Euro Tech Holdings Co Ltd 20-F for FY2021
Euro Tech Holdings Co Ltd (CLWT)
About this 20-F
Euro Tech Holdings Co Ltd filed this 20-F on May 16, 2022, covering the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 (FY2021).
Headline figures
Fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, as reported in this filing, compared with the same period a year earlier where the filing states it.
- Revenue
- $21.39M
- up 60.1% from $13.36M a year earlier
- Net income
- $989K
- up 28.6% from net income of $769K a year earlier
- Diluted EPS
- $0.19
- down 24.0% from $0.25 a year earlier
FORM
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended
Commission file number
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) |
(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(Address of principal executive offices)
FAX:
(Name, Telephone, Email and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.
Title of each class |
| Trading Symbol |
| Name of each exchange on which registered |
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Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.
None.
(Title of Class)
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.
None.
(Title of Class)
Indicate the number of issued and outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. ☐ Yes ☒
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. ☐ Yes ☒
Note — Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those Sections.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posed on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “ accelerated filer,” and “ emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one).
Large accelerated filer | ☐ | ☒ | |
Accelerated filer | ☐ | Emerging Growth Company |
If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
†The term “new or revised financial accounting standards” refers to any update by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
☒ | International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board | ☐ | Other | ☐ |
If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITYHOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS | 68 | |||
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PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS | 70 | |||
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INTRODUCTION
In this Form 20-F, references to “us”, “we”, the “Company” and “Euro Tech” are to Euro Tech Holdings Company Limited and its subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly stated or the context otherwise requires.
Forward Looking Statements
This annual report contains forward looking statements. Additional written or oral forward looking statements may be made by the Company from time to time in filings with the Commission or otherwise. Such forward looking statements are within the meaning of that term in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). Such statements may include, but not be limited to, projections of revenues, income, or loss, capital expenditures, plans for future operations, financing needs or plans, and plans relating to products or services of the Company, as well as assumptions relating to the foregoing. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” and similar expressions identify forward looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statement was made. Forward looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward looking statements.
These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about:
| ● | our goals, business plans and growth strategies; |
| ● | our expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of the products we distribute; |
| ● | competition in our industries; |
| ● | our future business development, results of operations and financial condition; |
| ● | expected changes in our revenues and certain cost and expense items and our margins; |
| ● | government policies and regulations relating to our corporate structure, business and industry; |
| ● | the regulatory environment in which we operate in China and globally; |
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| ● | our ability to comply with the continued listing standards on the exchange or trading market on which our ordinary shares is listed for trading; |
| ● | Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic; |
| ● | general economic and business condition in China and elsewhere; and |
| ● | assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. |
We would like to caution you not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and you should read these statements in conjunction with the cautionary statements included in the sections entitled Part I, Item 3D. “Risk Factors” and Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and the notes to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements, describe factors, among others, that could contribute to or cause such differences. Those risks are not exhaustive. We operate in an evolving environment. New risk factors and uncertainties emerge from time to time and it is not possible for our management to predict all risk factors and uncertainties, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.
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You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
U.S. GAAP, Fiscal Year and Exchange Rate Information
We have prepared our consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). Our fiscal year ends on December 31. References in this annual report to fiscal year 2017, fiscal year 2018, fiscal year 2019, fiscal year 2020 and fiscal year 2021, or Fiscal 2017, Fiscal 2018, Fiscal 2019, Fiscal 2020 and Fiscal 2021, are to the fiscal years ended on December 31, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively.
The Company maintains its books and records in United States dollars (“US$” or “U.S. Dollars”). Its subsidiaries, retail shops and affiliates maintain their books and records either in US$, Hong Kong dollars (“HK$” or “Hong Kong Dollars”) or in Chinese Renminbi (“RMB” or “Renminbi”).
Our financial statements are expressed in U.S. Dollars, which is our reporting currency. Certain of our financial data in this annual report on Form 20-F is translated into U.S. Dollars solely for the reader’s convenience. Unless otherwise noted, all convenient translations from Renminbi to U.S. Dollars in this annual report were made for fiscal years 2021, 2020 and 2019 at 6.3757 RMB, 6.5249 RMB and 6.9761 RMB to US$1.00, respectively, and at 7.8000 HKD, 7.7526 HKD and 7.7878 HKD to US$1.00, respectively. The exchange rates were substantially the same as the middle rates published by the People’s Bank of China (“PBOC”) on December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 respectively.
We make no representation that any Renminbi, Hong Kong Dollars or U.S. Dollar amounts could have been, or could be, converted into U.S. Dollars, Hong Kong Dollars or Renminbi, as the case may be, at any particular rate, at the rate stated above, or at all.
GLOSSARY
The following glossary of terms may be helpful in understanding the terminology used in this Annual Report.
Ambient Air: |
| Atmospheric air (outdoor as opposed to indoor air). |
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Anaerobic: |
| Treating waste water biologically in the absence of air. |
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Atomic Spectrometer: |
| An analytical instrument used to measure the presence of an element in a substance by testing a sample which is aspirated into a flame and atomized. The amount of light absorbed or emitted is measured. The amount of energy absorbed or emitted is proportional to the concentration of the element in the sample. |
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Coalescer: |
| A process that coalesces smaller oil particles to form larger oil particles that can readily float to a tank’s surface. |
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Colorimeter: |
| An analytical instrument that measures substance concentration by color intensity when the substance reacts to a chemical reagent. |
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Human Machine Interface Software: |
| A type of software to interface (or coordinate) the interaction between machine or equipment and a human being. |
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Lamella: |
| Synthetic media installed in a clarifier tank to assist in particle flocculation (coming together in a “floc” or “flakes”). |
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Mass Spectrometer: |
| An analytical instrument that separates and identifies chemical constituents according to their mass-to-charge ratios and is used to identify organic compounds. |
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Membrane Biological Reactor (MBR): |
| A suspended-growth bioreactor combined with a membrane liquid/solids separation unit. The “MBR” uses an advanced membrane technology that treats biological wastes to a quality level which in many industries is sufficient for reuse or low-cost disposal to sewers. |
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Multi-Channel Digital Recorder: |
| A device that measures and records more than one input of a digitized signal (signal in the form of pulses). |
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pH Controller: |
| A process instrument that measures and controls the acidity or alkalinity of a fluid. |
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Reagent: |
| A chemical substance used to cause a chemical reaction and detect another substance. |
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Sequential Batch Reactor (SBR): |
| A waste-water treatment process that combines aeration and settling in one reactor tank thus saving on space. Used for the treatment of industrial waste-water as well as municipal sewage. The SBR is a batch process that is ideal for waste-waters of changing characteristics. |
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PART I
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
This item does not apply to annual reports on Form 20-F.
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
This item does not apply to annual reports on Form 20-F.
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION
A. [RESERVED]
B. CAPITALIZATION AND INDEBTEDNESS
This item does not apply to annual reports on Form 20-F.
C. REASONS FOR THE OFFER AND USE OF PROCEEDS
This item does not apply to annual reports on Form 20-F.
D. RISK FACTORS
An investment in our shares involves a high degree of risk. Below please find a summary of the principal risks we face, organized under relevant headings. You should carefully consider the risks described below, together with all of the other information included in this annual report, before making an investment decision. The risks below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks not currently known by us or that we deem immaterial may also impair our business operations. If any of the following and other risks actually occurs, our business, prospects, financial condition or results of operations could suffer. In that case, the trading price of our shares could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment. This annual report also contains forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our results could materially differ from those anticipated in these forward looking statements as a result of certain factors, including the risks we face as described below and elsewhere. See – “Forward Looking Statements.”
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Certain Risks Relating to Doing Business in Hong Kong and the People’s Republic of China (the “PRC” or “China”).
PRC Sovereignty over Hong Kong is Still Developing.
The Company’s executive and principal offices are located in Hong Kong, a Special Administrative Region of China (or “SAR;” Hong Kong is sometimes herein referred to as the “Hong Kong SAR”).
As provided in the Sino-British Joint Declaration on the Question of Hong Kong (the “Joint Declaration”) and the Basic Law of the Hong Kong SAR of China (the “Basic Law”), the Hong Kong SAR is provided a high degree of autonomy except in foreign and defense affairs. The formula for the preservation of Hong Kong’s independent legal and economic system under Chinese sovereignty has been referred to as “one country, two systems.” Under this principle of “one country, two systems,” the PRC’s political system and policies are not practiced in Hong Kong, and Hong Kong maintains a legal system that is based on common law and is different from that of the PRC.
There is friction between Hong Kong residents pressing for greater democracy and the PRC government. There appears to be a suspicion that Hong Kong’s democracy advocates are being manipulated by the United States to cause difficulties at China’s doorstep as regional tensions rise. The foregoing is raising concerns that civil liberties in Hong Kong may be eroded in the years to come.
At this point in time it is not possible to predict if this trend will continue and what effect it will have on the Company, if any. However, there can be no assurance that changes in political or economic conditions in Hong Kong and the PRC will not affect the Company adversely. The Company’s results of operations and financial condition may be influenced by the political situation in Hong Kong and by the general state of the Hong Kong economy. See — “Economic Stability Uncertain.”
Economic Stability in the Far East is Uncertain.
Some economies in the Far East have suffered from an economic instability. There can be no assurance that there will be a recovery, most especially in light of the recent global economic downturn. Continued growth in the PRC depends on an adequate supply of energy. There is no assurance that adequate supplies of energy can be developed or found to fuel the PRC’s continued economic growth.
All of our operations are located in China through our subsidiaries. Our ability to operate in China may be impaired by changes in Chinese laws and regulations, including those relating to taxation, environmental regulation, restrictions on foreign investment, and other matters.
We conduct a substantial portion of our business in China through our subsidiaries. The Chinese government has exercised and continues to exercise substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through regulation and state ownership. Our ability to operate in China may be impaired by changes in laws and regulations in the PRC. The PRC government has recently published new policies that significantly affected certain industries such as the education and internet industries, and we cannot rule out the possibility that it will in the future further release regulations or policies regarding our industry that could require us to seek permission from PRC authorities to continue to operate our business, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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Further, it is uncertain when and whether we will be required to obtain permission from the PRC government to list on U.S. exchanges in the future, and even if such permission is obtained, whether it will be later denied or rescinded. No entity in our organization is currently (i) required to obtain permission from any Chinese authorities to list on any U.S. exchange or issue our ordinary shares to foreign investors or (ii) subject to permission requirements from the CSRC, the CAC, or any other entity that is required to approve of our PRC subsidiaries’ operations, and no entity in our organization has received any such permissions or any notice of denial of such permissions. However, our operations could be adversely affected, directly or indirectly, by existing or future laws and regulations relating to our business or industry, particularly in the event permission to list on U.S. exchanges becomes required, or if such permission may be withheld or rescinded once granted.
Governmental actions in China, including any decision to intervene or influence our operations at any time or to exert control over an offering of securities conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers, may cause us to make material changes to our operations, may limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors, and/or may cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or be worthless.
Changes in the economic and political policies of the PRC government could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations and may result in our inability to sustain our growth and expansion strategies.
We conduct a substantial portion of our business in China through our subsidiaries. Accordingly, our results of operations, financial condition and prospects are to a significant extent affected by economic and political developments in China. In particular, the PRC government continues to exercise significant control over the economic growth of the PRC through allocating resources, controlling payments of foreign currency-denominated obligations, setting monetary policy and providing preferential treatments to particular industries or companies. In recent years, the PRC government has implemented measures emphasizing the utilization of market forces in reforming the economy. These economic reform measures may be adjusted or modified or applied inconsistently from industry to industry, or across different regions of the country. As a result, some of these measures may benefit the overall economy of the PRC, but may have an adverse effect on us.
The PRC has been one of the world’s fastest growing economies as measured by GDP in recent years. However, economic activity in the PRC has slowed down recently and it may not return to levels of previous years. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, China’s real GDP growth rate decreased from 6.6% in 2018 to 6.1% in 2019, and, mainly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, further to 2.3% in 2020, but it increased to 8.1% in 2021. Although past predictions have not always proven reliable, if these predictions prove accurate, they, as well as future actions and policies of the PRC government, could suffer a material adverse effect.
Also, financial reporting suggests a real estate “bubble” exists in the PRC. If a real estate “bubble” truly exists in the PRC and it bursts, the PRC’s economy and the Company could suffer a material adverse effect.
The success of the Company’s activities in the PRC depends on the Company’s continued ability to overcome circumstances specifically effecting the industrial sector, including the relatively poor infrastructure, road transportation and communications network and an uncertain legal and regulatory environment.
Our failure to comply with cybersecurity and data protection laws and regulations could lead to government enforcement actions and significant penalties against us, and adversely impact our operating results.
The regulatory framework for the collection, use, safeguarding, sharing, transfer and other processing of personal information and important data worldwide is rapidly evolving and is likely to remain uncertain for the foreseeable future. For example, regulatory authorities in China have implemented and are considering a number of legislative and regulatory proposals concerning cybersecurity and data protection.
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The PRC Cyber Security Law, which took effect in June 2017, created China’s first national-level data protection regime for “network operators,” which may include all organizations in China that provide services over the internet or another information network. Specifically, the Cyber Security Law provides that China adopts a multi-level protection scheme, under which network operators are required to perform obligations of security protection to ensure that the network is free from interference, disruption or unauthorized access, and prevent network data from being disclosed, stolen or tampered.
In addition, the PRC Data Security Law, which was promulgated by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on June 10, 2021 and took effect on September 1, 2021. The Data Security Law establishes a tiered system for data protection in terms of their importance, data categorized as “important data,” which will be determined by governmental authorities in the form of catalogs, are required to be treated with higher level of protection. Specifically, the Data Security Law provides that operators processing “important data” are required to appoint a “data security officer” and a “management department” to take charge of data security. In addition, such operator is required to evaluate the risk of its data activities periodically and file assessment reports with relevant regulatory authorities.
Numerous regulations, guidelines and other measures have been or are expected to be adopted under the umbrella of, or in addition to, the Cyber Security Law and Data Security Law. For example, Regulations on the Security Protection of Critical Information Infrastructure, or the CII Protection Regulations, was promulgated by the State Council of the PRC on July 30, 2021 and became effective on September 1, 2021. According to the CII Protection Regulations, critical information infrastructure, or the CII, refers to any important network facilities or information systems of the important industry or field such as public communication and information service, energy, transportation, water conservancy, finance, public services, e-government affairs and national defense science, which may endanger national security, people’s livelihood and public interest in the case of damage, function loss or data leakage. Regulators supervising specific industries are required to formulate detailed guidance to recognize the CII in the respective sectors, and a critical information infrastructure operator, or a CIIO, must take the responsibility to protect the CII’s security by performing certain prescribed obligations. For example, CIIOs are required to conduct network security test and risk assessment, report the assessment results to relevant regulatory authorities, and timely rectify the issues identified at least once a year.
Additionally, in November 2021, the CAC issued the Cyber Data Security Administration Regulations (Draft for Comments), which, among other things, stipulates that a data processor that process “important data” or listed overseas must conduct an annual data security review by itself or by engaging a data security service provider and submit the annual data security review report for a given year to the relevant municipal counterpart of the CAC before January 31 of the following year. As of the date of this annual report, such administration regulations have not been adopted. In January 2022, the CAC and several other administrations also jointly promulgated the amended Cybersecurity Review Measures, or the Cybersecurity Review Measures, which became effective on February 15, 2022, and supersede and replace the current cybersecurity review measures that became effective since June 2020. Pursuant to the Cybersecurity Review Measures, a “critical information infrastructure operator”, or a CIIO, that purchases network products and services, or conducts data process activities, which affect or may affect national security will be subject to the cybersecurity review. The Cybersecurity Review Measures also expands the cybersecurity review to “internet platform operators” in possession of personal information of over one million users if such operators intend to list their securities in a foreign country. Alternatively, relevant governmental authorities in the PRC may initiate cybersecurity review if they determine an operator’s network products or services or data processing activities affect or may affect national security.
Furthermore, the recently issued Opinions on Strictly Cracking Down on Illegal Securities Activities requires (i) speeding up the revision of the provisions on strengthening the confidentiality and archives management relating to overseas issuance and listing of securities and (ii) improving the laws and regulations relating to data security, cross-border data flow, and management of confidential information. The Personal Information Protection Law, which was promulgated by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on August 20, 2021 and took effect on November 1, 2021, integrates the various rules with respect to personal information rights and privacy protection and applies to the processing of personal information within mainland China as well as certain personal information processing activities outside mainland China, including those for the provision of products and services to natural persons within China or for the analysis and assessment of acts of natural persons within China.
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We may have access to confidential or personal information in certain of our businesses. Although we endeavor to comply with our privacy policies and other documentation regarding the protection of personal information, we may at times fail to do so or may be perceived to have failed to do so. Moreover, despite our efforts, we may not be successful in achieving compliance if our employees or contractors fail to comply with these policies and documentation.
