UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM l0-Q

(Mark One)
x
QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2009
 
o
TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT
For the transition period from __________to _________
 
Commission file number 333-85306
     
PUDA COAL, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Delaware
 
65-1129912
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or
organization)
 
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
 
426 Xuefu Street, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, The People’s Republic of China                              030006
         (Address of principal executive offices)                                                                               (Zip Code)
 
011 86 351 228 1302
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer  ¨                                                                           Accelerated filer  ¨
Non-accelerated filer  x (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x

State the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common equity, as of the latest practicable date, August 10, 2009, 15,361,401 shares of common stock.
 
 
 

 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
Page
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
   
Item 1. Financial Statements
 
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2009 (unaudited) and December 31, 2008
5—6
   
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008
 7
   
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008
8
   
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
9—31
   
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
32—37
   
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
37—38
   
Item 4T. Controls and Procedures
38—39
   
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
   
Item 1A. Risk Factors
40
   
Item 6. Exhibits
40
   
Signatures
41
   
Certifications
 
 
 
2

 
 
PUDA COAL, INC.

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

June 30, 2009

 
3

 

PUDA COAL, INC.
INDEX TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2009 (unaudited) and December 31, 2008
5-6
   
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008
7
   
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008
8
   
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
9-31
 
 
4

 

PUDA COAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008
(In thousands of United States dollars)

   
Note(s)
   
June 30, 2009
   
December 31, 2008
 
         
(Unaudited)
       
ASSETS
                 
                   
CURRENT ASSETS
                 
Cash and cash equivalents
  21     $ 16,852     $ 39,108  
Accounts receivable, net
  3       28,212       14,645  
Other receivables
            -       7  
Advances to suppliers
                       
  - Related parties
  4       849       879  
  - Third parties
            3,094       5,635  
Prepayment
  5       8,785       -  
Inventories
  6       26,875       21,589  
                         
Total current assets
            84,667       81,863  
                         
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET
  7       12,531       13,370  
                         
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET
  8       3,355       3,399  
                         
TOTAL ASSETS
          $ 100,553     $ 98,632  
                         
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                 
CURRENT LIABILITIES
                       
Current portion of long-term debt
                       
  - Related party
  4,9     $ 1,300     $ 1,300  
Accounts payable
            5,644       4,272  
Other payables
                       
  - Related parties
  4       1,030       1,030  
  - Third parties
            2,397       2,714  
Accrued expenses
            1,787       1,991  
Income taxes payable
            705       1,319  
VAT payable
            212       1,726  
Distribution payable
                       
  - Related party
  4       117       117  
                         
Total current liabilities
            13,192       14,469  
                         
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
                       
Long-term debt
                       
  - Related party
  4, 9       7,150       7,800  
Derivative warrants
  10, 22       4,199       4,086  
                         
Total long-term liabilities
            11,349       11,886  

 
5

 

PUDA COAL, INC.
 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)
June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008
(In thousands of United States dollars)

   
Note(s)
   
June 30,2009
   
December 31, 2008
 
         
(Unaudited)
       
                   
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
  11              
                     
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                   
Preferred stock, authorized 5,000,000 shares, par value $0.01, issued and outstanding None
            -       -  
Common stock, authorized 150,000,000 shares, par value $0.001, issued and outstanding 15,361,401  (2008: 15,333,680)
  12         15         15  
Paid-in capital
  12       31,733       31,647  
Statutory surplus reserve fund
            1,366       1,366  
Retained earnings
            35,597       31,752  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
            7,301       7,497  
                         
Total stockholders’ equity
            76,012       72,277  
                         
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
          $ 100,553     $ 98,632  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 
6

 

PUDA COAL, INC.
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008
(In thousands of United States dollars, except per share data)

   
Note(s)
   
Three months
ended
June 30, 2009
   
Three months
ended
June 30, 2008
   
Six months
ended
June 30, 2009
   
Six months
ended
June 30, 2008
 
                               
NET REVENUE
        $ 47,990     $ 53,188       97,711     $ 103,786  
                                       
COST OF REVENUE
          44,388       46,491       90,238       89,636  
                                       
GROSS PROFIT
          3,602       6,697       7,473       14,150  
                                       
OPERATING EXPENSES
                                     
Selling expenses
          533       858       1,110       1,612  
General and administrative expenses
          404       626       745       1,103  
                                       
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES
          937       1,484       1,855       2,715  
                                       
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
          2,665       5,213       5,618       11,435  
                                       
INTEREST INCOME
          23       26       56       53  
                                       
INTEREST EXPENSE
   13       (132 )     (196 )     (269 )     (397 )
                                         
DEBT FINANCING COSTS
   14       -       (109 )     -       (622 )
                                         
DERIVATIVE UNREALIZED FAIR VALUE (LOSS)/GAIN
   15       (121 )     (144 )     (113 )     220  
                                         
OTHER EXPENSE
   16       -       (719 )     -       (719 )
                                         
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
            2,435       4,071       5,292       9,970  
                                         
INCOME TAXES
   17       (706 )     (1,208 )     (1,447 )     (2,812 )
                                         
NET INCOME
            1,729       2,863       3,845       7,158  
                                         
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
                                       
Foreign currency translation adjustment
            (30 )     1,285       (196 )     3,460  
                                         
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
          $ 1,699     $ 4,148     $ 3,649     $ 10,618  
                                         
EARNINGS PER SHARE - BASIC
          $ 0.11     $ 0.19     $ 0.25     $ 0.48  
                                            - DILUTED
          $ 0.11     $ 0.19     $ 0.25     $ 0.48  
                                         
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING - BASIC
   18       15,353,176       15,036,026       15,343,482       15,036,026  
                                                    - DILUTED
   18       15,370,319       15,649,437       15,360,625       15,649,437  

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

 
7

 

PUDA COAL, INC.
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008
(In thousands of United States dollars)

   
Six months ended June 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
           
Net income
  $ 3,845     $ 7,158  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
               
Amortization of land-use rights
    44       42  
Depreciation
    839       813  
Allowance for doubtful debts
    41       1  
Amortization of discount on convertible notes and warrants
    -       243  
Derivative unrealized fair value loss/(gain)
    113       (220 )
Stock compensation
    33       26  
Issue of common stock/warrants to directors
    86       -  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Increase in accounts receivable
    (13,620 )     (280 )
Decrease in other receivables
    7       8  
Decrease/(increase) in advances to suppliers
    2,563       (11,030 )
(Increase)/decrease in inventories
    (5,309 )     12,733  
Increase in accounts payable
    1,377       1,044  
(Decrease)/increase in accrued expenses
    (235 )     144  
Decrease in other payables
    (313 )     (75 )
Decrease in income tax payable
    (612 )     (1,110 )
(Decrease)/increase in VAT payable
    (1,511 )     326  
Increase in penalty payable
    -       379  
                 
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities
    (12,652 )     10,202  
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Prepayment for equity purchase of coal mine
    (8,781 )     -  
                 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (8,781 )     -  
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Repayment of long-term debt
    (650 )     (650 )
                 
Net cash used in financing activities
    (650 )     (650 )
                 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    (173 )     1,265  
                 
Net (decease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
    (22,256 )     10,817  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    39,108       16,381  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 16,852     $ 27,198  
                 
Supplementary cash flow information
               
Cash paid during the period for:
               
     Interest
  $ 269     $ 397  
     Income taxes
  $ 2,058     $ 3,929  

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

 
8

 

 PUDA COAL, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1. The Company

Puda Coal, Inc. (formerly Purezza Group, Inc.)(the “Company" or “Puda”) is a corporation organized under Florida Law and headquartered in Shanxi Province, China.  The Company was incorporated on August 9, 2001.

On July 15, 2005, the Company acquired all the outstanding capital stock and ownership interests of Puda Investment Holding Limited (“BVI”) and BVI became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.  In exchange, Puda issued to the BVI members 1,000,000 shares of its Series A convertible preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company, which are convertible into 678,500,000 shares of Puda’s common stock. The purchase agreement provided that the preferred shares would immediately and automatically be converted into shares of Puda’s common stock (the “Mandatory Conversion”), following an increase in the number of authorized shares of Puda’s common stock from 100,000,000 to 150,000,000, and a 10 to 1 reverse stock split of Puda’s outstanding common stock (the “10-to-1 Reverse Split”).   On August 2, 2005, the authorized number of shares of common stock of the Company was increased from 100,000,000 shares to 150,000,000 shares.  On September 8, 2005, Puda completed the 10–to-1 Reverse Split.

Effective on July 30, 2009 (the “Effective Date”), the Company completed a reincorporation from a Florida corporation to a Delaware corporation.  Each issued and outstanding share of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Florida-incorporated Company was automatically converted into 0.142857 issued and outstanding share of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Delaware-incorporated Company (the “7-to-1 Share Conversion”).  No fractional shares were or will be issued in connection with the conversion; instead, the Company rounded up the fractional share to the nearest whole number. Any common shares exercised from the warrants or stock options which were issued before the Effective Date were also subject to the conversion ratio of 7 to 1. The total number of authorized shares of common stock and preferred stock did not change as a result of the conversion.  Although the 7-to-1 Share Conversion occurred on July 30, 2009, it was retroactively reflected in the consolidated financial statements as if the 7-to-1 Share Conversion was effective from January 1, 2008.

BVI is an International Business Company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands on August 19, 2004 and it has a registered capital of $50,000.  BVI did not have any operating activities from August 19, 2004 (inception) to June 30, 2009.

