in the United States, majority and controlling shareholders generally have certain fiduciary responsibilities to the minority shareholders. Shareholder action must be taken in good faith and actions by controlling shareholders which are obviously unreasonable may be declared null and void. British Virgin Island law protecting the interests of minority shareholders may not be as protective in all circumstances as the law protecting minority shareholders in U.S. jurisdictions. In addition, the circumstances in which a shareholder of a BVI company may sue the company derivatively, and the procedures and defenses that may be available to the company, may result in the rights of shareholders of a BVI company
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being more limited than those of shareholders of a company organized in the U.S. Furthermore, our directors have the power to take certain actions without shareholder approval which would require shareholder approval under the laws of most U.S. jurisdictions. The directors of a BVI corporation, subject in certain cases to court approval but without shareholder approval, may implement a reorganization, merger or consolidation, the sale of any assets, property, part of the business, or securities of the corporation. Our ability to amend our Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association without shareholder approval could have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change in our control without any further action by the shareholders, including a tender offer to purchase our common stock at a premium over then current market prices.
Non-registration of our IPO warrants and the underlying common stock in certain jurisdictions may make them worthless.
Our IPO warrants are not exercisable unless, at the time of the exercise, we have a current prospectus covering the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants, and such shares are registered, qualified or deemed to be exempt under the securities laws of the states of residence of the exercising holders of the warrants. For the life of the warrants, we will attempt to maintain a current effective registration statement relating to the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants. If we are unable to maintain a current registration statement because the costs render it uneconomical, or because the value of the shares of common stock underlying the warrants is less than the exercise price, or any number of other reasons, the warrant holders will be unable to exercise the warrants and the warrants may become valueless.
Although the warrants will not knowingly be sold to purchasers in jurisdictions in which the securities are not registered or otherwise qualified for sale, purchasers may buy warrants in the after-market or may move to jurisdictions in which the shares underlying the warrants are not registered or qualified during the period that the warrants are exercisable. In this event, we would be unable to issue shares of common stock to those persons desiring to exercise their warrants, whether in response to a redemption notice or otherwise, unless and until the shares could be qualified for sale in the jurisdictions in which such purchasers reside, or exemptions exist in such jurisdictions from such qualification. Warrant holders would have no choice but to attempt to sell the warrants or allow them to expire unexercised.
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These include statements about our expectations, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as anticipate,
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estimate, plans, potential, projects, continuing, ongoing, expects, management believes, we believe, we intend and similar expressions. These statements involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed for the reasons described in this prospectus. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.
You should be aware that our actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors:
| dependence upon certain customers | ||
| control by principal shareholder | ||
| competitive factors | ||
| the operation of our business | ||
| general economic conditions |
You should also consider carefully the statements under Risk Factors and other sections of this prospectus, which address additional factors that could cause our actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements and could materially and adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the applicable cautionary statements.
The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and, except to the extent required by federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. In addition, we cannot assess the impact of each factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.
We use data and industry forecasts throughout this prospectus, which we have obtained from internal surveys, market research, publicly available information and industry publications. Industry publications generally state that the information they provide has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable but that the accuracy and completeness of such information is not guaranteed. Similarly, we believe that the surveys and market research we or others have performed are reliable, but we have not independently verified this information.
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USE OF PROCEEDS
We presently anticipate that the proceeds from the exercise of the warrants and the underwriter warrants will be applied and allocated to our working capital for general corporate purposes. If the proceeds are not used immediately, they may be invested in short-term interest bearing, investment grade securities.
The estimated expenses to be incurred by us in connection with the issuance and distribution of the warrants include:
| US$5,000 for printing and engraving expenses; | ||
| US$25,000 for legal fees and expenses; and | ||
| US$2,000 for accounting fees and expenses. |
We will not be paying any discounts or commissions to any underwriters or other placement or selling agents.
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NATURE OF TRADING MARKET
Our common stock is listed and quoted for trading on The Nasdaq National Market under the symbol JADE. The following table sets forth, during the periods indicated, the high and low last sale prices for the common stock as reported by Nasdaq:
Period | High | Low | ||||||
Year ended April 30, 1999 |
$ | 9.81 | $ | 4.00 | ||||
Year ended April 30, 2000 |
$ | 6.69 | $ | 3.00 | ||||
Year ended April 30, 2001 |
$ | 3.88 | $ | 1.63 | ||||
Year ended April 30, 2002 |
$ | 2.79 | $ | 1.18 | ||||
Year ended December 31, 2002 |
$ | 1.56 | $ | 1.11 | ||||
Quarter ended July 31, 2000 |
$ | 3.53 | $ | 2.44 | ||||
Quarter ended October 31, 2000 |
$ | 3.88 | $ | 2.16 | ||||
Quarter ended January 31, 2001 |
$ | 2.50 | $ | 1.63 | ||||
Quarter ended April 30, 2001 |
$ | 2.31 | $ | 1.66 | ||||
Quarter ended July 31, 2001 |
$ | 2.79 | $ | 2.00 | ||||
Quarter ended October 31, 2001 |
$ | 2.11 | $ | 1.48 | ||||
Quarter ended January 31, 2002 |
$ | 1.56 | $ | 1.22 | ||||
Quarter ended April 30, 2002 |
$ | 1.74 | $ | 1.18 | ||||
Quarter ended July 31, 2002 |
$ | 1.56 | $ | 1.11 | ||||
Quarter ended October 31, 2002 |
$ | 1.37 | $ | 1.12 | ||||
Quarter ended December 31, 2002 |
$ | 1.33 | $ | 1.15 | ||||
Quarter ended March 31, 2003 |
$ | 1.30 | $ | 1.14 | ||||
Month ended November 30, 2002 |
$ | 1.30 | $ | 1.15 | ||||
Month ended December 31, 2002 |
$ | 1.33 | $ | 1.23 | ||||
Month ended January 31, 2003 |
$ | 1.29 | $ | 1.19 | ||||
Month ended February 28, 2003 |
$ | 1.30 | $ | 1.15 | ||||
Month ended March 31, 2003 |
$ | 1.22 | $ | 1.14 | ||||
Month ended April 30, 2003 |
$ | 1.29 | $ | 1.17 |
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Our warrants are listed and quoted for trading on The Nasdaq National Market under the symbol JADEW. The following table sets forth, during the periods indicated, the high and low last sale prices for the warrants as reported by Nasdaq:
Period | High | Low | ||||||
Year ended April 30, 1999 |
$ | 5.38 | $ | 0.63 | ||||
Year ended April 30, 2000 |
$ | 3.25 | $ | 1.00 | ||||
Year ended April 30, 2001 |
$ | 1.38 | $ | 0.22 | ||||
Year ended April 30, 2002 |
$ | 0.55 | $ | 0.02 | ||||
Year ended December 31, 2002 |
$ | 0.15 | $ | 0.01 | ||||
Quarter ended July 31, 2000 |
$ | 1.38 | $ | 0.75 | ||||
Quarter ended October 31, 2000 |
$ | 1.25 | $ | 0.50 | ||||
Quarter ended January 31, 2001 |
$ | 0.69 | $ | 0.28 | ||||
Quarter ended April 30, 2001 |
$ | 0.63 | $ | 0.22 | ||||
Quarter ended July 31, 2001 |
$ | 0.55 | $ | 0.30 | ||||
Quarter ended October 31, 2001 |
$ | 0.44 | $ | 0.06 | ||||
Quarter ended January 31, 2002 |
$ | 0.22 | $ | 0.02 | ||||
Quarter ended April 30, 2002 |
$ | 0.20 | $ | 0.06 | ||||
Quarter ended July 31, 2002 |
$ | 0.13 | $ | 0.04 | ||||
Quarter ended October 31, 2002 |
$ | 0.10 | $ | 0.01 | ||||
Quarter ended December 31, 2002 |
$ | 0.15 | $ | 0.03 | ||||
Quarter ended March 31, 2003 |
$ | 0.12 | $ | 0.04 | ||||
Month ended November 30, 2002 |
$ | 0.07 | $ | 0.03 | ||||
Month ended December 31, 2002 |
$ | 0.15 | $ | 0.07 | ||||
Month ended January 31, 2003 |
$ | 0.12 | $ | 0.06 | ||||
Month ended February 28, 2003 |
$ | 0.08 | $ | 0.06 | ||||
Month ended March 31, 2003 |
$ | 0.06 | $ | 0.04 | ||||
Month ended April 30, 2003 |
$ | 0.03 | $ | 0.02 |
We do not believe that there is any principal non-United States trading market for the common stock or the warrants. We believe that Cede & Co. holds a substantial majority of the outstanding common stock and warrants in the United States as record holder.
- 13 -
DIVIDEND POLICY
We do not intend to pay dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. Instead, we will retain our earnings to support our growth strategy and for general corporate purposes. As a holding company, our ability to pay dividends depends upon our receipt of dividends or other payments from our subsidiaries and other holdings and investments. In addition, our operating subsidiaries are subject to restrictions on their ability to make distributions to us, including as a result of restrictive covenants and minimum net worth requirements in loan agreements, restrictions on the conversion of local currency into U.S. dollars or other currency and other regulatory restrictions. Any determination to pay dividends in the future will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon our results of operations, financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors. Any dividends paid in the future on the common stock may be paid in either U.S. dollars or Hong Kong dollars.
- 14 -
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth our capitalization as of May 31, 2003 as reflected in our audited consolidated financial statements and as adjusted to reflect the exercise of 1,679,000 warrants at an exercise price of $5.75 per warrant, and the receipt and application of the net proceeds.
You should read this information in conjunction with Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, our financial statements and the accompanying notes, and the other financial information appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. All data in the following table is unaudited.
May 31, 2003 | ||||||||||
(in thousands, except share data) | ||||||||||
(unaudited) | ||||||||||
Actual | As Adjusted | |||||||||
Long-term debt, net of current maturities |
| | ||||||||
Shareholders Equity: |
||||||||||
Common Stock, $.01 par value per share: |
||||||||||
100,000,000 shares authorized, 8,671,615
shares issued and outstanding actual, and
8,671,615 shares issued and outstanding
as adjusted(1) |
$ | 87 | $ | 87 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
17,410 | 17,410 | ||||||||
Retained earnings |
7,094 | 7,094 | ||||||||
Treasury stock |
(391 | ) | (391 | ) | ||||||
Exchange translation reserve |
(151 | ) | (151 | ) | ||||||
Total shareholders equity |
24,049 | 24,049 | ||||||||
Total Capitalization |
24,049 | 24,049 | ||||||||
(1) | No adjustment is made to the shareholders equity as it is currently unlikely that the outstanding warrants would be exercised. |
- 15 -
DILUTION
Our net tangible book value as of May 31, 2003 was $22,327,000, or approximately $2.57 per share. Net tangible book value per share represents the amount of our total assets (other than intangible assets) less total liabilities, divided by the number of shares of common stock outstanding.
Dilution per share to new investors represents the difference between the amount paid by purchasers of common stock in this offering and the net tangible book value per share of common stock immediately after this offering. After giving effect to the issuance of 1,679,000 shares of common stock upon the exercise of all 1,679,000 warrants, and the receipt of the net proceeds, our net tangible book value as of May 31, 2003 would have been approximately $31,981,000 or $3.09 per share. This represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of approximately $0.52 per share to existing shareholders and an immediate dilution in net tangible book value of $2.66 per share to purchasers of common stock in this offering, as illustrated in the following table:
$ | $ | ||||||||
Exercise price per Share(1) |
5.75 | ||||||||
Net tangible book value per share as of May 31, 2003(2) |
2.57 | ||||||||
Increase in net tangible book value per share attributable
to new investors(1)(3) |
0.52 | ||||||||
Pro forma net tangible book value per share after this offering |
3.09 | ||||||||
Dilution per share to new investors |
2.66 | ||||||||
(1) | Before deducting estimated expenses payable by us. | |
(2) | Calculated based on shares outstanding as of May 31, 2003. | |
(3) | No account has been taken of the Underwriter Warrants. |
The following table summarizes as of May 31, 2003 the differences between our existing shareholders and new investors in this offering with respect to the number and percentage of shares of common stock purchased from us, the amount and percentage of consideration paid and the average price per share.
Shares Purchased | Consideration | Average | |||||||||||||||||||
Price Per | |||||||||||||||||||||
Number | Percent | Amount | Percent | Share | |||||||||||||||||
Existing Shareholders |
8,671,615 | 84 | % | $ | 12,934,637 | 57 | % | $1.49 | |||||||||||||
New Investors |
1,679,000 | 16 | % | $ | 9,654,250 | 43 | % | $5.75 | |||||||||||||
Total |
10,350,615 | 100 | % | $ | 22,588,887 | 100 | % | ||||||||||||||
- 16 -
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
The following selected consolidated financial data with respect to each of the years in the five-year period ended April 30, 2002 and the eight months ended December 31, 2002 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements. The following selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes included elsewhere in this annual report.
Selected Financial Data
Years ended April 30, | Eight-month period | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2002 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Statement of Operations Data: |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 16,067 | $ | 25,255 | $ | 38,926 | $ | 46,285 | $ | 39,240 | $ | 31,809 | |||||||||||||
Cost of Goods sold |
8,188 | 12,854 | 24,030 | 29,575 | 33,283 | 21,531 | |||||||||||||||||||
Gross profit |
7,879 | 12,401 | 14,896 | 16,710 | 5,957 | 10,278 | |||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
(5,190 | ) | (7,080 | ) | (8,872 | ) | (11,363 | ) | (11,411 | ) | (7,722 | ) | |||||||||||||
Unrealized (Loss) gain on gold loan |
135 | 81 | 44 | 44 | (660 | ) | (435 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Depreciation |
(245 | ) | (643 | ) | (705 | ) | (808 | ) | (1,031 | ) | (863 | ) | |||||||||||||
Impairment on property, plant and
equipment |
| | | | (345 | ) | (108 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Amortization and impairment loss on
goodwill |
| | | (27 | ) | (242 | ) | (400 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) from operations |
2,579 | 4,759 | 5,363 | 4,556 | (7,732 | ) | 750 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other revenues |
202 | 280 | 458 | 570 | 352 | 205 | |||||||||||||||||||
Interest expenses |
(928 | ) | (890 | ) | (1,446 | ) | (1,780 | ) | (652 | ) | (441 | ) | |||||||||||||
Issuance costs for convertible debentures |
| | (585 | ) | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Impairment loss on investment security |
| | | | | (200 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) before income
taxes and minority interests |
1,853 | 4,149 | 3,790 | 3,346 | (8,032 | ) | 314 | ||||||||||||||||||
Incomes taxes (expense) credit |
(274 | ) | (49 | ) | (3 | ) | (211 | ) | 101 | (101 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Income (Loss) before minority interests |
1,579 | 4,100 | 3,787 | 3,135 | (7,931 | ) | 213 | ||||||||||||||||||
Minority interests in consolidated
subsidiaries |
| 35 | 52 | | 30 | 120 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | 1,579 | $ | 4,135 | $ | 3,839 | $ | 3,135 | $ | (7,901 | ) | $ | 333 | ||||||||||||
Net income (loss) per share: |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic |
$ | 0.34 | $ | 0.65 | $ | 0.58 | $ | 0.37 | $ | (0.91 | ) | $ | 0.04 | ||||||||||||
Diluted |
$ | 0.34 | $ | 0.65 | $ | 0.56 | $ | 0.37 | $ | (0.91 | ) | $ | 0.04 | ||||||||||||
Pro forma basic |
$ | 0.34 | $ | 0.22 | $ | 0.57 | $ | 0.13 | $ | (0.91 | ) | $ | 0.04 | ||||||||||||
Pro forma diluted |
$ | 0.34 | $ | 0.22 | $ | 0.54 | $ | 0.13 | $ | (0.91 | ) | $ | 0.04 | ||||||||||||
Weighted average number of shares |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic |
4,601 | 6,347 | 6,589 | 8,567 | 8,672 | 8,493 | |||||||||||||||||||
Diluted |
4,606 | 6,348 | 6,944 | 8,617 | 8,779 | 8,493 | |||||||||||||||||||
Pro forma basic |
4,601 | 6,347 | 6,589 | 8,567 | 8,672 | 8,493 | |||||||||||||||||||
Pro forma diluted |
4,606 | 6,348 | 6,944 | 8,617 | 8,779 | 8,493 | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance Sheet Data: |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Working capital |
5,057 | 9,786 | 20,561 | 20,153 | 12,115 | 11,896 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total assets |
18,410 | 27,558 | 39,700 | 47,300 | 42,961 | 46,085 | |||||||||||||||||||
Long-term obligation |
1,364 | 1,168 | 2,943 | 287 | 8 | | |||||||||||||||||||
Total stockholders equity |
10,084 | 15,339 | 24,739 | 31,161 | 23,557 | 23,294 |
- 17 -
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and notes to the financial statements appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. See Special Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements.
In December 2002, we changed our fiscal year, which used to end on April 30, to the calendar year. The move was to enable us to continue our trend of filing financial results in line with the majority of US reporting companies. During our short fiscal year from May 1, 2002, to December 31, 2002, amid a very gradual and, at times, uncertain recovery in retail markets worldwide, we successfully implemented several measures to maintain our position as market leader in the design, marketing and distribution of a full range of fine jewelry.
Our concerted marketing efforts paid off and we attracted new, major blue chip customers and also saw significant increases in orders from existing clients. There was also a highly positive response to our new diamond line, which resulted in higher revenue.
The measures we introduced in the corporate reengineering exercise undertaken after the terrorist attacks in the US on September 11, 2001, bore fruit during this period and led to significant cost savings as well as administrative, sales and operational efficiencies. This is reflected in the decline of costs in 2002, compared with those in 2000.
In January 2003, we consolidated all operations under one roof in our expanded, 86,000 square-foot Shenzhen facility to improve efficiencies, eliminate duplication and raise profit margins. Employees from our former Shantou plant now work together with their colleagues in the Shenzhen facility, which occupies five floors in a 10-storey building. We have purchased two floors of this facility while leasing the rest of the space.
As our diamond line has been showing great promise since its introduction a year ago, we established a high tech facility for diamond and precious stone jewelry in June 2002. Fitted out with CAD/CAM model making equipment and a wide range of wax set molding equipment, the facility allows us to fashion up to 60,000 pieces of jewelry per month at full capacity. The less labour-intensive CAD/CAM equipment also afford us more flexibility, perfect repeatability, higher precision and enhance standardization.
In all, we have more than 2,000 gemstone cutters and other personnel, who style and fashion over two million carats of cut stones and one million pieces of finished jewelry each year. A team of 30 people in Shenzhen manages the operations while executives based in Hong Kong ensure regular communication with them.
- 18 -
Our experience in fiscal 2001 taught us to reduce our reliance on a key customer whose orders fell well short of our anticipation in the previous fiscal year. Instead we decided to focus on increasing our market share and to this end, in the eight-month period ended December 31, 2002, we continued to step up our marketing efforts with the Top40 jewelry retailers, many of whom we were already selling to. The Top40 jewelry retailers represent the largest U.S. retail sellers of jewelry in terms of sales revenue. This category consists primarily of retail fine jewelers (such as Zale Corp., Sterling and Helzberg Diamond Shops, Inc.), department stores (such as J.C. Penney, Macys, Mervyns and Fortunoff), discount stores (such as Wal-Mart and Fred Meyer Jewelers) and TV shopping programmers (such as QVC and Home Shopping Network). Sales to our customers within the Top40 category comprise approximately 70% of our sales revenue.
Another important practice we have been adopting since the previous fiscal year is giving guidance on our quarterly results. Although we are a foreign company technically exempt from some key U.S. reporting requirements, we wish to bring our reporting and accounting as close in line as possible with U.S. GAAP reporting and U.S. investor expectations. Taking this step is part of our strategy to maintain our position as one of the worlds largest publicly traded designer, marketer and distributor of a full range of fine jewelry. It is also a reflection of our unwavering commitment to shareholders, clients and staff alike.
As cautious optimism returns gradually to markets worldwide with the end of the war in Iraq, we feel confident that the decisions and investments made, as well as the initiatives and measures taken, in the eight months ended December 31, 2002, will stand us in good stead in the next fiscal year and we are ready to capitalize on the opportunities ahead in the jewelry industry. We have already seen an encouraging increase in the number of our new customers and in the reception of our diamond line and we fully intend to pursue further success in these and other areas.
A. | OPERATING RESULTS. |
Revenues
% change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Eight-month period ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Years ended April 30, | December 31, | Year | Eight-month period | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2001 | 2002 | 2000-2001 | 2001-2002 | 2001-2002 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unaudited | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 38,926 | $ | 46,285 | $ | 39,240 | $ | 25,042 | $ | 31,809 | 19 | % | -15 | % | 27 | % | ||||||||||||||||
The increase in revenue for the eight-month period ended December 31, 2002, compared with the same period in 2001,was due to our successful marketing efforts in winning new, major blue chip customers, as well as the positive reception of our new diamond line.
The global economic fallout from the September 11 attacks in the US accounted largely for the decrease in revenue for the year ended April 30, 2002, compared with the year ended April 30, 2001. Additionally, a significant decline in orders from a major client also contributed to this decrease.
- 19 -
Cost of Sales and Gross Profit
% change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Eight-month period ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Years ended April 30, | December 31, | Year | Eight-month period | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2001 | 2002 | 2000-2001 | 2001-2002 | 2001-2002 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unaudited | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of sales |
$ | 24,030 | $ | 29,575 | $ | 27,573 | $ | 16,908 | $ | 21,531 | 23 | % | -7 | % | 27 | % | ||||||||||||||||
% of revenues |
62 | % | 64 | % | 70 | % | 68 | % | 68 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of sales write down of inventory |
$ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 5,710 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | N/A | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||
% of revenues |
0 | % | 0 | % | 15 | % | 0 | % | 0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross profit |
$ | 14,896 | $ | 16,710 | $ | 5,957 | $ | 8,134 | $ | 10,278 | 12 | % | -64 | % | 26 | % | ||||||||||||||||
% of revenues |
38 | % | 36 | % | 15 | % | 32 | % | 32 | % |
The gross profit margin remained at 32% for the eight-month periods ended December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001.
The gross profit margin dropped from 36% for the year ended April 30, 2001 to 15% for the year ended April 30, 2002. The decrease was due to various adjustments on inventory as shown below.
| $5,394,000 for the write-down of cut stones for orders in relation to special programs that were later postponed or cancelled; | ||
| $316,000 for the write-down of fine jewelry cost. |
Excluding the above special charge on inventory, the gross profit margin was 30% for the year ended April 30, 2002.