Moreover, the Cyber Security Law, Data Security Law and relevant regulations are relatively new, uncertainties still exist in relation to their interpretation and implementation. Any change in laws and regulations relating to privacy, data protection and information security and any enhanced and scrutinized governmental enforcement action of such laws and regulations could greatly increase our cost in providing our products and services, limit their use or adoption or require certain changes to be made to our operations. We cannot assure you that we will be compliant with these new laws and regulations described above in all respects, and we may be ordered to rectify and terminate any actions that are deemed illegal by the government authorities and become subject to fines and other government sanctions, which may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Specifically, given the uncertainties surrounding the interpretation and implementation of the Cyber Security Law, Data Security Law and relevant regulations, we cannot rule out the possibility that we, or certain of our customers or suppliers may be deemed as a CIIO, or an operator processing “important data.” First, if we are deemed as a CIIO, our purchase of network products or services, if deemed to be affecting or may affect national security, will need to be subject to cybersecurity review, before we can enter into agreements with relevant customers or suppliers, and before the conclusion of such procedure, these customers will not be allowed to use our products or services, and we are not allowed to purchase products or services from our suppliers. There can be no assurance that we would be able to complete the applicable cybersecurity review procedures in a timely manner, or at all, if we are required to follow such procedures. Any failure or delay in the completion of the cybersecurity review procedures may prevent us from using certain network products and services, and may result in fines of up to ten times the purchase price of such network products and services being imposed upon us, if we are deemed a CIIO using network products or services without having completed the required cybersecurity review procedures. If the reviewing authority is of the view that the use of such network products or services by us, or by certain of our customers or suppliers, involves risk of disruption, is vulnerable to external attacks, or may negatively affect, compromise, or weaken the protection of national security, we may not be able to provide such products or services to relevant customers, or purchase products or services from relevant suppliers. This could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and business prospects. Second, the notion of “important data” is not clearly defined by the Cyber Security Law or the Data Security Law. In order to comply with the statutory requirements, we will need to determine whether we possess important data, monitor the important data catalogs that are expected to be published by local governments and departments, perform risk assessments and ensure we are complying with reporting obligations to applicable regulators. We may also be required to disclose to regulators business-sensitive or network security-sensitive details regarding our processing of important data, and may need to pass the government security review or obtain government approval in order to share important data with offshore recipients, which can include foreign licensors, or share data stored in China with judicial and law enforcement authorities outside of China. If judicial and law enforcement authorities outside China require us to provide data stored in China, and we are not able to pass any required government security review or obtain any required government approval to do so, we may not be able to meet the foreign authorities’ requirements. The potential conflicts in legal obligations could have adverse impact on our operations in and outside of China.
Economic Reforms May Not Continue or Impact Positively On the Company; Changing Business Environment.
Over the past several years, the PRC’s government has pursued economic reform policies including encouraging private economic activities and decentralization of economic deregulation. It appears that the PRC government may not continue to pursue these policies or may significantly alter them to our detriment from time to time without notice. Changes in policies by the PRC government resulting in changes in laws, regulations, or their interpretation, or the imposition of confiscatory taxes, restrictions on currency conversion and imports could materially and adversely affect our business and operating results. The nationalization or other expropriations of private enterprises by the PRC government could result in a loss of our investments in actual funds and time and effort, in China.
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The Company’s results at times may also be adversely effected by: (1) changes in political, economic and social conditions in the PRC; (2) changes in government policies such as changes in laws and regulations (or their interpretation); (3) the introduction of additional measures to control inflation; (4) changes in the rate or method of taxation; (5) imposition of additional restrictions on currency conversion remittances abroad; (6) reduction in tariff protection and other import restrictions; and (7) a return to the more centrally-planned economy that existed previously.
We Are Subject To International Economic And Political Risks, Over Which We Have Little Or No Control.
Doing business entirely outside the United States subjects us to various risks, including changing economic and political conditions, exchange controls, currency fluctuations, armed conflicts and unexpected changes in United States and foreign laws relating to tariffs, trade restrictions, transportation regulations, foreign investments and taxation. We have no control over most of these risks and other unforeseeable risks and may be unable to anticipate changes in international economic and political conditions and, therefore, unable to alter our business practice in time to avoid the adverse effect of any of these changes.
The International Financial Crisis and Economic Conditions May Have A Material Adverse Impact on Our Business and Financial Conditions.
With deteriorating worldwide economies, global markets have experienced significant turmoil and upheavals characterized by extreme volatility and the volatility in prices and securities and commodities, diminished credit availability, inability to access capital markets, waves of bankruptcies, high unemployment and declining consumer and business confidence. It appears that international economic deterioration has negatively impacted our revenue and other results of operation. We cannot predict the short and long-term impact of these events on our business and financial condition that may be materially and adversely affected in the future.
Our Revenue and Net Income may be Materially and Adversely Affected by any Economic Slowdown in China.
The PRC government has in recent years implemented a number of measures to control the rate of economic growth, including by raising interest rates and adjusting deposit reserve ratios for commercial banks as well as by implementing other measures designed to tighten credit and liquidity. These measures have contributed to a slowdown of the PRC economy. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, China’s real GDP growth rate decreased from 6.6% in 2018 to 6.1% in 2019, and, mainly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, further to 2.3% in 2020, but it increased to 8.1% in 2021. Any continuing or worsening slowdown could significantly reduce domestic commerce in China. An economic downturn, whether actual or perceived, a further decrease in economic growth rates or an otherwise uncertain economic outlook in China or any other market in which we may operate could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We May be Impacted by Inflation in PRC.
In recent years, the PRC has not experienced significant inflation, and thus inflation has not had a significant effect on our business historically. In response to the increased inflation rate during 2004, the Chinese government announced measures to restrict lending and investment in the PRC in order to reduce inflationary pressure on the PRC’s economy; more recently, the average inflation rate has increased by 1.6%, 2.1%, 2.9%, 2.5% and 0.9% in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively. Efforts by the PRC to curb inflation may also curb economic growth, increase our overhead costs and adversely affect our revenues. Inflationary increases cause a corresponding increase in our general overhead. If the PRC rate of inflation continues to increases, the Chinese government may introduce further measures intended to reduce the inflation rate in the PRC. Any such measures adopted by the Chinese government may not be successful in reducing or slowing the increase in the PRC’s inflation rate. A sustained or increased inflation in the PRC may have an adverse impact on the PRC’s economy and may materially and adversely affect our business and financial results.
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The PRC legal system embodies uncertainties which could limit the available legal protections and expand the government’s power.
The PRC legal system is a civil law system based on written statutes. Unlike common law systems, it is a system in which decided legal cases have little precedential value. In 1979, the PRC government began to promulgate a comprehensive system of laws and regulations governing economic matters in general. The overall effect of legislation over the past three decades has significantly enhanced the protections afforded to various forms of foreign investment in China. However, these laws, regulations and legal requirements change frequently, and their interpretation and enforcement involve uncertainties. For example, we may have to resort to administrative and court proceedings to enforce the legal protection that we enjoy either by law or contract. However, since PRC administrative and court authorities have significant discretion in interpreting and implementing statutory and contractual terms, it may be more difficult to evaluate the outcome of administrative and court proceedings and the level of legal protection we enjoy than in more developed legal systems. In addition, such uncertainties, including the inability to enforce our contracts, could materially and adversely affect our business and operations. Furthermore, the PRC legal system is based in part on government policies and internal rules (some of which are not published on a timely basis or at all) that may have a retroactive effect. As a result, we may not be aware of our violation of these policies and rules until sometime after the violation. In addition, any litigation in China may be protracted and result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention. Furthermore, intellectual property rights and confidentiality protections in China may not be as effective as in the United States or other countries. Accordingly, we cannot predict the effect of future developments in the PRC legal system, particularly with regard to the media, ecommerce, education, advertising and retail industries, including the promulgation of new laws, changes to existing laws or the interpretation or enforcement thereof, or the preemption of local regulations by national laws. These uncertainties could limit the legal protections available to us, and our foreign investors, including you.
You may experience difficulties in effecting service of legal process, enforcing foreign judgments or bringing original actions in China based on United States or other foreign laws against us, our management or the experts named in the annual report.
We conduct substantially all of our operations in China and substantially all of our assets are located in China. In addition, our principal offices are located in Hong Kong and all of our directors and executive officers reside within Hong Kong and China. As a result, it may not be possible to effect service of process within the United States or elsewhere outside China upon some of our directors and senior executive officers, including with respect to matters arising under U.S. federal securities laws or applicable state securities laws. Moreover, we understand that the PRC currently does not have treaties with the United States or many other countries providing for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgment of courts.
Regulations relating to offshore investment activities by PRC residents may increase the administrative burden we face and create regulatory uncertainties that could restrict our overseas and cross-border investment activity, and a failure by our shareholders who are PRC residents to make any required applications and filings pursuant to such regulations may prevent us from being able to distribute profits and could expose our PRC resident shareholders to liability under PRC law.
China’s State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or SAFE, promulgated the Circular on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Control on Domestic Residents’ Offshore Investment and Financing and Roundtrip Investment through Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular No. 37, in July 2014. SAFE Circular No. 37 requires PRC residents to register with local branches of SAFE in connection with their direct establishment or indirect control of an offshore entity, for the purpose of overseas investment and financing, with such PRC residents’ legally owned assets or equity interests in domestic enterprises or offshore assets or interests, referred to in SAFE Circular No.37 as a “special purpose vehicle.” The term “control” under SAFE Circular No. 37 is broadly defined as the operation rights, beneficiary rights or decision-making rights acquired by the PRC residents in the offshore special purpose vehicles or PRC companies by such means as acquisition, trust, proxy, voting rights, repurchase, convertible bonds or other arrangements. SAFE Circular No. 37 further requires amendment to the registration in the event of any changes with respect to the basic information of the special purpose vehicle, such as changes in a PRC resident individual shareholder, name or operation period; or any significant changes with respect to the special purpose vehicle, such as increase or decrease of capital contributed by PRC individuals, share transfer or exchange, merger, division or other material event.
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If the shareholders of the offshore holding company who are PRC residents do not complete their registration with the local SAFE branches, the PRC subsidiaries may be prohibited from distributing their profits and proceeds from any reduction in capital, share transfer or liquidation to the offshore company, and the offshore company may be restricted in its ability to contribute additional capital to its PRC subsidiaries. Moreover, failure to comply with SAFE registration and amendment requirements described above could result in liability under PRC law for evasion of applicable foreign exchange restrictions. In February 2015, SAFE issued SAFE Circular No. 13, which took effect on June 1, 2015. SAFE Circular No. 13 has delegated to the qualified banks the authority to register all PRC residents’ investment in “special purpose vehicle” pursuant to the SAFE Circular No. 37, except that those PRC residents who have failed to comply with the SAFE Circular No. 37 will remain to fall into the jurisdiction of the local SAFE branch and must make their supplementary registration application with the local SAFE branch.
We have requested PRC residents who we know hold direct or indirect interest in our company to make the necessary applications, filings and amendments as required under SAFE Circular No. 37 and other related rules. However, we may not be informed of the identities of all the PRC residents holding direct or indirect interest in our company, and we cannot provide any assurance that these PRC residents will comply with our request to make or obtain any applicable registrations or comply with other requirements under SAFE Circular No. 37 or other related rules. The failure or inability of our PRC resident shareholders to comply with the registration procedures set forth in these regulations may subject us to fines and legal sanctions, restrict our cross-border investment activities, limit the ability of our wholly foreign-owned subsidiaries in China to distribute dividends and the proceeds from any reduction in capital, share transfer or liquidation to us, and we may also be prohibited from injecting additional capital into these subsidiaries. Moreover, failure to comply with the various foreign exchange registration requirements described above could result in liability under PRC law for circumventing applicable foreign exchange restrictions. As a result, our business operations and our ability to distribute profits to you could be materially and adversely affected.
If the custodians or authorized users of controlling non-tangible assets of our Company, including our corporate chops and seals, fail to fulfill their responsibilities, or misappropriate or misuse these assets, our business and operations could be materially and adversely affected.
Under PRC law, legal documents for corporate transactions are executed using the chops or seals of the signing entity or with the signature of a legal representative whose designation is registered and filed with the relevant branch of the Administration of Industry and Commerce.
Although we usually utilize chops to enter into contracts, the designated legal representatives of each of our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities have the apparent authority to enter into contracts on behalf of such entities without chops and bind such entities. All designated legal representatives of our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities are members of our senior management team who have signed employment agreements with us or our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities under which they agree to abide by various duties they owe to us. In order to maintain the physical security of our chops of our PRC entities, we generally store these items in secured locations accessible only by the authorized personnel in the legal or finance department of each of our subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities. Although we monitor such authorized personnel, there is no assurance that such procedures will prevent all instances of abuse or negligence. Accordingly, if any of our authorized personnel misuse or misappropriate our corporate chops or seals, we could encounter difficulties in maintaining control over the relevant entities and experience significant disruption to our operations. If a designated legal representative obtains control of the chops in an effort to obtain control over any of our PRC subsidiaries or consolidated affiliated entities, we or our PRC subsidiary and consolidated affiliated entity would need to pass a new shareholder or board resolution to designate a new legal representative and we would need to take legal action to seek the return of the chops, apply for new chops with the relevant authorities, or otherwise seek legal redress for the violation of the representative’s fiduciary duties to us, which could involve significant time and resources and divert management attention away from our regular business. In addition, the affected entity may not be able to recover corporate assets that are sold or transferred out of our control in the event of such a misappropriation if a transferee relies on the apparent authority of the representative and acts in good faith.
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The PRC Government Imposes Currency Controls.
The PRC government imposes controls on the convertibility of the RMB into foreign currencies and, in certain cases, the remittance of currency out of China. We receive substantial part of our revenues in RMB. Under existing PRC foreign exchange regulations, payments of current account items, including profit distributions, interest payments and trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions, can be made in foreign currencies without prior approval by complying with certain procedural requirements. However, approval from or registration with appropriate government authorities is required where RMB is to be converted into foreign currency and remitted out of China to pay capital expenses such as the repayment of loans denominated in foreign currencies. The PRC government may also at its discretion restrict access to foreign currencies for current account transactions in the future.
There is a Foreign Currency Risk.
The Company operates in Hong Kong, the PRC and trades with both local and overseas customers and suppliers, and is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from various currency exposures, primarily with respect to purchases in, Hong Kong dollar, Renminbi, US dollars, the Japanese yen and Euro. Foreign exchange risk arises from committed and unmatched future commercial transactions, such as confirmed import purchase orders and sales orders, recognized assets and liabilities, and net investment in the PRC operations.
Because our revenues are generated in Renminbi and our results are reported in U.S. dollars, ongoing devaluation of the Renminbi could negatively impact our results of operations.
The value of the Renminbi against the U.S. Dollar and other currencies is affected by changes in China’s political and economic conditions and by China’s foreign exchange policies, among other things. In 2018, the value of the Renminbi depreciated by approximately 5.7% against the U.S. dollar. In 2019, the Renminbi further depreciated by approximately 1.3% against the U.S. dollar. In 2020, the value of the Renminbi appreciated by approximately 6.3% against the U.S. dollar. In 2021, the value of the Renminbi appreciated by approximately 2.3% against the U.S. dollar. It is difficult to predict how market forces or PRC or U.S. government policy may impact the exchange rate between the Renminbi and the U.S. dollar in the future. There remains significant international pressure on the PRC government to adopt a more flexible currency policy, which could result in greater fluctuations of the Renminbi against the U.S. Dollar. With the development of the foreign exchange market and progress towards interest rate liberalization and Renminbi internationalization, the PRC government may in the future announce further changes to the exchange rate system and there is no guarantee that the Renminbi will not appreciate or depreciate significantly in value against the U.S. Dollar in the future.
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Significant revaluation of the Renminbi may have a material and adverse effect on your investment. For example, to the extent that we need to convert U.S. Dollar into Renminbi for our operations, appreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. Dollar would have an adverse effect on the Renminbi amount we would receive from the conversion. Conversely, if we decide to convert our Renminbi into U.S. Dollar for the purpose of making payments for dividends on our ordinary shares, repaying our U.S. Dollar denominated notes or other payment obligations or for other business purposes, appreciation of the U.S. Dollar against the Renminbi would have a negative effect on the U.S. Dollar amount available to us. In addition, appreciation or depreciation in the value of the Renminbi relative to U.S. Dollar would affect our financial results reported in U.S. dollar terms regardless of any underlying change in our business or results of operations.
Very limited hedging options are available in China to reduce our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations. To date, we have not entered into any hedging transactions in an effort to reduce our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk. While we may decide to enter into hedging transactions in the future, the availability and effectiveness of these hedges may be limited and we may not be able to adequately hedge our exposure or at all. In addition, our currency exchange losses may be magnified by PRC exchange control regulations that restrict our ability to convert Renminbi into foreign currency. As a result, fluctuations in exchange rates may have a material adverse effect on your investment.
The turbulent relations between the PRC and United States may adversely affect our business or the price of our capital stock
Recently, the United States and China have imposed new or higher tariffs on goods imported from the other’s country, and have threatened the imposition of additional tariffs in retaliation. The adoption and expansion of trade restrictions and tariffs, quotas and embargoes, the occurrence of a trade war, or other governmental action related to tariffs or trade agreements or policies, has the potential to adversely impact costs and the world economy in general, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, changes in trade relations between the United States and China may trigger negative customer sentiment or retaliation towards companies in China with ties to the United States, potentially resulting in a negative impact on our results of operations and financial condition.
Differences between the United States and PRC governments on some political issues continue occasionally to color their relationship. These occasional controversies could materially and adversely affect our business and operations. Political or trade friction between the two countries could also materially and adversely affect the market price of our capital stock, whether or not they adversely affect our business.
Certain Risks Relating to the Company’s Business.
Our Operating Results may Fluctuate Significantly from Year to Year. We Cannot be Certain that we will Achieve or Maintain Profitability in the Future.
Our operating results historically have been difficult to predict and have at times significantly fluctuated from year to year due to a variety of factors, many of which are outside of our control.
During Fiscal 2021, the Company had revenues of US$21,388,000, operating income of US$781,000, and income before income taxes, equity in income of affiliates and non-controlling interests of US$921,000. In addition, we had income tax credit of US$90,000, equity in income of affiliates of US$355,000. As a result, we had a net income of US$1,366,000 for Fiscal 2021 before giving effect to the effect on our results attributable to our non-controlling interests. The principal reason for the operating income before income taxes, equity in income of affiliates and non-controlling interests for Fiscal 2021 was the increase in revenues and decrease in selling and administrative expenses. After giving effect to the net income attributable to non-controlling interest, other comprehensive income / (loss) and comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest, we had comprehensive income attributable to the Company of US$925,000 for Fiscal 2021.