BVI, in turn, owns all of the registered capital of Shanxi Putai Resources Limited (formerly, Taiyuan Putai Business Consulting Co., Ltd.) (“Putai”), a wholly foreign owned enterprise (“WFOE”) registered under the wholly foreign-owned enterprises laws of the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”).  Putai was incorporated on November 5, 2004 and has a registered capital of $20,000.  Putai owns 90% of  Shanxi Puda Coal Group Co., Ltd. (formerly, Shanxi Puda Resources Co. Ltd.)(“Shanxi Coal”), a company with limited liability established under the laws of the PRC.

Shanxi Coal was established on June 7, 1995.  Shanxi Coal mainly processes and washes raw coal and sells from its plants in Shanxi Province, high-quality, low sulfur refined coal for industrial clients mainly in Central and Northern China.  Shanxi Coal has a registered capital of RMB22,500,000 ($2,717,000) which is fully paid-up.  The owners of Shanxi Coal were Putai (90%), Mr. Ming Zhao (8%) and Mr. Yao Zhao (2%).   Ming Zhao is the chairman and was the president and chief executive officer of Puda until his resignation on June 25, 2008.  Yao Zhao was the chief operating officer of Puda until his resignation became effective on November 20, 2006. Ming Zhao and Yao Zhao are brothers.

9

 
PUDA COAL, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

1. The Company (continued)

As of June 30, 2009, the percentages owned by Mr. Ming Zhao and Mr. Yao Zhao in the Group companies are as follows:

 
l
Puda Coal, Inc.: Mr. Ming Zhao (approximately 49%); Mr. Yao Zhao (approximately 12%) held directly.

 
l
Puda Investment Holding Limited: Mr. Ming Zhao (approximately 49%); Mr. Yao Zhao (approximately 12%) held indirectly through Puda.

 
l
Shanxi Putai Resources Limited: Mr. Ming Zhao (approximately 49%); Mr. Yao Zhao (approximately 12%) held indirectly through Puda and BVI.

 
l
Shanxi Puda Coal Group Co., Ltd.: Mr. Ming Zhao (8%); Mr. Yao Zhao (2%) held directly, Mr. Ming Zhao (approximately 44%); Mr. Yao Zhao (approximately 11%) held indirectly through Puda, BVI and Putai.

After the above reorganization and as of June 30, 2009, the organizational structure of the Group is as follows:


2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

(a) Basis of Presentation and Consolidation

The unaudited consolidated financial statements include Puda (Registrant and Legal Parent), BVI, Putai and Shanxi Coal (Operating Company), collectively referred to as “the Group”. Intercompany items have been eliminated.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2009 and for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and of Regulation S-X.  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, these unaudited consolidated interim financial statements include all adjustments and disclosures considered necessary to a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented.  All adjustments are of a normal recurring nature.  The results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the full fiscal year ending December 31, 2009.  The unaudited consolidated interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2008 as reported in Form 10-K.

 
10

 

PUDA COAL, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

(b) Use of Estimates

In preparing financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenses during the reported periods. Significant estimates include depreciation and allowance for doubtful accounts receivable.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

(c) Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Group considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. As of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Group did not have any cash equivalents.

(d) Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Group recognizes an allowance for doubtful accounts to ensure accounts receivable are not overstated due to uncollectibility. An allowance for doubtful accounts is maintained for all customers based on a variety of factors, including the length of time the receivables are past due, significant one-time events and historical experience. An additional reserve for individual accounts is recorded when the Group becomes aware of a customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations, such as in the case of bankruptcy filings or deterioration in the customer’s operating results or financial position. If circumstances related to customers change, estimates of the recoverability of receivables would be further adjusted.

(e) Inventories

Inventories are comprised of raw materials and finished goods and are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Substantially all inventory costs are determined using the weighted average basis. Costs of finished goods include direct labor, direct materials, and production overhead before the goods are ready for sale.

(f) Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is provided principally by use of the straight-line method over the useful lives of the related assets. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs, which do not improve or extend the expected useful lives of the assets, are expensed to operations while major repairs are capitalized.

Management considers that the Company has a 10% residual value for buildings, and a 5% residual value for other property, plant and equipment. The estimated useful lives are as follows:

20 years
Machinery and equipment
10 years
10 years
Office equipment and others
10 years

The gain or loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment is the difference between the net sales proceeds and the carrying amount of the relevant assets, and, if any, is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations.

 
11

 

PUDA COAL, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

(g) Land-use Rights and Amortization

Land-use rights are stated at cost, less amortization. Amortization of land-use rights is calculated on the straight-line method, based on the period over which the right is granted by the relevant authorities in Shanxi Province, PRC.

 (h) Impairment of Assets

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (‘SFAS”) No. 144, "Accounting for Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets", the Group evaluates its long-lived assets to determine whether later events and circumstances warrant revised estimates of useful lives or a reduction in carrying value due to impairment. If indicators of impairment exist and if the value of the assets is impaired, an impairment loss would be recognized.

(i) Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative financial instruments are accounted for under SFAS No. 133 “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” as amended.  Under SFAS No. 133, all derivative instruments are recorded on the balance sheet as assets or liabilities and measured at fair value.  Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments are recorded in current earnings.

 (j) Income Taxes

The Group accounts for income taxes under SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes".  Under SFAS No. 109, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  Under SFAS No. 109, the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

The Group reviewed the differences between the tax bases under PRC tax laws and financial reporting under US GAAP, and no material differences were found, thus, there were no deferred tax assets or liabilities as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008.

Under current PRC tax laws, no tax is imposed in respect to distributions paid to owners except for individual income tax.

(k) Revenue Recognition

Revenue from goods sold is recognized when (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, which is generally represented by a contract with the buyer; (ii) title has passed to the buyer, which generally is at the time of delivery; (iii) the price is agreed with the buyer; and (iv) collectibility is reasonably assured.

Net revenue represents the invoiced value of products, less returns and discounts and net of VAT.

 
12

 

PUDA COAL, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

(l) Foreign Currency Transactions

The reporting currency of the Group is the U.S. dollar.  Shanxi Coal uses its local currency, Renminbi, as its functional currency. Results of operations and cash flow are translated at average exchange rates during the period, and assets and liabilities are translated at the end of period exchange rates.  Translation adjustments resulting from this process are included in accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity.  Transaction gains and losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations from transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are included in the results of operations as incurred. These amounts are not material to the unaudited consolidated financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008.

The PRC government imposes significant exchange restrictions on fund transfers out of the PRC that are not related to business operations. These restrictions have not had a material impact on the Group because it has not engaged in any significant transactions that are subject to the restrictions.

(m) Fair Value of Financial Instruments

SFAS No. 107, “Disclosures about Fair Values of Financial Instruments”, requires disclosing fair value to the extent practicable for financial instruments that are recognized or unrecognized in the balance sheet.  The fair value of the financial instruments disclosed herein is not necessarily representative of the amount that could be realized or settled, nor does the fair value amount consider the tax consequences of realization or settlement.

For certain financial instruments, including cash, accounts, related party and other receivables, accounts payable, other payables and accrued expenses, it was assumed that the carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the near term maturities of such obligations. For long-term debt, the carrying amount is assumed to approximate fair value based on the current rates at which the Group could borrow funds with similar remaining maturities.

(n) Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing the earnings for the period by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period.  Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution of securities by including other potential common stock, including stock options and warrants, in the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period, if dilutive.  

(o) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Accumulated other comprehensive income represents the change in equity of the Group during the periods presented from foreign currency translation adjustments.

p) Share-Based Compensation Expense

SFAS No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment, requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors including employee stock options and employee stock purchases based on estimated fair values. SFAS No. 123(R) requires companies to estimate the fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model. The value of awards that are ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

 
13

 
 
PUDA COAL, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
 
 (q) Subsequent Events
 
 In May 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 165, “Subsequent Events”, which establishes accounting standards for recognition and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued. These standards are essentially similar to current accounting principles with few exceptions that do not result in a change in general practice. SFAS No. 165 is effective on a prospective basis for interim or annual financial periods ending after June 15, 2009. The Company adopted this pronouncement effective June 30, 2009, and the adoption of this new standard did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. We have evaluated subsequent events through August 10, 2009, the date the consolidated financial statements were issued.

3. Allowance for Doubtful Receivables

Details of allowance for doubtful receivables deducted from accounts receivable are as follows:

   
June 30,
2009
   
December 31,
2008
 
   
$’000
   
$’000
 
                 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 70     $ 48  
Additions
    40       22  
                 
Balance, end of period
  $ 110     $ 70  

The Group did not write off any bad debts in the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008.

 
14

 

PUDA COAL, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

4. Related Party Transactions

As of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Group had the following amounts due from/to related parties:-

   
June 30,
2009
   
December 31,
2008
 
   
$’000
   
$’000
 
Advance to Shanxi Liulin Jucai Coal Industry Co., Limited  (“Jucai Coal”), a related company with a common owner
  $ 849     $ 879  
Other payable to Shanxi Puda Resources Group Limited  (“Resources Group”), a related company with common owners
  $ 795     $ 796  
                 
Other payable to Yao Zhao, manager and shareholder of Puda
    235       234  
                 
    $ 1,030     $ 1,030  
Distribution payable to Ming Zhao and Yao Zhao
  $ 117     $ 117  
                 
Loan payable to Resources Group
               
    -current portion
  $ 1,300     $ 1,300  
    -long-term portion
    7,150       7,800  
                 
    $ 8,450     $ 9,100  

The balances, except for the loan payable to Resources Group, are unsecured, interest-free and there are no fixed terms for repayment.

The balance payable to Resources Group of $795,000 includes professional and regulatory charges related to the public listing paid by Resources Group on behalf of the Company of $901,000, netted against other receivables of $106,000 due from Resources Group.