The gross profit margin dropped from 38% in 2000 to 36% in 2001 due to:
| A change in the product mix. Increasingly more sales are made with precious stones and diamonds and diamonds alone. Diamond jewelry generally has a higher sales value but a much lower profit margin; | ||
| Additional model-making charges were incurred and expensed to build up the European jewelry sample lines; and | ||
| Discounts were given on certain volume sale programs for existing customers and also given to new customers to induce businesses. |
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
% change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Eight-month period ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Years ended April 30, | December 31, | Year | Eight-month period | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2001 | 2002 | 2000-2001 | 2001-2002 | 2001-2002 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unaudited | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
$ | 8,872 | $ | 11,363 | $ | 11,411 | $ | 7,599 | $ | 7,722 | 28 | % | 0 | % | 2 | % | ||||||||||||||||
% of revenues |
23 | % | 25 | % | 29 | % | 30 | % | 24 | % |
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses decreased by 6% of revenue for the eight-month period ended December 31, 2002 compared with the same period ended December 31, 2001. Between 2001 and 2002, our SG&A expenses fell as a direct result of the corporate reengineering exercise we undertook right after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the US. The measures we instituted led to substantial cost savings and administrative, sales and operational efficiencies.
- 20 -
Unrealized loss (gain) on gold loan
% change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Eight-month period ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Years ended April 30, | December 31, | Year | Eight-month period | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2001 | 2002 | 2000-2001 | 2001-2002 | 2001-2002 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unaudited | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized Loss (gain) on gold loan |
$ | (44 | ) | $ | (44 | ) | $ | 660 | $ | 119 | $ | 435 | 0 | % | -1600 | % | 266 | % | ||||||||||||||
% of revenues |
0 | % | 0 | % | 2 | % | 0 | % | 1 | % |
We have also secured gold loan facilities with various banks in Hong Kong, which typically bear a below-market interest rate. Under the gold loan arrangements, we may defer the purchase until such time as we decide appropriate, the price to be paid being the current market price at time of payment. The gold loan, however, does expose us to certain market risks associated with potential future increases in the price of gold. In the past, we did not hedge against such risks and at the close of each reporting period, the gold loan was marked to market with changes reflected on the income statement. However, the volatility of prices in the lead-up to the war in Iraq prompted us to make a provision of $435,000 in December 2002 to cover possible losses resulting from price fluctuations. Since the beginning of 2003, we have put in place mechanisms to hedge against future risks.
Depreciation
% change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Eight-month period ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Years ended April 30, | December 31, | Year | Eight-month period | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2001 | 2002 | 2000-2001 | 2001-2002 | 2001-2002 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unaudited | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation |
$ | 705 | $ | 808 | $ | 1,031 | $ | 565 | $ | 863 | 15 | % | 28 | % | 53 | % | ||||||||||||||||
% of revenues |
2 | % | 2 | % | 3 | % | 2 | % | 3 | % |
The increase in depreciation costs primarily represents the impact of on-going capital expenditures and assets acquired for the year ended April 30, 2002. It also incorporates a provision of $158,000 for the depreciation on leasehold improvements to production facilities we ceased to use before the expiry of their leases.
Impairment on property, plant and equipment
% change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Eight-month period ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Years ended April 30, | December 31, | Year | Eight-month period | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2001 | 2002 | 2000-2001 | 2001-2002 | 2001-2002 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unaudited | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Impairment on property, plant and equipment |
$ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 345 | $ | 0 | $ | 108 | N/A | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||
% of revenues |
0 | % | 0 | % | 1 | % | 0 | % | 0 | % |
The impairment loss represents the write-off of property, plant and equipment as a result of the consolidation of production facilities.
Amortization and impairment loss on goodwill
% change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Eight-month period ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Years ended April 30, | December 31, | Year | Eight-month period | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2001 | 2002 | 2000-2001 | 2001-2002 | 2001-2002 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unaudited | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization and impairment loss on goodwill |
$ | 0 | $ | 27 | $ | 242 | $ | 18 | $ | 400 | N/A | 796 | % | 2122 | % | |||||||||||||||||
% of revenues |
0 | % | 0 | % | 1 | % | 0 | % | 1 | % |
- 21 -
Amortization of goodwill was related to the acquisition of a jewelry company in the year ended April 30, 2000.
In July 2001, Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, which provides that goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives will not be amortized but rather will be tested at least annually for impairment. As a result, we stopped amortizing but fully expended the balancing goodwill of $215,000 in the year ended April 30, 2002.
Impairment loss of goodwill for the eight-month period ended December 31, 2002 was related to the goodwill arising from the acquisition of the jewelry retail company in March 2002.
Interest cost
% change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Eight-month period ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Years ended April 30, | December 31, | Year | Eight-month period | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2001 | 2002 | 2000-2001 | 2001-2002 | 2001-2002 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unaudited | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expenses |
$ | 731 | $ | 868 | $ | 652 | $ | 424 | $ | 441 | 19 | % | -25 | % | 4 | % | ||||||||||||||||
% of revenues |
2 | % | 2 | % | 2 | % | 2 | % | 1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expenses arising from beneficial
conversion features of convertible debentures |
$ | 684 | $ | 874 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | 28 | % | -100 | % | N/A | |||||||||||||||||
% of revenues |
2 | % | 2 | % | 0 | % | 0 | % | 0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of discount on convertible debentures |
$ | 31 | $ | 38 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | 23 | % | -100 | % | N/A | |||||||||||||||||
% of revenues |
0 | % | 0 | % | 0 | % | 0 | % | 0 | % |
Interest expenses
The decrease in interest expenses for the year ended April 30, 2002 and eight-month period ended December 31, 2002 was due to consecutive cuts of interest rates from early 2001 to early 2002.
Interest expenses increased for the year ended April 30, 2001 because of a higher utilization rate of credit line facilities.
Beneficial Conversion Features of Convertible Debentures
The embedded beneficial conversion feature associated with the issue of a convertible debt security was recognized and measured by an amount equal to the intrinsic value of that feature reflected as a discount from the convertible debentures with a corresponding credit to additional paid-in capital. That amount is calculated at the commitment date (i.e. issue date of the convertible debentures in this case) as the difference between the conversion price and the fair value of the common stock into which the security is convertible, multiplied by the number of shares into which the security is convertible. The intrinsic value of the beneficial conversion feature is amortized to the statement of operations over the life of the convertible debentures. The beneficial conversion feature charged to income as interest expense amounted to $684,000 and $874,000 for the year ended April 30, 2000 and 2001 respectively.
Amortization of discount on convertible debentures
In connection with the convertible debentures issued with detachable warrants to debenture holders, the proceeds from the issuance was allocated between the warrant and the
- 22 -
convertible debenture based on their fair values at time of issuance. The difference between the proceeds allocated to the debentures and the face value of the debentures was recorded as discount or premium. The discount or premium was amortized over the life of the debentures.
Impairment loss on investment
% change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Eight-month period ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Years ended April 30, | December 31, | Year | Eight-month period | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2001 | 2002 | 2000-2001 | 2001-2002 | 2001-2002 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unaudited | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Impairment loss on investment securities |
$ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $0 | $ | 200 | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||||
% of revenues |
0 | % | 0 | % | 0 | % | 0 | % | 1 | % |
Impairment loss on investment for the eight-month period ended December 31, 2002 was related to the acquisition in April 2001 of 20% equity interests in a company whose principal activities are the manufacturing and trading of rough and pre-formed gemstones.
Issuing cost of convertible debentures
% change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Eight-month period ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Years ended April 30, | December 31, | Year | Eight-month period | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2001 | 2002 | 2000-2001 | 2001-2002 | 2001-2002 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unaudited | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuing cost of convertible debentures |
$ | 585 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $0 | $0 | -100 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||||
% of revenues |
2 | % | 0 | % | 0 | % | 0 | % | 0 | % |
During 2000, we issued convertible debentures with gross proceeds of $6,500,000 and incurred $585,000 issuing expenses.
Other Revenues
% change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Eight-month period ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Years ended April 30, | December 31, | Year | Eight-month period | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2001 | 2002 | 2000-2001 | 2001-2002 | 2001-2002 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unaudited | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest incomes |
$ | 345 | $ | 508 | $ | 217 | $ | 172 | $ | 47 | 47 | % | -57 | % | -73 | % | ||||||||||||||||
% of revenues |
1 | % | 1 | % | 1 | % | 1 | % | 0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Rental incomes |
$ | 113 | $ | 62 | $ | 135 | $ | 93 | $ | 158 | -45 | % | 118 | % | 70 | % | ||||||||||||||||
% of revenues |
0 | % | 0 | % | 0 | % | 0 | % | 0 | % |
Interest income decreased from $508,000 in fiscal 2001 to $217,000 in fiscal 2002. The decrease was mainly due to consecutive cuts of interest rates from early 2001 to early 2002.
Interest income increased from $345,000 in fiscal 2000 to $508,000 in fiscal 2001. The increase was mainly due to the increase in restricted cash as security deposit for banking facilities.
Rental income increased 118% from $62,000 in fiscal 2001 to $135,000 in fiscal 2002. Additional investment property was rented out in fiscal 2002.
Rental income decreased 45% from $113,000 in fiscal 2000 to $62,000 in fiscal 2001. One of the investment properties was left vacant during the year after the expiry of a short-term lease. The said property is being rented to a new tenant for a period of 2 years.
Income taxes
% change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Eight-month period ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Years ended April 30, | December 31, | Year | Eight-month period | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2001 | 2002 | 2000-2001 | 2001-2002 | 2001-2002 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unaudited | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Incomes taxes expense (credit) |
$ | 3 | $ | 211 | $ | (101 | ) | $ | 39 | $ | 101 | 6933 | % | -148 | % | 159 | % | |||||||||||||||
% of revenues |
0 | % | 0 | % | 0 | % | 0 | % | 0 | % |
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We were incorporated in the British Virgin Islands and, under current law of the British Virgin Islands, are not subject to tax on income or on capital gains.
For our subsidiaries in Hong Kong, the prevailing corporate income tax rate is 16%.
Our subsidiaries in China are registered to qualify as Foreign Investment Enterprises in China and are eligible for certain tax holidays and concessions. Accordingly, certain of our Chinese subsidiaries are exempt from Chinese income tax for two years starting from their first profit-making year, followed by a 50% reduction of tax for the next three years.
Two of our subsidiaries in China are currently enjoying the tax holidays or concessions which will expire in fiscal 2005 and 2006 respectively. Other subsidiaries in China either no longer enjoy the tax holiday and concession or have not yet commenced its first profit-making year. PRC income tax is calculated at the applicable rates relevant to these subsidiaries which currently are 15%.
During the years ended April 30, 2000, 2001 and 2002, there were tax overprovision of $156,000, $27,000 and $103,000 respectively, after the finalization of tax assessment for the year.
Inflation
We do not consider inflation to have had a material impact on our results of operations over the last three years.
Foreign Exchange
More than 99% of our sales are denominated in U.S. Dollars whereas the other sales are basically denominated in Hong Kong Dollars. The largest portion of our expenses are denominated in Hong Kong Dollars, followed by U.S. Dollars and Renminbi. The exchange rate of the Hong Kong Dollar is currently pegged to the U.S. Dollar, but during the past several years the market exchange rate has fluctuated within a narrow range. The Chinese government principally sets the exchange rate between the Renminbi and all other currencies. As a result, the exchange rates between the Renminbi and the U.S. Dollar and the Hong Kong Dollar have fluctuated in the past and may fluctuate in the future. If the value of the Renminbi or the Hong Kong Dollar decreases relative to the U.S. Dollar, such fluctuation may have a positive effect on the results of our operations. If the value of the Renminbi or the Hong Kong Dollar increases relative to the U.S. Dollar, such fluctuation may have a negative effect on the results of our operations. We do not currently hedge our foreign exchange positions.
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Governmental economic and political policies and factors
For information regarding governmental economic, fiscal, monetary and political policies that could materially affect our operations, directly or indirectly, please refer to the Risk Factors section.
B. | LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES. |
We have no direct business operations other than the ownership of our subsidiaries and investment securities. Our ability to pay dividends and meet other obligations depends upon our receipt of dividends or other payments from our operating subsidiaries and investment securities.
Cash Flows
Eight-month period ended | ||||||||||||||||||||
Years ended April 30, | December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2001 | 2002 | |||||||||||||||
Unaudited | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |
$ | (1,549 | ) | $ | 3,707 | $ | (753 | ) | $ | (787 | ) | $ | 3,533 | |||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities |
(2,067 | ) | (6,058 | ) | (2,248 | ) | (384 | ) | (2,207 | ) | ||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
5,073 | 2,390 | 2,017 | 185 | (983 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Effect of foreign exchange rate change |
| | | | (68 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
1,457 | 39 | (984 | ) | (986 | ) | 275 |
Operating Activities:
The increase in cash flow in the eight-month period ended December 31, 2002 compared with the same period in 2001 resulted from growth in revenues and improved working capital management. The negative cash flow from operating activities for the eight-month period ended December 31, 2001 reflected our managements deliberate accumulation of cut stones inventory in anticipation of significant increase in sales for the new fiscal year. The rise in the cost of rough gemstones, the build-up of more sample lines of jewelry and the maintaining of sufficient inventory for block-orders also accentuated the negative cash flow.
Investing Activities:
In addition to on-going capital expenditures and restricted cash deposits, we undertook various one-off investments that contributed to changes in our net cash positions for the various reporting periods. The increase in cash used in investing activities for the eight-month period ended December 31, 2002 compared with the same period ended December 31, 2001, was due to new manufacturing facilities in China, as well as an increase in restricted cash deposits for securing banking facilities.
For the year ended April 30, 2002 our investing activities included the further acquisition of 68.8% of a subsidiary, iBBC Inc., which engages in marketing jewelry from its display cases in retail shops. As a result of this investment, we now hold 85.6% of the subsidiary. For the year ended April 30, 2001, our negative cash flow from investing activities reflected the acquisition of investment securities for $3,284,000. These investment securities included the acquisition of 20%
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equity interests in a company whose principal activities are the manufacturing and trading of rough and pre-formed gemstones, and an acquisition of 16.8% equity interests in a jewelry retail company for our further expansion through vertical integration and the development of distribution channels in the United States. We had no significant control and influence over both companies operating and financial policies. Our additional investment for the year ended April 30, 2000, was the acquisition of the remaining 40% of Lorenzo Marketing, which we did not already own, for $237,000 to further expand our market share in Japan and Europe.
Our on-going capital expenditure by category for the periods presented were:
Capital expenditure
Eight-month period ended | ||||||||||||||||||||
Years ended April 30, | December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2001 | 2002 | |||||||||||||||
Unaudited | ||||||||||||||||||||
Land & buildings |
$ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | 721 | ||||||||||
Leasehold improvement |
$ | 135 | $ | 343 | $ | 215 | $ | 95 | $ | 159 | ||||||||||
Furniture, fixtures and equipment |
$ | 140 | $ | 300 | $ | 181 | $ | 239 | $ | 382 | ||||||||||
Plant and machinery |
$ | 176 | $ | 178 | $ | 24 | $ | 21 | $ | 282 | ||||||||||
Motor vehicles |
$ | 18 | $ | 16 | $ | | $ | | $ | 12 | ||||||||||
Total |
$ | 469 | $ | 837 | $ | 420 | $ | 355 | $ | 1,556 | ||||||||||
Financing Activities:
The negative net cash from financing activities for the eight-month period ended December 31, 2002, compared with the same period in 2001, reflected the repayment of gold loan of $2,474,000 and the repurchase of common stock of the Company at an aggregate consideration of $391,000. The positive net cash provided by financing activities in each of the other periods mainly reflected our gold loan arrangement and the utilization of overdraft facilities. For the year ended April 30, 2000, it further included proceeds of $6,500,000 from convertible loans, and issuing cost of $585,000.
Our cash and cash equivalents are mainly held in U.S. dollars and HK dollars.
Financing Sources
Banking Facilities and Notes Payables
We have various letters of credit and overdraft under banking facilities. The banking facilities are collateralized by land and buildings, investment properties, restricted cash deposits, factored receivables and personal guarantees of one of our directors.
Letters of Credit and overdrafts:
Eight-month period ended | ||||||||||||||||||||
Years ended April 30, | December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2001 | 2002 | |||||||||||||||
Unaudited | ||||||||||||||||||||
Facilities granted: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Letters of credit |
$ | 8,603 | $ | 11,125 | $ | 11,643 | $ | 10,996 | $ | 8,718 | ||||||||||
Overdraft |
$ | 4,722 | $ | 6,274 | $ | 3,532 | $ | 3,532 | $ | 3,244 | ||||||||||
13,325 | 17,399 | 15,175 | 14,528 | 11,962 | ||||||||||||||||
Utilized: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Letters of credit utilized |
$ | 3,356 | $ | 3,649 | $ | 5,646 | $ | 7,565 | $ | 5,756 | ||||||||||
Overdraft utilized |
$ | 821 | $ | 3,262 | $ | 2,607 | $ | 2,313 | $ | 3,107 | ||||||||||
4,177 | 6,911 | 8,253 | 9,878 | 8,863 | ||||||||||||||||
The letters of credit and bank overdrafts are denominated in H.K. dollars and U.S. dollars, bear interest at the floating commercial bank lending rates in Hong Kong, and are renewable annually with the consent of the relevant banks.
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Notes payable:
Eight-month period ended | ||||||||||||||||||||
Years ended April 30, | December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2001 | 2002 | |||||||||||||||
Unaudited | ||||||||||||||||||||
Notes payable |
$ | 1,311 | $ | 773 | $ | 282 | $ | 447 | $ | 1,073 |
We have term loans classified under notes payable which are related to the Groups properties. These loans are denominated in H.K. dollars and Renminbi, bear interest at pre-fixed rates in Hong Kong and China upon renewal.
Gold Loan Facilities:
Eight-month period ended | ||||||||||||||||||||
Years ended April 30, | December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2001 | 2002 | |||||||||||||||
Unaudited | ||||||||||||||||||||
Gold loans outstanding (in $) |
$ | 1,327 | $ | 1,847 | $ | 5,697 | $ | 3,442 | $ | 4,439 | ||||||||||
Gold loans outstanding (in troy ounces) |
4,850 | 6,950 | 18,450 | 12,450 | 12,950 | |||||||||||||||
Gold loan interest rate |
3.15%-3.45 | % | 2%-2.9 | % | 1.7%-3.4 | % | 1.65%-4.1 | % | 1.5%-2.4 | % |
We have also secured gold loan facilities with various banks in Hong Kong, which bear a below-market interest rate. Due to lower interest rates charged for gold loans, our cost through our gold loan program has been substantially less than the costs that would have been incurred if we were to finance the purchase of all of our gold requirements with borrowings under our letter of credit facility or other credit arrangements. The gold loan, however, does expose us to certain market risks associated with potential future increases in the price of gold, so since the beginning of 2003, we have put in place mechanisms to hedge against such risks. Under the gold loan arrangements, we may defer the purchase until such time as we deem appropriate, the price to be paid being the current market price at time of payment. At the close of each reporting period, the gold loan is marked to market with changes reflected on the income statement.
Convertible Debentures:
On October 29, 1999, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with an accredited investor pursuant to which we agreed to issue, and the investor agreed to purchase, up to $10,500,000 of 3% convertible debentures, as well as common stock purchase warrants. During the fiscal year ended April 30, 2000, we received gross proceeds of $6,500,000 from the issue of the 3% convertible debentures to that investor. $3,500,000 of the gross proceeds and related interest expenses have been converted into 1,072,412 shares of our common stock as of April 30, 2000. The remaining $3,000,000 and accrued interest was subsequently converted into 1,233,557 shares of our common stock during the fiscal year ended April 30, 2001. The proceeds of convertible debentures was used to provide restricted cash of $906,000 and $1,940,000 as
- 27 -
collateral for general banking facilities in fiscal 2000 and 2001, and partly used to finance the purchases of investment securities in 2001.
Equity Line of Credit:
We do not currently consider the proceeds of the equity line of credit as a source of liquidity. If the price and the trading volume of our common stock remain at current levels, we will be unable to draw down all or substantially all of the $10,000,000 under the equity line. The maximum draw down amount of any draw down under our equity line facility will be equal to 20% of the weighted average price for our common stock for the particular number of trading days immediately prior to the date that we deliver notice to Navigator of our intention to exercise a draw down multiplied by the total trading volume in respect of our common stock for such period. If our stock price and trading volume remain at current levels, then either the maximum draw down amount formula or the threshold price will probably prevent us from being able to draw down all of the proposed equity line facility with Navigator. For example, during the 10 trading day period ended September 19, 2002, our weighted average stock price was $1.1961 per share and our total daily trading volume was 126,850 shares. Based on such stock price and trading volume levels, the maximum draw down amount available to us during such period would have been $30,345. Accordingly, if our stock price and the trading volume of our stock remain at these levels for the near future, we will be unable to access the full $10,000,000 under the equity line.
The threshold prices which we select for each different draw down will depend, at those times, on a number of different variables which we are not able to quantify at this time, including such factors as:
(i) | the then-current trading price of our common stock; | ||
(ii) | the then-current net tangible book value of our common stock; | ||
(iii) | the amount of equity line financing we are seeking; | ||
(iv) | the availability of alternative financing; and | ||
(v) | the need and timing for the financing. |
Looking Forward:
We anticipate that cash flow from operations, borrowings available under our existing credit line and our gold loan arrangement will be sufficient to satisfy our capital needs for the next twelve months.
Impact of recently issued US GAAP accounting standards.
In July 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities, which requires costs associated with exit or disposal activities to be recognized when the costs are incurred, rather than at a date of commitment to an exit or |
- 28 -
disposal plan. The provisions of SFAS 146 are effective for disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002. The adoption of SFAS No. 146 is not expected to have a material impact on the Groups financial statements. | ||
In October 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 147, Acquisitions of Certain Financial Institutions an amendment of FASB Statements No. 72 and 144 and FASB Interpretation which applies to all acquisitions of a financial institution except those between two or more mutual enterprises, which is being addressed in a separate project. The provisions of SFAS No. 147 are effective on October 1, 2002, and the Company believes that SFAS 147 will not have a material adverse impact on the Groups financial statements. | ||
In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation Transition and Disclosure an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123. SFAS No. 148 amends SFAS No. 123 to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, this Statement amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. Companies having a year-end after December 15, 2002 are required to follow the prescribed format and provide the additional disclosures in their annual reports. SFAS No. 148 does not amend SFAS No. 123 to require companies to account for employee stock options using the fair value method. The Company adopted the disclosure provisions required in SFAS No. 148 and has provided the necessary disclosure in note 15. | ||
C. | RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, PATENTS AND LICENSES, ETC. |
During each of the last three fiscal years, we did not spend any significant amounts on company-sponsored research and development activities.
D. | TREND INFORMATION. |
The total production for fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 is estimated to be more than one million pieces which is the same level as the fiscal year 2002. Due to the uncertainty of the US economy, the sales for fiscal year 2003 is estimated at US$46 million, compared to US$32 million for the eight month period ended December 31, 2002. The gross profit margin for the fiscal year 2003 is estimated to stay at the same 30% level as the fiscal year 2002. The average inventory level for fiscal year 2003 is estimated to be approximately $17 million compared with the eight month period ended December 31, 2002 which amounted to $18 million.