During Fiscal 2020, the Company had revenues of US$13,357,000, operating losses of US$1,701,000, and income before income taxes, equity in income of affiliates and non-controlling interests of US$63,000. In addition, we had income tax expense of US$96,000, equity in income of affiliates of US$435,000. As a result, we had a net income of US$402,000 for Fiscal 2020 before giving effect to the effect on our results attributable to our non-controlling interests. The principal reason for the operating loss before income taxes, equity in income of affiliates and non-controlling interests for Fiscal 2020 was the decrease in revenues even though there was increase in the gross profit margin percentage. After giving effect to the net loss attributable to non-controlling interest, other comprehensive income / (loss) and comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest, we had comprehensive income attributable to the Company of US$721,000 for Fiscal 2020.
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During Fiscal 2019, the Company had revenues of US$17,399,000, operating losses of US$440,000, and losses before income taxes, equity in income of affiliates and non-controlling interests of US$310,000. In addition, we had income tax expense of US$37,000, equity in income of affiliates of US$137,000. As a result, we had a net loss of US$210,000 for Fiscal 2019 before giving effect to the effect on our results attributable to our non-controlling interests. The principal reason for the operating losses before income taxes, equity in loss of affiliates and non-controlling interests for Fiscal 2019 was the decrease in revenues even though there was increase in the gross profit margin percentage. After giving effect to the net loss attributable to non-controlling interest, other comprehensive income / (loss) and comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest, we had comprehensive loss attributable to the Company of $140,000 for Fiscal 2019.
As a result of these factors, comparing our operating results on a period-to-period basis may not be meaningful, and you should not rely on our past results as an indication of our future performance. Our operating expenses do not always vary directly with revenue and may be difficult to adjust in the short term. As a result, if revenue for a particular year or quarter is below our expectations, we may not be able to proportionately reduce operating expenses for that period, and therefore such a revenue shortfall would have a disproportionate effect on our operating results for that period.
We face risks related to natural disasters, health epidemics and other outbreaks, which could significantly disrupt our operations. Specifically the novel coronavirus could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flows or liquidity.
Our business could be materially and adversely affected by natural disasters, such as snowstorms, earthquakes, fires or floods, the outbreak of a widespread health epidemic, such as swine flu, avian influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), coronavirus or COVID-19, Ebola, Zika or other events, such as wars, acts of terrorism, environmental accidents, power shortage or communication interruptions. The occurrence of a disaster or a prolonged outbreak of an epidemic illness or other adverse public health developments in Hong Kong or elsewhere in the world could materially disrupt our business and operations. These events could also significantly impact our industry and cause a temporary closure of the facilities we use for our operations, which would severely disrupt our operations and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our operations could be disrupted if any of our employees or employees of our business partners were suspected of contracting an epidemic disease, since this could require us or our business partners to quarantine some or all of these employees or disinfect the facilities used for our operations. In addition, our revenue and profitability could be materially reduced to the extent that a natural disaster, health epidemic or other outbreak harms the global or PRC economy in general. Our operations could also be severely disrupted if our consumers, merchants or other participants were affected by natural disasters, health epidemics or other outbreaks.
The outbreak of a novel coronavirus (which causes the disease now known as COVID-19), was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, and has since spread globally. Government efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus through lockdowns of cities, business closures, restrictions on travel and emergency quarantines, among others, and responses by businesses and individuals to reduce the risk of exposure to infection, including reduced travel, cancellation of meetings and events, and implementation of work-at-home policies, among others, have caused significant disruptions to the global economy and normal business operations across a growing list of sectors and countries. The foregoing is likely to adversely affect business confidence and consumer sentiments, and has been, and may continue to be, accompanied by significant volatility in financial and commodity markets. The spread of the coronavirus, particularly as it develops into a worldwide health crisis, is also likely have broader macro-economic implications, including reduced levels of economic growth and possibly a global recession, the effects of which could be felt well beyond the time the spread of infection is contained.
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The outbreak of the coronavirus could have a material impact on our business in 2021. The pandemic may have the effect of causing delay and disruption in engineering contracts and completion of projects. Further, the travel restrictions have had disrupted our ability to make business visits which, in turn, our ability to make potential new sales. In general, the combination of supply-side disruption, delivery challenges and potential, long-term waning consumer demand caused by COVID-19, potentially exacerbated by other factors, have negatively impacted and could continue to negatively impact our business. While we continue to monitor the situation, at this point it is difficult to assess the probable significance or duration of any disruption. As a result, we are taking a number of defensive measures to cut costs and conserve our cash resources, including reduction in number of employees until we have more confidence concerning the current situation.
The situation surrounding COVID-19 remains fluid, and given its inherent uncertainty, it may have an adverse impact on our business in the near term. Should these conditions persist for a prolonged period, the COVID-19 pandemic, including any of the above factors and others that are currently unknown, may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, we cannot predict the impact that COVID-19 will have on our customers and suppliers, and any adverse impacts on these parties may have a material adverse impact on our business.
Future Plans to Increase Revenue, Decrease Losses and Achieve Profitability are Uncertain.
The Company has been attempting to stem the decline in revenue by streamlining its activities. The Company has reduced its staff, consolidated offices and is trying to improve staff efficiencies. To date, this effort has not been successful, but the Company plans to continue these economizing efforts. In addition, the Company has obtained formal certification from China’s Classification Society (“CCS”), and from the U.S. Coast Guard for use as an Alternate Management Systems (“AMS”) in U.S. waters, for its ballast water treatment system (“BWTS”) models 200, 300, 500, 750, 1200 and 1250 Cubic Meters per hour, as well as RS type approval (Russian Maritime Register) for its 300 Cubic Meters per hour BWTS. The Company also received an anti-explosion certificate from China National Quality Supervision and Test Centre for Explosion Protected Electrical Products for its BWTS in 2017.
During 2015, the Company entered into a contract to supply a 300 Cubic Meters per hour BWTS for a maritime institute in Jiangsu, and such goods were delivered in 2016. It also received an order for one set of P-300 BWTS for a scientific research ship from Russia in 2017 and completed in 2018. In addition, in 2018, it received a PRC government grant for ballast water port solution. The development of the ballast water port solution prototype is now completed and under system and operation tests in various ports. The port solution system is a system installed in port to offer ballast water treatment services for ocean going ships without their own ballast water treatment system (“BWTS”) and for those with damaged BWTS. The Company is now embarking on promotional activities for port solution systems in China and South East Asia and received its first order in 2020. The Company hopes to receive revenues from both port (barge) and commercial vessels for ballast water treatment including retrofit orders and new built orders. However, the intake of orders may be affected by, among other things, the success of the Company’s marketing and sales efforts, and by the acceptance of the Company’s products by customers. There can be no assurance that the Company’s continued streamlining efforts, or that sales of its ballast water treatment process, will be successful or, if successful, that these efforts will result in a reduction in losses, an increase in revenues and/or the achievement of profitability by the Company.
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Increases in manufacturing and operating costs and/or the ability to achieve the savings anticipated from our structural cost improvement initiative may affect operating results.
Our costs are subject to fluctuations, particularly due to changes in commodity prices, raw materials, energy and related utilities and cost of labor. The achievement of our financial objectives is reliant on our ability to manage these fluctuations through cost savings or recovery actions and efficiency initiatives.
We may pursue a number of structural cost improvement initiatives from time to time, but these efforts may not improve our financial performance or produce the full efficiencies and benefits we expect due to delays or other factors affecting our execution of these initiatives.
We are subject to a variety of litigation and similar proceedings in the course of our business that could adversely affect our financial statements.
We may be subject to various litigations and similar proceedings incidental to our business that arise in the ordinary course of our business, including claims for damages arising out of the use of our products and claims relating to intellectual property matters, employment matters, tax matters, commercial disputes, environmental matters and personal injury. These lawsuits may include claims for compensatory damages, punitive and consequential damages and/or injunctive relief. The defense of these lawsuits may divert management’s attention, we may incur significant expenses in defending these lawsuits and we may be required to pay damage awards or settlements or become subject to equitable remedies that could adversely affect our consolidated financial statements. Moreover, any insurance or indemnification rights that we have may be insufficient or unavailable to protect us against such losses and expenses. In addition, developments in legal proceedings in any given period may require us to revise our expectations regarding the outcome of certain matters or adjust the loss contingency estimate that is recorded in our consolidated financial statements, which could adversely affect our results of operations or cash flows in any particular period. We cannot assure that our liabilities in connection with litigation and similar proceedings will not exceed estimates or adversely affect our consolidated financial statements or reputation.
Our business depends significantly on the strength of our product brands and corporate reputation; our failure to develop, maintain and enhance our product brands and corporate reputation may materially and adversely affect the level of market recognition of, and trust in, our products.
In China’s fragmented, developing and increasingly competitive consumer market, product brands and corporate reputation have become critical to the success of our new products and the continued popularity of our existing products. Our promotional activities may prove to be expensive and may fail to either effectively promote our product brands or generate additional sales.
In addition, our product brands, corporate reputation and product sales could be harmed if, for example:
| ● | our advertisements, or the advertisements of the owners of the third-party brands that we market or those of our distributors, are deemed to be misleading or inaccurate; |
| ● | our products fail to meet customer expectations; |
| ● | we provide poor or ineffective customer service; |
| ● | our products contain defects or otherwise fail; or |
| ● | consumers confuse our products with inferior or counterfeit products. |
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We Have Made And May Make Further Acquisitions Without Your Approval.
Although we endeavor to evaluate the risks inherent in any particular acquisition, there can be no assurance that we will properly or accurately ascertain all such risks. We will have virtually unrestricted flexibility in identifying and selecting prospective acquisition candidates and in deciding if they should be acquired for cash, equity or debt, and in what combination of cash, equity and/or debt.
We have taken equity positions in related businesses. We will not seek stockholder approval for any additional acquisitions unless required by applicable law and regulations. Our stockholders may not have an opportunity to review financial and other information on acquisition candidates prior to consummation of any acquisitions under almost all circumstances.
Investors will be relying upon our management, upon whose judgment the investor must depend, with only limited information concerning management’s specific intentions.
There can be no assurance that the Company will locate and successfully complete any such additional acquisitions, or any acquisition will perform as anticipated, will not result in significant unexpected liabilities or will ever contribute significant revenues or profits to the Company or that the Company will not lose its entire investment in any acquisition.
Risks related to our existing and future joint ventures, acquisitions and investments also include, as applicable:
| ● | our ability to enter into, exit or acquire additional interests in our joint ventures or other acquisitions or investments may be restricted by or subject to various approvals under PRC law or may not otherwise be possible, may result in a possible dilutive issuance of our securities or may require us to secure financing to fund those activities; |
| ● | we may disagree with our joint venture partner(s) or other investors on how the venture or business investment should be managed and/or operated; |
| ● | to the degree we wish to do so, we may be unable to integrate and retain acquired employees or management personnel; incorporate acquired products, or capabilities into our business; integrate and support pre-existing manufacturing or distribution arrangements; consolidate duplicate facilities and functions; or combine aspects of our accounting processes, order processing and support functions; and |
| ● | the joint venture or investment could suffer losses and we could lose our total investment, which would have a negative effect on our operating results. |
Any of these events could distract our management’s attention and result in our not obtaining the anticipated benefits of our joint ventures, acquisitions or investments and, in turn, negatively affect the performance of such joint ventures, acquisitions and investments and their respective contributions to our results of operations.
Dependence upon Management.
The Company is dependent upon the services of its executive officers, in particular Mr. T.C. Leung, the Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors, and Mr. David YL Leung, the Chief Executive Officer. The business of the Company could be adversely affected by the loss of services of, or a material reduction in the amount of time devoted to the Company by its executive officers. The Company does not maintain “Key Man” life insurance on the lives of any of its officers and directors. See – Item 6. “Directors, Senior Management and Employees.”
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We have limited general business insurance coverage and we may be subject to losses that might not be covered by our existing insurance policies, which may result in our incurring substantial costs and the diversion of resources.
We maintain various insurance policies to safeguard against risks and unexpected events. We have purchased product transportation insurance covering risk of product loss during transportation, property insurance for our warehouse covering the risk of product loss in the warehouse, and third party liability insurance for certain contracts. We also provide social security insurance, including work-related injury insurance, and medical insurance for our employees. However, we do not maintain business liability, interruption or litigation insurance, nor do we maintain key-man life insurance. We cannot assure you that our insurance coverage is sufficient to prevent us from any loss or that we will be able to successfully claim our losses under our current insurance policy on a timely basis, or at all. If we incur any loss that is not covered by our insurance policies, or the compensated amount is significantly less than our actual loss, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
Our sale of products could subject us to product liability claims, potential safety-related regulatory actions or product recalls. These events could damage our brand and reputation and the marketability of the products that we sell, divert our management’s attention and result in lower net revenues and increased costs.
The manufacture and sale of products, such as BWTS, could expose us to product liability claims for personal injuries related liability claims. Also, if our products are deemed by the PRC authorities to fail to conform to product quality or personal safety requirements in China, we could be subject to PRC regulatory action. Violation of PRC product quality and safety requirements by products sold by us may subject us to confiscation of the products, imposition of penalties or an order to cease sales of the violating products or to cease operations pending rectification. If the offense is determined to be serious, our business license could be suspended and subject to criminal liabilities. Any product liability claim or governmental regulatory action could be costly and time-consuming to defend. If successful, product liability claims may require us to pay substantial damages. Also, a material design, manufacturing or quality failure in the products sold by us, other safety issues or heightened regulatory scrutiny could each warrant a product recall by us and result in increased product liability claims. Furthermore, customers may not use the products sold by us in accordance with our product usage instructions, possibly resulting in customer injury. All of these events could materially harm our brand and reputation and marketability of our products, divert our management’s attention and result in lower net revenues and increased costs.
Material Adverse Effect upon the Company of PRC’s Credit Restrictions.
The Company faces increasing competition from other distributors of substantially similar products and manufacturers themselves, both foreign and Chinese. The Company faces its principal competition from foreign manufacturers and other distributors of their products situated in Hong Kong and the PRC. Competition may cause purchaser demands for price reductions and reduced profit margin.
Competition with Vendors.
As the Company assembles products of the kind that it presently distributes, the Company may directly compete with certain of its vendors. Any such direct competition may adversely affect its relationship with its vendors.
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Dependence on Vendors; Lack of Long Term Arrangements; Loss of Vendors.
The Company distributes supplies manufactured by a number of vendors. Thermo Fisher Scientific Group (“Thermo”), Stanford Research Systems, Inc. (“Stanford”), Hach Company (“Hach”), Hioki E.E. Corp. (“Hioki”) and Biotage Sweden AB (“Biotage”) are among the Company’s largest suppliers, pursuant to short term arrangements. Although alternative sources of supply exist, there can be no assurance that the termination of the Company’s relationship with any of the above or other vendors would not have an adverse effect on the Company’s operations due to the Company’s dependence on these vendors. A substantial number of the Company’s suppliers have been selling their products into China directly and through other distributors. During Fiscal 2019, our sales revenue from trading activities decreased by approximately 14%. During Fiscal 2020, our sales revenue from trading activities decreased by approximately 20%. During Fiscal 2021, our sales revenue from trading activities increased by approximately 2%. A loss of a substantial vendor or substantial number of our other vendors and/or our competing with them would have a material adverse effect on our revenues from trading activities.
The loss of any of our key customers could reduce our revenues and our profitability.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, sales to our three largest customers amounted in the aggregate to approximately 20% of our total revenue. For the year ended December 31, 2020, sales to our three largest customers amounted in the aggregate to approximately 23% of our total revenue. For the year ended December 31, 2019, sales to our three largest customers amounted in the aggregate to approximately 34% of our total revenue. There can be no assurance that we will maintain or improve the relationships with these customers, or that we will be able to continue to supply these customers at current levels or at all. Any failure to pay by these customers could have a material negative effect on our company’s business. In addition, having a relatively small number of customers may cause our half yearly or annual results to be inconsistent, depending upon when these customers pay for outstanding invoices.
In the year end December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021, we had two, nil and one customers that accounted for 10% or more of our revenues.
Customer Name |
| Year Ended December 31,2021 |
|
| Year Ended December 31,2020 |
| Year Ended December 31,2019 |
| ||
Customer A |
|
| 15% |
| N.A. |
|
| 19 | % | |
Customer B |
| N.A. |
|
| N.A. |
|
| 10 | % | |
Our continued failure to maintain long-term relationships with any of these major customers would lead to continued loss of our sales to them, which would have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We and our distributors are subject to various laws regulating our advertising and any violation of these laws by us or our distributors could result in fines, penalties and legal liabilities, harm our product brands and disrupt our business.
We advertise and market our products. Our distributors often advertise our products they distribute. PRC advertising laws and regulations require advertisers and advertising operators, such as us and our distributors, to ensure the contents of the advertisement they prepare, publish or broadcast are fair and accurate, are not misleading and are in full compliance with applicable laws, through independent review and verification before displaying the advertisement through print media, radio or Internet portals. PRC unfair competition law also prohibits us and our distributors from displaying misleading, false or inaccurate information with respect to quality, function, use, or other features of products, through advertising. Violation of these laws or regulations may result in penalties, including fines, confiscation of advertising income, orders to cease dissemination of the advertising, orders to publish an advertisement correcting the misleading information and criminal liabilities. In circumstances involving serious violations, the PRC government may suspend or revoke a violator’s business license. Moreover, government actions and civil claims may be filed against us for misleading or inaccurate advertising, fraud, defamation, subversion, negligence, copyright or trademark infringement or other violations due to the nature and content of our advertising produced by us or our distributors.
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Risks Related To the Company Itself.
The audit report included in this annual report is prepared by an auditor who is not inspected by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, and as such, our investors are deprived of the benefits of such inspection. In addition, the enactment of the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act and the adoption of any rules, legislations or other efforts to increase U.S. regulatory access to audit information could cause uncertainty and our securities listed on the NASDAQ could be delisted or prohibited from being traded ”over-the-counter” if we are unable to meet the PCAOB requirement in time.
The registered public accounting firms that issue the audit reports included in this annual report, as auditors of companies that are traded publicly in the United States and firms registered with the PCAOB are required by the laws of the United States to undergo regular inspections by the PCAOB to assess their compliance with the laws of the United States and professional standards.