The amount payable to Yao Zhao represents land-use rights paid by him on behalf of Shanxi Coal.

In 2001, Shanxi Coal entered into agreements with Resources Group to lease an office and certain equipment.  In the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, rental expenses paid to Resources Group were $40,000 and $nil, respectively.  In the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, rental expenses paid to Resources Group were $79,000 and $nil, respectively (see Note 11).

In the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, Shanxi Coal purchased raw coal from Jucai Coal in the amounts of $3,514,000 and $3,257,000, respectively.   In the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, Shanxi Coal purchased raw coal from Jucai Coal in the amounts of $7,083,000 and $6,474,000, respectively.

On November 17, 2005, Shanxi Coal entered into a coal supply agreement with Jucai Coal, pursuant to which Shanxi Coal has priority to Jucai Coal’s high grade metallurgical coking coal supply over Jucai Coal’s other customers.  Under the terms of the agreement, Shanxi Coal receives a discount of approximately $4 to $6 per metric ton of coal from the price Jucai Coal charges to its other customers.
 
 
15

 

PUDA COAL, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

4. Related Party Transactions (continued)

On November 17, 2005, Shanxi Coal entered into two conveyance agreements with Resources Group.  The two agreements transfer two new coal washing plants, related land-use rights and coal washing equipment in Liulin County and Zhongyang County, Shanxi Province.  The Liulin County plant has an annual clean coal washing capacity of 1.1 million metric tons while the Zhongyang County plant has an annual clean coal washing capacity of 1.2 million metric tons.  The Liulin County plant started formal production in December 2005.  The Liulin County plant, land-use rights and related equipment were purchased for a cost of $5,800,000.  The Zhongyang County plant started formal production at the end of March 2006.  The Zhongyang County plant, land-use rights and related equipment were purchased for a cost of $7,200,000.  Each conveyance agreement provides that the purchase price paid by Shanxi Coal to Resources Group, which totals $13,000,000, should be amortized over ten years from December 31, 2005 and bear interest at a rate of 6% per annum payable quarterly.  In the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, Shanxi Coal paid principal of $325,000 (2008: $325,000) and interest of $132,000 (2008: $151,000) to Resources Group.  In the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, Shanxi Coal paid principal of $650,000 (2008: $650,000) and interest of $269,000 (2008: $307,000) to Resources Group.  Shanxi Coal pledged the land use rights, plant and equipment of the plants to Resources Group until such time when the purchase price and interest thereon is fully paid by Shanxi Coal to Resources Group.  If Shanxi Coal fails to pay the principal or interest of the purchase price of the new plants financed by Resources Group in full when due, the properties acquired by Shanxi Coal, which have been pledged to Resources Group as collateral, are revertible to Resources Group (see Notes 7, 8 and 9). 

5.  Prepayment

On May 14, 2009, Shanxi Coal entered into an agreement of shares transfer with two unrelated individuals to purchase their equity, constituting 18% ownership, in Shanxi Jianhe Coal Industry Limited Company (“Jianhe Coal”) for an aggregate purchase price of RMB 100 million (approximately $14.6 million).  As of June 30, 2009, Shanxi Coal has prepaid 60% of the purchase price of approximately $8,785,000 and the remaining 40% will be due at the time of closing.  We anticipate that the closing will occur approximately 90 days after execution of the agreement when the alteration and governmental registration of the share transfer is completed (see Note 11).

6. Inventories

As of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, inventories consist of the following:

   
June 30,
 2009
   
December 31,
 2008
 
   
$’000
   
$’000
 
                 
Raw materials
  $ 11,842     $ 7,816  
Finished goods
    15,033       13,773  
                 
Total
  $ 26,875     $ 21,589  

There was no allowance for losses on inventories as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008.

 
16

 

PUDA COAL, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

7. Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

As of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, property, plant and equipment consist of following:

   
June 30,
2009
   
December 31,
2008
 
    $’000     $’000  
Cost:
               
                 
Buildings and facilities
  $ 3,344     $ 3,344  
Machinery equipment
    13,611       13,611  
Motor vehicles
    104       104  
Office equipment and others
    32       32  
                 
      17,091       17,091  
                 
Accumulated depreciation:
               
                 
Buildings and facilities
    515       427  
Machinery equipment
    4,022       3,278  
Motor vehicles
    18       13  
Office equipment and others
    5       3  
                 
      4,560       3,721  
Carrying value:
               
                 
Buildings and facilities
    2,829       2,917  
Machinery equipment
    9,589       10,333  
Motor vehicles
    86       91  
Office equipment and others
    27       29  
                 
    $ 12,531     $ 13,370  

Shanxi Coal pledged the Liulin and Zhongyang coal washing plant and related equipment to Resources Group until such time when the purchase price and interest thereon is fully paid by Shanxi Coal.   If Shanxi Coal fails to pay the principal and interest of the purchase prices of the new plants financed by Resources Group in full when due, the properties acquired by Shanxi Coal, which have been pledged to Resources Group as the collateral, are revertible to Resources Group (see Notes 4 and 9).

Depreciation expense for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 was approximately $420,000 and $412,000, respectively.  Depreciation expense for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 was approximately $839,000 and $813,000, respectively.  In the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, the amount included in cost of sales and general and administrative expenses was approximately $412,000 (2008: $404,000) and $8,000 (2008: $8,000), respectively. In the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, the amount included in cost of sales and general and administrative expenses was approximately $823,000 (2008: $798,000) and $16,000 (2008: $15,000), respectively.

 
17

 

PUDA COAL, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

8. Intangible Assets

   
Land-use rights
 
   
June 30,
2009
   
December 31,
2008
 
    $’000    
$’000
 
                 
Cost
  $ 3,634     $ 3,634  
                 
Accumulated amortization
    279       235  
                 
Carrying value
  $ 3,355     $ 3,399  
 
Land-use rights of $2,242,000 in Liulin County purchased from Resources Group are located in Shanxi Province and are amortized over fifty years up to August 4, 2055.  Land-use rights of $1,392,000 in Zhongyang County purchased from Resources Group are located in Shanxi Province and are amortized over fifty years up to May 20, 2055.  Shanxi Coal pledged these land-use rights to Resources Group until such time when the purchase price and interest thereon is fully paid by Shanxi Coal (see Notes 4 and 9).

Amortization expense for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 was approximately $23,000 and $21,000, respectively.  Amortization expense for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 was approximately $44,000 and $42,000, respectively.  The estimated aggregate amortization expense for the five years ending December 31, 2009 (remaining six months), 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 amounts to approximately $46,000, $92,000, $92,000, $92,000 and $92,000, respectively.

9. Long-term Debt

   
June 30,
2009
   
December 31,
2008
 
    $’000     $’000  
                 
Conveyance loan
  $ 8,455     $ 9,100  
Less: current portion
    (1,300 )     (1,300 )
Long-term portion
  $ 7,150     $ 7,800  

The conveyance loan is seller-financed, payable over ten years from December 31, 2005 and bears interest at a rate of 6% per annum, payable quarterly.  In the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, Shanxi Coal paid principal of $325,000 (2008: $325,000) and interest of $132,000 (2008: $151,000) to Resources Group.  In the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, Shanxi Coal paid principal of $650,000 (2008: $650,000) and interest of $269,000 (2008: $307,000) to Resources Group.  Shanxi Coal pledged the land-use rights and plant and equipment until such time when the purchase price and interest thereon is fully paid by Shanxi Coal to Resources Group (see Notes 4, 7 and 8).

 
18

 

PUDA COAL, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

9. Long-term Debt (continued)

The future principal payments under the conveyance loan as of June 30, 2009 are as follows:

   
June 30, 2009
 
Year
 
$’000
 
         
2009 (remaining six months)
  $ 650  
2010
    1,300  
2011
    1,300  
2012
    1,300  
2013
    1,300  
Thereafter
    2,605  
    $ 8,455  
 
10.  Derivative Warrants

(a) On November 18, 2005, the Company issued $12,500,000 8% unsecured convertible notes due October 31, 2008 and related warrants to purchase shares of common stock of the Company.  The notes are convertible into common stock at $.50 per share over the term of the debt.  As of June 30, 2009, $10,260,000 was converted into 2,931,429 shares (after adjusting for the 7-to-1 Share Conversion) of common stock, $2,115,000 was redeemed upon maturity, and the remaining $125,000 will be paid off upon the receipt of the original notes from the investors.  The balance of $125,000 is included in other payables in the consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2009.   The related warrants to purchase 3,571,429 shares (after adjusting for the 7-to-1 Share Conversion) of common stock, exercisable at $.60 per share ($4.2 per share after adjusting for the 7-to-1 Share Conversion), have a term of five years from the date of issuance.  As of June 30, 2009, 9,100,000 warrants were exercised into 1,300,000 shares (after adjusting for the 7-to-1 Share Conversion) of common stock.

Investors were given "full ratchet" anti-dilution protection  under the warrants, meaning that the exercise price under the warrants will be adjusted to the lowest per share price for future issuances of Puda's common stock should such per share price be lower than  the exercise price of the warrants, with carve-outs for (i) issuance of shares of common stock in connection with the exercise of the warrants, or (ii) the issuance of common stock to employees or directors pursuant to an equity incentive plan approved by Puda's stockholders.  The exercise price of the warrants are also subject to proportional adjustments for issuance of shares as payment of dividends, stock splits, and rights offerings to shareholders in conjunction with payment of cash dividends. Investors were also given registration rights in connection with the resale of the common stock underlying the warrants, on a registration statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  Puda may redeem all, but not less than all, of the warrants at $0.001 per share subject to 30 business days’ prior notice to the holders of the warrants, and provided that (i) a registration statement is in effect covering the common stock underlying the warrants, (ii) the closing bid price of the common stock of Puda exceeds $2.50 per share on an adjusted basis for at least 20 consecutive trading days and (iii) the average daily trading volume of the common stock exceeds 50,000 shares per day during the same period.