- 29 -
OUR BUSINESS
A. | HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPANY. |
LJ International Inc. (we) was incorporated as an international business company under the International Business Companies Act of the British Virgin Islands on January 30, 1997. We own all of the issued share capital in the following significant subsidiaries:
| Lorenzo Jewelry Limited (Lorenzo Jewelry), a company incorporated in Hong Kong on February 20, 1987. | ||
| Lorenzo Gems Manufacturing (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. | ||
| Lorenzo Jewellery (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. |
Our principal place of business and our executive offices are located at Units #09-#12, 12/F, Block A, Focal Industrial Centre, 21 Man Lok Street, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, telephone: (011) 852-2764-3622. We have designated CT Corporation, 111 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10011 as our agent for service of process in the United States.
During our last three fiscal years, we have made the following significant capital expenditures:
| we purchased a 16.8% equity interest in iBBC Inc. for $600,000 during the fiscal year ended April 30, 2001. | ||
| we purchased a 20% equity interest in Goldleaves International Inc. for $2,684,000 during the fiscal year ended April 30, 2001. | ||
| we purchased 68.8% of the common shares of iBBC Inc. for $2,460,000 during the fiscal year ended April 30, 2002. | ||
| we made a capital contribution of $670,000 for our 95% equity interest in Lorenzo Giftware Inc. during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002. | ||
| we invested $721,000 for the purchase of 30,000 square feet of production space in our Shenzhen, China facility during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002. |
B. | BUSINESS OVERVIEW. |
We are a totally vertically integrated company that designs, brands, markets and distributes a complete range of fine jewelry. While we specialize in the semi-precious jewelry segment, we also offer high-end pieces set in yellow gold, white gold, platinum or sterling silver and adorned with semi-precious stones, diamonds, pearls and precious stones. We distribute mainly to fine jewelers, department stores, national jewelry chains and electronic and specialty retailers throughout North America and Western Europe. Our product lines incorporate all major categories sought by major retailers, including earrings, necklaces, pendants, rings and bracelets.
- 30 -
We believe that our vertically integrated structure provides significant advantages over our competitors. All profits from value added processes are captured internally, rather than shared with third party manufacturers. This results in very competitive pricing for the retailer and enhanced profits for us. Innovative processes in stone cutting and production further enhance our competitive position.
We employ an international design team and all of our designs and merchandising strategies are proprietary. The exclusive and innovative concepts that we create offer brand potential. Our primary marketing focus has been in North America where we have sold directly to certain high volume customers that need specialized product development services, and through a marketing relationship with International Jewelry Connection (IJC) for those customers that need higher levels of service and training.
We organize our marketing and distribution strategies by retail distribution channels. Concepts are developed for the specific needs of different market segments. We have identified the following as prime retail targets:
| fine jewelers; | ||
| national jewelry chains; | ||
| department stores; | ||
| electronic retailers; and | ||
| specialty retailers. |
For the fiscal years ended April 30, 2002 and eight-month period ended December 31, 2002, approximately 73% and 77% of our sales were in North America.
The following is a breakdown of our total revenues (in thousands) by geographic market for each of our past three financial years:
8 Months ended | ||||||||||||||||||||
Years ended April 30, | December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2001 | 2002 | ||||||||||||||||
Unaudited | ||||||||||||||||||||
US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | ||||||||||||||||
US & Canada |
29,981 | 38,463 | 28,810 | 19,373 | 24,545 | |||||||||||||||
Hong Kong |
2,638 | 599 | 4,897 | 1,383 | 1,451 | |||||||||||||||
Europe and other countries |
5,864 | 7,028 | 5,518 | 4,167 | 3,469 | |||||||||||||||
PRC |
312 | 74 | 6 | | | |||||||||||||||
Japan |
131 | 121 | 9 | 119 | 2,344 | |||||||||||||||
38,926 | 46,285 | 39,240 | 25,042 | 31,809 | ||||||||||||||||
Approximately 25% of our sales during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 was to our largest customer, QVC, Inc., and was not seasonal in nature. It has been our managements experience that the remaining 75% of our total sales is seasonally sensitive and is greater during the quarter ending December 31 of each year.
- 31 -
Our Industry
The jewelry industry is comprised of two major groups that distribute finished jewelry to retailers in the United States:
| a small number of producers that make and distribute their own jewelry directly to retailers; and | ||
| a large number of wholesalers and distributors who purchase products or portions of products from third parties and resell those items to retailers. |
We believe that vertically integrated companies that control costs by performing all value added processes enjoy a distinct competitive advantage over wholesalers and distributors who pay premium acquisition prices for items that they intend to resell. We further believe that large retailers want to rely upon prime producers because they believe that prime producers are reliable, low cost producers who can accommodate the large quantities of production that large retailers commonly purchase.
Our Business Strategy
Our business strategy is to:
| increase our market share of moderately priced high-quality gem-set semi-precious and precious jewelry by capitalizing on our unique vertically integrated production processes to produce diamond and high-end precious stone jewelry in addition to high volume, high-quality semi-precious products; | ||
| further develop our existing customer relationships with our specialized services; and | ||
| expand aggressively into new distribution channels, particularly in the United States and throughout Western Europe, Japan, and China. |
We are aggressively developing new product lines in exotic stones, which have high perceived values among semi-precious stones. We have recently expanded into new product categories by:
| marketing a line of sterling silver jewelry. These are typically merchandised with a retail price range of $30 to $150 | ||
| offering a new branded collection of sterling silver and 18 karat gold jewelry with a retail price range of $199 to $999 | ||
| offering diamond jewelry and expanding this business to our current client base by adding diamonds to some of our settings, as well as offering newly designed jewelry |
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| developing a new 18,000 square feet CAD/CAM enabled production facility devoted to diamonds and high-end precious stones, with technology to fully integrate computer design from prototype to sample |
We intend to implement our business strategy by:
| promoting visits with customers to coordinate and cater to their particular promotional sales needs and monitoring their on-hand inventory in order to promote more active sell-through | ||
| expanding our distribution channels to include all major TV shopping programs in North America, Japan and Korea and further developing business with top-20 discount department store chains and one prominent warehouse club in the U.S. | ||
| acquiring an electronic supply and replenish module for independent jewelry stores in the U.S. |
Our Production Capability
We have established a sophisticated facility in China that performs stone cutting and polishing and jewelry production. The facility is located in the city of Shenzhen in Guangdong Province, China. We closed our former second facility in Shantou during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 and consolidated all our production in the Shenzhen facility, which has been operating for five years and has 86,000 square feet of production space. We currently employ approximately 2,000 skilled gemstone cutters and production personnel and turned out more than a million pieces of finished fine jewelry during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002.
We purchase imported choice gemstone material, which are from mines located in Africa, China and South America, especially those concentrated in Brazil. We source our diamonds mainly from suppliers in India. Gemstone craftsmen are trained and managed by our Hong Kong personnel to ensure that the highest levels of cutting and polishing quality are achieved. The professional skills possessed by our cutters are applied to a wide variety of shapes and sizes, maximizing the yield and value of the gemstone material that we purchase. By performing internally the value-added processes of cutting and polishing our semi-precious gemstones, we maximize quality control and improve our profitability. We specialize in a wide range of popular and exotic semi-precious gemstones ranging from amethyst, aquamarine and peridot to tanzanite and tourmaline.
Sales and Marketing
Our merchandising strategy is to provide unique and differentiated products that are enhanced by the favorable pricing that results from our vertically integrated structure. We invest significant effort in design and model making to produce items which are distinctly different from our competitors. We continue to devote our efforts towards brand development and utilize
- 33 -
marketing concepts to enhance the saleability of our products. We recognize that retailers favor certain price points. As part of our product development strategy, we strive to align our wholesale prices to match retailers target prices as a means of achieving these popular price targets.
Our sales and marketing team is located in our executive offices in Hong Kong. Our marketing and distribution strategy is to identify the strongest retail customers in each distribution channel and to focus design and sales efforts towards the largest and fastest growing retailers. We maintain a broad base of customers and concentrate our efforts on five major jewelry market segments:
| fine jewelers; | ||
| national jewelry chains; | ||
| department stores; | ||
| electronic retailers; and | ||
| specialty retailers. |
Our single largest customer is QVC, Inc. which accounted for approximately 28% of our sales during the fiscal year ended April 30, 2002, and 25% of our sales during the eight-month period ended December 31, 2002. We do not sell to QVC, Inc. pursuant to any formal or long-term contracts but only on a purchase order basis. Although we have developed and maintained a good and longstanding relationship with QVC, Inc., the loss of QVC, Inc. as a customer or a significant reduction in its orders, would have a materially adverse effect on us.
In March 2000, our wholly-owned subsidiary Lorenzo Jewelry Mfg. (H.K.) Limited (n/k/a Lorenzo Jewelry Limited) had entered into a three-year agreement with QVC, Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, QVC had the exclusive right to promote, market, sell and distribute all of the jewelry and watches which we produce, develop or sell through direct response television programs in North America, the United Kingdom and Germany. This agreement has now expired.
In addition to direct sales to QVC, Inc. and other retailers, we also sell our products to retailers through International Jewelry Connection. The principal focus of IJC is on major U.S. department stores and jewelry retailers, who require specialized levels of marketing, service and training. These sales representatives are paid on a commission-only basis.
Our sales promotion efforts include attendance by our representatives at U.S. and international trade shows and conventions, including Las Vegas, Orlando, New York, Basel, Switzerland, Hong Kong and Japan. In addition, we advertise actively in trade journals and related industry publications.
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Design and Product Development
We have seven internationally trained designers who work from our Hong Kong executive office and ten designers who work in our Shenzhen facility. Our designers create styles that have been accepted by our various clients worldwide. Our design teams attend trade fairs worldwide to gather product ideas and monitor the latest product trends.
We provide our customers with a broad selection of high-quality 10, 14 and 18 karat gold, platinum and sterling silver jewelry products that incorporate traditional yet fashionable styles and designs. We currently offer approximately 5,000 different styles of rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, pendants and matching sets that are contemporary and desired in the market.
We study product trends that are emerging in the international market and adapt these trends to the needs of our retail customers. The jewelry offered for sale considers color, fabric and fashion trends, which are projected over a two-year period. We market our products as lifestyle inspired.
Production Process
We make our jewelry at our facility in Shenzhen, China. Our production processes combine vertical integration, modern technology, mechanization and handcraftsmanship to turn out contemporary and fashionable jewelry. Our production operations basically involve:
| cutting and polishing semi-precious gemstones; | ||
| combining pure gold, platinum or sterling silver with gemstones or diamonds to produce jewelry; and | ||
| finishing operations such as cleaning and polishing, resulting in high quality finished jewelry. |
Supply
We produce and cut our own semi-precious stones. We purchase imported gemstones which are from South America, Africa and China. South America is the major source of ametrine, amethyst, aquamarine, imperial topaz, tourmaline and white topaz, and Africa is the main source of tanzanite, mandarine garnet, aquamarine and topaz. We also purchase imported aquamarine, peridot and topaz from China. We source our diamonds mainly from suppliers in India. We believe that we have good relationships with our suppliers, most of whom have supplied us for many years.
We maintain our supply of inventory at our warehouse. The amount of our inventory of a particular gemstone determines the extent and size of our marketing program for that product. We purchase our gemstones and diamonds in advance and in anticipation of orders resulting from our marketing programs.
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We purchase our gold from banks, gold refiners and commodity dealers who supply substantially all of our gold needs, which we believe is sufficient to meet our requirements.
Gold acquired for production is at least .995 fine and is combined with other metals to produce 10, 14 and 18 karat gold. The term karat refers to the gold content of alloyed gold, measured from a maximum of 24 karats, which is 100% fine gold. Varying quantities of metals such as silver, copper, nickel and zinc are combined with fine gold to produce 14 karat gold of different colors. These alloys are in abundant supply and are readily available to us.
We did not engage in hedging activities with respect to possible fluctuations in the price of gold until the start of 2003. Prior to that, we believed the risk of not engaging in such activities was minimal, since we purchase our gold requirements within a reasonable period after each significant purchase order is received. We believe that any change in the price of gold would have had little, if any, impact on the valuation of our inventories.
We purchase supplies and raw materials from a variety of suppliers and we do not believe the loss of any of the suppliers would have a material adverse effect on our business. Alternative sources of supply for raw materials for production of jewelry are readily available.
Security
We have installed certain measures at our Shenzhen, China, production and our Hong Kong administrative facilities to protect against loss, including multiple alarm systems, infrared motion detectors and a system of closed circuit television cameras, which provide surveillance of all critical areas of our premises.
We inspect carefully all materials sent and received from outside suppliers, monitor the location and status of all inventory, and have strict internal control procedures of all jewelry as it proceeds through the production process. A complete physical inventory of gold and gemstones is taken at our production and administrative facilities on a quarterly basis.
Insurance
We maintain primary all-risk insurance, with limits in excess of our current inventory levels, to cover thefts and damage to inventory located on our premises. We also maintain insurance covering thefts and damage to our owned inventory located off-site. The amount of coverage available under such policies is limited and may vary by location, but is generally in excess of the value of the gold and gemstones supplied by us. We carry transit insurance, the coverage of which includes the transportation of jewelry outside of our office.
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Competition
The jewelry production industry is highly competitive, and our competitors include domestic and foreign jewelry manufacturers, wholesalers, and importers who may operate on a national, regional and local scale. Our competitive strategy is to provide competitively priced, high-quality products to the high-volume retail jewelry market. According to our management, competition is based on pricing, quality, service and established customer relationships. We believe that we have positioned ourselves as a low-cost producer without compromising our quality. Our ability to conceive, design and develop products consistent with the requirements of each retail distribution channel represents a competitive advantage.
We believe that few competitors have the capacity and production skills to be effective competitors. We believe that our vertically integrated production capabilities distinguish us from most of our competitors and enable us to produce very competitively priced, high quality and consistent products.
In North America, the market, although highly fragmented, does contain a number of major competitors, many of whom import much of their product from the Far East and many of whom sell higher priced items. The key United States competitors include:
| E.E.A.C. Inc.; | ||
| Topaz Group, Inc.; and | ||
| Fabrikant. |
International competitors include Pranda International and Beauty Gems Limited. Most of these manufacturers/wholesalers have been successful vendors for many years and enjoy good relations with their clients. Although it may be difficult for a newcomer to break into established relationships, we have already made substantial inroads in the North American jewelry market and we believe we can remain competitive, based on our vertically integrated, low-cost, high-volume and high-quality production process.
Common Stock Purchase Agreement for Equity Line of Credit Facility
Effective April 15, 2002, we entered into a common stock purchase agreement with Navigator Investments Holding IX Limited, a Nevis corporation, for the future issuance and purchase of shares of our common stock. This common stock purchase agreement establishes what is sometimes termed an equity line of credit or an equity draw down facility.
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Draw Downs
In general, the draw down facility operates as follows: at our sole discretion and from time to time over the course of 24 months, we may make unlimited draw down requests, pursuant to which the investor, Navigator, is obligated to purchase up to an aggregate of $10 million of our common stock. The maximum amount we can draw for each request is limited to 20% of the volume weighted average price of our common stock multiplied by the average daily trading volume multiplied by the number of trading days in the applicable draw down period. We are under no obligation to request a draw down during any period or, in the absence of such a request, to issue any shares to Navigator. If, on any day during the draw down period, the average volume weighted price of our common stock drops below the minimum threshold price that we specify in the draw down request, that day will be excluded from the relevant settlement and the aggregate amount of our draw down request will be reduced accordingly.
The draw down period will be either 5, 10, 15 or 20 consecutive trading days, at our option. The selection of either a 5, 10, 15 or 20 consecutive trading day draw down period would depend, at that time, on the volume, trading price and other indeterminate factors which we are not able to quantify at this time. No later than after each 5 trading days after our delivery of a draw down notice, the final draw down amount for that period is determined. We are entitled to receive funds no later than two days thereafter. The draw down amount will be reduced (by 1/5th, 1/10th, 1/15th or 1/20th, as applicable) for each trading day during the draw down period that the volume weighted average stock price falls below the threshold price set by us. We then use the formulas in the common stock purchase agreement to determine the number of shares that we will issue to Navigator in return for the final draw down amount. The formulas for determining the actual draw down amounts, the number of shares that we issue to Navigator and the price per share paid by Navigator are described in detail beginning on page 79. The aggregate total of all draw downs under the equity draw down facility cannot exceed $10 million.
The per share dollar amount that Navigator pays for our common stock for each draw down includes a 10% discount to the average daily market price of our common stock for each day during the draw down period, weighted by trading volume during each such trading day. We will receive the amount of the draw down less an escrow agent fee of $1,500. The price per share that Navigator ultimately pays is determined by dividing the final draw down amount by the number of shares that we issue to Navigator.
Warrants
In connection with the common stock purchase agreement, we issued to Navigator, as a commitment fee at the initial closing, warrants to purchase up to 150,000 shares of our common stock. The warrant has a term from its date of issuance of three years. The exercise price of the initial warrant is $1.7892 per share. Navigator is under no obligation to exercise their warrants.
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The Draw Down Procedure And The Stock Purchases
We may request a draw down by faxing to Navigator a draw down notice, stating the amount of the draw down that we wish to exercise and the minimum threshold price at which we are willing to sell the shares.
Number of Shares Purchased during a Draw Down
The 5, 10, 15 or 20 (as applicable) trading days immediately following the draw down notice are used to determine the number of shares that we will issue in return for the money provided by Navigator, which then allows us to calculate the price per share that Navigator will pay for our shares.
To determine the number of shares of common stock that we can issue in connection with a draw down, calculate 1/x of the draw down amount determined by the formula above (where x equals the number of trading days in the draw down period). This amount will be referred to as the per-day draw down amount. Then, for each of the 5, 10, 15 or 20 (as applicable) trading days immediately following the date on which we give notice of the draw down, divide the per-day draw down amount by 90% of the volume weighted average daily trading price of our common stock for that day. This 90% accounts for Navigators discount. The sum of these 5, 10, 15 or 20 (as applicable) daily calculations produces the maximum number of common shares that we can issue, unless, as described above, the volume weighted average daily price for any given trading day is below the threshold amount, trading is suspended for any given trading day or volume is unusually low on any given trading day, in which case those days are ignored in the calculation.
Necessary Conditions Before Navigator Is Obligated to Purchase Our Shares
The following conditions must be satisfied before Navigator is obligated to purchase any common shares that we may request from time to time:
| a registration statement for the shares must be declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission and must remain effective, and the prospectus included therein current, including with respect to resales to be made by Navigator, as of the draw down settlement date; | ||
| trading in our common shares must not have been suspended by the Securities and Exchange Commission or The Nasdaq National Market; | ||
| we must not have merged or consolidated with or into another company or transferred all or substantially all of our assets to another company, unless the acquiring company has agreed to honor the common stock purchase agreement; | ||
| our business must not have experienced a material adverse effect; and |
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| we must have delivered to Navigator an opinion of our legal counsel. |
As of July 15, 2003, we had filed a registration statement for the shares but it has not yet been declared effective by the SEC. Therefore, we cannot currently exercise any rights under the equity line of credit facility.
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C. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002:
The following diagram provides a listing of our significant subsidiaries. The respective country of organization/incorporation is shown in brackets.
LJ INTERNATIONAL INC.
(British Virgin Islands)
100% |
| Lorenzo Jewelry Limited (Hong Kong) |
| Lorenzo Gems Manufacturing (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. (P.R.C.) |
| Lorenzo Jewellery (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. (P.R.C.) |
D. PROPERTY, PLANTS AND EQUIPMENT.
Our principal executive offices are located at Units #9-#12, 12/F, Block A, Focal Industrial Centre, 21 Man Lok Street, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong. We own approximately 4,800 square feet of office and showroom at this location.
Our jewelry production facility in Shenzhen, China consists of 86,000 square feet of building space located in the Shatoujiao Free Trade Zone, Shenzhen. We own approximately 38,000 square feet of this space. We also currently lease 28,000 square feet for a term of five years expiring August 31, 2007 from an unaffiliated third party at a rental rate of $5,700 per month, and 20,000 square feet for a term of two years expiring June 30, 2004, at a rental rate of $3,600 per month.
We own two warehouse facilities in Hung Hom and Aberdeen consisting of 5,432 square feet and 2,897 square feet. We also own additional properties in Sai Kung and Hung Hom. We lease all four of these properties to non-affiliated third parties. We have pledged all of our land and buildings to collateralize general banking facilities granted to us.
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Our production facilities are currently utilized for one shift per day but are capable of being expanded to accommodate three shifts per day as necessary.
E. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
Legal Proceedings
We are not a party to any material legal proceedings and there are no material legal proceedings pending with respect to our property. We are not aware of any legal proceedings contemplated by any governmental authorities involving either us or our property. None of our directors, officers or affiliates is an adverse party in any legal proceedings involving us or our subsidiaries, or has an interest in any proceeding which is adverse to us or our subsidiaries.
Enforceability of Civil Liabilities and Certain Foreign Issuer Considerations
We are a British Virgin Islands holding company, and substantially all of our assets are located in China and/or Hong Kong. In addition, all but one of our directors and officers are non-residents of the United States, and all or a substantial portion of their assets are located outside the United States. As a result, investors may be unable to effect service of process within the United States upon these non-residents or to enforce against them judgments obtained in United States courts, including judgments based upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state. There is uncertainty as to whether courts of China, the British Virgin Islands or Hong Kong would enforce:
| judgments of United States courts obtained against us or these non-residents based on the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state; or | ||
| in original actions brought in China, the British Virgin Islands or Hong Kong, liabilities against us or these non-residents based on the securities laws of the United States or any state. |
There are no treaties between China and the United States, between the British Virgin Islands and the United States, nor between Hong Kong and the United States providing for the reciprocal enforcement of foreign judgments. However, the courts of China, the British Virgin Islands and Hong Kong may accept a foreign judgment as evidence of a debt due. An action may be commenced in China, the British Virgin Islands or Hong Kong for recovery of this debt. However, a Chinese, British Virgin Islands or Hong Kong court will only accept a foreign judgment as evidence of a debt due, if:
| the judgment is for a liquidated amount in a civil matter; | ||
| the judgment is final and conclusive and has not been stayed or satisfied in full; |
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| the judgment is not directly or indirectly for the payment of foreign taxes, penalties, fines or charges of a like nature. In this regard, a Chinese, British Virgin Islands or Hong Kong court is unlikely to accept a judgment of an amount obtained by doubling, trebling or otherwise multiplying a sum assessed as compensation for the loss or damages sustained by the person in whose favor the judgment is given; | ||
| the judgment was not obtained by actual or constructive fraud or duress; | ||
| the foreign court has taken jurisdiction on grounds that are recognized by the private international law rules in China as to conflict of laws in China or common law rules as to conflict of laws in the British Virgin Islands or Hong Kong; | ||
| the proceedings in which the judgment was obtained were not contrary to the concept of fair adjudication; | ||
| the proceedings in which the judgment was obtained, the judgment itself and the enforcement of the judgment are not contrary to the public policy of China, the British Virgin Islands or Hong Kong; | ||
| the person against whom the judgment is given is subject to the jurisdiction of the Chinese, the British Virgin Islands or the Hong Kong courts; and | ||
| the judgment is not on a claim for contribution in respect of damages awarded by a judgment that does not satisfy the above requirements. |
Enforcement of a foreign judgment in China, the British Virgin Islands or Hong Kong also may be limited or otherwise affected by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, arrangement, moratorium or similar laws relating to or affecting creditors rights generally and will be subject to a statutory limitation of time within which proceedings may be brought.