Our current auditor is located in Hong Kong, a special administrative region of China, a jurisdiction where the PCAOB has determined it is currently unable to conduct full inspections without the approval of the Chinese authorities.
Inspections of other firms that the PCAOB has conducted outside China, including outside Hong Kong, have identified deficiencies in those firms’ audit procedures and quality control procedures, which can be addressed as part of the inspection process to improve future audit quality. The lack of PCAOB inspections in China, including Hong Kong, prevents the PCAOB from regularly evaluating our auditors’ audit procedures and quality control procedures as they relate to their work, and/or their affiliated independent registered public accounting firms’ work, in China, including Hong Kong. As a result, we and investors are deprived of the benefits of such regular inspections.
The inability of the PCAOB to conduct full inspections of auditors in mainland China and Hong Kong makes it more difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of our auditors’ audit procedures and quality control procedures as compared to auditors who primarily work in jurisdictions where the PCAOB has full inspection access. In addition, the SEC may initiate proceedings against our independent registered public accounting firm, whether in connection with an audit of our company or China-based companies, which could result in the imposition of penalties against our independent registered public accounting firm, such as suspension of its ability to practice before the SEC. All of these could cause our investors and potential investors in our ordinary shares and other securities to lose confidence in our audit procedures, reported financial information and the quality of our financial statements.
In May 2013, the PCAOB announced that it had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding on Enforcement Cooperation with the China Securities Regulatory Commission, or the CSRC, and the PRC Ministry of Finance, which established a cooperative framework between the parties for the production and exchange of audit documents relevant to investigations undertaken by the PCAOB, the CSRC or the PRC Ministry of Finance in the United States and the PRC. The PCAOB continued to discuss with the CSRC and the PRC Ministry of Finance on joint inspections in the PRC of PCAOB-registered audit firms that provide auditing services to Chinese companies that trade on U.S. stock exchanges. In December 2018, the SEC and the PCAOB issued a joint statement on regulatory access to audit and other information internationally that cites the ongoing challenges faced by them in overseeing the financial reporting of companies listed in the United States with operations in China, the absence of satisfactory progress in discussions on these issues with Chinese authorities and the potential for remedial action if significant information barriers persist. In April 2020, the SEC and the PCAOB issued another joint statement reiterating the greater risks of insufficient disclosures from companies in many emerging markets, including China, compared to those from U.S. domestic companies. In discussing the specific issues related to these risks, the statement again highlighted the PCAOB’s inability to inspect audit work and practices of accounting firms in China with respect to U.S. reporting companies.
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On December 18, 2020, the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, or the HFCAA, was enacted. In essence, the HFCAA requires the SEC to prohibit foreign companies from listing securities on U.S. securities exchanges if a company retains a foreign accounting firm that cannot be inspected by the PCAOB for three consecutive years, beginning in 2021. The enactment of the HFCAA and any additional rulemaking efforts to increase U.S. regulatory access to audit information in China could cause investor uncertainty for affected SEC registrants, including us, the market price of our ordinary shares and other securities could be materially adversely affected, and we could be delisted if we are unable to meet the PCAOB inspection requirement in time.
On September 22, 2021, the PCAOB adopted a final rule implementing the HFCAA, which provides a framework for the PCAOB to use when determining, as contemplated under the HFCAA, whether the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms located in a foreign jurisdiction because of a position taken by one or more authorities in that jurisdiction. On December 16, 2021, the PCAOB issued a Determination Report which reported that the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms headquartered in: (1) mainland China of the People’s Republic of China, because of a position taken by one or more authorities in mainland China; and (2) Hong Kong, a Special Administrative Region and dependency of the PRC, because of a position taken by one or more authorities in Hong Kong.
Final rules implementing certain requirements of the HFCAA were adopted by the SEC on December 2, 2021 and generally become effective on January 10, 2022. The final rules implement the submission and disclosure requirements in the HFCAA. The rules apply to registrants the SEC identifies as having filed an annual report with an audit report issued by a registered public accounting firm that is located in a foreign jurisdiction and that the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate, or Commission-Identified Issuers. The final rules require Commission-Identified Issuers to submit documentation to the SEC establishing that, if true, it is not owned or controlled by a governmental entity in the public accounting firm’s foreign jurisdiction. The final rules also require that a Commission-Identified Issuer that is a “foreign issuer” provide certain additional disclosures in its annual reports. Further, the SEC provided notice regarding the procedures the SEC has established to identify issuers and to impose trading prohibitions on the securities of certain Commission-Identified Issuers, as required by the HFCAA. The SEC will identify Commission-Identified Issuers for fiscal years beginning after December 18, 2020. A Commission-Identified Issuer will be required to comply with the submission and disclosure requirements in the annual report for each year in which it was identified. If we are identified as a Commission-Identified Issuer based on this annual report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021, we will be required to comply with the submission or disclosure requirements in our annual report filing covering the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022. Under the HFCAA, our securities may be prohibited from trading on the NASDAQ or other U.S. stock exchanges and in over-the-counter markets if we are identified as a Commission-Identified Issuer for three consecutive years, and this ultimately could result in our ordinary shares being delisted from the NASDAQ. Furthermore, on June 22, 2021, the U.S. Senate passed the Accelerating Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, which, if enacted, would amend the HFCAA and require the SEC to prohibit an issuer’s securities from trading on any U.S. stock exchanges if its auditor is not subject to PCAOB inspections for two consecutive years instead of three years.
While it was reported that there had been ongoing dialogue among the CSRC, the SEC and the PCAOB regarding the inspection of PCAOB-registered accounting firms in China, including Hong Kong, there can be no assurance that we will be able to comply with requirements imposed by U.S. regulators. Delisting of our ordinary shares may require holders of our ordinary shares to sell their ordinary shares. The market price of our ordinary shares and other securities could be adversely affected as a result of anticipated negative impacts of these executive or legislative actions upon, as well as negative investor sentiment towards, companies that are listed in the United States, but have public accounting firms headquartered in China, including Hong Kong, regardless of whether these executive or legislative actions are implemented and regardless of our actual operating performance.
Control by T.C. Leung and David YL Leung; Potential Conflict of Interests.
T.C. Leung, the Company’s Chairman of the Board, is the father of David YL Leung, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Therefore, as a practical matter, T.C. Leung and David YL Leung are able to nominate and cause the election of all the members of the Company’s Board of Directors, control the appointment of its officers and the day-to-day affairs and management of the Company. As a consequence, T.C. Leung and David YL Leung can have the Company managed in a manner that would be in their own interests and not in the interests of the other shareholders of the Company. See – Item 6. “Directors, Senior Management and Employees” and Item 7. “Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions.”
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The Company does not control certain joint ventures or associated companies in which it holds interests or invests, which could limit Company’s ability to identify and manage risks.
The Company holds interests and has invested, and may continue to hold interests and invest, in joint ventures or associated companies in which it has a non-controlling interest; for example, Zhejiang Tianlan Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd.. In these cases, Company has limited influence over, and limited or no control of, the governance, performance and cost of operations of such entities. Some of these entities may represent significant investments and potentially also use the Company’s brand. These entities that Company does not control may make business, financial or investment decisions contrary to Company’s interests or may make decisions different from those that Company itself may have made. Additionally, Company’s partners or members of a joint venture or associated company may not be able to meet their financial or other obligations, which could expose Company to additional financial or other obligations, as well as having a material adverse effect on the value of its investments in those entities or potentially subjecting Company to additional claims.
The Company’s inability to secure and maintain intellectual property rights for products, whilst maintaining overall competitiveness, could have a material adverse effect on its results.
The Company is dependent on its ability to obtain and maintain trademarks, patents, licenses and other intellectual property (IP) rights covering its products and its design and manufacturing processes. The IP portfolio is the result of an extensive patenting process that could be influenced by a number of factors, including innovation. The value of the IP portfolio is dependent on the successful promotion and market acceptance of standards developed or co-developed by Company. This is particularly applicable to the Company’s PRC subsidiary, Shanghai Euro Tech Limited, which engages in the development, production and sale of analytical and testing instruments and equipment, and is applying for related patents.
Environmental Compliance: The costs of complying with evolving regulatory requirements could negatively impact the Company’s financial results. Actual or alleged violations of environmental laws or permit requirements could result in restrictions or prohibitions on plant operations, substantial civil or criminal sanctions, as well as the assessment of strict liability and/or joint and several liability.
The Company may be subject to local laws, regulations, rules and ordinances relating to pollution, protection of the environment, greenhouse gas emissions, and the generation, storage, handling, transportation, treatment, disposal and remediation of hazardous substances and waste materials. In addition, the Company may have costs related to environmental remediation and restoration obligations associated with past and current sites as well as related to the Company’s past or current waste disposal practices or other hazardous materials handling. Although management will estimate and accrue liabilities for these obligations, it is reasonably possible that the Company’s ultimate cost with respect to these matters could be significantly higher, which could negatively impact the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. Costs and capital expenditures relating to environmental, health or safety matters are subject to evolving regulatory requirements and depend on the timing of the promulgation and enforcement of specific standards which impose the requirements. Moreover, changes in environmental regulations could inhibit or interrupt the Company’s operations, or require modifications to its facilities. Accordingly, environmental, health or safety regulatory matters could result in significant unanticipated costs or liabilities.
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Health and Safety: Increased concerns regarding the safe use of chemicals and plastics in commerce and their potential impact on the environment as well as perceived impacts of plant biotechnology on health and the environment have resulted in more restrictive regulations and could lead to new regulations.
Concerns regarding the safe use of chemicals and plastics in commerce and their potential impact on health and the environment and the perceived impacts of plant biotechnology on health and the environment reflect a growing trend in societal demands for increasing levels of product safety and environmental protection. These concerns could manifest themselves in stockholder proposals, preferred purchasing, delays or failures in obtaining or retaining regulatory approvals, delayed product launches, lack of market acceptance and continued pressure for more stringent regulatory intervention and litigation. These concerns could also influence public perceptions, the viability or continued sales of certain of the Company’s products, the Company’s reputation and the cost to comply with regulations. In addition, terrorist attacks and natural disasters have increased concerns about the security and safety of chemical production and distribution. These concerns could have a negative impact on the Company’s results of operations.
Certain Legal Consequences of Incorporation in the British Virgin Islands; Rights of Shareholders Not As Extensive As In U.S. Corporations.
Principles of British Virgin Islands (“BVI”) corporate law relating to such matters as the validity of the Company procedures, the fiduciary duties of management and the rights of the Company’s shareholders may differ from those that would apply if the Company were incorporated in a jurisdiction within the United States.
The rights of shareholders under BVI law are not as extensive as the rights of shareholders under legislation or judicial precedent in many United States jurisdictions. Under United States law, majority and controlling shareholders generally have certain “fiduciary” responsibilities to the minority shareholders. United States shareholder action must be taken in good faith and actions by controlling shareholders in a United States jurisdiction and executive compensation which are obviously unreasonable may be declared null and void.
The BVI law protecting the interests of the minority shareholders is not as protective in all circumstances as the law protecting minority shareholders in United States jurisdictions. The shareholders of the Company may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions by the Company’s Board of Directors, and may have more limited rights, than they might have as shareholders of a company incorporated in many United States jurisdictions.
Anti-Takeover Provisions.
The Company has 5,000,000 shares of “blank check preferred stock” authorized. The “blank check preferred stock” is intended to strengthen the Company’s ability to resist an unsolicited takeover bid and may be deemed to have an anti-takeover effect. The Board of Directors has the right to fix the rights, terms and preferences at the time of issue of “blank check preferred stock” without further action by our shareholders.
Uncertainty of Enforcing United States Judgments.
There is some uncertainty whether BVI courts would enforce judgments of the courts of the United States and of other foreign jurisdictions, or enforce actions brought in the BVI which are based upon the securities laws of the United States. A final monetary judgment obtained in the United States will be treated as a cause of action in itself by the BVI courts so that no retrial of the issues would be necessary, provided that material preconditions are met and the proceedings pursuant to which judgment was obtained were not contrary to the rules of natural justice.
All of the Company’s directors and executive officers reside outside of the United States, service of process upon the Company and such persons may be difficult to effect in the United States upon all such directors and officers.
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All of the Company’s assets are and will be located outside of the United States, in Hong Kong and the PRC, and any judgment obtained in the United States may not be enforced in those jurisdictions. Hong Kong courts will not directly enforce against the Company or such persons judgments obtained in the United States. There is also substantial doubt as to the enforceability in the PRC of actions to enforce judgments of the United States’ courts arising out of or based on the ownership of the securities, including judgments arising out of or based on the civil liability provisions of United States federal or state securities laws or otherwise. See — “Certain Legal Consequences of Incorporation in the British Virgin Islands; Rights of Shareholders Not As Extensive As In U.S. Corporations.”
Being a Foreign Private Issuer Exempts Us from Certain SEC and NASDAQ Stock Market (“NASDAQ”) Requirements.
We are a foreign private issuer within the meaning of rules promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). As such, with certain limitations, we are exempt from certain provisions applicable to United States public companies including: (1) the rules under the Exchange Act requiring the filing with the Commission of quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or current reports on Form 8-K; (2) the sections of the Exchange Act regulating the solicitation of proxies, consents or authorizations in respect of a security registered under the Exchange Act; (3) the provisions of Regulation FD aimed at preventing issuers from making selective disclosures of material information; and (4) the sections of the Exchange Act requiring insiders to file public reports of their stock ownership and trading activities and establishing insider liability for profits realized from any “short-swing” trading transaction (i.e., a purchase and sale, or sale and purchase, of the issuer’s equity securities within less than six months). Because of these exemptions, investors are not afforded the same protections or information generally available to investors holding shares in public companies organized in the United States.
Our Securities Must Continue To Meet Qualitative And Quantitative Listing Maintenance Criteria For NASDAQ; Previous Deficiency Cured.
Our securities are quoted and traded on NASDAQ. There can be no assurance that we will continue to meet both the qualitative and quantitative criteria for continued quotation and trading of our securities on NASDAQ. One of NASDAQ’s listing requirements is the maintenance of a closing bid price of US$ 1.00 per share. During periods of time in 2008 and 2009 the Company was not in compliance with that requirement but NASDAQ had generally suspended that requirement and others due to market conditions and/or the US$1.00 per share bid price was not met for a sufficient period of time to cause a NASDAQ deficiency action.
On September 20, 2011, the Company was notified by NASDAQ that it was not in compliance with NASDAQ’s listing maintenance rule for failing to have a bid price of at least US$1.00 per share for the prior thirty trading days. In January 2012, the Company effected a combination or reverse stock split of its issued Ordinary Shares, and thereafter, in February 2012, the Company received a letter from NASDAQ advising that it had regained compliance with NASDAQ’s maintenance listing requirements.
No assurance can be given that we will continue to meet applicable NASDAQ continued listing standards. Failure to meet applicable NASDAQ continued listing standards could result in a delisting of our common stock. A delisting of our common stock from NASDAQ could materially reduce the liquidity of our common stock and result in a corresponding material reduction in the price of our common stock. In addition, delisting could harm our ability to raise capital through alternative financing sources on terms acceptable to us, or at all, and may result in the potential loss of confidence by investors, employees and fewer business development opportunities. See—”We Are Also Required To Meet Certain, But Not All Corporate Governance Criteria Applicable to NASDAQ Listed Issuers.”
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We Are Also Required To Meet Certain, But Not All, Corporate Governance Criteria Applicable To NASDAQ Listed Issuers.
Although, in the past, we have been able to satisfy corporate governance criteria applicable to NASDAQ listed issuers, those criteria are difficult to comply with and include, among other things: (a) a heightened degree of independence of members of the board of directors with independent directors to, among other things: hold regular meetings among themselves only; (b) establishment of a code of conduct addressing compliance with laws; and (c) a limit on payments to independent directors and their family members (other than for services on the board of directors).
These corporate governance requirements and a strict definition of “independent director” make it more difficult to find independent directors for our Board of Directors. There is intense competition for qualified independent directors, including those persons with accounting experience and financial statement acumen to serve on audit committees. We believe that continued compliance with the corporate governance requirements applicable to NASDAQ listed issuers may be difficult and increase our costs and expenses as the costs of finding and compensating independent directors escalate and the costs of administering their new powers and responsibilities is an added financial burden. If we are unable to attract and keep a sufficient number of independent directors willing to take on the responsibilities imposed by such rules on what we believe to be commercially reasonable terms, our securities may be delisted from NASDAQ. See—”Being a ‘Controlled Company’ Exempts Us from Certain Other Corporate Governance Criteria Applicable to NASDAQ Listed Issuers.”
Being A “Controlled Company” Exempts Us From Certain Other Corporate Governance Criteria Applicable To NASDAQ Listed Issuers.
As a result of T.C. Leung, the Company’s Chairman of the Board, beneficially owning the majority voting power of our Ordinary Shares, we are a “controlled company” as that term is defined in rules and regulations applicable to NASDAQ listed issuers. As a “controlled company,” we are not required to comply with certain NASDAQ corporate governance criteria including, among other things, the requirements that the majority of our Board be independent directors, and their having the authority to approve director nominations and executive officer compensation.
We Are Not Subject To Various Corporate Governance Measures, Which May Result In Shareholders Having Limited Protections.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“SOX”), has resulted in the adoption of various corporate governance measures by securities exchanges and NASDAQ designed to promote the integrity of the corporate management and the securities markets. Being a “controlled company,” we are exempt from many, but not all, of those requirements. Furthermore, the absence of such practices with respect to our Company may leave our shareholders without protections against interested director transactions, conflicts of interest and similar matters.
We May Be Exposed To Potential Risks Relating To Our Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting.
Pursuant to Section 404 of SOX, the SEC adopted rules requiring public companies to include a report of management on the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting in their annual reports, including Form 20-F.
We expend significant resources in developing and maintaining the necessary documentation and testing procedures required by SOX, there is a risk that we will not maintain compliance with all of these requirements.