 
19

 

PUDA COAL, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDIATED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

10.  Derivative Warrants (continued)

The warrants require the Company to register the resale of the shares of common stock upon exercise of these securities.  The warrants are freestanding derivative financial instruments.  The Company accounts for the fair value of these outstanding warrants to purchase common stock in accordance with SFAS No. 133 “Accounting For Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities” and EITF Issue No. 00-19 “Accounting For Derivative Financial Instruments Indexed To And Potentially Settled In A Company’s Own Stock” which requires the Company to account for the warrants as derivatives.  Since the effective registration of the securities underlying the warrants is an event outside of the control of the Company, pursuant to EITF Issue No. 00-19, the Company recorded the fair value of the warrants as liabilities.  The Company is required to carry these derivatives on its balance sheet at fair value and unrealized changes in the values of these derivatives are reflected in the consolidated statement of operations as “Derivative unrealized fair value gain/ (loss)”.

The warrants are classified as a derivative liability because they embody an obligation to issue a variable number of shares. This obligation is generated by the Registration Rights and Late Filing Penalties described above.  Warrants are being amortized over the term of five years using the effective interest method up to October 31, 2010, and the amount amortized in the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 was $nil and $33,000, respectively.  Upon exercise, the pro rata % of the amount actually exercised in relation to the total exercisable is multiplied by the remaining derivative liability, and transferred to equity.

In December 2006, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. EITF 00-19-2, "Accounting for Registration Payment Arrangements" (EITF 00-19-2).  EITF 00-19-2 addresses an issuers accounting for registration payment arrangements.  For registration payment arrangements and financial instruments subject to those arrangements that were entered into prior to the issuance of the FSP, the guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company has been and is in compliance with the FSP in that the contingent obligation is recognized under Statement 5 and FASB Interpretation No. 14 and financial instruments subject to registration payment arrangement are recognized and measured in accordance with other applicable accounting principles.

(b) In conjunction with the issuance of the notes, the placement agent was issued five year warrants, exercisable from November 18, 2005, to purchase 357,143 shares (after adjusting for the 7-to-1 Share Conversion)of common stock of the Company at an exercise price of $0.6 per share ($4.2 per share after adjusting for the 7-to-1 Share Conversion).  The warrants issued to the placement agent have the same terms and conditions as the warrants issued to the investors, including "full ratchet" anti-dilution protection, proportional exercise price adjustments based on issuances of stock as dividends and share splits, and Puda’s right to redeem the warrants subject to an effective registration statement covering the underlying shares of the placement agent’s warrant, and certain share price and trading volume requirements. However, the warrants issued to the placement agent, unlike the warrants issued to the investors, have a cashless exercise feature. With a cashless exercise feature, the warrant holders have the option to pay the exercise price not in cash, but by reducing the number of common share issued to them.  As with the warrants related to the notes, the placement agent warrants are classified as a derivative liability and are freestanding derivative financial instruments and contain Registration Rights and Late Filing Penalties identical to those held by the investors.  These warrants are being amortized over the term of five years using the effective interest method, up to October 31, 2010.  Upon exercise, the pro rata % of the amount actually exercised in relation to the total exercisable is multiplied by the remaining derivative liability, and transferred to equity.  As of June 30, 2009, 1,742,040 placement agent warrants were exercised in a cashless method and resulted in the issuance of 184,723 shares (after adjusting for the 7-to-1 Share Conversion) of common stock.

 
20

 

PUDA COAL, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDIATED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

10.  Derivative Warrants (continued)

(c) The derivative warrants as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008:

   
June 30,
2009
   
December 31,
2008
 
   
$000
   
$000
 
                 
Amount allocated to investor warrants
  $ 6,363     $ 6,363  
Placement agent warrants
    5,625       5,625  
Less: amount transferred to equity upon exercise of note warrants in 2006
    (789 )     (789 )
Less: amount transferred to equity upon exercise of placement agent warrants in 2006
    (882 )     (882 )
Less: amount transferred to equity upon exercise of note warrants in 2007
    (1,527 )     (1,527 )
Less: amount transferred to equity upon exercise of placement agent warrants in 2007
    (2,716 )     (2,716 )
Less: change in fair value in 2005
    (700 )     (700 )
Less: change in fair value in 2006
    (1,237 )     (1,237 )
Add: change in fair value in 2007
    343       343  
Less: change in fair value in 2008
    (394 )     (394 )
Add: change in fair value in 2009
    113       -  
    $ 4,199     $ 4,086  

On January 1, 2009, the Company adopted SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” which requires additional disclosures regarding the derivative instruments held at June 30, 2009, classified by whether the instrument affects the balance sheet or income statement and the primary risk exposure the entity intends to manage with the derivative instrument.  The following table shows (i) fair values of derivative instruments in a statement of financial position as of June 30, 2009, and (ii) the effect of derivative instruments on the statement of financial performance for the six months ended June 30, 2009:

 
21

 

PUDA COAL, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDIATED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

10.  Derivative Warrants (continued)
 
(i) Fair values of derivative instruments
   
Liability derivatives
 
   
June 30, 2009
 
   
Balance sheet location
 
Fair
Value
 
       
$000
 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under SFAS No. 133
           
             
Derivative warrants
 
Long-term liabilities
  $ 4,199  
             
Total derivatives
      $ 4,199  
 
(ii) Effect of derivative instruments on the statement of financial performance
 
  Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under  SFAS No. 133
 
   
Six months ended June 30, 2009
 
   
Location of gain or (loss) 
recognized in income on 
derivatives
 
Amount of gain or 
(loss) recognized 
in income on 
derivatives
 
       
$000
 
Derivative warrants
 
Derivative  unrealized fair value loss
  $ (113 )
Total
      $ (113 )
 
 
22

 

PUDA COAL, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

11. Commitments and Contingencies

As of June 30, 2009, the Group leased office premises under the operating lease agreement expiring on December 31, 2013.

The future minimum lease payments under the above-mentioned lease as of June 30, 2009 are as follows:-

   
June 30, 2009
 
Year
 
$’000
 
         
2009 (remaining six months)
  $ 80  
2010
    160  
2011
    160  
2012
    160  
2013
    160  
    $ 720  

The above future lease payments represent amounts payable to Resources Group (see Note 4).

On May 14, 2009, Shanxi Coal entered into an agreement of share transfer with two unrelated individuals to purchase their equity, constituting 18% ownership, in Shanxi Jianhe Coal Industry Limited Company (“Jianhe Coal”) for an aggregate purchase price of RMB 100 million  (approximately $14.6 million).  In addition, under the agreement, the individual owning the other 82% of Jianhe Coal, guaranteed Shanxi Coal first priority in the right to purchase other shares of Jianhe Coal within the 24-month period following execution of the agreement.   Shanxi Coal will not take part in the operational management of the coal mine but will be paid dividends semiannually based on its 18% ownership in Jianhe Coal  and such dividends will be no less than 80% of the annual net profits of Jianhe Coal.   The transaction is expected to close approximately 90 days after execution of the agreement, subject to satisfaction of certain customary closing conditions including governmental registration of the share transfer.  As of June 30, 2009 Shanxi Coal prepaid 60% of the purchase price of approximately $8,785,000 and the remaining 40% (approximately $5,815,000) will be paid at the time of closing; provided, however, if the closing does not occur, the purchase price paid and any transferred shares will be returned by the parties (see Note 5).

As of June 30, 2009, the Group did not have any contingent liabilities.
 
12. Common Stock and Paid-in Capital

   
Common Stock
   
Paid-in Capital
 
   
No. of shares
   
$000
   
$000
 
                       
Balance,  January 1, 2009 (after adjusting for the 7-to-1 Share Conversion)
    15,333,680     $ 15     $ 31,647  
Issue of directors shares (after adjusting for the 7-to-1 Share Conversion)
    27,721       -       65  
Issue of director warrants
    -       -       21  
                         
Balance, June 30, 2009
    15,361,401     $ 15     $ 31,733  
 
 
23

 

PUDA COAL, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

13. Interest Expense

Interest expense for the three months ended June 30, 2009 includes a $132,000 (2008: $151,000) interest payment for the 6% loan from Resources Group for the purchase of the Liulin and Zhongyang plants, and $nil (2008: $45,000) interest payment for the 8% convertible notes.  Interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2009 includes a $269,000 (2008: $307,000) interest payment for the 6% loan from Resources Group for the purchase of the Liulin and Zhongyang plants, and $nil (2008: $90,000) interest payment for the 8% convertible notes.

14. Debt Financing Costs

Debt financing costs for the three months ended June 30, 2008 include amortization of discount on convertible notes and warrants of $109,000.   Debt financing costs for the six months ended June 30, 2008 include amortization of discount on convertible notes and warrants of $243,000 and penalty for the delay in getting the registration statement effective by March 17, 2006 of $379,000.

15. Derivative Unrealized Fair Value Gain/Loss

Derivative unrealized fair value loss of $121,000 in the three months ended June 30, 2009 (2008: $144,000) and derivative unrealized fair value loss of $113,000 in the six months ended June 30, 2009 (2008: derivative unrealized fair value gain of $220,000) represented the change in fair value of the derivative warrants (see Note 10).

16. Other Expense

Other expense of $719,000 in the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 represented the donation for earthquake rescue efforts in Sichuan Province, PRC.

17. Income Taxes

No provision for taxation has been made for Puda, BVI and Putai for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, as they did not generate any taxable profits during these periods.