Under United States law, majority and controlling shareholders generally have certain fiduciary responsibilities to minority shareholders. Shareholder action must be taken in good faith and actions by controlling shareholders that are obviously unreasonable may be declared null and void. We believe there are no material differences between the protection afforded to minority shareholders of a company organized as an international business company under the law of the British Virgin Islands from those generally available to shareholders of corporations organized in the United States. However, there may be circumstances where the British Virgin Islands law protecting the interests of minority shareholders may not be as protective as the law protecting minority shareholders in United States jurisdictions. Under British Virgin Islands law, a shareholder of a company organized as an international business company under the laws of the British Virgin Islands may bring an action against a company, even if other shareholders do not wish to bring an action and even though no wrong has been done to the shareholder personally. This is a representative action, that is, an action on the shareholders own behalf and on behalf of other persons in his class, or similarly situated. Instances where representative actions may be brought include to:
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| compel a company to act in a manner consistent with its Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association; | ||
| restrain directors from acting on resolutions, where notice of a shareholders meeting failed adequately to inform shareholders of a resolution proposed at the meeting; | ||
| restrain a company, where it proposes to perform an act not authorized by the Memorandum of Association and the Articles of Association or to seek damages from a director to compensate a company from the consequences of such an unauthorized act, or to recover property of a company disposed of due to such unauthorized act; | ||
| restrain a company from acting upon a resolution that was not made in good faith and for the benefit of shareholders as a whole; | ||
| redress where a resolution passed at a shareholders meeting was not properly passed, for instance, if it was not passed with the necessary majority; | ||
| restrain a company from performing an act which is contrary to law; and | ||
| restrain a company from taking any action in the name and for the benefit of a company. |
Such an action also may be brought against directors and promoters who have breached their fiduciary duties to a company, although acts amounting to a breach of a fiduciary duty can be ratified by a general meeting of shareholders, in the absence of fraud. Such actions against directors and promoters only may be taken, however, if such directors and promoters have power to influence the action taken by a general meeting by means of, for instance, their votes as shareholders, which would prevent a company from suing them in the companys name. Although British Virgin Islands law does permit a shareholder of a British Virgin Islands company to sue its directors representatively or derivatively, the circumstances in which any such action may be brought as set forth above may result in the rights of shareholders of a British Virgin Islands company being more limited than those of shareholders in a United States company.
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OUR MANAGEMENT
A. DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT.
Our senior management and directors are as follows:
Name | Age | Position | ||||
Yu Chuan Yih | 63 | Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer | ||||
Ka Man Au | 39 | Chief Operating Officer, Secretary and Director | ||||
Hon Tak Ringo Ng | 43 | Chief Financial Officer and Director | ||||
Po Yee Elsa Yue | 38 | Non-Executive Director | ||||
Lionel C. Wang | 46 | Non-Executive Director |
None of our directors and officers was selected due to any agreement or understanding with any other person. There is no family relationship between any of our directors or executive officers and any other director or executive officer.
Mr. Yih established the business of Lorenzo Jewelry Ltd. and has served as president and managing director since 1987. Mr. Yih is primarily responsible for business development and overall company management. He has over 20 years of experience in semi-precious stone production and marketing. Mr. Yih had been a gemstone trader in Brazil and has extensive experience and relationships in gem sourcing and jewelry design. Mr. Yih is also the Founding Sponsor of the Hong Kong branch of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the nonprofit educational organization for the jewelry industry.
Ms. Au has served as a director of Lorenzo Jewelry Ltd. since its incorporation in 1987. Ms. Au has been our chief operating officer since January 1, 2002 and is primarily responsible for our general administration, human resources, operations and management.
Mr. Ng has served as our chief financial officer since September 1997 and as one of our directors since May 1, 2001. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from the University of London in 1984 and his Master of Commerce in accounting and commercial administration from the University of New South Wales in 1994. From July 1994 through September 1997, he was an audit senior with Moores Rowland C.A., Certified Public Accountants. Mr. Ng is a certified practising accountant of the Australian Society of CPAs.
Ms. Yue has served as a non-executive director since December 1999. She is a graduate gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America and served as vice president of GIA, Hong Kong, from August 1994 to December 2002. Her responsibilities included managing the Hong
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Kong office and administering their education programs, marketing and related activities. Since December 2002, Ms. Yue has served as a manager for a colored gems import and export trading company.
Mr. Wang has served as a non-executive director since June 1998. He received his Bachelor of Commerce from Tamkung University, Taipei, Taiwan in 1978, his Master of Business Administration from California State Polytechnic University in 1980, and his Master of Science from Stanford University in 1981. From 1984 to 1990, Mr. Wang was a marketing research analyst and senior strategic planning analyst for The Gillette Company, Boston, Massachusetts. From 1990 to 1995, he served as associate director and then director of product development for Information Resources, Inc., Waltham, Massachusetts. From 1995 to 1996, Mr. Wang was vice-president at Nielsen North America, with responsibility for analytical and modeling projects on the Kraft Foods/White Plains account. From 1996 until June 2000, Mr. Wang served as director of analytical services for The NPD Group, Inc., Port Washington, New York. From June 2000 until June 2001, he was vice president of product development for NFO Interactive, Greenwich, Connecticut. Since June 2001, Mr. Wang has been president of his own firm, Marketing and Innovation, LLC., Greenwich, Connecticut.
B. COMPENSATION.
The aggregate compensation paid by us to all of our directors and executive officers as a group for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 on an accrual basis, for services in all capacities, was $533,000. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, we contributed an aggregate amount of $17,000 toward the pension plans of our directors and executive officers.
Executive Service Contract
We entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Yu Chuan Yih, effective October 1, 2000, for a period of three years at an annual salary of $233,000. Mr. Yihs remuneration package includes benefits with respect to an automobile. In addition, Mr. Yih is entitled to an annual management bonus of a sum to be determined by the board at its absolute discretion, having regard for our operating results and the performance of Mr. Yih during the relevant financial year. The amount payable to Mr. Yih will be decided by majority decision of the members of the board present in the meeting called for that purpose. Mr. Yih shall abstain from voting and not be counted in the quorum in respect of the resolution regarding the amount payable to him.
On May 8, 2000, we granted Mr. Yih options exercisable to acquire 600,000 shares of common stock at $3.00 per share at any time until May 7, 2010.
On October 17, 2000, we offered all option holders the opportunity to cancel all or some of their stock options in exchange for new options to be granted on April 30, 2001 to acquire an equal
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number of shares with an exercise price equal to the then last sale price of the stock on April 30, 2001 for a new term of seven years expiring April 30, 2008. Mr. Yih accepted the offer and now holds an option to acquire an aggregate of 775,000 shares exercisable at $2.00 per share at any time until April 30, 2008.
C. BOARD PRACTICES.
Each of our five current directors was elected at our last annual meeting of shareholders held December 5, 2002 to serve a one-year term or until their successor is elected and qualified.
There are no directors service contracts with us or any of our subsidiaries providing for benefits upon termination of employment.
Our board of directors has established an audit committee, which consists of Messrs. Yih and Wang and Ms. Yue. Its functions are to:
| recommend annually to the board of directors the appointment of our independent public accountants; | ||
| discuss and review the scope and the fees of the prospective annual audit and review the results thereof with the independent public accountants; | ||
| review and approve non-audit services of the independent public accountants; | ||
| review compliance with our existing accounting and financial policies; | ||
| review the adequacy of our financial organization; and | ||
| review our managements procedures and policies relative to the adequacy of our internal accounting controls and compliance with federal and state laws relating to financial reporting. |
D. EMPLOYEES.
As of December 31, 2002, we employed approximately 2,000 persons on a full-time basis for our production of jewelry and gemstone cutting and polishing. Approximately 100 of these people include our management and executive staff in Hong Kong and China. None of our employees is represented by a labor union and we believe that our employee relations are good.
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E. SHARE OWNERSHIP.
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our shares of common stock as of December 31, 2002 by:
| each person who is known by us to own beneficially more than 5% of our outstanding common stock; | ||
| each of our current executive officers and directors; and | ||
| all directors and executive officers as a group. |
As of December 31, 2002, we had 8,671,615 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding.
This information gives effect to securities deemed outstanding pursuant to Rule 13d-3(d)(l) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
The address for each person named below is c/o LJ International Inc., Unit #12, 12/F, Block A, Focal Industrial Centre, 21 Man Lok Street, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
Name of Beneficial Holder | Number | Percent | ||||||
Shares Beneficially Owned | ||||||||
Yu Chuan Yih |
3,529,553 | (1)(2) | 36.5 | % | ||||
Ka Man Au |
200,000 | (3) | 2.3 | % | ||||
Hon Tak Ringo Ng |
200,000 | (4) | 2.3 | % | ||||
Po Yee Elsa Yue |
6,000 | (5) | * | |||||
Lionel C. Wang |
0 | * | ||||||
Debora Mu Yong Yih |
1,260,000 | (6) | 13.9 | % | ||||
All directors and executive officers as a group (5 persons) |
3,935,553 | 37.5 | % |
* | Represents less than 1% of the outstanding common stock. | |
(1) | Of Mr. Yihs 2,524,553 shares, 1,500,000 shares are owned of record by Pacific Growth Developments Ltd., a British Virgin Islands corporation, which is owned by Mr. Yih (60%), his wife Tammy Yih (20%) and an adult daughter, Bianca Tzu Hsiu Yih (20%). | |
(2) | Includes options currently exercisable to acquire 775,000 shares of common stock held by Mr. Yih and options currently exercisable to acquire 230,000 shares of common stock held by Mr. Yihs wife at $2.00 per share at any time until April 30, 2008. |
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(3) | Represents options currently exercisable to acquire 200,000 shares of common stock at $2.00 per share at any time until April 30, 2008. | |
(4) | Represents options currently exercisable to acquire 200,000 shares of common stock at $2.00 per share at any time until April 30, 2008. | |
(5) | Represents options currently exercisable to acquire 6,000 shares of common stock at $2.00 per share at any time until April 30, 2008. | |
(6) | Includes options currently exercisable to acquire 400,000 shares of common stock at $2.00 per share at any time until April 30, 2008. |
The 1998 Stock Compensation Plan
Effective June 1, 1998, we adopted and approved the 1998 Stock Compensation Plan. The purpose of the plan is to:
| encourage ownership of our common stock by our officers, directors, employees and advisors; | ||
| provide additional incentive for them to promote our success and our business; and | ||
| encourage them to remain in our employ by providing them with an opportunity to benefit from any appreciation of our common stock through the issuance of stock options. |
Options constitute either incentive stock options within the meaning of Section 422 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or options which constitute nonqualified options at the time of issuance of such options. The plan provides that incentive stock options and/or nonqualified stock options may be granted to our officers, directors, employees and advisors selected by the compensation committee. A total of 4,000,000 shares of common stock are authorized and reserved for issuance during the term of the plan which expires in June 2008. The compensation committee has the sole authority to interpret the plan and make all determinations necessary or advisable for administering the plan. The exercise price for any incentive option must be at least equal to the fair market value of the shares as of the date of grant. Upon the exercise of the option, the exercise price must be paid in full either in cash, shares of our stock or a combination. If any option is not exercised for any reason, such shares shall again become available for the purposes of the plan.
On October 17, 2000, the Company offered each option holder the opportunity to cancel all or some of the stock options previously granted in exchange for the granting on April 30, 2001 of options to acquire an equal number of shares with an exercise price equal to the then last sale price of the stock on April 30, 2001, for a new term of seven years expiring April 30, 2008.
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As of December 31, 2002, no options had been exercised and the following exchanged options to purchase shares of our common stock under the Plan remained outstanding:
| stock options to purchase 3,025,500 shares at $2.00 per share through April 30, 2008, of which 1,181,000 are held by our directors and officers as a group. |
Other Options and Warrants Outstanding
As of December 31, 2002, the following additional options and warrants to purchase shares of our common stock were outstanding:
| 1,679,000 common stock purchase warrants which are publicly traded and which we issued in our April 1998 initial public offering to purchase 1,679,000 shares of common stock at $5.75 per share through April 15, 2005 (as amended) | ||
| 146,000 stock purchase options to purchase 146,000 shares of common stock at $8.25 per share through April 15, 2005 (as amended), which we sold to the IPO underwriter and/or persons related to the underwriter | ||
| 146,000 warrant purchase options to purchase 146,000 warrants at $0.20625 per warrant to purchase shares of common stock at $8.25 per share through April 15, 2003, which we sold to the IPO underwriter and/or persons related to the underwriter | ||
| options to purchase 35,000 shares at $5.00 per share through July 30, 2004, which we granted to a former financial consultant on July 31, 1999, for services rendered in connection with public relations | ||
| warrants to purchase 75,000 shares at $3.75 per share through November 30, 2004, and warrants to purchase 87,500 shares at $6.9375 per share through March 31, 2005, which we granted to two investors and a placement agent in connection with two tranches of our 3% Convertible Debentures on November 5, 1999, and March 22, 2000 | ||
| warrants to purchase shares which we granted to a former financial consultant on June 1, 2001, for services rendered in connection with corporate development as follows: | ||
| 100,000 shares at $2.29 per share exercisable through May 31, 2003; | ||
| 80,000 shares at $3.43 per share exercisable through May 31, 2004; and | ||
| 80,000 shares at $4.57 per share exercisable through May 31, 2005. | ||
| warrants to purchase 200,000 shares at $3.00 per share through August 15, 2006, which we granted to The Bauer Partnership, Inc. on August 16, 2001, in connection with a proposed debt placement which was never completed | ||
| warrants to purchase 150,000 shares at $1.7892 per share through April 14, 2005, which we granted to Navigator Investments Holding IX Limited on April 15, 2002, as a commitment fee in connection with an equity line of credit facility |
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Our major shareholders do not have different voting rights. We do not have available information as to the portion of our common stock held in the host country and the number of record holders in the host country. To the extent known to us, we are not directly or indirectly owned or controlled by another corporation, by any foreign government or by any other natural or legal persons severally or jointly. To our knowledge, there are no arrangements the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of our company.
F. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS.
Yu Chuan Yih, our chairman and president, is a director and principal shareholder of Gemological Institute of America, Hong Kong Limited. Mr. Yih is also a director of iBBC Inc. which has a subsidiary, Gemriver Jewelry Limited. During the fiscal years ended April 30, 2001 and 2002, and December 31, 2002, Mr. Yih and these affiliated companies received unsecured advances from, and made unsecured advances to, us, which were interest free and repayable on demand. The maximum amount due from Mr. Yih were $622,000, $243,000 and $0 during the fiscal years ended April 30, 2001 and 2002, and December 31, 2002. The closing balance due to Mr. Yih was $248,000 as of April 30, 2001. There was no outstanding amount with Mr. Yih as of April 30, 2002 and December 31, 2002.
Certain of our banking facilities are collateralized by properties owned by Yih Yu Chuan and his personal guarantee to the extent of $8,440,000 and $8,311,000 as of April 30, 2002, and December 31, 2002. Mr. Yih has not received any additional compensation or consideration from us in return for his personal guarantees.
During the fiscal year ended April 30, 1999, we provided a guarantee to a bank in respect of mortgage loans granted to Yu Chuan Yih to the extent of $632,000. As of December 31, 2002, the guarantee amount was $437,000.
During the fiscal year ended April 30, 2000, we received management fee income of $36,000 from Gemological Institute of America, Hong Kong Limited, which were determined by the directors for the services provided.
During the fiscal year ended April 30, 2001, we sold finished goods of $158,000 to Gemriver Jewelry Limited, which were made according to the published prices and conditions offered to our major customers. We also received from Gemriver Jewelry Limited for rental and management fee income of $21,000 and $32,000 respectively. In addition, we received management fee income of $27,000 from Gemological Institute of America, Hong Kong Limited, which were determined by the directors for the services provided.
During the fiscal year ended April 30, 2002, we further acquired 68.8% equity interest of iBBC Inc. from entities controlled by a director for a consideration for $2,460,000.
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For additional information, refer to Footnote 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
SELLING SHAREHOLDERS
In addition to our warrants and the underlying common stock being offered by this prospectus, we are registering 292,000 shares of common stock underlying the underwriter warrants on behalf of the beneficial owners. We have agreed to bear all expenses other than underwriting or selling commissions or any fees and disbursements of counsel to the selling shareholders in connection with the registration of these securities.
The underwriter warrants were acquired by the selling shareholders in connection with the underwriters acting as the underwriter of our initial public offering of common stock and warrants in April 1998.
The common stock underlying the underwriter warrants is to be sold from time to time by or for the account of the following selling shareholders, none of whom are affiliated with us nor have been within the past three years. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of either the underwriter warrants or the common stock underlying them. The selling shareholders will pay all brokerage discounts or commissions attributable to the sale for their account. We are not aware of any existing agreement with any broker with respect to the sale of the underwriter warrants or underlying common stock.
The following table sets forth the name of each selling shareholder and the number of shares of common stock to be offered for each selling shareholders account.
Number of Shares | |||||
Name | of Common Stock | ||||
Robert T. Kirk |
232,800 | ||||
Marie Lima |
10,000 | ||||
Michael Morrisett |
10,000 | ||||
Brian Herman |
10,000 | ||||
David A. Carter |
14,600 | ||||
Wendy Tand Gusrae |
14,600 | ||||
TOTAL |
292,000 | ||||
The sale of these securities may be effected from time to time in transactions which may include block transactions in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions, through the writing of options on the common stock, or a combination of such methods of sale, at fixed prices which may be changed, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, or at negotiated prices. The
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selling shareholders may effect such transactions by selling the securities directly to purchasers or to or through broker-dealers which may act as agents or principals. Such broker-dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions, or commissions from the selling shareholders and/or the purchasers of the securities for which such broker-dealers may act as agents or to whom they sell as principal, or both. The compensation as to a particular broker-dealer might be in excess of customary commissions. The selling shareholders and any broker-dealers that act in connection with the sale of the securities might be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of Section 2(11) of the Securities Act.
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DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
Common Stock
Our authorized capital stock consists of 100,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, of which 8,671,615 shares are outstanding as of April 30, 2001 and 2002 and as of July 15, 2003. Each share of common stock is entitled to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote by shareholders, including the election of directors. There are no cumulative voting rights in the election of directors. All shares of common stock are equal to each other with respect to liquidation and dividend rights and are entitled to receive dividends if and when we declare them out of funds legally available under British Virgin Islands law. Upon our liquidation, all assets available for distribution are distributable among shareholders according to their holdings. There are no preemptive rights to purchase any additional, unissued shares of common stock. All the outstanding common stock is, and the common stock offered by this prospectus will be, when issued against the consideration set forth in this prospectus, duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
On October 29, 1999, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with an accredited investor pursuant to which we agreed to issue and the investor agreed to purchase up to $10,500,000 of 3% Convertible Debentures, as well as common stock purchase warrants.
On November 5, 1999, we issued the first tranche of $3,000,000 of 3% Convertible Debentures with the date of maturity on November 5, 2002; and warrants for the Convertible Debenture holder to purchase 45,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $3.75 per share with an expiration date of November 30, 2004. In addition, warrants to purchase 30,000 shares of our common stock were issued to the placement agent as partial compensation for its services, with the same terms as the detachable warrants. On March 22, 2000, we issued the second tranche of $3,500,000 of 3% Convertible Debentures with the date of maturity on March 22, 2003; and warrants for the Convertible Debenture holder to purchase 52,500 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $6.94 per share with an expiration date of March 31, 2005. In addition, warrants to purchase 35,000 shares of our common stock were issued to the placement agent as partial compensation for its services, with the same terms as the detachable warrants.
During the year ended April 30, 2000, all the first tranche of $3,000,000 and $500,000 out of the $3,500,000 second tranche of the Convertible Debentures and related interest up to the dates of conversion, were converted, and 1,072,412 shares of common stock were issued in this respect. The remaining second tranche of Convertible Debentures of $3,000,000 and the accrued interest were converted into 1,233,557 shares of common stock during the year ended April 30, 2001. No other shares of common stock was issued during the fiscal years 2000, 2001 and 2002.
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As of October 7, 2002, we had 374 record holders of our common stock, of which 350 are located in the United States. The 350 record U.S. shareholders held 5,914,848 shares or 68.2% of our outstanding common stock, of which Cede & Co. held 5,637,677 shares or 65.0% of our outstanding common stock.
IPO Warrants
In our April 1998 initial public offering, we sold 1,679,000 shares of common stock and 1,679,000 warrants to purchase 1,679,000 shares of common stock. Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase at any time through April 15, 2005 one share of common stock at $5.75 per share. After April 15, 2005, the warrants expire.
A warrant may be exercised by surrendering it to the transfer and warrant agent, with the subscription form on the reverse side properly completed and executed, together with payment of the exercise price.
The warrants are subject to redemption by us, at our option, at $0.25 per warrant upon 30 days prior written notice. The closing bid price, as reported on the Nasdaq National Market, of the common stock for 30 consecutive trading days ending within ten days of the notice of redemption of the warrants must average in excess of $10.00 per share. We are required to maintain an effective registration statement covering the common stock underlying the warrants prior to their redemption. If we redeem the warrants, they will be exercisable until the close of business on the date for redemption fixed in such notice. If any warrant called for redemption is not exercised by such time, it will cease to be exercisable and the holder will be entitled only to the redemption price. Redemption of the warrants could force the holder either to:
| exercise the warrants and pay the exercise price at a time when it may be less advantageous to do so; or | ||
| accept the redemption price in cancellation of the warrant, which could be substantially less than the market value at the time of redemption. |
The exercise price of the warrants bears no relation to any objective criteria of value and should not be regarded as an indication of its future market price.
We have authorized and reserved for issuance a sufficient number of shares of common stock to permit the exercise of all warrants. All shares of common stock issued upon exercise of the warrants, if exercised in accordance with their terms, will be fully paid and non-assessable.
The warrants are subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of various events, including stock dividends, stock splits, combinations or reclassification of the common stock, or our sale of common stock at a price per share below the exercise price of the warrants or the then-current market price of the common stock. Additionally, an adjustment would be made if we reclassified
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or exchanged common stock, consolidated or merged with another corporation, or sold all or substantially all of our assets.
Underwriter Warrants
In connection with our April 1998 initial public offering, we issued to the underwriter and/or persons related to the underwriter the common stock underwriter warrants to purchase up to 146,000 shares of common stock and the warrant underwriter warrants to purchase up to 146,000 warrants. The common stock underwriter warrants are exercisable through April 15, 2005 at $8.25 per share. The warrant underwriter warrants are exercisable through April 15, 2003 at $8.25 per share. The warrant underwriter warrant is exercisable at $.20625 per warrant. Each underlying warrant is exercisable through April 15, 2003 at $8.25 per share.