In the event we identify significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in our internal controls that we cannot remediate in a timely manner our ability to obtain equity or debt financing could suffer and the market price of our shares could decline.
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The market price of our Ordinary Shares may be volatile or may decline regardless of our operating performance, and you may not be able to resell your shares at or above the price you paid.
The trading price for our Ordinary Shares has fluctuated since we first listed our Ordinary Shares. During Fiscal 2020 and Fiscal 2021, the trading price of our Ordinary Shares has ranged from US$0.768 to US$2.6867 per Ordinary Share, and the last reported trading price on April 1, 2022 was US$1.42 per Ordinary Share. The market price of our Ordinary Shares may fluctuate significantly in response to numerous factors, many of which are beyond our control, including:
| ● | changes in the general environment and the outlook of the segments in which we operate; |
| ● | regulatory developments in the segments in which we operate; |
| ● | actual or anticipated fluctuations in our half yearly or annual results of operations; |
| ● | changes in financial estimates by securities research analysts; |
| ● | negative market studies or reports; |
| ● | changes in performance and valuation of our peer or comparable companies; |
| ● | announcements by us or our competitors of new services, acquisitions, strategic relationships, joint ventures or capital commitments; |
| ● | changes in our senior management; |
| ● | sales or anticipated sales of additional ordinary shares; and |
| ● | fluctuations in the exchange rate between the Renminbi and the U.S. dollar. |
In addition, the securities markets in the United States, China and elsewhere have from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are not related to the operating performance of particular companies. These market fluctuations may also materially and adversely affect the market price of the Ordinary Shares.
There Are Risks In Purchasing Low-Priced Securities.
If our securities were to be suspended or delisted from NASDAQ, they could be subject to rules under the Exchange Act which impose additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell such securities to persons other than established clients and “accredited investors.” For transactions covered by such rules, a broker-dealer must make a special suitability determination of the purchaser and have received the purchaser’s written consent to the transaction prior to the sale. Consequently, such rules may affect the ability of broker-dealers to sell our securities and the ability to sell any of our securities in any secondary market that may develop for such securities. In the event our securities are no longer listed on NASDAQ or are not otherwise exempt from the provisions of the SEC’s “penny stock” rules, such rules may also affect the ability of broker-dealers and investors to sell our securities.
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We May Be Considered To Be A Passive Foreign Investment Company For The 2021 Calendar Year And May Be A Passive Foreign Investment Company For Future Years, Which Would Result In Adverse U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences To U.S. Holders Of Our Ordinary Shares.
A non-U.S. corporation will be considered a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) for U.S. income tax purposes, for any taxable year if either (i) at least 75% of its gross income is passive income or (ii) at least 50% of the value of its assets (based on an average of the quarterly values of the assets during a taxable year) is attributable to assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income. The annual PFIC determination to be made by a U.S. holder of our ordinary shares is an inherently factual determination and there is limited guidance regarding the application of the PFIC rules to specific situations. We currently hold a substantial amount of cash and cash equivalents, and investments in PRC enterprises, and the value of our goodwill and other assets may be based in part on the market price of our ordinary shares, which has experienced significant fluctuations. Although the determination of PFIC status is subject to factual uncertainties because it depends upon the valuation of our ordinary shares, as well as our goodwill and other assets and income, we are uncertain if we would be considered to be a PFIC for 2021. In addition, as the determination of PFIC status is made on an annual basis and depends on variables over which we have limited control, there can be no assurance that we will not be a PFIC for 2022 or any future years. If we are a PFIC in any year, U.S. holders will be subject to certain adverse United States federal income tax consequences, and are urged to consult with his or her tax advisor. See— Item 10. “Taxation—United States Federal Income Taxation .”
If We Become Directly Subject to the Recent Scrutiny Involving U.S.-Listed Chinese Companies, We May Have to Expend Significant Resources to Investigate and/or Defend the Matter, Which Could Harm our Business Operations, Stock Price and Reputation and Could Result in a Complete Loss of Your Investment in Us.
U.S. listed companies that have substantial operations in China have been the subject of intense scrutiny by investors, financial commentators and regulatory agencies. Much of the scrutiny has centered on financial and accounting irregularities and mistakes, a lack of effective internal controls over financial reporting and, in many cases, allegations of fraud. As a result of the scrutiny, the publicly traded stock of many U.S. listed China-based companies that have been the subject of such scrutiny has sharply decreased in value. Many of these companies are now subject to shareholder lawsuits and/or SEC enforcement actions that are conducting internal and/or external investigations into the allegations. If we become the subject of any unwarranted scrutiny, even allegations that are not true, we may have to expend significant resources to investigate such allegations and/or defend the Company. Such investigations or allegations will be costly and time-consuming and distract our management from our business plan and could result in our reputation being harmed and our stock price could decline as a result of such allegations, regardless of the truthfulness of the allegations.
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
A. HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPANY
The Company was organized under the laws of the BVI on September 30, 1996 for the purposes of raising capital and for acquiring all the outstanding capital stock of Euro Tech (Far East) Limited (“Far East”), a Hong Kong corporation involved in the distribution of advanced water treatment equipment. In March 1997, the Company acquired all the issued and outstanding capital stock of Far East and it became a wholly-owned subsidiary and was the primary operational entity of the Company.
Yixing Pact Environmental Technology Company Limited (“Yixing”) and Pact Asia Pacific Limited (“Pact,” collectively with “Yixing”, “Pact-Yixing”), companies engaged in the water and waste-water treatment solution business, became our majority-owned subsidiaries in 2005, and we acquired additional two percent (2%) and five percent (5%) equity interests in Pact and Yixing in January 2010 and July 2011, respectively.
Pact-Yixing, situated in Shanghai, specialize in the design, manufacture and operation of water and waste-water treatment plants in several industries situated in China.
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We dissolved Shanghai Euro Tech Environmental Engineering Company Ltd. (“Shanghai Environmental”) on July 2, 2021, in order to avoid duplication of costs and efforts as we have a 58% equity interest in Pact-Yixing which operate similar business activities. Before its dissolution, Shanghai Environmental was our wholly-owned subsidiary organized under the laws of the PRC and its principal business was water and waste-water treatment engineering business. It was established to carry on our environmental engineering department with that line of business and its personnel transferred from our subsidiary, Far East. Shanghai Environmental had made an operating (loss) / income of US$36,000 in Fiscal 2019, (US$110,000) in Fiscal 2020, and US$106,000 in Fiscal 2021.
China’s rapid economic growth had led it to become one of the world’s largest emitters of sulfur dioxide. The damage due to acid rain caused by sulfur dioxide is vast, and is also affecting the neighboring countries as air currents transport sulfur dioxide. To tackle these environmental and geo-political issues, China has established targets to reduce key pollutants, namely, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and suspended particulates. Heavy polluters are being warned to reduce their emissions or face penalties. We believe that as a result, the demand of desulphurization and dust removal equipment will increase accordingly.
Far East owns a 19.4% equity interest in Zhejiang Tianlan Environmental Protection Technology Co. Ltd. (“Blue Sky”), founded in 2000. Blue Sky provides design and general contracting services, equipment manufacturing, installation, testing and operation management for the purification treatment of industrial waste gases (specifically as desulphurization, flue gas de-nitration, dust removal) emitted from various boilers and industrial furnaces of power plants, steelworks and chemical plants. By securing an equity stake in Blue Sky’s business, we have a strategic partner to work within China’s environmental protection business. With Blue Sky’s technology and technical support, we believe we are able to provide services and environmental solutions not only for water and waste-water treatment but also for air pollution control for industrial clients in China. Blue Sky’s revenue decreased during Fiscal 2019, increased during Fiscal 2020 and Fiscal 2021, and its net income increased during Fiscal 2019 and Fiscal 2020, and decreased during Fiscal 2021. Blue Sky listed its shares on the New Third Board since November 17, 2015 and it suspended trading from August 15, 2017 and resumed trading on February 2, 2018 and suspended trading from November 24, 2020 and resumed trading on January 6, 2021. The New Third Board in the PRC, a national over-the-counter market in the PRC regulated by the China Securities Regulatory Commission, serves as a trading platform for small and medium-sized enterprises. Any new issuance of Blue Sky’s shares on the New Third Board will dilute our ownership in Blue Sky. On the other hand, the New Third Board provides us with an exit channel to sell our position in Blue Sky if the price is attractive.
We previously had a 20% equity interest in Zhejiang Jia Huan Electronic Co. Ltd., a company incorporated in the PRC (“Jia Huan”), with total cost of investment US$2,486,000. Jia Huan was engaged in the environmental protection business since 1969. On March 5, 2018, we entered into an Equity Transfer Agreement to sell this 20% equity stake of Jia Huan for a purchase price of RMB31,312,500 to Ms. Jin Lijuan (the “Purchaser”), the wife of the holder of the remaining 80% equity stake of Jia Huan. In accordance with the terms of the Agreement, all approvals and registrations with the relevant governmental authorities were obtained, the closing of the transaction has been completed, and the Purchaser paid the purchase price to us, in full in May 2018. As a result, we recognized a net gain of US$1,522,000 on the disposal of our equity interest in Jia Huan.
In Fiscal 2021, Blue Sky made an income contribution of US$355,000 to the Company. In Fiscal 2020, Blue Sky made an income contribution of US$435,000 to the Company. The income contribution from Blue Sky in Fiscal 2020 was principally because there was recovery of the accounts receivables for which impairment loss provision was made in previous years. In Fiscal 2019, Blue Sky made an income contribution of US$137,000 to the Company. The income contribution from Blue Sky in Fiscal 2019 was principally because there was no major impairment loss for the accounts receivables from its major customers. China’s 13th Five Year Plan promotes a cleaner and greener economy, with strong commitments to environmental management and protection, clean energy and emissions controls, ecological protection and security, and the development of green industries. This demonstrates a clear focus on charting a sustainable course for the economy in the long-term and the desire to play a global role in curbing greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, management believes the development in the Chinese government policy may benefit our business as well as the business of its affiliate, Blue Sky.
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The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC (such as the Company) and the address of that site is http://www.sec.gov.
The Company maintains a website at http://www.euro-tech.com. The Company used to maintain but currently does not update the following websites any more: (1) http://www.chinah2o.com; and (2) http://www.yibaynet.com.cn, previously operated through our subsidiary, Euro Tech Trading (Shanghai) Limited, a PRC corporation.
B. BUSINESS OVERVIEW
COVID-19 Update
In December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus, or COVID-19 or the coronavirus, surfaced and it has spread rapidly to many parts of China and other parts of the world, including the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in quarantines, travel restrictions, and the temporary closure of stores and facilities in China and several other parts of the world, including the United States. In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. All of our revenue is concentrated in China through our subsidiaries. Consequently, our revenues were impacted by COVID-19 and were significantly lower in 2020 as compared to the same period of 2019. We had to comply with the temporary closure of stores and facilities, or the ‘shelter in place’ order, in China in the first quarter of 2020. As a result, we closed our facilities in January 2020 and re-opened them in late March 2020. The COVID-19 outbreak materially adversely affected our business operations, financial condition and operating results for 2020, including but not limited to material negative impact on our total revenues, slower collection of accounts receivables and additional allowance for doubtful accounts. Recently another outbreak of COVID-19 in Hong Kong and Shanghai has caused us to temporarily close offices and require our employees to work from home in these and other regions. The Company has not incurred significant disruptions from COVID-19 in 2021. However, COVID-19 may impact our business, consolidated results of operations and financial condition in the future. For example, our business and results of operations could be materially adversely affected if significant portions of our workforce are unable to work effectively, including because of illness, quarantines, or government actions or other restrictions in connection with COVID-19. However, the significance of the impact on our operations going forward is not yet certain and depends on numerous evolving factors that the Company may not be able to accurately predict or effectively respond to, including, without limitation: actions taken by governments and actions taken by businesses and individuals in response thereto, the effect of COVID-19 and the actions taken in response to COVID-19 on economic activity, the effect of COVID-19 on customers and their demand for the Company’s products and services, the ability of our subcontractors to perform under their contracts due to their own financial or operational difficulties, the availability of subcontractors and other talent, and the Company’s ability to continue operations, including without limitation as a result of supply chain challenges, facility closures, social distancing, restrictions on travel.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created and may continue to create significant uncertainty in the macroeconomic environment which, in addition to other unforeseen effects of this pandemic, may adversely impact our global business, results of operations, and financial condition. Potential impact to our results of operations will also depend on future developments and new information that may emerge regarding the duration and severity of COVID-19 and the actions taken by government authorities and other entities to contain COVID-19 or mitigate its impact, almost all of which are beyond our control.
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Recent Regulatory Update
Potential CSRC Approval Required for the Listing of our Ordinary Shares
On July 6, 2021, certain PRC regulatory authorities issued Opinions on Strictly Cracking Down on Illegal Securities Activities. Theses opinions call for strengthened regulation over illegal securities activities and supervision on overseas listings by China-based companies and propose to take effective measures, such as promoting the development of relevant regulatory systems to deal with the risks and incidents faced by China-based overseas-listed companies. As of the date of this annual report, no official guidance and related implementation rules have been issued in relation to these recently issued opinions and the interpretation and implementation of these opinions remain unclear at this stage.
On December 24, 2021, China Securities Regulatory Commission (the “CSRC”) issued, for soliciting public comments, two draft regulations relating to overseas listing, namely the Provisions of the State Council on the Administration of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies (Draft for Comments) and Administrative Measures for the Filing of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies (Draft for Comments). These draft regulations stipulate that PRC domestic companies that seek to offer and list securities in overseas markets directly or indirectly are required to fulfill the filing procedures with and report relevant information to the CSRC. Pursuant to these draft regulations, if the issuer meets the following conditions, its offering and listing will be determined as an “indirect overseas offering and listing by a PRC domestic company” and is therefore subject to the filing requirement: (i) the revenues, profits, total assets or net assets of the Chinese operating entities in the most recent financial year accounts for more than 50% of the corresponding data in the issuer’s audited consolidated financial statements for the same period; (ii) the majority of senior management in charge of business operation are Chinese citizens or have domicile in PRC, and its principal place of business is located in PRC or main business activities are conducted in PRC. These regulations were released only for soliciting public comment at this stage and their provisions and anticipated adoption or effective date are subject to changes and thus their interpretation and implementation remain substantially uncertain. As of the date of this annual report, it also remains unclear on whether a US-listed company, like us, are subject to the CSRC filing procedures, to maintain the listing of its securities in a foreign country.
We cannot assure you that we will not be required to obtain the approval of the CSRC or of potentially other regulatory authorities to maintain the listing status of our ordinary shares on the Nasdaq Stock Market or to conduct offerings of securities in the future. We have been closely monitoring regulatory developments in China regarding any necessary approvals from the CSRC or other PRC regulatory authorities required for overseas listings. As of the date of this annual report, we have not received any inquiry, notice, warning, sanctions or regulatory objection from the CSRC.
Cybersecurity Review Measures
In January 2022, the Cyberspace Administration Commission (the “CAC”) and several other administrations jointly promulgated the amended Cybersecurity Review Measures, or the Cybersecurity Review Measures, which became effective on February 15, 2022, and supersede and replace the current cybersecurity review measures that became effective since June 2020. Pursuant to the Cybersecurity Review Measures, a “critical information infrastructure operator,” or CIIO, that purchases network products and services, or conducts data process activities, which affect or may affect national security will be subject to the cybersecurity review. The Cybersecurity Review Measures also expands the cybersecurity review to “internet platform operators” in possession of personal information of over one million users if such operators intend to list their securities in a foreign country. Alternatively, relevant governmental authorities in the PRC may initiate cybersecurity review if they determine an operator’s network products or services or data processing activities affect or may affect national security.
As of the date of this annual report, uncertainties still exist in relation to the interpretation and implementation of the Cybersecurity Review Measures. Though given the nature of our products, the possibility that we, or certain of our customers or suppliers are deemed as a CIIO is low, we cannot completely rule out this possibility. If we are deemed as a CIIO, our purchase of network products or services, if deemed to be affecting or may affect national security, will need to be subject to cybersecurity review, before we can enter into agreements with relevant customers or suppliers, and before the conclusion of such procedure, these customers will not be allowed to use our products or services, and we are not allowed to purchase products or services from our suppliers.
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As of the date of this annual report, we have not been involved in any investigations or become subject to a cybersecurity review initiated by the CAC based on the Cybersecurity Review Measures, and we have not received any inquiry, notice, warning, sanctions in such respect of any regulatory objections to our listing status from the CAC. See – Item 3D. “Key Information — Risk Factors - Our failure to comply with cybersecurity and data protection laws and regulations could lead to government enforcement actions and significant penalties against us, and adversely impact our operating results.”
Principal Activities
The Company had been primarily a distributor of a wide range of advanced water treatment equipment, laboratory instruments, analyzers, test kits and related supplies and power generation equipment (including recorders and power quality analyzers). The Company acts as an exclusive and non-exclusive distributor for well-known manufacturers of such equipment, primarily to commercial customers and governmental agencies or instrumentalities in Hong Kong and the PRC.
The Company distributes products through its headquarters in Hong Kong and its trading company in Shanghai. The Company’s PRC trading subsidiary is Euro Tech Trading (Shanghai) Limited. Chongqing Euro Tech Rizhi Technology Co., Ltd., Rizhi Euro Tech Instrument (Shaanxi) Co., Ltd. and Guangzhou Euro Tech Environmental Equipment Co., Ltd. were dissolved in 2019.
Laboratory instruments, analyzers and test kits are used to analyze the chemical content and ascertain the level of impurities or other contaminants in water. The Company distributes analytical re-agents and chemicals to support testing systems of laboratory and portable instruments, process analyzers and portable test kits and assist in the analysis process. The Company offers a wide variety of test kits to test water quality. The Company believes that these portable test kits are easy to use and preadapted for rugged field use. These test kits are used to monitor drinking water distribution systems.