Pursuant to the PRC Income Tax Laws, Shanxi Coal is subject to enterprise income tax at a statutory rate of 25% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008.

Details of income taxes in the statements of operations are as follows:-

   
Three months
ended
June 30, 2009
   
Three months
ended
June 30, 2008
   
Six months
ended
June 30, 2009
   
Six months
ended
June 30, 2008
 
   
$’000
   
$’000
    $’000     $’000  
                                 
Current period provision
  $ 706     $ 1,208     $ 1,447     $ 2,812  
 
 
24

 

PUDA COAL, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

17. Income Taxes (continued)

A reconciliation between taxes computed at the United States statutory rate of 34% and the Group’s effective tax rate is as follows:-

   
Three months
ended
June 30, 2009
   
Three months
ended
June 30, 2008
   
Six months
ended
June 30, 2009
   
Six months
ended
June 30, 2008
 
   
$’000
   
$’000
   
$’000
   
$’000
 
                                 
Income before income taxes
  $ 2,435     $ 4,071     $ 5,292     $ 9,970  
                                 
Income tax on pretax income at statutory rate
    828       1,384       1,799       3,390  
Tax effect of expenses that are not deductible in determining taxable profits
    57       137       74       233  
Effect of different tax rates of subsidiary operating in other jurisdictions
    (250 )     (419 )     (512 )     (981 )
Valuation allowance
    71       106       86       170  
                                 
Income tax at effective rate
  $ 706     $ 1,208     $ 1,447     $ 2,812  

As at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Group had accumulated net operating loss carryforwards for United States federal tax purposes of approximately $6,163,000 and $5,871,000, respectively, that are available to offset future taxable income.  Realization of the net operating loss carryforwards is dependent upon future profitable operations.  In addition, the carryforwards may be limited upon a change of control in accordance with Internal Revenue Code Section 382, as amended.  Accordingly, management has recorded a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets associated with the net operating loss carryforwards to zero at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008.   The net operating loss carryforwards expires in years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029 in the amounts of $132,000, $394,000, $153,000, $371,000, $287,000, $1,968,000, $1,341,000 and $1,225,000 and $292,000, respectively.

At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, deferred tax assets consist of:

   
June 30, 2009
   
December 31, 2008
 
   
$’000
    $’000  
                 
Net operating loss carryforwards
  $ 2,095     $ 1,996  
Less: Valuation allowance
    (2,095 )     (1,996 )
                 
Net
  $ -     $ -  
 
 
25

 
PUDA COAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
 
18. Basic and Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares

   
Three months
ended 
June 30, 2009
   
Three months
ended 
June 30, 2008
   
Six months
ended 
June 30, 2009
   
Six months
ended 
June 30, 2008
 
                         
Basic weighted average number of shares (after adjusting for the 7-to-1 Share Conversion)
    15,353,176       15,036,026       15,343,482       15,036,026  
Issuance of directors/employees shares (after adjusting for the 7-to-1 Share Conversion)
    17,143       -       17,143       -  
Issuance of penalty shares (after adjusting for the 7-to-1 Share Conversion)
    -       613,411       -       613,411  
                                 
Diluted weighted average number of shares
    15,370,319       15,649,437       15,360,625       15,649,437  

The 7-to-1 Share Conversion at July 30, 2009 was retroactively reflected in the calculation of weighted average number of shares as if the reverse split was effective from January 1, 2008 (see Note 1). The exercise of the warrants was not assumed for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 as they were out-of-the-money, but this item could potentially dilute earnings per share in the future.
 
19. Equity incentive plan

 On December 29, 2008, the shareholders of the Company approved a Puda Coal, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2008 Plan”). Any employee or director of the Company is eligible to participate in the 2008 Plan and may be granted stock awards and/or options (collectively, “Awards”) by the administrator of the 2008 Plan, which is the Board of Directors, the Compensation Committee or their delegates. The 2008 Plan became effective upon its approval by the shareholders of the Company and will continue in effect for a term of ten years unless terminated by the administrator of the 2008 Plan earlier. The aggregate number of shares of common stock that may be issued pursuant to the Awards under the 2008 Plan is 714,286 shares (after adjusting for the 7-to-1 Share Conversion). The aggregate number of shares subject to the Awards under the 2008 Plan during any calendar year to any one awardee will not exceed 7,143 shares (after adjusting for the 7-to-1 Share Conversion). The fair market value of the common stock should be determined by the administrator of the 2008 Plan in good faith using a reasonable valuation method in a reasonable manner in accordance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Whenever possible, the determination of fair market value should be based upon the average of the highest and lowest quoted sales prices for such common stock as of such date as reported in sources as determined by the administrator.
 
20. Stock Compensation

On June 29, 2007, Puda entered into a contract with a director. Pursuant to the contract, in consideration of his service to the Company as an independent director commencing on July 1, 2007, he will receive compensation in the form of warrants to purchase 1,429 (after adjusting for the 7-to-1 Share Conversion) shares of common stock of the Company per year. The term of the warrants is 5 years and the exercise price is $2.50 per share. On December 29, 2008, Puda entered into an amendment to the director’s contract dated June 29, 2007. Pursuant to the amendment, in consideration of his continued service to the Company as an independent director, the annual stock compensation will be $25,000 worth of shares of common stock (8,504 shares, after adjusting for the 7-to-1 Share Conversion), calculated based on the closing sale price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date of August 11, 2008 and then on each anniversary date of the grant date, and such stock grants are subject to the 2008 Plan.

 
26

 
 
PUDA COAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
 
20. Stock Compensation (continued)

On August 3, 2007, Puda entered into a contract with another director. Pursuant to the contract, in consideration of his service to the Company as an independent director commencing on August 3, 2007, he will receive an annual fee of $40,000 in cash and 1,786 shares (after adjusting for the 7-to-1 Share Conversion) of common stock of the Company. On December 29, 2008, Puda entered into an amendment to the director’s contract dated August 3, 2007. Pursuant to the amendment, in consideration of his continued service to the Company as an independent director, the annual fee will be $40,000 cash plus stock compensation of $25,000 worth of shares of common stock of the Company (8,504 shares, after adjusting for the 7-to-1 Share Conversion), calculated based on the closing sale price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date of August 11, 2008 and then on each anniversary date of the grant date, and such stock grants are subject to the 2008 Plan.

On October 9, 2007, Puda entered into a contract with another director. Pursuant to the contract, in consideration of his service to the Company as an independent director commencing on October 9, 2007, he will receive an annual fee of $40,000 in cash and 1,861 shares (after adjusting for the 7-to-1 Share Conversion) of common stock of the Company.  On December 29, 2008, the Company entered into an amendment to the director’s contract dated October 9, 2007. Pursuant to the amendment, in consideration of his continued service to the Company as an independent director, the annual fee will be $25,000 cash plus stock compensation of $15,000 worth of shares of common stock (10,715 shares, after adjusting for the 7-to-1 Share Conversion), calculated based on the closing sale price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date of October 9, 2008 and then on each anniversary date of the grant date, and such stock grants are subject to the 2008 Plan.

On August 11, 2008 and December 11, 2008, the Company granted an officer 2,858 and 5,715 shares (after adjusting for the 7-to-1 Share Conversion) of common stock, respectively. The shares granted vested in full on their respective grant dates and are subject to the restricted stock unit grant agreement under the 2008 Plan.

On August 11, 2008 and December 11, 2008, the Company granted Ming Zhou 2,858 and 5,715 shares (after adjusting for the 7-to-1 Share Conversion) of common stock, respectively. The shares granted will vest on the dates that are the one-year anniversary of their respective grant dates and are subject to the restricted stock unit grant agreement under the 2008 Plan.

The stock compensation expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 were as follows:

   
Three months
ended 
June 30, 2009
   
Three months
ended 
June 30, 2008
   
Six months
ended 
June 30, 2009
   
Six months
ended 
June 30, 2008
 
   
$’000
   
$’000
   
$’000
   
$’000
 
                         
Stock compensation
  $ 8     $ 14     $ 33     $ 26  
 
21. Concentrations and Credit Risk

The Group operates principally in the PRC and grants credit to its customers in this geographic region. Although the PRC is economically stable, it is always possible that unanticipated events in foreign countries could disrupt the Group’s operations.

At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Group has a credit risk exposure of uninsured cash in banks of approximately $16,852,000 and $39,108,000, respectively. The Group does not require collateral or other securities to support financial instruments that are subject to credit risk.

 
27

 
 
PUDA COAL, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
 
22. Fair Value Measurement

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements”. SFAS No. 157 introduces a framework for measuring fair value and expands required disclosure about fair value measurements of assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 157 for financial assets and liabilities is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company has adopted the standard for those assets and liabilities as of January 1, 2008 and the impact of adoption was not significant.

SFAS No. 157 defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. SFAS No. 157 also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 - Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. 

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

The Company utilizes the income approach to measure fair value for its financial assets and liabilities. The income approach includes option pricing models, such as Black-Scholes (See Note 10).
 
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:

   
Fair Value Measurement as of June 30, 2009
 
Description
 
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
   
$’000
   
$’000
   
$’000
   
$’000
 
                         
Derivative warrants
  $ 4,199       -     $ 4,199       -  
                                 
Total
  $ 4,199     $ -     $ 4,199     $ -  

Unrealized gains or losses on derivatives are recorded in consolidated statement of operations as “Derivative unrealized fair value gain/ (loss)”.

 
28

 
 
PUDA COAL, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
 
23. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant

The condensed financial information of Registrant includes the balance sheet as at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 and the statements of operations and cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008.