The warrants provide for adjustment in the event of any merger, consolidation, recapitalization, reclassification, stock dividend, stock split or similar transaction. The warrants contain net issuance provisions permitting exercise in whole or in part and instructing us to withhold from the securities issuable upon exercise, a number of securities, valued at the current fair market value on the date of exercise, to pay the exercise price. Such net exercise provision has the effect of requiring us to issue shares of common stock without a corresponding increase in capital. A net exercise of the warrants will have the same dilutive effect on the interests of our shareholders as will a cash exercise. The warrants do not entitle the holders to any rights as a shareholder until they are exercised and shares of common stock are purchased.
Shares Eligible for Future Sale
Of our 8,671,615 shares of common stock outstanding, approximately 2,144,055 shares are restricted securities, as defined under Rule 144 under the Securities Act as of October 11, 2002. Restricted securities may be sold in the public market only if registered or if they qualify for an exemption from registration under Rule 144. Sales of restricted securities in the public market, or the availability of such securities for sale, could adversely affect the market price of the common stock.
In general, under Rule 144, a person who has beneficially owned restricted securities for at least one year is entitled to sell within any three-month period a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of:
| one percent of the number of shares of common stock then outstanding, which equals 86,716 shares as of July 15, 2003; or | ||
| the average weekly trading volume of the common stock during the four calendar weeks preceding the sale. |
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Sales under Rule 144 also are subject to certain requirements relating to the manner of sale, notice and availability of current public information about us. Under Rule 144(k), a person who is not deemed to have been our affiliate at any time during the three months preceding a sale, and who has beneficially owned the shares proposed to be sold for at least two years, is entitled to sell such shares without complying with the limitations of Rule 144 described above.
Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock under Rule 144 or otherwise, or even the potential of such sales, could depress the market price of the common stock and could impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of our equity securities.
Transfer and Warrant Agent
The transfer agent for our common stock and the warrant agent for our warrants is Computershare Trust Company, formerly known as American Securities Transfer & Trust, Incorporated, Golden, Colorado.
Exchange Controls and Other Limitations Affecting Shareholders
There are no material British Virgin Islands laws that impose foreign exchange controls on us or that affect our payment of dividends, interest or other payments to nonresident holders of our capital stock. British Virgin Islands law and our Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association impose no limitations on the right of nonresident or foreign owners to hold or vote the common stock.
Differences in Corporate Law
Under the laws of most jurisdictions in the US, majority and controlling shareholders generally have certain fiduciary responsibilities to the minority shareholders. Shareholder action must be taken in good faith and actions by controlling shareholders which are obviously unreasonable may be declared null and void. BVI law protecting the interests of minority shareholders may not be as protective in all circumstances as the law protecting minority shareholders in US jurisdictions.
While BVI law does permit a shareholder of a BVI company to sue its directors derivatively, that is, in the name of and for the benefit of our company and to sue a company and its directors for his benefit and for the benefit of others similarly situated, the circumstances in which any such action may be brought, and the procedures and defenses that may be available in respect of any such action, may result in the rights of shareholders of a BVI company being more limited than those of shareholders of a company organized in the US.
Our directors have the power to take certain actions without shareholder approval, including an amendment of our Memorandum of Association or Articles of Association or an
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increase or reduction in our authorized capital, which would require shareholder approval under the laws of most US jurisdictions. In addition, the directors of a BVI corporation, subject in certain cases to court approval but without shareholder approval, may, among other things, implement a reorganization, certain mergers or consolidations, the sale, transfer, exchange or disposition of any assets, property, part of the business, or securities of the corporation, or any combination, if they determine it is in the best interests of the corporation, its creditors, or its shareholders. Our ability to amend our Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association without shareholder approval could have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change in our control without any further action by the shareholders, including a tender offer to purchase our common stock at a premium over then current market prices.
The International Business Companies Act of the British Virgin Islands permits the creation in our Memorandum and Articles of Association of staggered terms of directors, cumulative voting, shareholder approval of corporate matters by written consent, and the issuance of preferred shares. Currently, our Memorandum and Articles of Association only provide for shareholder approval of corporate matters by written consent, but not for staggered terms of directors, cumulative voting or the issuance of preferred shares.
As in most US jurisdictions, the board of directors of a BVI corporation is charged with the management of the affairs of the corporation. In most US jurisdictions, directors owe a fiduciary duty to the corporation and its shareholders, including a duty of care, under which directors must properly apprise themselves of all reasonably available information, and a duty of loyalty, under which they must protect the interests of the corporation and refrain from conduct that injures the corporation or its shareholders or that deprives the corporation or its shareholders of any profit or advantage. Many US jurisdictions have enacted various statutory provisions which permit the monetary liability of directors to be eliminated or limited. Under BVI law, liability of a corporate director to the corporation is primarily limited to cases of willful malfeasance in the performance of his duties or to cases where the director has not acted honestly and in good faith and with a view to the best interests of the corporation. However, under our Articles of Association, we are authorized to indemnify any director or officer who is made or threatened to be made a party to a legal or administrative proceeding by virtue of being one of our directors or officers, provided such person acted honestly and in good faith and with a view to our best interests and, in the case of a criminal proceeding, such person had no reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful. Our Articles of Association also enable us to indemnify any director or officer who was successful in such a proceeding against expense and judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement and reasonably incurred in connection with the proceeding.
The above description of certain differences between BVI and US corporate laws is only a summary and does not purport to be complete or to address every applicable aspect of such laws. However, we believe that all material differences are disclosed above.
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Memorandum and Articles of Association
Corporate Powers. We are registered in the British Virgin Islands since January 30, 1997, under British Virgin Islands International Business Companies number 216796. Clause 4 of our Memorandum of Association states that the objects for which we are established are to engage in any businesses which are not prohibited by law in force in the British Virgin Islands.
Directors. A director who is materially interested in any transaction with us shall declare the material facts of and nature of his interest at the meeting of the Board of Directors. A director may vote or be counted as the quorum on any resolution of the Board in respect of any transaction in which he is materially interested. With the prior or subsequent approval by a resolution of members, the directors may, by a resolution of directors, fix the emoluments of directors with respect to services to be rendered in any capacity to us. The directors may, by a resolution of directors, exercise all the powers of the Company to borrow money. There is no age limit requirement for retirement or non-retirement of directors. A director shall not require a share qualification.
Share Rights, Preferences and Restrictions. Our authorized share capital is US$1 million divided into 100 million shares of par value US$0.01 per share. All dividends unclaimed for three years after having been declared may be forfeited by resolution of the directors for our benefit. All shares vote as one class and each whole share has one vote. We may redeem any of our own shares for such fair value as we by a resolution of directors determine. All shares have the same rights with regard to dividends and distributions upon our liquidation.
Changing Share Rights. The rights of each class and series of shares that we are authorized to issue shall be fixed by the resolution of directors. If the authorized capital is divided into different classes, the rights attached to any class may be varied with the consent in writing of the holders of not less than three-fourths of the issued shares of that class and of the holders of not less than three-fourths of the issued shares of any other class which may be affected by such variation.
Shareholder Meetings. The directors may convene meetings of our members at such times and in such manner and places as the directors consider necessary or desirable. The directors shall convene such a meeting upon the written request of members holding 10 percent or more of our outstanding voting shares. At least seven days notice of the meeting shall be given to the members whose name appears on the share register.
Restrictions on Rights to Own Securities. There are no limitations on the rights to own our securities.
Change in Control Provisions. There are no provisions of our Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association that would have an effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in our control and that would have operate only with respect to a merger, acquisition or corporate restructuring involving us.
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Disclosure of Share Ownership. There are no provisions governing the ownership threshold above which shareholder ownership must be disclosed.
Applicable Law. In connection with rights related to the above listed items, see Description of Securities Differences in Corporate Law above for certain differences between the law of the British Virgin Islands and the United States.
Changes in Capital. Requirements to effect changes in capital are not more stringent than is required by law.
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TAXATION
The following is a summary of anticipated material U.S. federal income and British Virgin Islands tax consequences of an investment in our common stock. The summary does not deal with all possible tax consequences relating to an investment in our common stock and does not purport to deal with the tax consequences applicable to all categories of investors, some of which, such as dealers in securities, insurance companies and tax-exempt entities, may be subject to special rules. In particular, the discussion does not address the tax consequences under state, local and other non-U.S. and non-British Virgin Islands tax laws. Accordingly, each prospective investor should consult its own tax advisor regarding the particular tax consequences to it of an investment in our common stock. The discussion below is based upon laws and relevant interpretations in effect as of the date of this prospectus, all of which are subject to change.
United States Federal Income Taxation
The following discussion addresses only the material U.S. federal income tax consequences to a U.S. person, defined as a U.S. citizen or resident, a U.S. corporation, or an estate or trust subject to U.S. federal income tax on all of its income regardless of source, making an investment in the common stock. For taxable years beginning after December 31, 1996, a trust will be a U.S. person only if:
| a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over its administration; and | ||
| one or more United States persons have the authority to control all of its substantial decisions. |
In addition, the following discussion does not address the tax consequences to a person who holds or will hold, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of our common stock, which we refer to as a 10% Shareholder. Non-U.S. persons and 10% Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisors regarding the tax considerations incident to an investment in our common stock.
A U.S. investor receiving a distribution of our common stock will be required to include such distribution in gross income as a taxable dividend, to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. Any distributions in excess of our earnings and profits will first be treated, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as a nontaxable return of capital, to the extent of the U.S. investors adjusted tax basis in our common stock, and then as gain from the sale or exchange of a capital asset, provided that our common stock constitutes a capital asset in the hands of the U.S. investor. U.S. corporate shareholders will not be entitled to any deduction for distributions received as dividends on our common stock.
Gain or loss on the sale or exchange of our common stock will be treated as capital gain or loss if our common stock is held as a capital asset by the U.S. investor. Such capital gain or loss
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will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. investor has held our common stock for more than one year at the time of the sale or exchange.
A holder of common stock may be subject to backup withholding at the rate of 31% with respect to dividends paid on our common stock if the dividends are paid by a paying agent, broker or other intermediary in the United States or by a U.S. broker or certain United States-related brokers to the holder outside the United States. In addition, the proceeds of the sale, exchange or redemption of common stock may be subject to backup withholding, if such proceeds are paid by a paying agent, broker or other intermediary in the United States.
Backup withholding may be avoided by the holder of common stock if such holder:
| is a corporation or comes within other exempt categories; or | ||
| provides a correct taxpayer identification number, certifies that such holder is not subject to backup withholding and otherwise complies with the backup withholding rules. |
In addition, holders of common stock who are not U.S. persons are generally exempt from backup withholding, although they may be required to comply with certification and identification procedures in order to prove their exemption.
Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from a payment to a holder will be refunded or credited against the holders U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, provided that amount withheld is claimed as federal taxes withheld on the holders U.S. federal income tax return relating to the year in which the backup withholding occurred. A holder who is not otherwise required to file a U.S. income tax return must generally file a claim for refund or, in the case of non-U.S. holders, an income tax return in order to claim refunds of withheld amounts.
British Virgin Islands Taxation
Under the International Business Companies Act of the British Virgin Islands as currently in effect, a holder of common stock who is not a resident of BVI is exempt from BVI income tax on dividends paid with respect to the common stock and all holders of common stock are not liable for BVI income tax on gains realized during that year on sale or disposal of such shares; BVI does not impose a withholding tax on dividends paid by a company incorporated under the International Business Companies Act.
There are no capital gains, gift or inheritance taxes levied by BVI on companies incorporated under the International Business Companies Act. In addition, the common stock is not subject to transfer taxes, stamp duties or similar charges.
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There is no income tax treaty or convention currently in effect between the United States and the British Virgin Islands.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
If the underwriter and any other soliciting broker-dealer solicit warrant exercises and have not been granted an exemption by the SEC, they will be prohibited from engaging in any market-making activities with respect to our securities for either two or nine business days, depending on the market price of the common stock, prior to any solicitation activity for the exercise of warrants until the later of the termination of such solicitation activity or the termination of any right to receive a fee for the exercise of warrants following such solicitation. As a result, the underwriter or any other soliciting broker-dealer may be unable to provide a market for our securities, should they desire to do so, during certain periods while the warrants are exercisable.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters have been passed upon for us as to U.S. law by Andrew N. Bernstein, P.C., Greenwood Village, Colorado. Andrew N. Bernstein, Esq., the sole shareholder of Andrew N. Bernstein, P.C., owns options to acquire 100,000 shares of our common stock at $2.00 per share at any time until April 30, 2008. The validity of our shares of common stock and our warrants offered by this prospectus and certain other legal matters have been passed on for us by Harney Westwood & Riegels as to British Virgin Islands law.
EXPERTS
Our audited consolidated financial statements as of April 30, 2001 and 2002 and December 31, 2002 and for each of the two years ended April 30, 2002 and the eight months ended December 31, 2002 included in this prospectus have been audited by Moores Rowland, Hong Kong, independent auditors, as indicated in their report with respect thereto, and are included in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a registration statement on Form F-1 under the Securities Act covering the warrants, the underwriter warrants and the underlying shares of common stock being offered. This prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the registration statement, as permitted by the rules and regulations of the Commission.
We are subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act as they apply to a foreign private issuer and are required to file reports and other information with the Commission. As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt under the Exchange Act from, among other things, the rules prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements and annual reports to shareholders, and our officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit recovery provisions set forth in Section 16 of the Exchange Act. In addition, we are not required under the Exchange Act to file periodic reports and financial statements with the Commission as frequently or as promptly as United States companies whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act.
Any reports we file, including the registration statement, including all exhibits, may be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 and at the regional offices of the Commission located at the Woolworth Building at 233 Broadway, New York, New York 10279 and Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60601 upon payment of prescribed rates.
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LJ INTERNATIONAL INC.
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page | ||||
Report of Independent Auditors |
F-2 | |||
Consolidated statements of operations for each of the years in the three-year period ended
April 30, 2002 and for each of the periods in the eight-month period ended
December 31, 2001 (unaudited) and 2002 |
F-3 | |||
Consolidated balance sheets as of April 30, 2001, April 30, 2002 and December 31, 2002 |
F-4 | |||
Consolidated statements of shareholders equity for each of the years in the three-year period
ended April 30, 2002 and for the eight-month period ended December 31, 2002 |
F-5 | |||
Consolidated statements of cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended
April 30, 2002 and for each of the periods in the eight-month period ended
December 31, 2001 (unaudited) and 2002 |
F-6 | |||
Notes to and forming part of the financial statements |
F-7 -- F-38 |
F-1
Report of Independent Auditors
To The Shareholders and The Board of Directors of
LJ International Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of LJ International Inc. and its subsidiaries as of April 30, 2001, April 30, 2002 and December 31, 2002 and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended April 30, 2002 and for the eight-month period ended December 31, 2002. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. 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 the management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statements presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of LJ International Inc. and its subsidiaries as of April 30, 2001, April 30, 2002 and December 31, 2002 and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended April 30, 2002 and for the eight-month period ended December 31, 2002, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.
As discussed in note 2(e) to the financial statements, the Group has changed its accounting policy for sales returns from the period beginning May 1, 2002.
Moores Rowland
Chartered Accountants
Certified Public Accountants, Hong Kong
Dated: May 15, 2003
F-2
LJ INTERNATIONAL INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
8 Months ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Year ended April 30, | December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Notes | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2001 | 2002 | |||||||||||||||||||||
US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating revenue |
2 | (d) | 38,926 | 46,285 | 39,240 | 25,042 | 31,809 | |||||||||||||||||||
Costs of goods sold |
(24,030 | ) | (29,575 | ) | (33,283 | ) | (16,908 | ) | (21,531 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Gross profit |
14,896 | 16,710 | 5,957 | 8,134 | 10,278 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
(8,872 | ) | (11,363 | ) | (11,411 | ) | (7,599 | ) | (7,722 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Unrealized gain (loss) on gold loan |
44 | 44 | (660 | ) | (119 | ) | (435 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation |
(705 | ) | (808 | ) | (1,031 | ) | (565 | ) | (863 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Impairment on property, plant and equipment |
| | (345 | ) | | (108 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Amortization and impairment loss on
goodwill |
| (27 | ) | (242 | ) | (18 | ) | (400 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
5,363 | 4,556 | (7,732 | ) | (167 | ) | 750 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other revenue and expense |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other revenues |
2 | (d) | 458 | 570 | 352 | 265 | 205 | |||||||||||||||||||
Interest expenses |
(1,446 | ) | (1,780 | ) | (652 | ) | (424 | ) | (441 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Issuance costs for convertible debentures |
(585 | ) | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||
Impairment loss on investment securities |
| | | | (200 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes and minority
interests |
3,790 | 3,346 | (8,032 | ) | (326 | ) | 314 | |||||||||||||||||||
Income taxes credit (expense) |
11 | (3 | ) | (211 | ) | 101 | (39 | ) | (101 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Income (Loss) before minority interests |
3,787 | 3,135 | (7,931 | ) | (365 | ) | 213 | |||||||||||||||||||
Minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries |
52 | | 30 | | 120 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
3,839 | 3,135 | (7,901 | ) | (365 | ) | 333 | |||||||||||||||||||
Numerator: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) used in computing basic
earnings (loss) per share |
3,839 | 3,135 | (7,901 | ) | (365 | ) | 333 | |||||||||||||||||||
Interest on 3% convertible debentures |
32 | 16 | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted net income (loss) used in computing
diluted earnings (loss) per share |
3,871 | 3,151 | (7,901 | ) | (365 | ) | 333 | |||||||||||||||||||
Denominator: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted average number of shares used in
calculating basic earnings (loss) per share |
6,589,415 | 8,567,366 | 8,671,615 | 8,671,615 | 8,492,851 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3% convertible debentures |
337,239 | 48,753 | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Warrants |
17,986 | | 7 | 11 | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Stock options |
| 731 | 106,759 | 160,138 | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted average number of shares used in
calculating diluted earnings (loss) per
share |
6,944,640 | 8,616,850 | 8,778,381 | 8,831,764 | 8,492,851 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Earnings (loss) per share: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic |
2 | (h) | 0.58 | 0.37 | (0.91 | ) | (0.04 | ) | 0.04 | |||||||||||||||||
Diluted |
2 | (h) | 0.56 | 0.37 | (0.91 | ) | (0.04 | ) | 0.04 | |||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-3
LJ INTERNATIONAL INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
As of | As of | As of | |||||||||||||||
April 30, | April 30, | December 31, | |||||||||||||||
Notes | 2001 | 2002 | 2002 | ||||||||||||||
US$ | US$ | US$ | |||||||||||||||
ASSETS |
|||||||||||||||||
Current asset |
|||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
1,706 | 722 | 997 | ||||||||||||||
Restricted cash |
5,315 | 5,643 | 6,358 | ||||||||||||||
Trade receivables, net of allowance
for doubtful accounts (April 30, 2001: US$204; April 30, 2002: US$225;
December 31, 2002: US$280) |
6,264 | 8,013 | 8,159 | ||||||||||||||
Inventories |
5 | 20,822 | 15,802 | 17,932 | |||||||||||||
Prepayments and other current assets |
1,898 | 1,203 | 1,233 | ||||||||||||||
Total current assets |
36,005 | 31,383 | 34,679 | ||||||||||||||
Properties held for lease, net |
6 | 1,671 | 1,616 | 1,561 | |||||||||||||
Property, plant and equipment, net |
7 | 4,707 | 4,635 | 5,153 | |||||||||||||
Due from related parties |
16 | (b) | 1,390 | 521 | 511 | ||||||||||||
Goodwill, net |
8 | 242 | 2,121 | 1,721 | |||||||||||||
Investment securities, net |
9 | 3,285 | 2,685 | 2,460 | |||||||||||||
Total assets |
47,300 | 42,961 | 46,085 | ||||||||||||||
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY |
|||||||||||||||||
Current liabilities |
|||||||||||||||||
Bank overdrafts |
10 | 3,262 | 2,607 | 3,107 | |||||||||||||
Notes payable, current portion |
10 | 490 | 282 | 1,073 | |||||||||||||
Letters of credit, gold and other loans |
10 | 5,496 | 11,343 | 10,195 | |||||||||||||
Trade payables |
3,297 | 3,310 | 6,620 | ||||||||||||||
Accrued expenses and other payables |
2,742 | 1,723 | 1,719 | ||||||||||||||
Due to a director |
16 | (b) | 248 | | | ||||||||||||
Income taxes payable |
11 | 317 | 3 | 69 | |||||||||||||
Total current liabilities |
15,852 | 19,268 | 22,783 | ||||||||||||||
Notes payable, non-current portion |
10 | 283 | | | |||||||||||||
Other payables, non-current |
4 | 8 | | ||||||||||||||
Total liabilities |
16,139 | 19,276 | 22,783 | ||||||||||||||
Minority interest |
| 128 | 8 | ||||||||||||||
Commitments and contingencies |
12 | ||||||||||||||||
Shareholders equity |
|||||||||||||||||
Common stocks, par value US$0.01 each, Authorized - 100 million shares, Issued - 8,671,615 shares as of April 30, 2001, April 30, 2002 and December 31, 2002 |
13 | 87 | 87 | 87 | |||||||||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
17,167 | 17,464 | 17,410 | ||||||||||||||
Treasury stock |
13 | (f) | | | (391 | ) | |||||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
| | (151 | ) | |||||||||||||
Retained earnings |
13,907 | 6,006 | 6,339 | ||||||||||||||
Total shareholders equity |
31,161 | 23,557 | 23,294 | ||||||||||||||
Total liabilities and shareholders equity |
47,300 | 42,961 | 46,085 | ||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-4
LJ INTERNATIONAL INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
Common stock | Treasury stock | Accumulated | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Additional | other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number | Par | Paid-in | Number | comprehensive | Retained | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Notes | of shares | value | Capital | of shares | Cost | loss | earnings | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of May 1, 1999 |