Laboratory and portable instruments generally consist of analytical instruments including, but not limited to the following: spectrophotometers, colorimeters, turbidimeters, ion-selective electrodes, chemical oxygen demand apparati, digestion apparati, and precision re-agent dispensing devices which are used to test and monitor impurities and contaminants in water systems. See – “Glossary.”
The Company also distributes continuous-reading process analyzers, process turbidimeters, pH controllers and analyzer accessories. These products are generally used to monitor and control drinking water quality to ensure that water treatment procedures comply with regulatory standards. See – “Glossary.”
In 2005, we acquired Pact-Yixing to allow the Company to bid on larger water, waste-water and power generation projects. The Company believes that the Pact-Yixing business is complementary to the Company’s business as the Company expects to have a competitive advantage by offering customers and potential customers not only hardware but solutions to engineering problems as well.
Pact-Yixing completed a substantial number of industrial water and waste-water treatment projects in the PRC. The majority of these projects are for large multinational manufacturing facilities for clients from the USA, Europe and Japan. Process design as well as mechanical and electrical engineering are completed in-house and manufacturing contracted to approved fabricators of components. Fabrication drawings are also done in-house for submittal to said fabricators under the supervision of Pact-Yixing’s quality control engineers.
Pact-Yixing’s clients cover a varied spectrum of industries covering semiconductor, pharmaceutical, petrochemicals, auto and auto parts, steel, food and beverage and beauty products.
The water and waste-water treatment processes applied at Pact-Yixing cover chemical, physical, biological and membrane separation. Combinations of those processes are normally used to treat a specific industrial process feed or effluent. With respect to the water treatment side of Pact-Yixing’s business, they design and build filtration equipment, ion-exchange softeners and demineralizers, reverse osmosis, electro-deionization, chemical treatment systems and package type mobile water treatment plants. As for waste-water treatment, Pact-Yixing design and build biological treatment systems, oil coalescers, dissolved air flotation, lamella clarifiers, chemical reactor tanks, ultrafiltration, microfiltration, dewatering systems and package type mobile sewage treatment plants. Biological treatment plants cover both aerobic and anaerobic processes. State-of-the-art aerobic processes of SBR (sequential batch reactors) and MBR (membrane biological reactors) are technologies also covered by Pact-Yixing. See – “Glossary.”
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We continued the process of shifting our emphasis from the distribution of instruments and equipment to engineering and manufacturing activities. However, the development of manufacturing activities was not that successful. Revenues from our trading activities have fallen-off as a substantial number of our suppliers have been selling their products into China directly and through other distributors. Many of these other distributors are local Chinese companies and can operate with a lower overhead.
During Fiscal 2019, there was decrease in revenues from trading and manufacturing activities. Revenue from Pact-Yixing in 2019 was US$5,522,000, while Shanghai Environmental had an operating income of US$36,000. In addition, we incurred research and development costs of US$35,000 in 2019 relating to BWTS and Pact-Yixing incurred an operating loss of US$194,000. This resulted in operating loss from engineering activities of US$158,000. We continue to scale down Shanghai Environmental to avoid duplication of costs and efforts, as Pact-Yixing operate similar business activities, and we plan to wind it down upon collection of outstanding accounts receivable.
During Fiscal 2020, there was decrease in revenues from trading and manufacturing activities. Revenue from Pact-Yixing in 2020 was US$4,246,000, while Shanghai Environmental had an operating loss of US$111,000. In addition, we incurred research and development costs of US$493,000 in 2020 relating to BWTS for the IMO revised G8 requirements compliance and Pact-Yixing incurred an operating loss of US$916,000. This resulted in operating loss from engineering activities of US$1,027,000. We plan to wind down Shanghai Environmental. We are going to scale down Shanghai Euro Tech Limited to reduce the operating loss of manufacturing activities.
During Fiscal 2021, there was slight increase in revenues from trading and manufacturing activities. Revenue from Pact-Yixing in 2021 was US$12,161,000, while Shanghai Environmental had an operating income of US$106,000. In addition, we incurred research and development costs of US$61,000 in 2021 relating to BWTS and Pact-Yixing incurred an operating income of US$739,000. This resulted in operating income from engineering activities of US$846,000. We closed Shanghai Environmental in 2021. We are going to further scale down Shanghai Euro Tech Limited to reduce the operating loss of manufacturing activities.
Principal Markets: Hong Kong and the PRC
The Company’s operations are located almost entirely within, and revenues are almost entirely generated from Hong Kong and the PRC. Set forth below are the approximate percentage of the Company’s revenue from customers in the PRC and Hong Kong for the fiscal years indicated:
Fiscal Year |
| PRC |
|
| Hong Kong |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
2019 |
|
| 40 | % |
|
| 58 | % |
2020 |
|
| 38 | % |
|
| 60 | % |
2021 |
|
| 62 | % |
|
| 37 | % |
Sales to customers situated in Macau and elsewhere through Fiscal 2021 were nominal. This makes the Company particularly susceptible to changes in the political and economic climate of either Hong Kong or the PRC.
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Hong Kong. Hong Kong has been one of the prime centers for commercial activity and economic development recently in Southeast Asia. On July 1, 1997, sovereignty over Hong Kong was transferred from the United Kingdom to the PRC. As provided in the Sino-British Joint Declaration and the Basic Law, the Hong Kong SAR is provided a high degree of autonomy except in foreign and defense affairs. The Basic Law provides that the Hong Kong SAR is to have its own legislature, legal and judicial system and full economic autonomy for 50 years after the transfer of sovereignty. Based on the current political conditions and the Company’s understanding of the Basic Law, the Company does not believe that the transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong has had or will have an adverse impact on its financial and operating environment. Although the Chinese government has pledged to maintain the economic and political autonomy of Hong Kong over its internal affairs, there is no assurance that such pledge will continue to be honored if there are changes in the Chinese political or economic climate. Revenue in Hong Kong, expressed as a percentage of our revenue, increased by 2% in Fiscal 2019 as compared with Fiscal 2018. Revenue in Hong Kong, expressed as a percentage of our revenue, increased by 2% in Fiscal 2020 as compared with Fiscal 2019. Revenue in Hong Kong, expressed as a percentage of our revenue, decreased by 23% in Fiscal 2021 as compared with Fiscal 2020 as a result of significant increase in revenue in the PRC. See – Item 3D. “Key Information — Risk Factors.”
PRC. The PRC has been a socialist state since 1949. For more than half a century, the PRC’s economy has been, and presently continues to be, a socialist economy operating under government controls promulgated under various state plans adopted by central Chinese government authorities and implemented, to a large extent, by provincial and local authorities who may set production and development targets. However, since approximately the early 1980s, the PRC’s national government has undertaken certain reforms to permit greater provincial and local economic autonomy and private economic activities. Any change in political or economic conditions may substantially adversely affect these reform initiatives and, in turn, the Company. Revenue in the PRC, expressed as a percentage of total revenue, was the same in Fiscal 2019 as compared with Fiscal 2018. Revenue in the PRC, expressed as a percentage of total revenue, decreased by 2% in Fiscal 2020 as compared with Fiscal 2019. Revenue in the PRC, expressed as a percentage of total revenue, increased by 24% in Fiscal 2021 as compared with Fiscal 2020. The increase was primarily due to the significant increase in revenue for completion of engineering projects in the PRC. See – Item 3D. “Key Information — Risk Factors.
Our Growth Strategy
We are focusing our trading activities in Hong Kong, Macau and Guangdong. These cities are located close to our Hong Kong headquarters, our customers are more concentrated in these cities rendering customer support easier while incurring less travel expenses and while supporting distributorships in these cities as opposed to distributorships throughout China. We will continue our efforts to control costs to enhance operational efficiency. At the same time we will place greater focus at the manufacturing level on the chemical reagent business that we believe is more profitable. These chemical reagents are manufactured in our plant in Shanghai. These reagents include but are not limited to chemical oxygen demand (COD) analyzers, fine carbon tetrachloride, total nitrogen and free chlorine. These reagents are used by water and wastewater treatment plants and other industries such as beverage, as consumables with the water analyzers to monitor the quality of the water/ discharged water. In 2016, we received a contract worth about US$6.0 million from a foreign mobile phone company that covers design, supply, installation and the commissioning of industrial wastewater treatment and scrubber systems for its OEM plants in Shanghai, Shenzhen and Zhengzhou, China. This contract was completed in Fiscal 2017. In 2018, the Company received a PRC government grant for port ballast solution to fund the development of a prototype. The development of the ballast water port solution prototype was completed in 2019 and we have received four sales contracts from the port clients in China since October 2020. The port solution system is a system installed in port to offer ballast water treatment services for ocean going ships without their own ballast water treatment system (“BWTS”) and for those with damaged BWTS. We sold 4 sets and 8 sets of BWTS for ports and vessels, respectively in 2021. The Company is now embarking on promotion activities for port solution systems in China and South East Asia to explore the growing demand, although no assurance can be given that we will be able to do so. We obtained the utility model patents and are applying the invention patents for this port solution system in China. In addition, we also continue to invest a portion of our resources to developing our BWTS for the global market, and, based upon Pact-Yixing’s competitive prices and the high quality of its services, feel positive about our ability to expand our worldwide customer base by working closely and actively with some international engineering companies. However, no assurance can be given that these efforts will be successful.
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During the next twelve months, we intend to continue to assemble and/or manufacture additional products, and seek opportunities with our suppliers to assemble their products. We continue to promote our BWTS products that currently treat wastewater at rates of 200, 300, 500, 750, 1,200 and 1,250 cubic meters per hour and port solution system.
We also anticipate that, during Fiscal 2022, we will spend up to an additional US$120,000 in research and development costs on similar projects and potential research and development projects for the development of BWTS.
Future Planning and Expansion
We continuously search for products and equipment with substantial market potential for design and development. For example, international shipping ballast water cargo stowaway species and microorganisms that create unpredictable ecosystem contaminations as ballast water tanks are emptied or refilled at ports of call. Pact has been attempting to develop a non-chemical BWTS since late 2010. In 2012, Pact successfully completed and passed the land based test requirement, and, in 2014, Pact passed ship board testing and obtained CCS certification in the PRC and compliance with the IMO convention. In September 2016, the International Maritime Organization received acceptance from 52 States, representing approximately 35% of world merchant shipping tonnage. This triggered the applicability of the entry into force of the Ballast Water Management Convention, which occurred on September 8, 2017. In July 2017, IMO decided that the phase-in period for ballast water system retrofits started on September 8, 2019. The IMO convention stipulates that type approval for revised G8 requirements must be obtained for all BWTS installed on or after 28 October 2020, and we have been in compliance with such requirements. In order to expand its market coverage, we have been undergoing the procedures to apply for type approval certificates for its BWTS from a number of European and Asian Classification Societies.
We anticipate that the costs of any such acquisition or product development would be drawn from our general working capital and, possibly, by seeking strategic partners such as companies in the BWM Convention shipping industries or funding raising from substantial investors, and by private sales of our securities. We have no commitments or received no indications of interest for the private sales of our securities.
Product Distribution and Other Services
Scientific Instruments. The Company distributes analytical instruments, environmental quality monitoring instruments, sample pre-treatment equipment and general purpose laboratory instruments. Analytical instruments include, but are not limited to, chromatographs, mass spectrometers, flow injector analyzers, automated sample preparation workstations and atomic spectrometers. Environmental monitoring instruments include both air and water quality monitoring instruments. Air quality monitoring instruments are generally divided into those which monitor ambient (i.e., atmospheric) air, and those which monitor pollution sources. The revenue from sales of air quality monitoring instruments is nominal as the Company has not been able to acquire a distributorship for air quality instruments from brand name manufactures that we believe engage in direct customer sales or rely on their existing distributors. Sample pre-treatment equipment is used to clean-up the sample prior to chemical analysis for checking pesticides and drug residues in food. Additionally, the Company offers general purpose laboratory instruments including a variety of water quality monitoring and analysis equipment, such as continuous reading process analyzers, process turbidimeters, pH controllers, and test kits for monitoring chemical content in water (i.e., chlorine, fluorides, etc.). See – “Glossary.”
Customers for the analytical instruments include government agencies, academic and research institutions, major laboratories and beverage producers, including analytical system to the Hong Kong Government Laboratory for analysis of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and pesticides in the environment. Customers for water quality monitoring instruments also include government agencies. The Company derived approximately 65.9%, 58.8% and 70.0% of its revenues from the sale of scientific instruments during Fiscal 2021, 2020 and 2019 respectively.
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Power Solutions and Process Automation Products. The Company distributes general testing and measuring equipment including multi-channel digital and analogue recorders, signal amplifiers and calibration equipment for energy conservation, renewable energy equipment, power quality analyzers and continuous emissions monitoring systems to industries including power plants, railway and aero-space industries, utilities, educational institutions and telecommunications companies.
The Company also provides process control systems specifically designed for the industrial needs of clients including sensors, temperature gauges, pressure gauges, power and energy consumption meters, flow meters, valves, temperature and pressure transmitters and control devices, temperature and pressure calibrators, moisture, power, energy and harmonic analyzers. Customers for the foregoing distributed products include government water supply agencies, water treatment facilities, power and electric companies, petrochemical plants and instrument manufacturers.
In conjunction with the distribution of products such as programmable logic controllers, telemetry units and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems and software, the Company also provides systems engineering to government agencies, waste-water treatment and power generation plants and beverage producers. Specific services provided include automated control system design, the operation and management of various waste-water, water and power generation projects. We endeavor to introduce, develop, and promote new and advanced technologies, products, and appropriate technical developments from abroad. We have also been cooperating with established technology companies and engage in systems and special projects in Programmable Logic Control, Telemetry unit, SCADA systems, Human Machine Interface Software and Sequential Event Recording.
The Company derived approximately 32.2%, 39.6% and 28.3% of revenues from the sale of power solutions and process during Fiscal 2021, 2020 and 2019 respectively.
Technical Support. The Company’s technical support staff provides customers with maintenance, installation assistance, and calibration services, and assists sales personnel in giving technical advice to and performing product demonstrations for customers. The Company derived approximately 1.9%, 1.6% and 1.7% of its revenues from technical support operations during Fiscal 2021, 2020 and 2019 respectively.
Customers. During Fiscal 2021, the Company distributed products to approximately 1,000 customers, located in Hong Kong, the PRC and Macau such as the Hong Kong Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, Hong Kong Water Supplies Department, Government Laboratory, Drainage Services Department, and various Environmental Monitoring Centers in the PRC. For the year ended December 31, 2021, sales to our three largest customers amounted in the aggregate to approximately 20% of our total revenue, with one of such customers accounting for 15% of our total revenue. During Fiscal 2020, the Company distributed products to approximately 1,000 customers, located in Hong Kong, the PRC and Macau such as the Hong Kong Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, Hong Kong Water Supplies Department, Government Laboratory, Drainage Services Department, and various Environmental Monitoring Centers in the PRC. For the year ended December 31, 2020, sales to our three largest customers amounted in the aggregate to approximately 23% of our total revenue, with one of such customers accounting for 9% of our total revenue.
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Manufacturing and Product Assembly Operations
The Company, through its PRC subsidiary, Shanghai Euro Tech Limited located in the Pudong Jin Qiao Export Processing Zone of Shanghai, engages in the development, production, sales and servicing of environmental equipment, including the development of modern laboratory analyzers, on-line measuring equipment and other analyzers for chemicals. Our products are “tailor-made” for the diversified needs of equipment users. Main products include infrared photometric oil analyzer (“IPOA”), COD analyzers, total organic carbon (“TOC”) analyzer, turbidity meters, total suspended solid analyzers, dissolved oxygen analyzers, various types of spectrophotometers as well as a full spectrum of matching chemical reagents. We also offer turbidity meters manufactured by the Company and directed at water treatment plants, environmental monitoring status, and hydrological stations. We also offer our own TOC analytical instrument that measures the degree of the pollution. We have also upgraded other existing instruments and developed a quick response COD test instrument for use on surface water, underground water and domestic and industrial wastewater. Additionally, we offer a flue gas emissions analyzer for use in environmental compliance monitoring. We also developed energy meters (devices measuring electric energy consumption and corresponding carbon dioxide emissions) and water toxicity analysis instruments. Although it takes substantial time, effort and expense to develop, test and market a product, our sales of the TOC analyzer and the flue gas emissions analyzer have been nominal to date, and had stopped the sales of the flue gas emissions analyzer. We have been unable to find a suitable market to sell the energy meters. We have developed evaporator for extraction of organic solvents to remove the impurities prior to chemical analysis and are developing a larger size evaporator. Our customers are analyzing environmental pollutants, toxic substances such as pesticides and drug residues in food, drugs in clinical or forensic applications. We started test sale of this product in second half of fiscal 2015 and received orders of 3, 5 and 12 sets in Fiscal 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The Company has developed a handheld ballast water checker which is the first handheld rapid indicative compliance instrument made in China, based on well accepted PAM fluorescence Technology. The instrument is a very powerful screening tool for ship owners, compliance officers, ship builders and BWTS providers. The company was one of the few qualified local and foreign candidates to participate in China Marine Safety Administration’s (“MSA”) evaluation of indicative testing instruments to be used by Port State Control officers for compliance test according to IMO D2 standard. The unofficial reports of comparison data between our instrument and lab test results indicated that our instrument readings trend followed the actual lab test results closely. We obtained patent approval in China and got the environmental testing certificate according to Chinese Standard GB/T 11606-2007 from Shanghai Institute of Measurement and Technology. We carried out testing of this instrument at the land-based test facility of one of the Chinese National Engineering Laboratories for Ballast Water Testing and type approval according to IMO guidelines and got a certified test report from this approved laboratory. We are doing the ground work of promoting our instrument to ship owners, shipping service and equipment providers, ship builders, BWTS manufacturers and local MSA. We also participated in a number of trade shows and exhibitions. Although the regulation is not enforced now, we are getting market awareness of our product application.