Balance Sheets-Parent Company Only
(In thousands of United States dollars)

   
Note(s)
   
June 30, 
2009
   
December 31,
2008
 
ASSETS
                 
CURRENT ASSETS
                 
Cash and cash equivalents
        $ 63     $ 196  
                       
Total current assets
          63       196  
                       
INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES
          70,608       66,366  
                       
TOTAL ASSETS
        $ 70,671     $ 66,562  
                       
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                     
CURRENT LIABILITIES
                     
Other payable
          125       257  
Accrued expenses
          76       232  
                       
Total current liabilities
          201       489  
                       
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
                     
Derivative warrants
  10       4,199       4,086  
                         
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                       
Preferred stock, authorized 5,000,000 shares, par value $0.01, issued and outstanding None
            -       -  
Common stock, authorized 150,000,000 shares, par value $0.001, issued and outstanding 15,361,401 shares (2008: 15,333,680)
            15       15  
Paid-in capital
            93,463       88,782  
Accumulated deficit
            (27,207 )     (26,810 )
                         
Total stockholders’ equity
            66,271       61,987  
                         
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
          $ 70,671     $ 66,562  

 
29

 

PUDA COAL, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
 
23. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (continued)

Statements of Operations-Parent Company Only
(In thousands of United States dollars)

   
Note(s)
   
Six months ended June 30,
 
         
2009
   
2008
 
                   
Revenue:
                 
                   
Share of earnings from investment in subsidiaries
        $ 4,242     $ 8,086  
                       
Total revenue
          4,242       8,086  
                       
General and administrative expenses
          (284 )     (436 )
                       
Income from operations
          3,958       7,650  
                       
Interest expense
  13       -       (90 )
                         
Debt financing costs
  14       -       (622 )
                         
Derivative unrealized fair value gain
  10(c), 15     (113 )     220  
                         
Net income
          $ 3,845     $ 7,158  

No cash dividends were received from the subsidiaries for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008.

 
30

 

PUDA COAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
 
23. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (continued)

Statements of Cash Flows-Parent Company Only
(In thousands of United States dollars)

   
Six months ended June 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
             
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
           
Net income
  $ 3,845     $ 7,158  
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities
               
Share of earnings from investment in subsidiaries
    (4,242 )     (8,086 )
Amortization of discount on convertible notes and warrants
    -       243  
Derivative unrealized fair value loss/(gain)
    113       (220 )
Stock compensation
    33       26  
Issue of common stock/warrants to directors
    86       -  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Advance from subsidiary
    353       130  
(Decrease)/increase in other payable
    (132 )     365  
Decrease in accrued expenses
    (189 )     (73 )
Increase in penalty payable
    -       379  
                 
Net cash used in operating activities
    (133 )     (78 )
                 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (133 )     (78 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    196       54  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents/(bank overdrafts) at end of period
  $ 63     $ (24 )
 
 
31

 

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Forward-Looking Statements

The following discussion may contain certain forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. These statements include the plans and objectives of management for the future growth of Puda Coal, Inc., formerly Purezza Group, Inc. (“Puda Coal” or the “Company”) and its subsidiaries. The forward-looking statements included herein are based on current expectations that involve numerous risks and uncertainties. Assumptions relating to the foregoing involve judgments with respect to, among other things, future economic, competitive and market conditions and future business decisions, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of which are beyond the control of Puda Coal. Although Puda Coal believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of the assumptions could be inaccurate and, therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-Q will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by Puda Coal or any other person that the objectives and plans of Puda Coal will be achieved.

The words “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Puda Coal and its subsidiaries. The words or phrases “would be,” “will allow,” “intends to,” “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “will continue,” “is anticipated,” “estimate,” “project,” or similar expressions are intended to identify “forward-looking statements.” Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward looking statements as a result of a number of risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to: (a) limited amount of resources devoted to expanding our business plan; (b) our failure to implement our business plan within the time period we originally planned to accomplish; (c) our ability to remediate or otherwise mitigate any material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting or significant deficiencies that have been and may be further identified; and (d) other risks that are discussed in our Form 10-K filed on March 31, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference or included in our previous filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended June 30, 2009 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2008

Net Revenue. Net revenue was $47,990,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2009, compared to $53,188,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2008, a decrease of $5,198,000, or 10%. The tonnage sales of cleaned coal decreased approximately 152,000 MT, or 26%, from approximately 592,000 MT for the three months ended June 30, 2008 to approximately 440,000 MT for the three months ended June 30, 2009. The decrease in tonnage sales was partially offset by an increase in selling price. The selling price of cleaned coal increased approximately $17, or 18%, from approximately $92 (after adjusting for RMB appreciation against USD over this period) per ton for the three months ended June 30, 2008 to approximately $109 per ton for the three months ended June 30, 2009. The decrease in tonnage sales was primarily due to decreased orders from customers as a result of the general economic downturn.

Cost of Revenue. Cost of revenue was $44,388,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2009, compared to $46,491,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2008, a decrease of $2,103,000, or 5%. This decrease was primarily due to the decrease in tonnage sales of cleaned coal, which was partially offset by an increase in average purchase price of raw coal and an increase in manufacturing overhead. The average price of raw coal increased $12, or 20%, from approximately $59 (after adjusting for RMB appreciation against USD over this period) per ton for the three months ended June 30, 2008 to approximately $71 per ton for the three months ended June 30, 2009.  The average unit cost of manufacturing overhead was $1.88 in the three months ended June 30, 2008, compared to $3.01 in the three months ended June 30, 2009.
 
Gross Profit. Gross profit was $3,602,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2009, compared to $6,697,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2008, a decrease of $3,095,000, or 46%. Gross profit margins for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 were 8% and 13%, respectively. The decrease in the gross profit margins in 2009 was primarily due to the increase in labor cost and manufacturing overhead due to the increase in cost of power, water and materials, across the three months ended June 30, 2009.

Selling Expenses. Selling expenses were $533,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2009, compared to $858,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2008. This represents a decrease of $325,000, or 38%, primarily due to the decrease in tonnage sales of cleaned coal in the three months ended June 30, 2009.

 
32

 
 
General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses were $404,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2009, compared to $626,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2008. This represents a decrease of $222,000, or 35%, as a result of a decrease in professional and employee related expenses in the three months ended June 30, 2009.

Income from Operations. Income from operations was $2,665,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2009, compared to $5,213,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2008. The decrease of $2,548,000, or 49%, was primarily the result of a decrease in gross profit of $3,095,000, which was offset by a decrease in operating expenses of $547,000.

Interest Expense. Interest expense was $132,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2009, compared to $196,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2008. This represents a decrease of $64,000, or 33%, and such decrease was primarily due to a decrease in interest payments for the 8% convertible notes which matured on October 31, 2008.

Debt Financing Costs. Debt financing costs of 109,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 include amortization of discount on convertible notes and warrants of $109,000. There were no such costs for the three months ended June 30, 2009.

Derivative Unrealized Fair Value Loss. Derivative unrealized fair value loss of $121,000 and $144,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, represented a change in fair value of the derivative warrants.

Other Expense. Other expense of $719,000 in the three months ended June 30, 2008 represented the donation for earthquake rescue efforts in Sichuan Province, PRC. There was no such expense for the three months ended June 30, 2009.

Income Before Income Taxes. Income before income taxes was $2,435,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2009, compared to $4,071,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2008. The decrease of $1,636,000, or 40%, was primarily the result of a decrease in operating profit of $2,548,000 which was partially offset by a decrease in other expense of $719,000, a decrease in debt financing costs of $109,000, a decrease in interest expense of $64,000 and a decrease in derivative unrealized fair value loss of $23,000 in the three months ended June 30, 2009.
 
Income Taxes. Income taxes were $706,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2009, compared to $1,208,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2008, a decrease of $502,000, or 42%. Income tax was imposed by the China Tax Bureau on income of Shanxi Coal, as calculated under Chinese GAAP and tax rules. The decrease was primarily the result of a decrease in income of Shanxi Coal from $4,650,000 in the three months ended June 30, 2008 to $2,774,000 in the three months ended June 30, 2009.

Net Income. Net income was $1,729,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2009, compared to $2,863,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2008, a decrease of $1,134,000, or 40%, mainly due to a decrease in operating profit of $2,548,000 which was offset by a decrease in other expense of $719,000, a decrease in income taxes of $502,000, a decrease in debt financing costs of $109,000, a decrease in interest expense of $64,000 and a decrease in derivative unrealized fair value loss of $23,000 in the three months ended June 30, 2009.

Inflation had no significant impact on the Company’s results of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008.

Six Months Ended June 30, 2009 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2008

Net Revenue. Net revenue was $97,711,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2009, compared to $103,786,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2008, a decrease of $6,075,000, or 6%. The tonnage sales of cleaned coal decreased approximately 273,000 MT, or 23%, from approximately 1,168,000 MT for the six months ended June 30, 2008 to approximately 895,000 MT for the six months ended June 30, 2009. The decrease in tonnage sales was partially offset by an increase in selling price. The selling price of cleaned coal increased approximately $17, or 18%, from approximately $92 (after adjusting for RMB appreciation against USD over this period) per ton for the six months ended June 30, 2008 to approximately $109 per ton for the six months ended June 30, 2009. The decrease in tonnage sales was primarily due to decreased orders from customers as a result of the general economic downturn.

 
33

 

Cost of Revenue. Cost of revenue was $90,238,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2009, compared to $89,636,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2008, an increase of $602,000, or 1%. This increase was primarily due to an increase in purchase price of raw coal and an increase in manufacturing overhead, which was offset by the decrease in tonnage sales of cleaned coal. The average price of raw coal increased $13, or 22%, from approximately $58 (after adjusting for RMB appreciation against USD over this period) per ton for the six months ended June 30, 2008 to approximately $71 per ton for the six months ended June 30, 2009.  The average unit cost of manufacturing overhead was $1.81 in the six months ended June 30, 2008 as compared to $2.96 in the six months ended June 30, 2009.
 