6,365,646 | 64 | 8,698 | | | | 6,933 | 15,695 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income: |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income |
| | | | | | 3,839 | 3,839 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued on conversion
of convertible debentures |
13 | (e) | 1,072,412 | 11 | 3,512 | | | | | 3,523 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense arising on
beneficial conversion
features of convertible
debentures |
2 | (t) | | | 1,553 | | | | | 1,553 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Discount on convertible
debentures |
| | 69 | | | | | 69 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Compensation costs for
stock-based transactions |
15 | (b) | | | 60 | | | | | 60 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of April 30, 2000 |
7,438,058 | 75 | 13,892 | | | | 10,772 | 24,739 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income: |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income |
| | | | | | 3,135 | 3,135 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued on conversion
of convertible debentures |
13 | (e) | 1,233,557 | 12 | 3,004 | | | | | 3,016 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense arising on
beneficial conversion
features of convertible
debentures |
2 | (t) | | | 5 | | | | | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Compensation costs for
stock-based transactions |
15 | (b) | | | 266 | | | | | 266 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of April 30, 2001 |
8,671,615 | 87 | 17,167 | | 13,907 | 31,161 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive loss: |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss |
| | | | | | (7,901 | ) | (7,901 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Compensation costs for
stock-based transactions |
15 | (b) | | | 297 | | | | | 297 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of April 30, 2002 |
8,671,615 | 87 | 17,464 | | | | 6,006 | 23,557 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income: |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income |
| | | | | | 333 | 333 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Translation adjustment |
| | | | | (151 | ) | | (151 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income |
182 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reversal of cancelled warrants |
| | (54 | ) | | | | | (54 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase of treasury stock |
| | | 318,200 | (391 | ) | | | (391 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of December 31,
2002 |
8,671,615 | 87 | 17,410 | 318,200 | (391 | ) | (151 | ) | 6,339 | 23,294 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-5
LJ INTERNATIONAL INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
8 Months ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Year ended April 30, | December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2001 | 2002 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Note | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | |||||||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
3,839 | 3,135 | (7,901 | ) | (365 | ) | 333 | |||||||||||||||||||
Adjustments to reconcile income (loss) to net cash
provided by (used in) operating activities: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment |
705 | 808 | 1,031 | 565 | 863 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Impairment loss on property, plant and equipment |
| | 345 | | 108 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of organization costs |
51 | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization and impairment loss on goodwill |
| 27 | 242 | 18 | 400 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Impairment loss on investment securities |
| | | | 200 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized (gain) loss on gold loan |
(44 | ) | (44 | ) | 660 | 119 | 594 | |||||||||||||||||||
Issuance costs for convertible debentures |
585 | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Loss on disposal and write-off of property, plant
and equipment |
3 | 10 | 214 | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for doubtful debts |
75 | (119 | ) | 82 | | 61 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Write-down of inventories |
| | 5,710 | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Minority interests |
(52 | ) | | (30 | ) | | (120 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense arising on beneficial conversion
features of convertible debentures |
684 | 874 | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of financial consulting fee paid to the
representative in the public offering |
36 | 18 | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Costs associated with stock-based transactions |
60 | 266 | 297 | 147 | (54 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of discount on convertible debentures |
31 | 38 | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Trade receivables |
(1,177 | ) | (622 | ) | (1,801 | ) | 760 | (207 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Inventories |
(7,090 | ) | (1,619 | ) | (647 | ) | (2,194 | ) | (2,130 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Prepayments and other current assets |
(696 | ) | 905 | 830 | (1,282 | ) | (30 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Due from related parties |
(85 | ) | (950 | ) | | (1,352 | ) | 10 | ||||||||||||||||||
Due from director |
4 | | | (62 | ) | | ||||||||||||||||||||
Trade payables |
808 | (196 | ) | (120 | ) | 198 | 3,310 | |||||||||||||||||||
Accrued expenses and other payables |
1,788 | 378 | (1,101 | ) | (837 | ) | 19 | |||||||||||||||||||
Due to a director |
2 | 246 | (247 | ) | (248 | ) | | |||||||||||||||||||
Letters of credit |
(1,068 | ) | 293 | 1,997 | 3,917 | 110 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Income tax payable |
(8 | ) | 259 | (314 | ) | (171 | ) | 66 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |
(1,549 | ) | 3,707 | (753 | ) | (787 | ) | 3,533 | ||||||||||||||||||
Cash flows from investing activities: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change in restricted cash |
(1,399 | ) | (1,952 | ) | (328 | ) | (30 | ) | (715 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Advance to related parties |
| | (5,442 | ) | | | ||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase of investment securities |
| (3,284 | ) | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase of property, plant and equipment |
(450 | ) | (832 | ) | (420 | ) | (355 | ) | (1,556 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Purchase of subsidiary |
3 | (237 | ) | | (2,381 | ) | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Proceeds on disposals of property, plant and equipment |
19 | 10 | 12 | 1 | 64 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Repayment from related parties |
| | 6,311 | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(2,067 | ) | (6,058 | ) | (2,248 | ) | (384 | ) | (2,207 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Cash flows from financing activities: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change in bank overdrafts |
(272 | ) | 2,441 | (655 | ) | (949 | ) | 500 | ||||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from issue of 3% convertible debentures |
6,500 | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance costs on 3% convertible debentures |
(585 | ) | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||
Loans acquired |
1,177 | 564 | 3,190 | 1,476 | 1,695 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Repayment of loans |
(1,675 | ) | (538 | ) | (490 | ) | (326 | ) | (2,756 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Repayment of other payables |
(72 | ) | (77 | ) | (28 | ) | (16 | ) | (31 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Purchase of treasury stock |
| | | | (391 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
5,073 | 2,390 | 2,017 | 185 | (983 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Effect of foreign exchange rate change |
| | | | (68 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
1,457 | 39 | (984 | ) | (986 | ) | 275 | |||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, as of beginning of period |
210 | 1,667 | 1,706 | 1,706 | 722 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, as of end of period |
1,667 | 1,706 | 722 | 720 | 997 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Supplemental disclosure information |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense |
708 | 861 | 638 | 424 | 424 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Income taxes paid (refunded) |
12 | (47 | ) | 212 | 210 | 31 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Non-cash transactions: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Conversion of convertible debentures |
13 | (e) | 3,523 | 3,016 | | | | |||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-6
LJ INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
1. | NATURE OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | |
LJ International Inc. (the Company) and its subsidiaries (collectively the Group) are principally involved in the design, manufacture, marketing and sale of precious and semi-precious gemstones jewelry as well as diamond jewelry. While the Company is based in Hong Kong, its manufacturing operations are in the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) and most of its sales are currently in the United States of America (US). The Group also owns certain commercial and residential properties located in Hong Kong, which are held primarily for investment purposes. | ||
During the year ended April 30, 1998, the Company merged with Lorenzo Jewelry Limited (Lorenzo). The Company was incorporated as a British Virgin Islands (BVI) company on January 30, 1997 and prior to the merger it had no significant operations, but had incurred certain organization and deferred offering costs. The merger had been accounted for as if it was a pooling of interest as there exists common ownership between the companies. The capital structure reflected in the financial statements is that of the Company, which is a holding company after the merger. | ||
The Company changed to a calendar-year basis of reporting financial results effective May 1, 2002. For comparative purposes, the reported consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the 2000, 2001 and 2002 annual periods are for the twelve months ended April 30. As a requirement of the change in fiscal year, the Company is reporting consolidated results of operations and cash flows for a special transition period for the eight months ended December 31, 2002 (audited) compared with the eight months ended December 31, 2001 (unaudited). The comparative consolidated balance sheets are as of April 30, 2001 and 2002. | ||
Effective May 1, 2002, the Company has determined that reporting currency is US dollar and local currency will continue to be the functional currency for the Companys foreign subsidiaries. The Company has also changed its basis of accounting and prepared its financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the US. These changes were adopted in order to assist the readers in better understanding the financial statements. The financial statements of periods prior to the change have been comprehensively recast as if the new reporting currency and the new basis of accounting had been in use for all periods presented. | ||
2. | SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
(a) | Basis of accounting | ||
The financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the US. The measurement basis used in the preparation of the financial statements is historical cost. | |||
(b) | Principles of consolidation | ||
The consolidated financial statements include the financial information of the Company and its subsidiaries. The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the year/period are consolidated from or to their effective dates of acquisition or disposal respectively. | |||
All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated on consolidation. |
F-7
LJ INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
2. | SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) |
(c) | Goodwill on consolidation | ||
Goodwill represents the excess of cost over fair value of acquired net assets. Prior to June 30, 2001, goodwill arising on acquisition of subsidiaries had been amortized on a straight-line basis over 10 years. Following the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, issued by the Financial Accounting Standard Board (FASB), goodwill is no longer amortized but subject to annual impairment tests. As part of an ongoing review of the valuation and amortization of goodwill, management assesses the carrying value of the Companys goodwill to determine if changes in facts and circumstances suggest that they may be impaired. If this review indicates that the goodwill is not recoverable, as determined by a discounted cash flow analysis over the remaining amortization period, the carrying value of the Groups goodwill would be reduced to its estimated fair value. | |||
(d) | Revenue recognition | ||
Revenue is recognized when it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Group and when the revenue and cost, if applicable, can be measured reliably. | |||
Operating revenue represents sale of goods at invoiced value to customers, net of returns and discounts, and are recognized when goods are delivered and title has passed to customers. | |||
Other revenue is recognized on the following basis: |
(i) | Interest income is accrued on a time proportion basis on the principal outstanding and at the interest rate applicable; and | ||
(ii) | Rental income from investment properties under operating leases is recognized in the period in which the properties are let out and on the straight-line basis over the lease terms. | ||
(e) | Sales return reserve | ||
In prior years, it was the policy of the Group not to allow sales returns, other than defective items, from its customers. Any defective items were generally notified or returned to the Company within one month after sales. During each period presented in the financial statements prior to April 30, 2002, the Group experienced an insignificant return rate in relation to the turnover and the net income. Accordingly, no reserve for sales returns had been made. During the current period, the Group has allowed sales returns and its sales generally include specified return policy for certain customers. The Group reserves for sales returns as a reduction of revenue at the time the operating revenue is recognized based on historical sales return experience. This change in accounting policy has no significant financial impact in prior years due to the reasons as aforesaid. Accordingly, the management of the Group considered it is not necessary to adopt this change in accounting policy retrospectively in previous years. | |||
(f) | Shipping and handling costs | ||
The shipping and handling costs are included in costs of goods sold. The amounts of revenue received for shipping and handling are included in operating revenue. |
F-8
LJ INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
2. | SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) |
(g) | Advertising costs | ||
Advertising, promotion and exhibition expenses are generally expensed when incurred. Advertising costs included in selling, general and administrative expenses were US$341, US$332, US$646, US$336 (unaudited) and US$413 for the years ended April 30, 2000, 2001 and 2002 and for the eight months ended December 31, 2001 and 2002 respectively. | |||
(h) | Earnings (loss) per share | ||
The calculation of basic earnings (loss) per share is based on net income (loss) for the year/period attributable to shareholders and on the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year/period. | |||
The calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share is based on net income for the year/period attributable to shareholders and on the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year/period, adjusted for the effects of all dilutive potential ordinary shares. The dilutive effect of convertible securities is reflected in diluted earnings (loss) per share by application of the if-converted method. The number of incremental shares included in the denominator in connection with the warrants and options is determined by computing year-to-date weighted average number of incremental shares included in each quarterly diluted earnings (loss) per share computation which is computed by using the average market prices during the three months included in the reporting period. | |||
(i) | Fair value of financial instruments | ||
The financial instruments used by the Group in the normal course of business, including cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, trade payables, notes payable and letter of credit, gold and other loans, have fair values which approximate their recorded value as the financial instruments are either short term in nature or carry interest rate that approximate market rates. | |||
(j) | Inventories | ||
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and market. Cost, which comprises all costs of purchase and, where applicable, costs of conversion and other costs that have been incurred in bringing the inventories to their present location and condition, is calculated using the first-in, first-out method. Estimated losses on inventories represent reserves for obsolescence, excess quantities, irregulars and slow moving inventory. The Group estimates the loss/write-down on the basis of its assessment of the inventorys net realizable value based upon current market conditions and historical experience. | |||
(k) | Properties held for lease | ||
Properties held for lease are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation, which is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Rental income from these properties is recorded on a monthly basis in accordance with the lease terms. |
F-9
LJ INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
2. | SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) |
(l) | Property, plant and equipment (PPE) and depreciation | ||
PPE are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment loss, and include expenditure that substantially increase the useful lives of existing assets. Maintenance and repairs are charged to current operations as incurred. Upon sale, retirement, or other disposition of these assets, the cost and related accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment loss are removed from the respective accounts, and any gain or loss is included in the consolidated statement of operations. | |||
Depreciation is provided by using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets at the following annual rates: |
Leasehold land and buildings | 2% or over the unexpired term of leases | ||
Furniture, fixtures and equipment | 20% to 50% | ||
Motor vehicles | 20% | ||
Plant and machinery | 10% | ||
Leasehold improvement | shorter of 10% or the unexpired term of leases |
(m) | Impairment of long-lived assets | ||
Long-lived assets are reviewed at least annually for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, impairment is measured at the difference between the carrying amount and fair value of the asset. Goodwill will not be allocated to long-lived assets, when tested for impairment. | |||
(n) | Investment securities | ||
Investment securities held for an identified long term purpose are stated at cost and subject to impairment review at each reporting date to reflect any diminution in their value, which is expected to be other than temporary. The amount of impairment is recognized as an expense in the period in which the decline occurs. | |||
(o) | Gold loans | ||
Gold loan balances are translated at the gold price prevailing at the close of business on the balance sheet date. Profits or losses arising on translation are dealt with in the consolidated statement of operations. | |||
(p) | Stock-based compensation | ||
The Company records compensation expense for stock-based employee compensation plans using the intrinsic value method in which compensation expense, if any, is measured as the excess of the market price of the stock over the exercise price of the award on the measurement date. |
F-10
LJ INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
2. | SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) |
(q) | Income taxes | ||
The Group accounts for income taxes under the liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. The Group provides a valuation allowance, if necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to their estimated realizable value. | |||
(r) | Comprehensive income | ||
SFAS No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income, requires the presentation of comprehensive income, in addition to the existing statements of operations. Comprehensive income is defined as the change in equity during a period from transactions and other events, excluding the changes resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. | |||
(s) | Foreign currencies | ||
The financial position and results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries are measured using local currency as the functional currency. Transactions in currencies other than the functional currency (foreign currencies) during the period are translated into the functional currency at the applicable rates of exchange prevailing at the time of transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into functional currency at applicable rates of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date. Exchange differences are recorded within the consolidated statement of operations. | |||
Upon consolidation, assets and liabilities of subsidiaries denominated in respective functional currencies are translated into US dollars at the exchange rate as of the balance sheet date. Revenues, costs and expenses denominated in respective functional currencies are translated into US dollars at the weighted average exchange rate for the period. The effects of foreign currencies translation adjustments are included as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). | |||
(t) | Discount on and beneficial conversion features of convertible debentures | ||
The proceeds from issuance of convertible debenture with detachable warrants are allocated between the warrant and the convertible debenture based on their fair values at time of issuance. The difference between the proceeds allocated to the debentures and the face value of the debenture is recorded as discount or premium. The discount or premium is amortized over the life of the debenture, using the interest method, to the consolidated statement of operations. During the year ended April 30, 2000, the Company recognized a sum US$69 as discount on convertible debentures. The amount of discount on convertible debentures amortized for the years ended April 30, 2000 and 2001 were US$31 and US$38 respectively. | |||
The embedded beneficial conversion feature associated with the issue of a convertible debt security is recognized and measured by an amount equal to the intrinsic value of that feature reflected as a discount from the convertible debentures with a corresponding credit to additional paid-in capital. That amount is calculated at the commitment date (i.e. issue date of the convertible debentures) as the difference between the conversion price and the fair value of the common stock into which the security is convertible, multiplied by the number of shares into which the security is convertible. The intrinsic value of the beneficial conversion feature is amortized to the consolidated statement of operations over the life of the convertible debentures. The beneficial conversion feature charged to income as interest expense amounted to US$684 and US$874 for the years ended April 30, 2000 and 2001 respectively. |
F-11
LJ INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
2. | SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) |
(u) | Treasury Stock | ||
The Company applies the cost method of accounting for treasury stock. The cost method requires the Company to record the cost of acquiring treasury stock as a deduction from the total capital. The treasury stock account is debited for the cost of the shares acquired and will be credited upon reissuance at cost on a first-in-first-out basis. If the treasury stock is reissued at a price in excess of acquisition cost, the excess will be credited to additional paid-in capital in excess of par value from treasury stock. If the treasury stock is reissued at less than acquisition cost, the deficiency will be treated first as a reduction of any capital in excess of par related to previous reissuances or retirements. If the balance in capital in excess of par value from treasury stock is insufficient to absorb the deficiency, the remainder is recorded as a reduction of retained earnings; however, the Company has not yet reissued any of its treasury stock. | |||
(v) | Cash equivalents | ||
The Group considers all short-term, highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. | |||
(w) | Uses of estimates | ||
The preparation of the Groups financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires the Companys management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in these financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual amounts could differ from those estimates. | |||
(x) | Related parties | ||
Parties are considered to be related if one party has the ability, directly or indirectly, to control the other party, or exercise significant influence over the other party in making financial and operating decisions. Parties are also considered to be related if they are subject to common control or common significant influence. | |||
(y) | Dividend | ||
The Directors of the Company have never declared or paid any cash dividends on the Companys capital stock and do not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. The ability to pay dividends depends upon receipt of dividends or other payments from subsidiaries and other holdings and investments. In addition, the operating subsidiaries from time to time may be subject to restrictions on their ability to make distributions to the Company, including as a result of restrictive covenants in loan agreements, restrictions on the conversion of local currency into US dollars or other currencies and other regulatory restrictions. Currently, none of the subsidiaries has such restriction during the periods presented except for the covenants as set out in note 10 to the financial statements. |
F-12
LJ INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
2. | SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) |
(z) | New accounting pronouncements | ||
In July 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities, which requires costs associated with exit or disposal activities to be recognized when the costs are incurred, rather than at a date of commitment to an exit or disposal plan. The provisions of SFAS 146 are effective for disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002. The adoption of SFAS No. 146 is not expected to have a material impact on the Groups financial statements. | |||
In October 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 147, Acquisitions of Certain Financial Institutions an amendment of FASB Statements No. 72 and 144 and FASB Interpretation which applies to all acquisitions of a financial institution except those between two or more mutual enterprises, which is being addressed in a separate project. The provisions of SFAS No. 147 are effective on October 1, 2002, and the Company believes that SFAS 147 will not have impact on the Groups financial statements. | |||
In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation Transition and Disclosure an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123. SFAS No. 148 amends SFAS No. 123 to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, this Statement amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. Companies having a year-end after December 15, 2002 are required to follow the prescribed format and provide the additional disclosures in their annual reports. SFAS No. 148 does not amend SFAS No. 123 to require companies to account for employee stock options using the fair value method. The Company adopted the disclosure provisions required in SFAS No. 148 and has provided the necessary disclosure in note 15. |
F-13
LJ INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
3. | ACQUISITIONS | |
On March 22, 2000, Lorenzo acquired the remaining shareholding (i.e. 40%) of Lorenzo Marketing Co. Limited (Lorenzo Marketing), presently known as Lorenzo Giftware Limited, for a consideration of US$237. | ||
During the year ended April 30, 2001, the Company acquired 12,000,000 common stocks (16.8% equity interest) of iBBC Inc., a company engaged in marketing jewelry from its display cases in retail shops, for the consideration of US$600. For further expansion through vertical integration and the development of distribution channel, the Company further acquired 49,200,000 common stocks (68.8% equity interest) of iBBC Inc. from entities controlled by a director for a consideration of US$2,460 on March 21, 2002. The objective of the acquisition was to acquire the know-how of interactive showcase as well as the established distribution retail network in the US and therefore increase shareholders value. As the goodwill was arisen from acquisition after June 30, 2001, the goodwill is subject to impairment review. | ||