Sources of Supply
The Company distributes products manufactured by a substantial number of major American, European and Japanese corporations, including Thermo, Stanford, Hach, Hioki and Biotage, which are the Company’s largest suppliers, with purchases from them accounting for approximately 53%, 7%, 6%, 6% and 2% during Fiscal 2019, and 30%, 10%, 9%, 6% and 5% during Fiscal 2020, and 42%, 13%, 6%, 6%, and 5% during Fiscal 2021 respectively. The Company has exclusivity agreements for specified geographic areas with many of its suppliers for certain products. Those agreements do not encompass all products distributed by the Company or all of the market areas serviced by the Company. In addition, some of these agreements are memorialized not as formal contracts but rather through other acknowledgements or correspondence which may contain a vague, if any, description of the terms and conditions of such agreement or arrangement, and therefore may be unenforceable. The Company has agreements and has an Authorization Letter from Hach appointing the Company as Hach’s distributor in Hong Kong and Macau which is valid until December 15, 2022. The Company has an agreement with Thermo granting the Company rights to sell Thermo’s Mass Spec Products to the Government and hospitals in Hong Kong which is valid until March 31, 2023. The Company has only an Authorization Letter from Stanford appointing the Company as Stanford’s sales representative in the PRC and Hong Kong. The Company has only an Authorization Letter from Hioki appointing the Company as Hioki’s sole agent in Hong Kong and Macau. The Company has an Agent Certificate from Biotage authorizing the Company as Biotage’s sole agent in Hong Kong and Macau. Although alternative sources of supply exist, there can be no assurance that the termination of the Company’s relationship with any of the above or other vendors would not have an adverse effect on operations.
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Regulatory Environment
Concerns about and awareness of pollution problems and environmental issues have grown at all levels of PRC government as the PRC experienced economic growth. Environmental protection laws and strict regulations have been enacted and are buttressed by increased budget allocations for environmental regulation, monitoring and enforcement. The PRC’s primary environmental protection agency is the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (“MEE”) which replaced the Ministry of Environmental Protection (“MEP”) after the 13th National People’s Congress was held in March 2018. The new streamlined ministry is a sign of China’s upgraded dedication to the task of improving its environment. In the 19th Five-Year Program (2016-2020), MEE launched three major campaigns of prevention and control of environment, including action plans for control of air pollution, water pollution and soil pollution. Special action was also taken in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and the Yangtze River economic belt for air and water pollution control, respectively. The number of sections of the Yangtze River Basin with total phosphorus exceeding the upper limit decreased by 40.7% in 2019 as compared with that of 2018. The mainstream of the Yangtze has achieved 100% good water quality for the first time in 2020 pursuant to MEE’s 2020 Report on the State of the Ecology and Environment in China. The Yangtze River Protection Law officially went into effect in March 2021, with the aim of protecting China’s longest river, strengthening the ecological protection and restoration of the Yangtze River Basin. Major indicators to assess air quality are SO2, NOX, PM10 and PM2.5. Indicators for water are COD, petroleum oil, total nitrogen, total phosphorus and ammonia nitrogen. We have designed and built instruments to detect these indicators. The second national pollution source survey and MEE’s 2020 Report on the State of the Ecology and Environment in China found that the emission of air and water pollutants reduced steadily from 2016 to 2020. In-depth investigation of soil environment quality, building monitoring network and improvement of soil quality information management are ongoing. The government’s goal is to have 90% safe utilization of polluted farmland. The government has outsourced testing to commercial testing labs. Heavy metals and organic pollutants are being analyzed. Our concentrator automates evaporation and improves data quality for organic analysis. There can be no assurance that the agencies will continue to use our products for these purposes, or that other market competitors will not enter the market with superior products, distribution systems or more competitive prices. See – “Competition.”
Competition
The Company faces competition from other distributors of substantially similar products as well as the manufacturers of such products, and in both foreign and Chinese markets. The Company faces its principal competition from manufacturers and other distributors of its core products located in Hong Kong and the PRC. Moreover, the Company has implemented plans to assemble products of the kind that it presently distributes (see – “Manufacturing and Product Assembly Operations”). Assembly operations have developed to the stage where some products have already been presented to the market and the Company is in direct and unavoidable competition with certain of its vendors. There can be no assurance that the existence of this direct competition will not impair the Company’s ability or such competitor’s willingness to continue providing other products for continued distribution by the Company and that such a development would not materially adversely affect the Company’s core business.
During Fiscal 2021, 2020 and 2019, the Company’s gross profit margins were approximately 27%, 28% and 25%, respectively. The Company believes that it competes with the PRC manufacturers on the basis of quality and technology. The Company believes it offers foreign-manufactured products which are of higher quality and use more advanced technology than products manufactured in the PRC. The Company believes that it competes with foreign manufacturers and other distributors of their products on the basis of the Company’s established reputation. Pact-Yixing focuses on a market of providing water and waste water treatment services to multinational companies. The Company competes in this market based upon the quality of its products and having a knowledgeable staff, but faces competition from large PRC and multinational engineering companies, that, in the Company’s view, market their services based upon low pricing as opposed to quality of service.
Website
The Company maintains a website at http://www.euro-tech.com.
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The Company has an inactive internet platform located at http://www.chinah2o.com. The website is directed toward environmental businesses in China. The website provides environmental news, directories of western suppliers, potential clients in China, and advertisement space but has not generated external revenue. The Company no longer updates this website.
The Company, through its subsidiary, Euro Tech Trading (Shanghai) Limited, a PRC corporation, has an inactive internet platform. The website is located at http://www.yibaynet.com.cn. The website is an instrument sourcing platform under which potential customers can ask for sales quotations and place orders via internet but is dormant now. The Company no longer updates this website.
Sales and Marketing
The Company distributes products through its principal office located in Hong Kong and its wholly-owned trading company in Shanghai. During Fiscal 2019, the Company had a marketing and sales force of 15 people who are paid a salary plus a sales-based commission. During Fiscal 2020, the Company had a marketing and sales force of 13 people who are paid a salary plus a sales-based commission. During Fiscal 2021, the Company had a marketing and sales force of 11 people who are paid a salary plus a sales-based commission. Our sales staff assists customers in selecting the equipment, auxiliary parts and products to suit customer specifications.
We operate a sales subsidiary is in Shanghai.
We closed Chongqing, Guangzhou and Xi’an subsidiaries in Fiscal 2019, and closed the representative sales office of Shanghai Euro Tech Limited located in Beijing in January 2021.
Major Customers
Maintaining major customers is important to us. For the year ended December 31, 2021, sales to our three largest customers amounted in the aggregate to approximately 20% of our total revenue. For the year ended December 31, 2020, sales to our three largest customers amounted in the aggregate to approximately 23% of our total revenue. For the year ended December 31, 2019, sales to our three largest customers amounted in the aggregate to approximately 34% of our total revenue.
Seasonality
Our business is affected by seasonality. Construction of our treatment systems is typically slow during winter seasons due to inclement weather and around Chinese holidays due to government and other and closures.
Litigation
From time to time, we are subject to legal proceedings, investigations and claims incidental to the conduct of our business. We are not currently a party to any legal proceeding or investigation which, in the opinion of our management, is likely to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
C. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
Euro Tech Holdings Company Limited was incorporated in the British Virgin Islands on September 30, 1996.
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Far East is the principal operating subsidiary of the Company. It is principally engaged in the marketing and trading of water and waste water related process control, analytical and testing instruments, disinfection equipment, supplies and related automation systems in Hong Kong and in the PRC.
Details of the Company’s current principal subsidiaries are summarized as follows:
Name of entity |
| Ownership interest held by the Group |
| Place of incorporation and principal place of operation |
| Principal activities |
|
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|
|
|
|
|
Subsidiaries: |
|
|
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|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Euro Tech (Far East) Limited |
| 100% |
| Hong Kong |
| Marketing and trading of water and waste water related process control, analytical and testing instruments, disinfection equipment, supplies and related automation systems |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Euro Tech Trading (Shanghai) Limited |
| 100% |
| PRC |
| Inactive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shanghai Euro Tech Limited |
| 100% |
| PRC |
| Manufacturing of analytical and testing equipment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yixing Pact Environmental Technology Co., Ltd |
| 58% |
| PRC |
| Design, manufacturing and operation of water and waste water treatment machinery and equipment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pact Asia Pacific Limited |
| 58% |
| British Virgin Islands |
| Selling of environmental protection equipment, undertaking environment protection projects and providing relevant technology advice, training and services |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Affiliate: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Zhejiang Tianlan Environmental Protection Technology Co. Ltd. |
| 19.4% |
| PRC |
| Design, general contract, equipment manufacturing, installation, testing and operation management of the treatment of waste gases emitted |
D. PROPERTY, PLANTS AND EQUIPMENT
Since 1990, our principal executive offices have been located at Unit C and D, 18/F., Gee Chang Hong Centre, 65 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Hong Kong. At this location, the Company occupies approximately 7,000 square feet of office and warehouse storage space pursuant to a lease which will expire in May 2023, subject to renewal. The Company pays a monthly rental payment of approximately US$8,308 under such lease. The warehouse storage space is used to hold products for distribution to our customers via common carriers.
Euro Tech Trading (Shanghai) Limited occupies approximately 55 square meters of office space in Shanghai pursuant to a short term lease, at a monthly rent of approximately US$330.
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Shanghai Euro Tech Limited occupies approximately 63 square meters of office, warehouse and production space in Shanghai pursuant to a short term lease, at a monthly rent of approximately US$3,136.
Yixing occupies a facility in Shanghai, pursuant to a three-year lease which will expire in December 2022, at a monthly rent of approximately US$8,277. The size of the facility is 464 square meters and the facility is used for office space.
ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in this annual report and in particular, “Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview.” This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results and the timing of selected events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth under “Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this annual report. We have prepared our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
A. OPERATING RESULTS
Overview.
We organize our business in two operating segments:
| · | Trading and manufacturing; |
| · | Engineering. |
For the trading and manufacturing segment, the Company is a distributor of a wide range of advanced water treatment equipment, laboratory instruments, analyzers, test kits and related supplies and power generation equipment (including recorders and power quality analyzers), and its PRC subsidiary, Shanghai Euro Tech Limited, which is located in the Pudong Jin Qiao Export Processing Zone of Shanghai, engages in the development, engineering, production, sales and servicing of environmental protection equipment, and energy conservation and related products.
For the engineering segment, the Company, through its majority owned subsidiary, Pact-Yixing and its minority owned affiliate, Blue Sky, also engages in water and waste-water treatment engineering and air pollution control business.
Our total revenue decreased by 23.2% from US$17,399,000 in fiscal year 2019 to US$13,357,000 in fiscal year 2020, and increased by 60.1% to US$21,388,000 in fiscal year 2021. Our net income increased by US$915,000 from net loss of US$(146,000) in fiscal year 2019 to net income of US$769,000 in fiscal year 2020, and further increased by 28.6% to US$989,000 in fiscal year 2021.
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The following sets forth key factors that affect our future growth, operating results and financial condition.
| · | an economic downturn in China or any regional market in China; |
| · | economic policies and initiatives undertaken by the Chinese government; |
| · | changes in the Chinese or regional business or regulatory environment affecting our customers; |
| · | changes in the Chinese government policy on our industries. Unfavorable changes could affect demand for services that we provide and could materially and adversely affect the results of operations; |
| · | The impact of COVID-19 pandemic. Following the outbreak of COVID-19, our business has been adversely impacted since the third quarter of fiscal year 2020, but we have seen a gradual recovery of our overall business resulting from improving health statistics in China since March 2020. Though the future development will still depend on the duration and severity of COVID-19, we are expecting limited impact on the domestic business on the financial statements as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. However, we anticipate the pandemic will continue to have an adverse effect on our overseas business. The duration and magnitude of the impact from the pandemic on our business will depend on numerous evolving factors that cannot be accurately predicted or evaluated. |
Results from Operations
The following operating and financial review should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report. All financial data referred to in the following discussion has been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
The following table presents selected statement of operations data expressed in thousands of US$ and as a percentage of revenue for the Company’s fiscal years indicated below:
|
| 2021 |
|
|
|
| 2020 |
|
|
|
| 2019 |
|
|
|
| 2018 |
|
|
|
| 2017 |
|
|
| |||||||||||||||
Revenue |
| $ | 21,388 |
|
|
| 100 | % |
| $ | 13,357 |
|
|
| 100 | % |
| $ | 17,399 |
|
|
| 100 | % |
| $ | 20,104 |
|
|
| 100 | % |
| $ | 17,350 |
|
|
| 100 | % |
Cost of revenue |
| $ | 15,693 |
|
|
| 73.4 | % |
| $ | 9,672 |
|
|
| 72.4 | % |
| $ | 12,982 |
|
|
| 74.6 | % |
| $ | 16,405 |
|
|
| 81.6 | % |
| $ | 12,937 |
|
|
| 74.6 | % |
Gross profit |
|
| 5,695 |
|
|
| 26.6 | % |
|
| 3,685 |
|
|
| 27.6 | % |
| $ | 4,417 |
|
|
| 25.4 | % |
| $ | 3,699 |
|
|
| 18.4 | % |
| $ | 4,413 |
|
|
| 25.4 | % |
Selling and administrative expenses |
| $ | 4,911 |
|
|
| 23.0 | % |
| $ | 5,374 |
|
|
| 40.2 | % |
| $ | 4,853 |
|
|
| 27.9 | % |
| $ | 4,751 |
|
|
| 23.6 | % |
| $ | 4,976 |
|
|
| 28.7 | % |
Income / (loss) before income taxes, equity in income / (loss) of affiliates and non-controlling interests |
| $ | 921 |
|
|
| 4.3 | % |
| $ | 63 |
|
|
| 0.5 | % |
| $ | (310 | ) |
|
| -1.8 | % |
| $ | (963 | ) |
|
| -4.8 | % |
| $ | (564 | ) |
|
| -3.3 | % |
Income taxes credit / (expense) |
| $ | 90 |
|
| 0.4 | % |
| $ | (96 | ) |
|
| -0.7 | % |
| $ | (37 | ) |
|
| -0.2 | % |
| $ | 312 |
|
|
| 1.6 | % |
| $ | (28 | ) |
|
| -0.2 | % | |
Equity in income / (loss) of affiliates |
| $ | 355 |
|
|
| 1.7 | % |
| $ | 435 |
|
|
| 3.3 | % |
| $ | 137 |
|
|
| 0.8 | % |
| $ | (932 | ) |
|
| -4.6 | % |
| $ | 831 |
|
|
| 4.8 | % |
Net gain on disposal of affiliate |
| $ | - |
|
|
| - |
|
| $ | - |
|
|
| - |
|
| $ | - |
|
|
| - |
|
| $ | 1,522 |
|
|
| 7.6 | % |
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
Net income / (loss) |
| $ | 1,366 |
|
|
| 6.4 | % |
| $ | 402 |
|
|
| 3.0 | % |
| $ | (210 | ) |
|
| -1.2 | % |
| $ | (61 | ) |
|
| -0.3 | % |
| $ | 367 |
|
|
| 2.1 | % |
Net (income) / loss attributable to non-controlling interests |
| $ | (377 | ) |
|
| -1.8 | % |
| $ | 367 |
|
|
| 2.7 | % |
| $ | 64 |
|
|
| 0.4 | % |
| $ | 149 |
|
|
| 0.7 | % |
| $ | 106 |
|
|
| 0.6 | % |
Net income / (loss) attributable to Euro Tech Holding Company Limited’s shareholders |
| $ | 989 |
|
|
| 4.6 | % |
| $ | 769 |
|
|
| 5.7 | % |
| $ | (146 | ) |
|
| -0.8 | % |
| $ | 88 |
|
|
| 0.4 | % |
| $ | 473 |
|
|
| 2.7 | % |
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Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2021 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2020
Revenue; Gross Profit and Cost of Revenue. Revenue increased by US$8,031,000 or 60.1% to US$21,388,000 in Fiscal 2021 from US$13,357,000 in Fiscal 2020. Revenue from trading and manufacturing activities and engineering activities increased by US$143,000 and increased by US$7,888,000, respectively. Pact-Yixing’s revenues of US$12,161,000 and US$4,246,000 were included in our revenues in Fiscal 2021 and Fiscal 2020, respectively and the increase was principally due to the increase in revenue generated by BWTS sales and the completion of prior years’ projects as the COVID-19 situation became stable in the PRC.
Gross profits increased by US$2,010,000 or 54.5% to US$5,695,000 for Fiscal 2021 as compared to US$3,685,000 for Fiscal 2020. During Fiscal 2021, the Company’s cost of revenues was US$15,693,000 or 73.4% of revenues, in comparison to US$9,672,000 or 72.4% for Fiscal 2020. Cost of revenue expressed as a percentage of revenue increased by 1% in Fiscal 2021 as compared with Fiscal 2020. Cost of revenues from trading and manufacturing activities decreased by US$110,000 and engineering activities increased by US$6,131,000. The overall change was principally due to increase in revenues. Pact-Yixing contributed US$2,903,000 to our gross profit in Fiscal 2021, an increase of US$1,646,000 from Fiscal 2020.
Selling and Administrative Expenses. Selling and administrative expenses were US$4,911,000 in Fiscal 2021, a decrease of US$463,000 or 8.6% from US$5,374,000 in Fiscal 2020. The decrease was principally due to decrease in research and development costs and redundancy provision.
Equity in Income of Affiliates. Equity in income of affiliates was income of US$355,000 in Fiscal 2021, a decrease of US$80,000 from income of affiliates of US$435,000 in Fiscal 2020.
Interest Income. Interest income in Fiscal 2021 was US$23,000 as compared to US$28,000 in Fiscal 2020.
Other income / (losses). Other income decreased by US$180,000 to US$127,000 in Fiscal 2021 from US$307,000 in Fiscal 2020. The decrease in other income was principally due to decrease in exchange gain of US$24,000, and the non-recurrent government subsidies for salaries of US$147,000 in Fiscal 2020.