Gross Profit. Gross profit was $7,473,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2009, compared to $14,150,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2008, a decrease of $6,677,000, or 47%. Gross profit margins for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 were 8% and 14%, respectively. The decrease in the gross profit margin in 2009 was primarily due to the increase in labor cost and manufacturing overhead due to increased maintenance costs in the first quarter of 2009 as well as increased power, water and material costs, across the six months ended June 30, 2009.

Selling Expenses. Selling expenses were $1,110,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2009, compared to $1,612,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2008. This represents a decrease of $502,000, or 31%, primarily due to the decrease in tonnage sales of cleaned coal in the six months ended June 30, 2009.

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses were $745,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2009, compared to $1,103,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2008. This represents a decrease of $358,000, or 32%, as a result of a decrease in professional and employee related expenses in the six months ended June 30, 2009.

Income from Operations. Income from operations was $5,618,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2009, compared to $11,435,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2008. The decrease of $5,817,000, or 51%, was primarily the result of a decrease in gross profit of $6,677,000, which was partially offset by a decrease in operating expenses of $860,000.

Interest Expense. Interest expense was $269,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2009, compared to $397,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2008. This represents a decrease of $128,000, or 32%, and such decrease was primarily due to a decrease in interest payments for the 8% convertible notes which matured on October 31, 2008.

Debt Financing Costs. Debt financing costs of 622,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 include amortization of discount on convertible notes and warrants of $243,000 and penalty for the delay in getting the registration statement effective by March 17, 2006 of $379,000. There were no such costs for the six months ended June 30, 2009.

Derivative Unrealized Fair Value Loss. Derivative unrealized fair value loss of $113,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and derivative unrealized fair value gain of $220,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively, represented a change in fair value of the derivative warrants.

Other Expense. Other expense of $719,000 in the six months ended June 30, 2008 represented the donation for earthquake rescue efforts in Sichuan Province, PRC. There was no such expense for the six months ended June 30, 2009.

Income Before Income Taxes. Income before income taxes was $5,292,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2009, compared to $9,970,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2008. The decrease of $4,678,000, or 47%, was primarily the result of a decrease in operating profit of $5,817,000 and an increase in derivative unrealized fair value loss of $333,000, which were offset by a decrease in other expense of $719,000, a decrease in debt financing costs of $622,000, and a decrease in interest expense of $128,000 in the six months ended June 30, 2009.
 
Income Taxes. Income taxes were $1,447,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2009, compared to $2,812,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2008, a decrease of $1,365,000, or 49%. Income tax was imposed by the China Tax Bureau on income of Shanxi Coal, as calculated under Chinese GAAP and tax rules. The decrease was primarily the result of a decrease in income of Shanxi Coal from $10,897,000 in the six months ended June 30, 2008 to $5,689,000 in the six months ended June 30, 2009.

 
34

 

Net Income. Net income was $3,845,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2009, compared to $7,158,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2008, a decrease of $3,313,000, or 46%, mainly due to a decrease in operating profit of $5,817,000 and an increase in derivative unrealized fair value loss of $333,000, which were partially offset by a decrease in income taxes of $1,365,000, a decrease in other expense of $719,000, a decrease in debt financing costs of $622,000, and a decrease in interest expense of $128,000 in the six months ended June 30, 2009.

Inflation had no significant impact on the Company’s results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008.
 
Business Outlook

 In response to record high steel prices driven by the demand in the infrastructure construction sector in China, the steel industry has begun increasing production levels. The modest increase in sales order we experienced in June did not contribute significantly to our second quarter operating results. However, we anticipate tonnage sales in the third quarter will improve from current levels as steel inventories decline and our customers increase order volumes.

In the longer term, the management believes the outlook for its coal washing operations remains attractive, as the Company has maintained a stable increased customer base and supply tunnels. We believe that the outlook for China’s steel making industry also remains promising due to China’s 4 trillion yuan economic stimulus package, which encourages infrastructure development projects such as the construction of railway and motor vehicle manufacturing as well as real estate projects, which should drive the demand for steel. We expect that such demand will provide significant opportunities for suppliers of cleaned coking coal like Puda Coal.

It should be noted that, however, the financial markets are currently experiencing unprecedented volatility, stress, illiquidity and disruption around the world. Many of our customers and suppliers may encounter much uncertainty and risks due to the weakening business environment and credit availability. As a result, these customers and suppliers may be unable to satisfy their contract obligations, may delay payment, or may not repay our credit advance to them, which could negatively affect our business and financial performance. See discussions under “Item 1A Risk Factors” of our annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 31, 2009.

The Company is currently operating at approximately 54% utilization of its production capacity and has the capacity to meet any reasonable increases in future demand. In addition, the Company intends to execute its strategy of entering the coal mining business to increase profitability. However, if the Company is unable to acquire or manage coal mines successfully, it will not be able to grow its business in the way that it currently expects. Also, in order to pursue such acquisition opportunities, depending on the size of the coal mine acquisition, the Company may need significant additional financing, which may not be available to it on favorable terms, if at all. The availability of such financing is further limited by the recent tightening of the global credit markets and the lack of investors’ confidence in the equity markets. See discussions under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 31, 2009

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Net cash used in operating activities was $12,652,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2009, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $10,202,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2008, a decrease of $22,854,000. This was primarily due to an increase in working capital needs resulting from increased accounts receivable, inventory and a decrease in net income.
 
Net cash used in investing activities was $8,781,000 and nil for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The net cash used in the current period is a prepayment for an 18% equity purchase of Jianhe Coal ( see Note 6 and Note 11 to the financial statements)

Net cash used in financing activities was $650,000 and $650,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. This was for the repayment of long-term debt to Resources Group.
 
 
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On November 17, 2005, Shanxi Coal entered into two conveyance agreements with Resources Group (a related person controlled by our controlling shareholders), pursuant to which Shanxi Coal acquired two new coal washing plants, related land-use rights and coal washing equipment in Liulin County and Zhongyang County, Shanxi Province. The Liulin County plant with an annual clean coal washing capacity of 1.1 million MT started full production in December 2005. The Liulin County plant, land-use rights and related equipment were purchased for a cost of $5,800,000. The Zhongyang County plant with an annual clean coal washing capacity of 1.2 million MT started full production at the end of March 2006. The Zhongyang County plant, land-use rights and related equipment were purchased for a cost of $7,200,000. Each conveyance agreement provides that the purchase price paid by Shanxi Coal to Resources Group, which totals $13,000,000, is amortized over 10 years from December 31, 2005 and bears interest at a rate of 6% per annum payable quarterly. On June 6, 2007, Shanxi Coal entered into an Asset Exchange Agreement with Lingshi Jinliao Coal & Chemical Co. Ltd.  Pursuant to the Asset Exchange Agreement, Shanxi Coal agreed to exchange all assets of its 400,000 MT Liulin Dongqiang coal washing plant, with a book value of RMB11.5 million ($1,511,000), plus RMB45.5 million ($5,977,000) in cash, for all assets of Lingshi County Chongjie coal washing plant, with a book value of RMB57 million ($7,488,000).  The Lingshi County Chongjie plant with an annual clean coal washing capacity of 1.2 million MT started formal production in August 2007.

On May 14, 2009, Shanxi Coal entered into an agreement of share transfer with Li Jingquan and Feng Ming to purchase their equity, constituting 18% ownership, in Shanxi Jianhe Coal Industry Limited Company (“Jianhe Coal”) for an aggregate purchase price of RMB 100 million (approximately $14.6 million). In addition, under the agreement, Chen Guang, the individual owning the other 82% of Jianhe Coal, guaranteed Shanxi Coal first priority in the right to purchase other shares of Jianhe Coal within the 24-month period following execution of the agreement.  Shanxi Coal will not take part in the operational management of the coal mine but will be paid dividends semiannually based on its 18% ownership in Jianhe Coal and such dividends will be no less than 80% of the annual net profits of Jianhe Coal. Shanxi Coal will utilize its own funds to pay for the transaction, which is expected to close approximately 90 days after execution of the agreement, subject to satisfaction of certain customary closing conditions including governmental registration of the share transfer. As of June 30, 2009 Shanxi Coal prepaid 60% of the purchase price of approximately $8,785,000 and the remaining 40% (approximately $5,815,000) will be paid at the time of closing; provided, however, if the closing does not occur, the purchase price paid and any transferred shares will be returned by the parties.

Our principal on-going capital requirements are to finance our coal washing operations and to fund the payment of the loans to Resources Group, with the outstanding balance of $8,450,000 as of June 30, 2009, for the acquisition of the new Liulin County plant and the new Zhongyang County plant.

Warrants were also issued in the November 2005 Private Placement to acquire up to 15,900,000 shares of our common stock which are exercisable at price of $.60 per share, or an aggregate of $9,540,000. We believe that the likelihood that these warrants being exercised increases as our stock price increases and decreases as our stock price decreases, with a corresponding effect on the likelihood of our realizing proceeds from their exercise.

Our business is heavily dependent on our coal inventory. Because of certain coal mining accidents, the Chinese government has been closing mines throughout China. In addition, in Shanxi Province, the authorities are not approving new mines that produce less than 300,000 MT output per year, are closing mines that produce less than 90,000 MT per year and are consolidating existing mines into larger mines with outputs between 300,000 MT and 900,000 MT. These activities may lead to increased competition for coal and result in higher prices for the raw coal we purchase, increase our need for capital resources and reduce our gross profit margins if we are not able to increase the selling price of our products sufficiently to offset our increased costs.