Details of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired at the date of acquisition are as follows: |
Lorenzo | |||||||||
Marketing | iBBC Inc. | ||||||||
2000 | 2002 | ||||||||
US$ | US$ | ||||||||
Net assets acquired: |
|||||||||
Property, plant and equipment |
1 | 1,056 | |||||||
Trade receivables |
16 | 6 | |||||||
Inventories |
66 | 43 | |||||||
Other receivables |
| 160 | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
13 | 79 | |||||||
Trade payables |
(9 | ) | (133 | ) | |||||
Accrued expenses and other payables |
(167 | ) | (115 | ) | |||||
(80 | ) | 1,096 | |||||||
Interest attributable to the Group as of March 22, 2000 |
48 | | |||||||
Minority interests |
| (157 | ) | ||||||
Goodwill arising from acquisition |
269 | 2,121 | |||||||
Total purchase consideration |
237 | 3,060 | |||||||
Satisfied by cash paid in the financial year: |
|||||||||
2000 |
237 | | |||||||
2001 |
| 600 | |||||||
2002 |
| 2,460 | |||||||
237 | 3,060 | ||||||||
F-14
LJ INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
3. | ACQUISITIONS (Continued) | |
None of the amount of goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. | ||
The Companys consolidated results of operations have incorporated Lorenzo Marketings and iBBC Inc.s activities on a consolidated basis from the dates of acquisitions, which were March 22, 2000 and March 21, 2002 respectively. The following unaudited consolidated results of operations reflect pro forma the results of operations for each of the years in the three-year period ended April 30, 2002, as if the aforementioned acquisitions had occurred on May 1, 1999, and after giving effect to purchase accounting adjustments. The pro forma results have been prepared for comparative purposes only and do not purport to be indicative of what operating results would have been had the acquisitions actually taken place on May 1, 1999 and may not be indicative of future operating results. |
Year ended April 30, | ||||||||||||||
2000 | 2001 | 2002 | ||||||||||||
US$ | US$ | US$ | ||||||||||||
Pro forma: |
||||||||||||||
Operating revenue |
38,926 | 46,285 | 39,296 | |||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
3,787 | 2,264 | (9,900 | ) | ||||||||||
Earnings (loss) per share: |
||||||||||||||
Basic |
0.57 | 0.26 | (1.14 | ) | ||||||||||
Diluted |
0.55 | 0.26 | (1.14 | ) | ||||||||||
F-15
LJ INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
4. | OPERATING RISKS |
(a) | Concentrations of credit risks | ||
Details of major customers from which the Group derived operating revenue are shown in note 17(b). | |||
Credit risk represents the accounting loss that would be recognized at the reporting date if counterparties failed completely to perform as contracted. Concentrations of credit risk (whether on or off balance sheet) that arise from financial instruments exist for groups of customers or counterparties when there are similar economic characteristics that would cause their ability to meet contractual obligations to be similarly affected by changes in economic or other conditions. The major concentration of credit risk arises from the Groups receivables. Even though the Group does have major customers, it does not consider itself be exposed to significant credit risk with regards to collection of the related receivables. Historical losses have not been significant. | |||
(b) | Country risks | ||
The Group may also be exposed to certain risks as a result of its manufacturing operation being located in the PRC and its investment properties in Hong Kong which are not typically associated with companies operating in North America and Western Europe. These include risks associated with, among others, the political, economic and legal environments and foreign currency exchange. The Groups results may be adversely affected by changes in the political and social conditions in the PRC, and 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 Companys management does not believe these risks to be significant. There can be no assurance, however, that changes in political, social and other conditions will not result in any adverse impact. | |||
(c) | Cash and time deposits | ||
The Group maintains its cash balances and investments in time deposits with various banks and financial institutions. In common with local practice, such amounts are not insured or otherwise protected should the financial institutions be unable to meet their liabilities. There has been no history of credit losses. |
F-16
LJ INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
5. | INVENTORIES | |
Inventories consisted of the following: |
As of | As of | As of | ||||||||||
April 30, | April 30, | December 31, | ||||||||||
2001 | 2002 | 2002 | ||||||||||
US$ | US$ | US$ | ||||||||||
Raw materials |
15,709 | 10,691 | 12,892 | |||||||||
Work-in-progress |
1,576 | 533 | 341 | |||||||||
Finished goods |
3,692 | 4,578 | 4,699 | |||||||||
Less: Provision for
slow moving inventories |
(155 | ) | | | ||||||||
20,822 | 15,802 | 17,932 | ||||||||||
Included in the inventories as of April 30, 2002 above are certain gemstones (raw materials) and fine jewelry (finished goods) at a carrying value of US$6,762, which represent managements estimate of its net realizable value. Such inventories were intended to be used or reused exclusively for the production of fine jewelry, in particular to meet orders in relation to special programs in previous years. Because of uncertain economic conditions, the demand for fine jewelry has dropped dramatically in the year ended April 30, 2002 and is expected to remain that way in foreseeable future. As a result, gemstones built up which were intended to meet orders in relation to special programs were stated at net realizable value when the orders did not materialize. Slow moving fine jewelry inventories were stated at net realizable value based on forecasts for close-out sales in the ensuing years. The effect of such estimate has resulted in a write-down of inventories amounting to US$5,710 being recognized in costs of goods sold for the year ended April 30, 2002. The Group has adopted the same basis for the valuation of inventories in the current period. |
F-17
LJ INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
6. | PROPERTIES HELD FOR LEASE, NET | |
The Group owns leasehold land and buildings in Hong Kong and leases them out for lease terms of 1 to 3 years. Properties held for lease consists of the following: |
As of | As of | As of | ||||||||||
April 30, | April 30, | December 31, | ||||||||||
2001 | 2002 | 2002 | ||||||||||
US$ | US$ | US$ | ||||||||||
Leasehold land and buildings |
2,055 | 2,055 | 2,037 | |||||||||
Less: Accumulated depreciation |
(384 | ) | (439 | ) | (476 | ) | ||||||
1,671 | 1,616 | 1,561 | ||||||||||
The Group has pledged all leasehold land and buildings as collateral for general banking facilities granted to the Group as of April 30, 2001 and 2002 and December 31, 2002 (see note 10). | ||
The future aggregate minimum rental receivables under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows: |
As of | ||||
December 31, | ||||
2002 | ||||
US$ | ||||
Year ending December 31, |
||||
2003 |
111 | |||
2004 |
30 | |||
141 | ||||
F-18
LJ INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
7. | PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET | |
Property, plant and equipment consist of the following: |
As of | As of | As of | ||||||||||
April 30, | April 30, | December 31, | ||||||||||
2001 | 2002 | 2002 | ||||||||||
US$ | US$ | US$ | ||||||||||
Leasehold land and buildings |
953 | 953 | 1,665 | |||||||||
Leasehold improvement |
2,597 | 2,513 | 2,650 | |||||||||
Furniture, fixtures and equipment |
1,552 | 2,904 | 3,246 | |||||||||
Plant and machinery |
2,128 | 2,152 | 2,349 | |||||||||
Motor vehicles |
363 | 313 | 322 | |||||||||
7,593 | 8,835 | 10,232 | ||||||||||
Less: Accumulated depreciation and
impairment loss |
(2,886 | ) | (4,200 | ) | (5,079 | ) | ||||||
4,707 | 4,635 | 5,153 | ||||||||||
The Group pledged leasehold land and buildings with net book values of US$598, US$583 and US$898 as of April 30, 2001, April 30, 2002 and December 31, 2002 respectively as collateral for general banking facilities granted to the Group (see note 10). |
F-19
LJ INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
8. | GOODWILL, NET | |
Following the adoption of SFAS No. 142, the Group discontinued amortization of goodwill effective June 30, 2001. As of December 31, 2002, goodwill is attributed to the acquisition of a jewelry retail company in 2002 (see note 3). |
Year ended April 30, | 8 Months ended | |||||||||||
December 31, | ||||||||||||
2001 | 2002 | 2002 | ||||||||||
US$ | US$ | US$ | ||||||||||
Carrying value, beginning of year/period |
269 | 242 | 2,121 | |||||||||
Goodwill acquired |
| 2,121 | | |||||||||
Amortization |
(27 | ) | (27 | ) | | |||||||
Impairment loss |
| (215 | ) | (400 | ) | |||||||
Carrying value, end of year/ period |
242 | 2,121 | 1,721 | |||||||||
At the end of the period, the Group performed its annual impairment test of goodwill. The testing included the determination of each reporting units fair value using the market multiples and discount cash flow analysis. The Groups reduced earnings and cash flow forecast, primarily due to the prolonged downturn in the economy, uncertain demand, and competitive industry conditions, resulted in the Group determining that a goodwill impairment charge of US$400 was necessary. The accumulated amortization and impairment losses was US$27, US$269, US$45 (unaudited) and US$669 as of April 30, 2001, April 30, 2002, December 31, 2001, and December 31, 2002 respectively. |
F-20
LJ INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
9. | INVESTMENT SECURITIES, NET |
As of | As of | As of | ||||||||||
April 30, | April 30, | December 31, | ||||||||||
2001 | 2002 | 2002 | ||||||||||
US$ | US$ | US$ | ||||||||||
Equity securities at cost, unlisted |
3,285 | 2,685 | 2,660 | |||||||||
Less: Accumulated impairment loss |
| | (200 | ) | ||||||||
3,285 | 2,685 | 2,460 | ||||||||||
During the year ended April 30, 2001, the Company acquired 20% equity interests in a company whose principal activities are the manufacturing and trading of rough and pre-formed gemstones, and 16.8% equity interests in a jewelry retail company, of which the Group had no significant control and influence over their operating and financial policies. | ||
During the year ended April 30, 2002, the Company acquired further 68.8% equity interest in the jewelry retail company. The Groups ownership interest and control in this company rendered it become a subsidiary of the Company effective from March 21, 2002 (see note 3). | ||
The directors of the Company consider such acquisitions would enhance the Group by forward and backward vertical integration. | ||
No impairment loss was recognized for the years ended April 30, 2000, 2001 and 2002. The amount of impairment loss charged to the consolidated statement of operations for the eight months ended December 31, 2001 and 2002 was US$Nil (unaudited) and US$200 respectively. |
F-21
LJ INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
10. | BANKING FACILITIES AND OTHER LOANS |
As of | As of | As of | |||||||||||||||
April 30, | April 30, | December 31, | |||||||||||||||
2001 | 2002 | 2002 | |||||||||||||||
Note | US$ | US$ | US$ | ||||||||||||||
Bank overdrafts |
(a | ) | 3,262 | 2,607 | 3,107 | ||||||||||||
Notes payable: |
|||||||||||||||||
Current portion |
490 | 282 | 1,073 | ||||||||||||||
Non-current portion |
283 | | | ||||||||||||||
(b | ) | 773 | 282 | 1,073 | |||||||||||||
Letters of credit, gold loan: |
|||||||||||||||||
Letters of credit |
(a | ) | 3,649 | 5,646 | 5,756 | ||||||||||||
Gold loan |
(c | ) | 1,847 | 5,697 | 4,439 | ||||||||||||
5,496 | 11,343 | 10,195 | |||||||||||||||
The Groups banking facilities are collaterized by leasehold land and buildings (see notes 6 and 7), restricted cash deposits, factored receivables and personal guarantees of a director (see note 16(b)). | ||
The provisions of indenture relating to the banking facility agreements contain various covenants pertaining to (i) maintenance of the net worths of the Company and one of its subsidiaries amounting to US$16,000 and US$4,487 respectively; and (ii) cross-default provision of not more than US$10,000. In the event of default, the bank would at its discretion to cancel the facilities and demand immediate repayment of all principal, interest, fees and other amount outstanding. As of April 30, 2001, April 30, 2002 and December 31, 2002, both the Company and the subsidiary maintained the minimum net worth requirement, and the Group did not breach any cross-default provision. |
F-22
LJ INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
10. | BANKING FACILITIES AND OTHER LOANS (Continued) |
(a) | The Group had various letters of credit and overdrafts under banking facilities as follows: |
As of | As of | As of | ||||||||||
April 30, | April 30, | December 31, | ||||||||||
2001 | 2002 | 2002 | ||||||||||
US$ | US$ | US$ | ||||||||||
Facilities granted |
||||||||||||
Letters of credit |
11,125 | 11,643 | 8,718 | |||||||||
Overdrafts |
6,274 | 3,532 | 3,244 | |||||||||
Utilized |
||||||||||||
Letters of credit |
3,649 | 5,646 | 5,756 | |||||||||
Overdrafts |
3,262 | 2,607 | 3,107 | |||||||||
Unutilized facilities |
||||||||||||
Letters of credit |
7,476 | 5,997 | 2,962 | |||||||||
Overdrafts |
3,012 | 925 | 137 | |||||||||
The bank overdrafts are denominated in Hong Kong dollars, bear interest at the floating commercial bank lending rates in Hong Kong, which ranged from 5% to 6% per annum as of December 31, 2002 (April 30, 2001: 7.0% to 7.5%; April 30, 2002: 5.1% to 6.1%) and are renewable annually with the consent of the relevant banks. | |||
Under the banking facilities arrangements, the Group is required to maintain certain cash balances based on the amount of facilities granted. These balances are reflected as restricted cash in the balance sheet. |
F-23
LJ INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
10. | BANKING FACILITIES AND OTHER LOANS (Continued) |
(b) | The Group also had term loans classified under notes payable which are related to the Groups leasehold land and buildings. These loans aggregated to US$773, US$282 and US$1,073 as of April 30, 2001, April 30, 2002 and December 31, 2002 respectively. Interest charges on these loans range from 4.9% to 6.3% per annum as of December 31, 2002 (April 30, 2001: 9% to 9.5%; April 30, 2002: 7.5% to 9.5%). | ||
Expected maturities of notes payable are as follows: |
As of | As of | As of | ||||||||||
April 30, | April 30, | December 31, | ||||||||||
2001 | 2002 | 2002 | ||||||||||
US$ | US$ | US$ | ||||||||||
Year ending |
||||||||||||
April 30, 2002 |
490 | | | |||||||||
April 30, 2003 |
283 | 282 | | |||||||||
December 31, 2003 |
| | 1,073 | |||||||||
773 | 282 | 1,073 | ||||||||||
(c) | The Group had outstanding loans to purchase 6.95 oz, 18.45 oz and 12.95 oz of gold as of April 30, 2001, April 30, 2002 and December 31, 2002 with the related balances being US$1,847, US$5,697 and US$4,439 respectively. These loans are due within the following year, however, have been historically renewed. These loans bear interest at 1.5% to 2.4% per annum as of December 31, 2002 (April 30, 2001: 2% to 2.9%; April 30, 2002: 1.7% to 3.4%) and can be repaid in cash at the current exchange rate of gold any time prior to maturity. The Group adjusts the outstanding loan balance to the current market rate of gold as of the balance sheet date. Due to changing prices of gold, this adjustment has resulted in additional income of US$44, loss of US$660, loss of US$119 (unaudited) and loss of US$435 for the years ended April 30, 2001 and 2002 and for the eight months ended December 31, 2001 and 2002 respectively. As the Group does not hedge for changes in the future price of gold, the Group is exposed to certain market risks, which may result from potential future increases in the price of gold. |
F-24
LJ INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
11. | INCOME TAXES | |
The Group is subject to income taxes on an entity basis on income arising in or derived from the tax jurisdiction in which it is domiciled and operated. Income tax credit (expense) is comprised of the following: |
8 Months ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Year ended April 30, | December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2001 | 2002 | |||||||||||||||||||
US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | |||||||||||||||||||
Current taxes arising in foreign
subsidiaries: |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
For the year/period |
(156 | ) | (238 | ) | (2 | ) | (39 | ) | (101 | ) | |||||||||||||
Over provision in prior years |
153 | 27 | 103 | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Income tax credit (expense) |
(3 | ) | (211 | ) | 101 | (39 | ) | (101 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Reconciliation to the expected statutory tax rate in Hong Kong of 16% (2000: 16%; 2001: 16% and 2002: 16%) is as follows: |
8 Months ended | ||||||||||||||||||||
Year ended April 30, | December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2001 | 2002 | ||||||||||||||||
% | % | % | % | % | ||||||||||||||||
Statutory rate |
16.0 | 16.0 | (16.0 | ) | (16.0 | ) | 16.0 | |||||||||||||
Tax effect of net operating losses |
5.1 | 6.1 | 6.7 | 84.6 | 106.2 | |||||||||||||||
Non taxable PRC profits, net |
(16.3 | ) | (17.7 | ) | | (77.7 | ) | (147.9 | ) | |||||||||||
Impairment of goodwill and
investment securities |
| | | | 30.6 | |||||||||||||||
Others |
(4.7 | ) | 1.9 | 8.0 | (2.8 | ) | 27.4 | |||||||||||||
Effective rate |
0.1 | 6.3 | (1.3 | ) | (11.9 | ) | 32.3 | |||||||||||||
The Group deferred tax assets are as follows:
As of | As of | As of | ||||||||||
April 30, | April 30, | December 31, | ||||||||||
2001 | 2002 | 2002 | ||||||||||
US$ | US$ | US$ | ||||||||||
Operating losses carry forward |
54 | 1,128 | 1,868 | |||||||||
Valuation allowance |
(54 | ) | (1,128 | ) | (1,868 | ) | ||||||
| | | ||||||||||
F-25
LJ INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
12. | COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES |
(a) | Commitments | ||
The Group leases certain of its office and factory premises under various operating leases. Rent expenses under these leases totalled approximately US$486, US$552, US$599, US$391 (unaudited) and US$430 for the years ended April 30, 2000, 2001 and 2002 and for the eight months ended December 31, 2001 and 2002 respectively. Future minimum rental payments under non-cancelable operating leases are approximately as follows: |
As of | ||||
December, 31 | ||||
2002 | ||||
US$ | ||||
Year ending December 31, |
||||
2003 |
421 | |||
2004 |
193 | |||
2005 |
128 | |||
2006 |
83 | |||
2007 |
46 | |||
Thereafter |
| |||
871 | ||||
As of April 30, 2001, April 30, 2002 and December 31, 2002, the Group had capital expenditure commitments contracted but not provided for net of deposit paid amounting to US$212, US$Nil and US$57 respectively. | |||
(b) | Contingencies | ||
As of April 30, 2001, April 30, 2002 and December 31, 2002, the Group had contingent liabilities in respect of bills discounted with recourse amounting to US$43, US$562 and US$2,803 respectively. | |||
As of April 30, 2001, April 30, 2002 and December 31, 2002, the Group provided guarantee in respect of a loan facility granted to two companies, to the extent of US$Nil, US$1,294 and US$1,282 plus the related interests respectively. The guarantee was subsequently released in April 2003. | |||
As of April 30, 2001, April 30, 2002 and December 31, 2002, the Group provided guarantee in respect of bank mortgage loans granted to a director, Yih Yu Chuan to the extent of US$925, US$672 and US$437 respectively. | |||
In July 2002, two former employees of a subsidiary filed a complaint in court against the same subsidiary, the Company and two directors of the Company for fraud and breach of employment contracts. Two individuals, in total, seek a minimum of US$400 in severance payments, together with interest and damage costs. The Group believes the claim is without merit and intends to vigorously defend itself. The outcome of this matter is still uncertain and a range of loss cannot be reasonably estimated. |
F-26
LJ INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
13. | COMMON STOCK, WARRANTS AND CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES |
(a) | As of April 15, 1998, the Company issued 1,460,000 shares of common stock to the public in the Initial Public Offering and had raised US$6,734. | ||
The merger with the Deen Technology, Corp (Deen), which was committed to in December 1996 was completed by the issue of 142,946 shares of its common stock at nil consideration on October 6, 1997, with the Company being the legal surviving entity. Deen had no significant assets or liabilities, but did have a large number of U.S. shareholders. | |||
As agreed with the US$783 promissory note holders in respect of the bridge loan financing before the Initial Public Offering, the Company issued 156,500 shares of common stock to note holders on the effective date of the Initial Public Offering, without any additional consideration. | |||
(b) | In the Initial Public Offering, the Company has issued 1,679,000 warrants (including 219,000 over-allotment warrants). Each warrant entitles the holders to purchase one share of common stock at a price of US$5.75 per share for a period of five years from the effective date of the offering. The Company has received all proceeds from the issue totalling US$210 and was recorded in the Companys additional paid-in capital. On December 5, 2002, the Company announced a two-year extension for these 1,679,000 warrants to April 15, 2005. | ||
(c) | In addition to note 13(b) above, the representative of the Initial Public Offering received warrants to purchase 146,000 shares of common stock at US$8.25 per share and options to purchase 146,000 warrants, each of which also entitles the holder to purchase one share of common stock at US$8.25 per share, at US$0.20625 per warrant. The warrants are exercisable from April 15, 1998 and have been extended by two years to April 15, 2005. The options are exercisable from April 15, 1998 and expired on April 15, 2003. | ||
(d) | During the year ended April 30, 1999, 219,000 additional shares were issued to cover the over-allotment for the initial public offering completed in April 1998. | ||
(e) | On October 29, 1999, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with an accredited investor pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue and the investor agreed to purchase up to US$10,500 of 3% Convertible Debentures, as well as common stock purchase warrants. The Debenture is convertible into the shares of the Companys common stock, with an exercise price at the lesser of Fixed Conversion Price or the Variable Conversion Price. The Fixed Conversion Price is the greater of US$5.00 per share or 125% of the average closing bid price of the common stock for the 15 trading days ending on the trading day immediately before the respective Closing Dates. The Variable Conversion Price represents 92% of the average of the two lowest closing bid prices of the common stock during the 20 trading days immediately prior to conversion. |
F-27
LJ INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
13. | COMMON STOCK, WARRANTS AND CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES (Continued) |
(e) | (Continued) | ||
On November 5, 1999, the Company issued the first tranche of US$3,000 of 3% Convertible Debentures with the date of maturity on November 5, 2002; and Warrants for the Convertible Debenture holder to purchase 45,000 shares of the Companys common stock at an exercise price of US$3.75 per share with an expiration date of November 30, 2004. In addition, Warrants to purchase 30,000 shares of the Companys common stock were issued to the placement agent as partial compensation for its services, with the same terms as the detachable warrants. | |||
On March 22, 2000, the Company issued the second tranche of US$3,500 of 3% Convertible Debentures with the date of maturity on March 22, 2003; and Warrants for the Convertible Debenture holder to purchase 52,500 shares of the Companys common stock at an exercise price of US$6.94 per share with an expiration date of March 31, 2005. In addition, Warrants to purchase 35,000 shares of the Companys common stock were issued to the placement agent as partial compensation for its services, with the same terms as the detachable warrants. | |||
During the year ended April 30, 2000, all the first tranche of US$3,000 and US$500 out of the US$3,500 second tranche Convertible Debentures and related interest amounting to US$23 up to the dates of conversion, were exercised, and 1,072,412 shares of common stock were issued in this respect. The remaining second tranche of Convertible Debentures of US$3,000 and the accrued interest thereof amounting to US$16 were converted into 1,233,557 shares of common stock during the year ended April 30, 2001. | |||
(f) | During the eight months ended December 31, 2002, the Company repurchased, through open market purchases, 318,200 shares of common stock of the Company at an aggregate consideration of US$391. |
No other share of common stock was issued during the years ended April 30, 2000, 2001 and 2002 and the eight months ended December 31, 2002. The Company had 8,671,615 shares of common stock issued as of April 30, 2001, April 30, 2002 and December 31, 2002. |
F-28
LJ INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
14. | EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS | |
Prior to December 1, 2000, the Group operated a defined contribution retirement plan (Retirement Plan) which is optional for all qualified employees in Hong Kong. The assets of the Retirement Plan are held separately from those of the Group in a provident fund managed by an independent trustee. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable to the fund by the Group at rates specified in the rules of the Retirement Plan. Where employees leave the Retirement Plan prior to vesting fully in the contributions, the contributions payable by the Group are reduced by the amount of forfeited contributions. | ||
Following the introduction of the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) legislation in Hong Kong, the Group has participated in the defined contribution mandatory provident fund since December 1, 2000. Both the Group and its employees in Hong Kong make monthly contributions to the fund at 5% of the employees earnings as defined under Mandatory Provident Fund legislation. The contribution of the Group and the employees are subject to a cap of US$0.128 per month and thereafter contributions are voluntary. When employees leave the MPF scheme prior to vesting fully in voluntary contributions, the contributions payable by the Group are reduced by the amount of forfeited contributions. | ||
The amounts of forfeitures in respect of Retirement Plan and MPF scheme for the years ended April 30, 2000, 2001 and 2002, and for the eight months ended December 31, 2001 and 2002 were US$29, US$2, US$46, US$31 (unaudited) and US$17 respectively which was available to reduce the Groups employer contribution payable in future periods. | ||
As stipulated by the rules and regulations in the PRC, the PRC subsidiaries are required to contribute to a state-sponsored social insurance plan for all of its employees at rates ranging from 12% to 21% of the basic salary of its employees. The state-sponsored retirement plan was responsible for the entire pension obligations for the actual pension payments or post-retirement benefits beyond the annual contributions. | ||
The Group has adopted Profit Sharing Plan and Trust (Profit Sharing Plan) for the benefit of substantially all employees in the US that satisfied the age and service requirements. The Groups contributions are determined according to a discretionary formula in an amount determined each year by the management and will be allocated to each Qualifying Participants Individual account using the pro rata formula. No profit sharing expense made during all financial periods since its adoption. | ||
Contributions paid and payable by the Group in respect of the employee retirement benefit plans charged to the consolidated statement of operations were US$182, US$377, US$481, US$311 (unaudited) and US$290 for the years ended April 30, 2000, 2001 and 2002 and for the eight months ended December 31, 2001 and 2002 respectively. |
F-29
LJ INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
15. | STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION |
(a) | Stock incentive plan | ||
On June 1, 1998, the Company adopted a stock option plan (The 1998 Plan) which was approved by the shareholders on December 9, 1998. The 1998 Plan allows the Board of Directors, or a committee thereof at the Boards discretion, to provide for a total of 2,000,000 stock options to officers, directors, key employees and advisors of the Company or its subsidiaries. Out of the stock options provided, 1,285,000 stock options were issued in accordance with the terms of the 1998 Plan on April 12, 1999 to certain officers, directors, key employees and advisors of the Group at an exercise price of US$5.0 per share (the fair market value of the common stock as of April 12, 1999) and are exercisable during the period from April 12, 1999 to April 11, 2009. | |||