In addition, while the Chinese steel industry has been expanding, over-supply could have the effect of decreasing steel prices, reducing our net revenue and making the collection of our accounts receivable more difficult.
 
Our cash balance was $16,852,000 as of June 30, 2009. We believe that our cash will be adequate to satisfy our anticipated working capital requirements for fiscal 2009 for our coal washing business, including requirements to maintain current operations, complete projects already underway and achieve stated objectives or plans, commitment for capital or other expenditure and other reasonably likely future needs. Cash requirements for our long-term business needs, including the funding of capital expenditure and debt service for outstanding financings, are expected to be financed by a combination of internally generated funds, the proceeds from the sale of our securities, borrowings and other external financing sources, etc., although adequate financing may not be available to us on acceptable terms when we need it. Our belief concerning our liquidity is based on current information. If the current information proves to be inaccurate, or if circumstances change, we may not be able to meet our cash needs.

 
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Recently, the global economic, capital and credit market conditions have deteriorated significantly and have adversely affected access to capital and increased the cost of capital. We currently do not rely on short-term borrowing to fund our operations and, as a result, we do not believe that existing global capital and credit market conditions will have a significant impact on our near-term liquidity. We are closely monitoring our liquidity as well as the condition of these markets. If these conditions continue or become worse, our future cost of debt and equity capital and our future access to capital markets could be adversely affected. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to obtain any additional financing in the future or extend any existing financing arrangements on favorable terms, or at all.
 
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market Risk

Market risk represents the risk of loss that may impact our financial position, results of operations or cash flows due to adverse changes in market prices, including interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange rate risk, securities market risk, commodity price risk, and other relevant market rate or price risks. We do not have any significant risks related to equity investments, securities markets or derivative financial instruments as we do not have equity investments in privately held companies other than our subsidiaries, securities markets or derivative financial instruments. Nor do we have any significant interest rate risk, as we do not have bank loans, and its promissory notes and loans to related parties have fixed interest rates. We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk, commodity price risk and credit risk.
 
Although our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar, the financial records of our operating subsidiaries are maintained in their local currency, the RMB, which is our functional currency. Approximately 100% of our revenues and 99% of our costs and expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2009 are denominated in RMB, with the balance denominated in U.S. dollars. Approximately 99.9% of our assets were denominated in RMB as of June 30, 2009. Assets and liabilities of our operating subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate at the balance sheet date, their equity accounts are translated at historical exchange rate and their income and expenses items are translated using the average rate for the period. Any resulting exchange differences are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss. We have not reduced our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations by using hedging transactions. While we may choose to do so in the future, the availability and effectiveness of any hedging transactions may be limited and we may not be able to successfully hedge our exchange rate risks. Accordingly, we may experience economic losses and negative impacts on earnings and equity as a result of foreign exchange rate fluctuations. If the RMB depreciates against the U.S. dollar, the value of our RMB revenues, earnings and assets as expressed in our U.S. dollar financial statements will decline. See “We are subject to currency fluctuations from our Chinese operations and fluctuations in the exchange rate may negatively affect our expenses and results of operations, as well as the value of our assets and liabilities” in Part I Item 1 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 under the heading “Risk Factors.” During the second fiscal quarter of 2009, the foreign currency translation adjustment to our comprehensive income was $0.03 million loss, primarily as a result of the RMB depreciating against the U.S. dollar in the period. An average appreciation (depreciation) of the RMB against the U.S. dollar of 1% would increase (decrease) our net income of second fiscal quarter of 2009 by approximately $0.02 million based on our outstanding revenues, costs and expenses, assets and liabilities denominated in RMB as of June 30, 2009. As of June 30, our accumulated other comprehensive income was $7.301 million.

Commodity Price Risk 

Our operating profits may be negatively affected by fluctuations in the price of raw coking coal. We are subject to short-term coal price volatility and may be forced to purchase raw coking coal at higher prices and may be unable to pass the cost increase of raw coal on to customers. This may adversely affect gross margins and profitability. Our sales agreements with customers generally contain provisions that permit the parties to adjust the contract price of the cleaned coking coal upward or downward at specified times. For example, we may adjust these contract prices because of increases or decreases in the price of raw coal from our mining suppliers, general inflation or deflation, or changes in the cost of producing raw or cleaned coking coal caused by such things as changes in taxes, fees, royalties or the laws regulating the mining, production, sale or use of coal. However, if we fail to agree on a price with our customers under these provisions, many agreements permit the customers to terminate the contract or refuse to buy all of the quantities contracted for. In China, the purchase price of raw coal increased steadily from approximately RMB399 per ton in 2007 to approximately RMB 483 per ton in the first half year of 2009. Top quality raw coking coal is critical for us to maintain our operating efficiencies and to deliver cleaned coal to our customers meeting their specifications. Since top quality raw coking coal is more limited in supply, its price tends to be more volatile. A general rise in coking coal prices also may adversely affect the price of, and demand for, coke and products made with coke such as pig iron, steel and concrete. This may in turn lead to a fall in demand for our products. An increase (decrease) in raw coal purchase price of 5% could decrease (increase) our income from operations by approximately $4.6 million for the first half year of 2009. We generally have not employed forward contracts or other financial instruments to hedge commodity price risk.

 
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Credit Risk
 
We are exposed to credit risk from our cash at bank and contract receivables. At June 30, 2009, we had a credit risk exposure of cash at bank of approximately $16,852,000. The credit risk on cash at bank is limited because the bank in which our cash is deposited is a very reputable bank and it is not reasonably expected to have significant credit risk. We do not require collateral or other securities to support financial instruments that are subject to credit risk. We grant credit to our customers subject to credit evaluations. We periodically record a provision for doubtful collections based on an evaluation of the collectibility of contract receivables by assessing, among other factors, the customer's willingness or ability to pay, repayment history, general economic conditions and our ongoing relationship with the customers. We believe that our customers have good payment history and our accounts are current, and we currently do not have significant bad debt provision.  

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) are controls and other procedures that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information that we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

In connection with the preparation of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2009, an evaluation was performed by our management, with the participation of CEO and CFO, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report.

Our management concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of June 30, 2009 because of certain material weaknesses or other deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting, including (i) lack of documentation for review and authorization procedures in purchase, sales and payroll transaction cycles, (ii) insufficient or lack of written policies and procedures relating to the periodic review of current policies and procedures and their implementation, Each of the control deficiencies described above could result in a misstatement of the aforementioned accounts or disclosures that might result in a material misstatement to the annual or interim consolidated financial statements that would not be prevented or detected. Management has determined that each of the control deficiencies above constitutes a material weakness. However, giving full consideration to these material weaknesses, we performed adequate analyses and procedures, including among others, transaction reviews, account reconciliations and physical inventories in order to provide assurance that our unaudited consolidated financial statements included in this quarterly report were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and fairly present, in all material respects, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented in conformity with GAAP. As a result of these procedures, we concluded that the unaudited consolidated financial statements included in this quarterly report fairly present, in all material respects, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented in conformity with GAAP.
 
 
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Our management has identified and commenced the process of implementing the following procedures to remediate these material weaknesses, with the oversight of our audit committee: (i) setting appropriate written policies and procedures, establishing clear roles, responsibilities, and accountability in all positions (ii) redesigning control procedures with standard documentation for review and authorization in the purchase, sales and payroll transactions cycles, The Company is also taking action to improve period-end closing procedures by (i) ensuring that account reconciliations and analyses for significant financial statement accounts are reviewed for completeness and accuracy by the Chief Financial Officer, (ii) implementing a process that ensures the timely review and approval of complex accounting estimates by qualified accounting personnel and subject matter experts, where appropriate, (iii) developing better monitoring controls at both the corporate accounting and factory operation level, and (iv) developing written policies and procedures  In addition, we are also addressing these issues by reviewing and revising our internal accounting policies and procedures, seeking advice from professionals to improve our internal controls, using a professional institute to conduct our  physical inventory count and using outside accounting advisors. In the three months ended June 30, 2009, a special internal audit team  was in place to take responsibility for internal control compliance project.  We  improved the internal control function throughout our company and  our culture regarding control consciousness. We have completed trainings of accounting personnel including those newly hired, regarding our accounting policies and our antifraud programs.  The review of our insurance policies has been completed as well.

We believe that the foregoing actions, when implemented, will improve our internal control over financial reporting, as well as our disclosure controls and procedures. However certain of these remediation efforts will require significant ongoing effort and investment. Our management, with the oversight of our audit committee, will continue to identify and take steps to remedy known material weaknesses as expeditiously as possible and enhance the overall design and capability of our control environment. We intend to establish our internal control audit function , accounting policies and controls and financing reporting compliance capabilities by hiring more senior staff who understand internal control designing and implementation and enhancing training in such matters.

(b)
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

During the period covered by this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, except for the actions we took to remedy the material weaknesses as discussed above,  there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1A.  RISK FACTORS

Our operations and financial results are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including those described below, that could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, and trading price of our common stock.  Please refer also to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2008 for additional information concerning these and other uncertainties that could negatively impact us.  The risks described in below and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.  There was no risk factor that has been revised or updated since the filing of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

(a)
 
Exhibits
     
31.1*
 
Certification of Mr. Liping Zhu pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
     
31.2*
 
Certification of Ms. Qiong Wu pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
     
32.1*
  
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Puda Coal, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
 *
   Filed herewith.
 
 
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Signatures
 
In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 
PUDA COAL, INC.
   
 
By:
/s/ Liping Zhu
   
Liping Zhu
   
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
Date:  August 14, 2009                                                  
 
 
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