Pursuant to the 1999 Annual Meeting of the Shareholders on December 15, 1999, the authorized number of stock options was increased from 2,000,000 to 4,000,000. The purchase price of the shares of the Common Stock covered by the 1998 Plan shall be at least 100% of the fair market value per share of such shares on the date of grant, with a term of ten years. | |||
The 1998 Plan option activities and related information are summarized as follows: |
As of April 30, | As of December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2002 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted | Weighted | Weighted | Weighted | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
average | average | average | average | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
exercise | exercise | exercise | exercise | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Options | price | Options | price | Options | Price | Options | price | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Outstanding, beginning of
year/period |
1,285,000 | 5.00 | 1,550,000 | 5.00 | 3,376,000 | 2.00 | 2,918,000 | 2.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Granted |
265,000 | 5.00 | 5,226,000 | 2.35 | | | 300,000 | 2.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cancelled |
| | (3,400,000 | ) | 3.91 | (458,000 | ) | 2.00 | (192,500 | ) | 2.00 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Outstanding, end of
year/period |
1,550,000 | 5.00 | 3,376,000 | 2.00 | 2,918,000 | 2.00 | 3,025,500 | 2.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exercisable, end of
year/period |
1,550,000 | 5.00 | 3,376,000 | 2.00 | 2,918,000 | 2.00 | 2,913,000 | 2.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted average
remaining contractual
life |
9.13 years | 7.06 years | 6.06 years | 5.33 years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All options granted, other than 112,500 options granted during the period ended December 31, 2002, were immediately exercisable. The 112,500 options only vest in additional increments of 37,500 options upon each of September 1, 2003, 2004 and 2005. |
F-30
LJ INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
15. | STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued) |
(a) | Stock incentive plan (Continued) | ||
As the exercise price of the Companys incentive stock options is same as or higher than the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant, pursuant to APB No. 25, no compensation expense has been recognized for stock options granted to employees for each of the periods presented. Had compensation expense for the same stock options been determined based on the fair value at the date of grant and been amortized over the period from the date of grant to the date that the award is vested, consistent with the provisions of SFAS No. 123, the Companys net income and earnings per share would have been reported as follows: |
8 months ended | |||||||||||||
Year ended April 30, | December 31, | ||||||||||||
2000 | 2001 | 2002 | |||||||||||
US$ | US$ | US$ | |||||||||||
Net income, as reported |
3,839 | 3,135 | 333 | ||||||||||
Total stock-based
employee compensation
expenses determined under
fair value based method
for all awards, net of
tax |
(109 | ) | (2,027 | ) | | ||||||||
Pro forma net income |
3,730 | 1,108 | 333 | ||||||||||
Earnings per share: |
|||||||||||||
Basic, as reported |
0.58 | 0.37 | 0.04 | ||||||||||
Basic, pro forma |
0.57 | 0.13 | 0.04 | ||||||||||
Diluted, as reported |
0.56 | 0.37 | 0.04 | ||||||||||
Diluted, pro forma |
0.54 | 0.13 | 0.04 | ||||||||||
There were no stock options granted to employees during the year ended April 30, 2002 and the eight months ended December 31, 2001, and accordingly no pro forma net loss and loss per share for the same year are presented. |
F-31
LJ INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
15. | STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued) |
(a) | Stock incentive plan (Continued) | ||
The fair value of these options was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions: |
8 months ended | ||||||||||||
Year ended April 30, | December 31, | |||||||||||
2000 | 2001 | 2002 | ||||||||||
Expected dividend yield |
Nil | Nil | Nil | |||||||||
Expected stock price volatility |
19 | % | 22 | % | 7 | % | ||||||
Risk-free interest rate |
6.49 | % | 5.34 | % | 4.47 | % | ||||||
Expected life of options |
3 years | 3 years | 3 years |
The weighted average fair value per option granted during the years ended April 30, 2000 and 2001 and the eight months ended December 31, 2002 was US$0.41, US$0.45 and US$Nil respectively. | |||
(b) | Warrants | ||
(i) | The Company issued to a placement agent two warrants to purchase an aggregate of 65,000 shares of common stock for the services rendered in respect of the issue of the convertible debentures on November 5, 1999 and March 22, 2000 (see note 13(e)). | ||
(ii) | On July 31, 1999 the Company entered into a consulting agreement with a consultant which providing investor relationship services to the Company, and the Company agreed to issue a 5-year common stock purchase warrant, with the expiry date on July 30, 2004. The consulting agreement was terminated on January 31, 2000 and a warrant to purchase 35,000 shares of common stock of the Company at an exercise price of US$5.00 was issued. | ||
(iii) | On May 26, 2001, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with a consultant for a period of 24 months commencing on June 1, 2001. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company issued to the consultant warrants to purchase 260,000 shares of common stock of the Company on June 1, 2001, and would issue to the consultant the same number of warrants on June 1, 2002. Of the warrants issued on June 1, 2001, the warrantholder is entitled to: | ||
| purchase 100,000 shares at US$2.29 per share exercisable through May 31, 2003; | ||
| purchase 80,000 shares at US$3.43 per share exercisable through May 31, 2004; | ||
| purchase 80,000 shares at US$4.57 per share exercisable through May 31, 2005. |
F-32
LJ INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
15. | STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued) |
(b) | Warrants (Continued) | ||
(iv) | On May 27, 2001, the Company entered into another consulting agreement with a consultant. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company issued to the consultant warrants to purchase 100,000 shares of the common stock of the Company. On the same day, the Company issued to the consultant the said warrants at US$2.79 per share exercisable through May 26, 2002. | ||
(v) | On August 16, 2001, the Company issued to an agent warrants to purchase 200,000 shares of common stock of the Company in consideration for consultancy services at US$3.00 per share exercisable through August 15, 2006. In addition, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with the same agent. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company issued to the agent warrants to purchase 150,000 shares of common stock of the Company at US$1.79 per share exercisable through April 14, 2005. | ||
(vi) | On April 15, 2002, in accordance with a common stock purchase agreement, the Company issued to an investor warrants to purchase 150,000 shares of common stock of the Company at US$1.79 per share exercisable through April 14, 2005. | ||
None of the warrants as aforesaid was exercised for each of the years in the three-year period ended April 30, 2002 and for the eight-month period ended December 31, 2002. The costs associated with these transactions are accounted for based on fair value of the warrants at the date of issue. | |||
In addition, incentive stock options were issued to consultants/advisers under The 1998 Plan (see note 15(a)) to purchase the common stock of the Company as part of their fees during the year ended April 30, 2001. The costs associated with these transactions are also accounted for based on the fair value of these options at the date of issue. | |||
There were no incentive stock options and warrants granted and issued to consultants/advisers during the eight months ended December 31, 2002, and accordingly no related costs arise. |
F-33
LJ INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
15. | STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued) |
(b) | Warrants (Continued) | ||
Using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions: |
8 months ended | ||||||||||||||||
Year ended April 30, | December 31, | |||||||||||||||
2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2001 | |||||||||||||
Expected dividend yield |
Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | ||||||||||||
Expected stock price volatility |
19 | % | 22 | % | 23 | % | 23 | % | ||||||||
Risk-free interest rate |
6.49 | % | 5.34 | % | 4.23 | % | 4.23 | % | ||||||||
Expected life of options |
3 years | 3 years | 3.21 years | 3.21 years |
The fair value of these warrants and options was estimated as US$60, US$266, US$297 and US$147 (unaudited) respectively for the years ended April 30, 2000, 2001 and 2002 and for the eight months ended December 31, 2001. The additional expense was recognized in the consolidated statement of operations and the same amount was recorded in the Companys additional paid-in capital. |
F-34
LJ INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
16. | RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS |
(a) | Names and relationship of related parties: |
Existing relationships with the Group | ||
Yih Yu Chuan | Director and major shareholder of the Company | |
Gemological Institute of America, Hong Kong Limited | Common director and major shareholder | |
iBBC Inc. | Common director (Became a subsidiary) | |
International Asset Management Limited | Common director | |
Gemriver Jewelry Limited | Common directors (Became a subsidiary) | |
Tanzanite (H.K.) Limited | Common directors |
(b) | Summary of balances with related parties: |
As of | As of | As of | |||||||||||||||
April 30, | April 30, | December 31, | |||||||||||||||
Note | 2001 | 2002 | 2002 | ||||||||||||||
US$ | US$ | US$ | |||||||||||||||
Due from related parties: |
|||||||||||||||||
Gemological Institute of
America, Hong Kong Limited |
468 | 468 | 464 | ||||||||||||||
Gemriver Jewelry Limited |
922 | | | ||||||||||||||
Tanzanite (H.K.) Limited |
| 53 | 47 | ||||||||||||||
(i | ) | 1,390 | 521 | 511 | |||||||||||||
Due to a director: |
|||||||||||||||||
Yih Yu Chuan |
(i | ) | (248 | ) | | | |||||||||||
Maximum outstanding balance
during the financial year/period |
622 | 243 | 516 | ||||||||||||||
Certain banking facilities
granted to the Group
collateralized by properties
owned by Yih Yu Chuan and his
personal guarantee to the extent of |
7,683 | 8,440 | 8,311 | ||||||||||||||
F-35
LJ INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
16. | RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Continued) |
(c) | Summary of related party transactions: |
Year ended April 30, | 8 Months ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Notes | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2001 | 2002 | |||||||||||||||||||||
US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gemriver Jewelry
Limited |
(ii) | | 158 | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase of equity
interest in iBBC
Inc.: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Entities
controlled by Yih
Yu Chuan |
| | 2,460 | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Advances to: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gemriver Jewelry
Limited |
(iii) | | 711 | 679 | 571 | | ||||||||||||||||||||
iBBC Inc. |
| | 4,763 | 4,001 | | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 711 | 5,442 | 4,572 | | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Repayment from: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gemriver Jewelry
Limited |
| | 1,360 | 1,289 | | |||||||||||||||||||||
iBBC Inc. |
| | 4,951 | 1,803 | | |||||||||||||||||||||
| | 6,311 | 3,092 | | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Consultancy and
professional fees
paid and payable: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
International
Asset Management
Limited |
(iv) | 113 | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||
(i) | The amounts due from/to related parties/director represent unsecured advances which are interest free and repayable on demand. | ||
(ii) | The sales to the related party are made according to the published prices and conditions offered to the major customers of the Group. | ||
(iii) | The advances were expenses paid on behalf of related parties with terms set out in note 16(c)(i) above. | ||
(iv) | The consultancy and professional fees were determined based on normal commercial terms. | ||
The related party transactions with Gemriver Jewelry Limited as aforesaid relate to transactions made before it became a subsidiary of the Company. |
F-36
LJ INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
17. | SEGMENT INFORMATION | |
The management reported segment information on a geographical basis as over 90% of the Groups turnover and contribution to operating results are derived from the business segment of manufacture and sales of jewelry. In respect of geographical segment reporting, revenues are based on the country in which the customer is located. Total long-lived assets are where the assets are located. |
(a) | Geographical segments: |
Year ended April 30, | 8 Months ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2001 | 2002 | |||||||||||||||||
US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | |||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue from external
customers: |
|||||||||||||||||||||
US & Canada |
29,981 | 38,463 | 28,810 | 19,373 | 24,545 | ||||||||||||||||
Hong Kong |
2,638 | 599 | 4,897 | 1,383 | 1,451 | ||||||||||||||||
Europe and other countries |
5,864 | 7,028 | 5,518 | 4,167 | 3,469 | ||||||||||||||||
PRC |
312 | 74 | 6 | | | ||||||||||||||||
Japan |
131 | 121 | 9 | 119 | 2,344 | ||||||||||||||||
38,926 | 46,285 | 39,240 | 25,042 | 31,809 | |||||||||||||||||
As of | As of | As of | |||||||||||
April 30, | April 30, | December 31, | |||||||||||
2001 | 2002 | 2002 | |||||||||||
US$ | US$ | US$ | |||||||||||
Carrying amount of long-lived assets: |
|||||||||||||
Hong Kong |
6,239 | 6,224 | 5,744 | ||||||||||
PRC |
3,424 | 2,318 | 3,027 | ||||||||||
US |
| 394 | 403 | ||||||||||
Total long-lived assets (excluding goodwill) |
9,663 | 8,936 | 9,174 | ||||||||||
Reconciling items: |
|||||||||||||
Others |
37,637 | 34,025 | 36,911 | ||||||||||
Total consolidated assets |
47,300 | 42,961 | 46,085 | ||||||||||
F-37
LJ INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
17. | SEGMENT INFORMATION (Continued) |
(b) | The Group derived operating revenue from the following major customers, which accounted for over 10% of operating revenue. |
Year ended April 30, | 8 Months ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2001 | 2002 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
US$ | % | US$ | % | US$ | % | US$ | % | US$ | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
QVC Network Inc. |
17,604 | 45 | 21,848 | 47 | 10,963 | 28 | 7,639 | 31 | 8,021 | 25 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Goldleaves Trading Ltd. |
| | | | 4,273 | 11 | 1,458 | 6 | 1,418 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Trade receivables related to these major customers were US$296, US$3,198 and US$3,290 as of April 30, 2001 and 2002 and December 31, 2002 respectively. |
F-38
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
As in most United States jurisdictions, the board of directors of a British Virgin Islands company is charged with the management and affairs of the company, and subject to any limitations to the contrary in the Memorandum of Association of the Company, the Board of Directors is entrusted with the power to manage the business and affairs of the Company. In most United States jurisdictions, directors owe a fiduciary duty to the company and its shareholders, including a duty of care, pursuant to which directors must properly apprise themselves of all reasonably available information, and a duty of loyalty, pursuant to which they must protect the interests of the company and refrain from conduct that injures the company or its shareholders or that deprives the company or its shareholders of any profit or advantage. Many United States jurisdictions have enacted various statutory provisions which permit the monetary liability of directors to be eliminated or limited.
Under British Virgin Islands law, liability of a director to the company is basically limited to cases of wilful malfeasance in the performance of his duties or to cases where the director has not acted honestly and in good faith and with a view to the best interests of the company. However, under its Memorandum of Association, the Company is authorized to indemnify any person who is made or threatened to be made a party to a legal or administrative proceeding by virtue of being a director, officer or liquidator of the Company, provided such person acted honestly and in good faith and with a view to the best interests of the Company and, in the case of a criminal proceeding, such person had no reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful. The Companys Memorandum of Association also permits the Company to indemnify any director, officer or liquidator of the Company who was successful in any proceeding against expenses and judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement and reasonably incurred in connection with the proceeding, where such person met the standard of conduct described in the preceding sentence.
The Company has provisions in its Memorandum of Association that insure or indemnify, to the full extent allowed by the laws of the Territory of the British Virgin Islands, directors, officers, employees, agents or persons serving in similar capacities in other enterprises at the request of the Company.
The Company may obtain a directors and officers insurance policy.
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Item 7. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.
The securities of the Company that were issued and sold by the Company within the past three years and have not been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission are described below.
Effective July 31, 1999, the Registrant issued a warrant to purchase up to 35,000 shares of its common stock to Online Research Partners, LLC. The warrant has been marked with a restrictive legend and is a restricted security as defined by Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act. No underwriter was involved in the distribution of these securities, and no commissions were paid in connection therewith. The warrant holder has been involved in business ventures in the past and is a knowledgeable investor and business entity capable of fending for itself and financially capable of bearing the economic risks involved. Further, the warrant holder was furnished with or had access to information concerning the Registrant and its activities. Accordingly, the Registrant believes that this transaction is exempt from registration pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act as a private transaction which did not involve a public offering of securities. The warrant holder is aware that the securities were not registered under the Securities Act and cannot be reoffered or sold until they have been so registered or until the availability of the exemption therefrom has been established to the satisfaction of the Registrant.
On May 31, 2001, August 15, 2001 and April 15, 2002, the Registrant issued warrants to purchase up to 260,000 shares, 200,000 shares and 150,000 shares of its common stock to Yorkshire Capital Limited, The Bauer Partnership, Inc., and Navigator Investments Holding IX Limited. The warrants have been marked with restrictive legends and are restricted securities as defined by Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act. No underwriter was involved in the distribution of these securities, and no commissions were paid in connection therewith. The warrant holders have been involved in business ventures in the past and are knowledgeable investors and business entities capable of fending for themselves and financially capable of bearing the economic risks involved. Further, the warrant holders were furnished with or had access to information concerning the Registrant and its activities. Accordingly, the Registrant believes that these transactions are exempt from registration pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act as private transactions which did not involve a public offering of securities. The warrant holders are aware that the securities were not registered under the Securities Act and cannot be reoffered or sold until they have been so registered or until the availability of the exemption therefrom has been established to the satisfaction of the Registrant.
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Item 8. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
(a) | Exhibits |
1.1 | Form of Underwriting Agreement* | ||||
1.2 | Form of Selected Dealers Agreement* | ||||
1.3 | Form of Underwriters Warrant Agreement* | ||||
3.1 | Memorandum of Association of the Company* | ||||
3.2 | Articles of Association of the Company* | ||||
3.3 | Amendment to Articles of Association of the Company* | ||||
4.1 | Form of Common Stock Certificate* | ||||
4.2 | Form of Warrant Agreement by and between the Company and American Securities Transfer & Trust, Incorporated, as Warrant Agent* | ||||
4.3 | Form of Warrant Certificate* | ||||
5.1 | Opinion of Harney Westwood & Riegels, British Virgin Island counsel to the Company, as to the validity of the Shares and the Purchase Warrants* | ||||
10.1 | Employment Agreement of Yu Chuan Yih with the Registrant incorporated by reference to the Exhibits to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2001, SEC File No. 0-29620. | ||||
10.2 | Form of Financial Advisory Agreement with the Underwriter* | ||||
10.3 | Form of Merger and Acquisition Agreement with the Underwriter* | ||||
10.4 | Agreement with QVC, Inc.* | ||||
10.5 | Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of October 29, 1999 and exhibits and amendments thereto incorporated by reference to the Exhibits to our Registration Statement on Form F-3 and amendments thereto, SEC File No. 333-11482, declared effective on April 3, 2000. | ||||
10.6 | Common Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 15, 2002, between Navigator Investments Holding IX Limited and the Registrant** | ||||
10.7 | Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 15, 2002, between Navigator Investments Holding IX Limited and the Registrant** | ||||
10.8 | Warrant Agreement, dated as of April 15, 2002, between Navigator Investments Holding IX Limited and the Registrant** | ||||
10.9 | Escrow Agreement, dated as of April 15, 2002, by and between Navigator Investments Holding IX Limited, Atlas Pearlman, P.A., and the Registrant** | ||||
21.1 | List of Significant Subsidiaries of the Company | ||||
23.1 | Consent of Moores Rowland, Hong Kong, independent auditors | ||||
23.2 | Consent of Harney Westwood & Riegels (included in Exhibit 5.1) | ||||
24.1 | Powers of Attorney* |
* | Previously filed | |
** | Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 and pre-effective amendments thereto, SEC File No. 333-90016, not yet declared effective. |
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(b) | Financial Statements and Schedules |
(1) | Financial Statements | ||
The financial statements filed as part of this Registration Statement are listed in the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements of LJ International Inc. on Page F-1. | |||
(2) | Schedules | ||
The following financial statement schedules are filed herewith: None |
Item 9. Undertakings.
(a) | Rule 415 Offerings. | ||
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that it will: |
(1) | File, during any period in which it offers or sells securities, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement to: |
(i) | Include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933; | ||
(ii) | Reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the Registration Statement which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the Registration Statement; and | ||
(iii) | Include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or any material change to such information in the Registration Statement; |
(2) | For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, treat each such post-effective amendment | ||
as a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time to be the initial bona fide offering thereof; | |||
(3) | Remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain | ||
unsold at the termination of the offering; and | |||
(4) | File a post-effective amendment to the registration statement to include any financial statements required by section | ||
210.3-19 at the start of any delayed offering or throughout a continuous offering. |
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(b) | Equity offerings of nonreporting registrants. |
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the Underwriter, at the closing specified in the Underwriting Agreement, certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the Underwriter to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.
(c) | Request for acceleration of effective date. |
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Act), may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
(d) | Reliance upon Rule 430A under the Securities Act. | ||
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that it will: |
(1) | For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, treat the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant under Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act as part of this registration statement as of the time the Commission declared it effective. | ||
(2) | For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, treat each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus as a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and that offering of such securities at that time as the initial bona fide offering thereof. |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form F-1 and has duly caused this Registration Statement or amendment thereto to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Hong Kong on July 17, 2003.
LJ INTERNATIONAL INC. | ||||
By: | /s/ YU CHUAN YIH Yu Chuan Yih Chairman and President |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement or amendment thereto has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature | Title | Date | ||
/s/ YU CHUAN YIH Yu Chuan Yih |
President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors (Principal Executive Officer) | 7/17/03 | ||
/s/ KA MAN AU Ka Man Au |
Executive Vice President and Director | 7/17/03 | ||
/s/ HON TAK RINGO NG Hon Tak Ringo Ng |
Chief Financial Officer and Director (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) | 7/17/03 | ||
/s/ PO YEE ELSA YUE Po Yee Elsa Yue |
Director | 7/17/03 | ||
/s/ LIONEL C. WANG Lionel C. Wang |
Director | 7/17/03 | ||
/s/ ANDREW N. BERNSTEIN Andrew N. Bernstein |
Authorized Representative in the United States | 7/17/03 |
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit | Page | |||
Number | Description of Exhibit | Number | ||
1.1 | Form of Underwriting Agreement | * | ||
1.2 | Form of Selected Dealers Agreement | * | ||
1.3 | Form of Underwriters Warrant Agreement | * | ||
3.1 | Memorandum of Association of the Company | * | ||
3.2 | Articles of Association of the Company | * | ||
3.3 | Amendment to Articles of Association of the Company | * | ||
4.1 | Form of Common Stock Certificate | * | ||
4.2 | Form of Warrant Agreement by and between the Company and American Securities Transfer & Trust, Incorporated, as Warrant Agent | * | ||
4.3 | Form of Warrant Certificate | * | ||
5.1 | Opinion of Harney Westwood & Riegels, British Virgin Island counsel to the Company, as to the validity of the Shares and the Purchase Warrants | * | ||
10.1 | Employment Agreement of Yu Chuan Yih with the Registrant | ** | ||
10.2 | Form of Financial Advisory Agreement with the Underwriter | * | ||
10.3 | Form of Merger and Acquisition Agreement with the Underwriter | * | ||
10.4 | Agreement with QVC, Inc. | * | ||
10.5 | Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of October 29, 1999 and exhibits and amendments thereto | *** | ||
10.6 | Common Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 15, 2002, between Navigator Investments Holding IX Limited and the Registrant | **** | ||
10.7 | Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 15, 2002, between Navigator Investments Holding IX Limited and the Registrant | **** | ||
10.8 | Warrant Agreement, dated as of April 15, 2002, between Navigator Investments Holding IX Limited and the Registrant | **** | ||
10.9 | Escrow Agreement, dated as of April 15, 2002, by and between Navigator Investments Holding IX Limited, Atlas Pearlman, P.A., and the Registrant | **** | ||
21.1 | List of Significant Subsidiaries of the Company | |||
23.1 | Consent of Moores Rowland, Hong Kong, independent auditors | |||
23.2 | Consent of Harney Westwood & Riegels (included in Exhibit 5.1) | | ||
24.1 | Powers of Attorney | * |
* | Previously filed. | |
** | Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2001, SEC File No. 0-29620. | |
*** | Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits to our Registration Statement on Form F-3 and amendments thereto, SEC File No. 333-11482, declared effective on April 3, 2000. | |
**** | Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 and pre-effective amendments thereto, SEC File No. 333-90016, not yet declared effective. |