Income Taxes. Tax credit of US$90,000 in Fiscal 2021 as compared to tax expense of US$96,000 in Fiscal 2020. The decrease in tax expense was principally due to decrease in assessable profits and recognition of deferred tax asset of tax losses.
Net Income. Profit from continuing operations was profit of US$989,000 in Fiscal 2021 as compared to US$769,000 in Fiscal 2020. This change was primarily due to increase in operating income which far exceeded the non-recurrent gain on disposal of a property of US$1,429,000 in Fiscal 2020.
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Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2020 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2019
Revenue; Gross Profit and Cost of Revenue. Revenue decreased by US$4,042,000 or 23.2% to US$13,357,000 in Fiscal 2020 from US$17,399,000 in Fiscal 2019. Revenue from trading and manufacturing activities and engineering activities decreased by US$2,401,000 and decreased by US$1,641,000, respectively. The decrease in revenues from trading and manufacturing activities was principally due to decrease in big system sales. Pact-Yixing’s revenues of US$4,246,000 and US$5,522,000 were included in our revenues in Fiscal 2020 and Fiscal 2019, respectively and the decrease was principally due to the delay in completion of the projects as affected by COVID-19.
Gross profits decreased by US$732,000 or 16.6% to US$3,685,000 for Fiscal 2020 as compared to US$4,417,000 for Fiscal 2019. During Fiscal 2020, the Company’s cost of revenues was US$9,672,000 or 72.4% of revenues, in comparison to US$12,982,000 or 74.6% for Fiscal 2019. Cost of revenue expressed as a percentage of revenue decreased by 2.2% in Fiscal 2020 as compared with Fiscal 2019. Cost of revenues from trading and manufacturing activities and engineering activities decreased by US$2,237,000 and US$1,073,000, respectively. The overall change was principally due to decrease in trading activities of big system sales which were of lower gross margin and the increase in the gross profit margin percentage of engineering contracts. Pact-Yixing contributed US$1,257,000 to our gross profit in Fiscal 2020, a decrease of US$562,000 from Fiscal 2019.
Selling and Administrative Expenses. Selling and administrative expenses were US$5,374,000 in Fiscal 2020, an increase of US$521,000 or 10.7% from US$4,853,000 in Fiscal 2019. The increase was principally due to the increase in research and development costs relating to BWTS of US$458,000 for the IMO revised G8 requirements compliance and redundancy provision of US$453,000 to scale down the operation of Shanghai Euro Tech Limited. The normal selling and administrative expenses were decreased after exclusion of these non-recurrent expenses.
Equity in Income / (Loss) of Affiliates. Equity in income of affiliates was income of US$435,000 in Fiscal 2020, an increase of US$298,000 from income of affiliates of US$137,000 in Fiscal 2019. The increase in equity in income of affiliates was principally due to recovery of accounts receivable for which impairment provision was made in previous years..
Interest Income. Interest income in Fiscal 2020 was US$28,000 as compared to US$83,000 in Fiscal 2019.
Other income / (losses). Other income increased by US$255,000 to US$307,000 in Fiscal 2020 from US$52,000 in Fiscal 2019. The increase in other income was principally due to exchange gain of US$101,000, and government subsidies for salaries of US$147,000.
Income Taxes. Tax expense of US$96,000 in Fiscal 2020 as compared to tax expense of US$37,000 in Fiscal 2019. The increase in tax expense was principally due to the increase in assessable profits.
Net Income. Profit / (loss) from continuing operations was profit of US$769,000 in Fiscal 2020 as compared to loss of (US$146,000) in Fiscal 2019. This change was primarily due to increase in operating loss as a result of decrease in revenue and increase in non-recurrent research and development costs and redundancy provision expenses, which was fully covered by the gain on disposal of a property.
B. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company has primarily used its own funds to finance accounts receivable, net, contract assets, inventories, and capital expenditures including purchases of property, office furniture and equipment, computers and calibration equipment. The Company has historically met its cash requirements from cash flows from operations, short-term borrowings, bank lines of credit, and long-term mortgage bank loans. The Company expects, but can make no assurances that its present cash reserves, cash from operations and existing available bank credit facilities exercises would be sufficient to fund its future capital expenditure requirements. Working capital at the end of Fiscal 2021, Fiscal 2020 and Fiscal 2019 were US$5,099,000, US$4,915,000 and US$5,350,000, respectively.
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As of December 31, 2021, we had US$5,269,000 in cash and cash equivalents, compared to US$3,519,000 in cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2020 and US$5,991,000 in cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2019.
Net cash provided by / (used in) operating activities was US$2,201,000 for the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to (US$2,035,000) for the year ended December 31, 2020 and (US$266,000) for the year ended December 31, 2019. Net cash provided by / (used in) investing activities was US$358,000, US$2,043,000 and (US$169,000) for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Net cash (used in) / provided by financing activities was (US$1,016,000) for the year ended December 31, 2021 as a result of increase in bank borrowings related to trade finance purchases of US$15,000, and dividend payment of (US$1,031,000) as compared to (US$1,503,000) for the year ended December 31, 2020 and US$565,000 for the year ended December 31, 2019.
The Company had various banking facilities available for overdraft, import and export credits and foreign exchange contracts from which the Company could have accessed up to US$897,000 at December 31, 2021. These credit facilities were obtained on the conditions that, among other things, the Company pledge bank deposit of US$897,000, not create a charge or lien on its other assets in favor of third parties without such bank’s consent, and the Company maintaining a certain level of net worth.
Cash increased to US$5,269,000 at the end of Fiscal 2021, and the principal reason for the increase in cash was net cash inflow in financing activities. Cash decreased from US$5,991,000 at the end of Fiscal 2019 to US$3,519,000 at the end of Fiscal 2020, and the principal reason for the decrease in cash was net cash outflow in financing activities.
The Company’s accounts receivable, net decreased from US$3,586,000 at the end of Fiscal 2019 to US$3,199,000 at the end of Fiscal 2020 and increased to US$3,631,000 at the end of Fiscal 2021. The amount of accounts receivable, net subject to collection is expected to be received under normal commercial trading terms.
The Company’s inventories decreased from US$586,000 at the end of Fiscal 2019 to US$342,000 at the end of Fiscal 2020 and increased to US$547,000 at the end of Fiscal 2021.
The Company’s capital expenditures were US$4,000, US$11,000 and US$21,000 in Fiscal 2021, 2020 and Fiscal 2019, respectively. Capital expenditures during Fiscal 2021, Fiscal 2020 and Fiscal 2019 were incurred primarily in connection with the purchase of office equipment, and furniture and fixtures. The Company continues to develop new products. If such products developments are indeed made, the Company may expect to incur significantly larger capital expenditures, for which the Company presently intends, but as to which no assurance can be made, to use existing cash reserves, cash from operations and available bank credit facilities.
Goodwill
Annual impairment assessment - For our 2021 annual impairment test we performed a qualitative assessment, using information as of December 31, 2021. Under current guidance, we are permitted to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test. We determined there were no factors indicating the need to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test and concluded that it is more likely than not the fair value of our reporting units is greater than their carrying value and thus there was no impairment to goodwill.
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Anticipated Future Resources and Uses of Cash
The Company has historically funded its working capital, capital expenditure, investing and expansions needs from operations, available bank credit facilities and proceeds from the issuances of our ordinary shares and expects to continue funding these requirements from operations and available bank credit facilities. The Company may use its funds to form strategic alliances with third parties, invest in product research and development, or expand its sales offices or, with third parties, seek to acquire new products or form strategic alliances. The Company expects, but can make no assurances that its present cash reserves, cash from operations and existing available bank credit facilities would be sufficient to fund its future cash requirements.
Inflation
The Company believes generally that past declining rates of inflation in the PRC have had a positive effect on its results from operations. As a result of the recent rise in the rate of inflation in the PRC, we anticipate increases in the overhead costs of our PRC affiliates and offices. The Company believes, although no assurance can be given, that as credit restrictions are gradually lifted, it will be able to increase prices in the market for its products and thus realize increased profit margins.
Holding Company Structure
Euro Tech Holdings Company Limited is a holding company with no operations of its own. We conduct our operations in Hong Kong and China mainly through our subsidiaries and operating companies. Under our current corporate structure, our BVI holding company may rely on dividend payments from Far East, which is a wholly owned enterprise incorporated in Hong Kong, to fund any cash and financing requirements we may have.
Under applicable PRC laws and regulations, our PRC subsidiaries are permitted to pay dividends to us only out of their accumulated profits, if any, determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. In addition, our PRC subsidiaries are required to allocate at least 10% of their accumulated profits each year, if any, to fund statutory reserves of up to 50% of the registered capital of the enterprise. Statutory reserves are not distributable as cash dividends except in the event of liquidation. For the fiscal years of 2019, 2020 and 2021, no dividends were distributed from our PRC subsidiaries to Far East.
Unless otherwise specified in this annual report, within the organization, cash to fund our operations is transferred from Far East, our BVI holding company, down through Far East to our operating subsidiaries in China.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have not entered into any financial guarantees or other commitments to guarantee the payment obligations of any third parties. We do not have any retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support to such entity. We do not have any obligation under a derivative instrument. We do not have any obligation arising out of a variable interest in any unconsolidated entity that is held by, and material to, us which provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit support to us or engages in leasing, hedging or research and development services with us.
Contractual Obligations
The future undiscounted minimum lease payments, as reconciled to the discounted minimum lease obligation indicated on the Group’s consolidated balance sheets, under current portion of operating lease obligations and operating lease obligations, net of current maturities, as of December 31, 2021 were as follows:
|
|
|
| Payment due by December 31, (in US$ thousands) |
| |||||||||||||||
|
| Total |
|
| 2022 |
|
| 2023 |
|
| 2024 |
|
| 2025 and after |
| |||||
Operating lease commitments |
|
| 216 |
|
|
| 175 |
|
|
| 41 |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
Total |
|
| 216 |
|
|
| 175 |
|
|
| 41 |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
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| Table of Contents |
C. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, PATENTS AND LICENSES, ETC.
During Fiscal 2021, 2020 and 2019, the Company expensed US$61,000, US$497,000 and US$35,000, respectively, on the research and development of its products, particularly BWTS.
D. TREND INFORMATION
There are increasing demands in the PRC for clean water, clean air, greater industrial pollution controls, waste management and electricity. We also see additional distributors competing with us. However there is no assurance that such trends will continue in the future. We note that, as evidenced by our acquisition of Pact-Yixing, we are placing greater emphasis on developing our engineering solution business in an effort to capitalize on these increased demands for clean water, pollution controls and waste management.
The Company believes that the expenses incurred in product development may result in increases in revenue but such increases are unlikely to allow for a recovery of the expenses for approximately the next two years.
Other than as disclosed in the foregoing disclosures and elsewhere in this annual report, we are not aware of any trends, uncertainties, demands, commitments or events for the fiscal year 2021 that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our net revenues, income, profitability, liquidity or capital resources, or that caused the disclosed financial information to be not necessarily indicative of future operating results or financial conditions.
E. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and revenue and expenses in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Significant accounting estimates reflected in the Group’s consolidated financial statements include accounts receivable, net, equity method investment, impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets, income taxes, share-based compensation, contract assets and contract liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition
Our revenue is derived from long-term contracts for customers in our engineering segment, as well as short-term contracts for customers in our trading and manufacturing segment. Accounting treatment for these contracts in accordance with Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09 (Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customer), is as follows:
Performance obligations satisfied over time (Engineering services)
Recognition of performance obligations
A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer, and is the unit of account in the new revenue standard. The contract transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. Engineering service projects typically span between several days to over 5 years. The majority of our contracts have a single performance obligation as the promise to transfer the individual goods or services is not separately identifiable from other promises in the contracts and, therefore, is not distinct. Some contracts have multiple performance obligations, most commonly due to the contract covering multiple phases of the project life cycle (engineering).
Revenues are recognized as our obligations are satisfied over time, by reference to the progress towards complete satisfaction of that performance obligation.
If the Group expects the reference to progress certificates issued by the customers, with additional adjustments where necessary, depicts the Group’s performance in transferring control of goods or services promised to customers for individual projects, the Group satisfies the performance obligation over time and therefore, recognises revenue over time in accordance with the output method for measuring progress. Under output method, revenue recognition is based on the stage of completion of the contracts, provided that the stage of contract completion and the gross billing value of contracting work can be measured reliably. The stage of completion of a contract is established by reference to the construction works certified by customers.
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Remaining performance obligations (“RPOs”)
RPOs represent the amount of revenues we expect to recognize in the future from our contract commitments on projects and are hereafter referred to as “Backlog”. Backlog includes the entire expected revenue values for subsidiary we consolidate. Backlog may not be indicative of future operating results, and projects included in Backlog may be canceled, modified or otherwise altered by customers.
Variable consideration
Contract modifications through change orders, claims and incentives are routine in the performance of the Group’s contracts to account for changes in the contract specifications or requirements. In most instances, contract modifications are not distinct from the existing contract due to the significant integration service provided in the contract and are accounted for as a modification of the existing contract and performance obligation. Either the Group or its customers may initiate change orders, which may include changes in specifications or designs, manner of performance, facilities, equipment, materials, sites and period of completion of the work. Change orders that are unapproved as to both price and scope are evaluated as claims. The Group considers claims to be amounts in excess of approved contract prices that the Group seeks to collect from its customers or others for customer-caused delays, errors in specifications and designs, contract terminations, change orders that are either in dispute or are unapproved as to both scope and price, or other causes of unanticipated additional contract costs.
The Group estimates variable consideration for a performance obligation at the most likely amount to which the Group expects to be entitled (or the most likely amount the Group expects to incur in the case of liquidated damages), utilizing estimation methods that best predict the amount of consideration to which the Group will be entitled (or will be incurred in the case of liquidated damages). The Group includes variable consideration in the estimated transaction price to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur or when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved. The Group’s estimates of variable consideration and determination of whether to include estimated amounts in transaction price are based largely on an assessment of its anticipated performance and all information (historical, current and forecasted) that is reasonably available to the Group.
The effect of variable consideration on the transaction price of a performance obligation is recognized as an adjustment to revenue on a cumulative catch-up basis. To the extent unapproved change orders and claims reflected in transaction price (or excluded from transaction price in the case of liquidated damages) are not resolved in the Group’s favor, or to the extent incentives reflected in transaction price are not earned, there could be reductions in, or reversals of, previously recognized revenue.
Performance obligations satisfied at a point-in-time (Trading and manufacturing)
Revenue for our trading and manufacturing contracts is recognized at a point in time. Sales are recognized when control of the products has transferred, being when the products are delivered to the customer. Delivery occurs when the products have been delivered to the point of receipt by customer.
Classification of contract assets and liabilities
For revenue recognized associated with its contracts with customers over time, for which the Group has an enforceable right to receive compensation. Many of our contracts contain specific provisions that determine when the Group can bill for its work performed under these contracts.
Any revenue earned on a contract that has not yet been billed to the customer is recorded as a contract asset on the Group’s consolidated balance sheets.
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| Table of Contents |
The Group’s consolidated balance sheets present contract liabilities that contain deferred revenue that represent any costs incurred on contracts in process for which revenue has not yet been recognized.
Rental Income
Rental income from operating leases is recognized in consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income/ (loss) on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease.
Investments in Affiliates
We account for our interest in an investment using the equity method of accounting per Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) No. 323, “Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures” if we are not the primary beneficiary of a VIE or do not have a controlling interest. The investment is recorded at cost and the carrying amount is adjusted periodically to recognize our proportionate share of income or loss, additional contributions made and dividends and capital distributions received. We record the effect of any impairment or other than temporary decrease in the value of the investment.
In the event a partially owned equity affiliate were to incur a loss and our cumulative proportionate share of the loss exceeded the carrying amount of the equity method investment, application of the equity method would be suspended and our proportionate share of further losses would not be recognized unless we committed to provide further financial support to the affiliate. We would resume application of the equity method once the affiliate became profitable and our proportionate share of the affiliate’s earnings equals our cumulative proportionate share of losses that were not recognized during the period the application of the equity method was suspended.
Goodwill
Goodwill is not amortized. The Group performs either a qualitative or quantitative assessment to review goodwill for impairment on an annual basis. This assessment is performed at the beginning of the fourth quarter, or when circumstances change, such as a significant adverse change in the business climate or the decision to sell a business, both of which would indicate that impairment may have occurred.
A qualitative assessment considers financial, industry, segment and macroeconomic factors, if the qualitative assessment indicates a potential for impairment, a quantitative assessment is performed to determine if impairment exists. The quantitative assessment begins with a comparison of the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying value. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss would be recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of the goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment charge would be recorded in the statement of operations.
Income Taxes
The Group follows the liability method of accounting for income tax. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the underlying assets or liabilities are recovered or settled. The Group also evaluates whether the recorded deferred tax assets and valuation allowances can be realized and, when necessary, reduces the amounts to what is expected to be realized.
G. Safe Harbor
See “Forward-Looking Information” on page 3 of this annual report.
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ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
A. DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT
Information concerning the Directors and Executive Officers of the Company are as follows:
Name |
| Age |
| Position |
T.C. Leung |
| 78 |
| Chairman of the Board of Directors |
|
|
|
|
|
David YL Leung |
| 48 |
| Director and Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
Jerry Wong |
| 63 |
| Director and Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
Alex Sham |
| 58 |
| Director |
|
|
|
|
|
Y.K. Liang |
| 92 |
| Director |
|
|
|
|
|
Fu Ming Chen |
| 73 |
| Director |
|
|
|
|
|
Janet Cheang |
| 66 |
| Director |
Set forth below is a brief background of the executive officers and directors based upon the information supplied by them to the Company:
T.C. Leung has served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of both the Company and Far East since their respective inception. Mr. Leung also served as the Chief Executive Officer of both the Company and Far East from their respective inception until February 1, 2022. Before establishing Far East, Mr. Leung was an engineer for English Electric in England, from 1965 to 1968, and Lockheed Aircraft in Hong Kong, from 1968 to 1970. Mr. Leung also served as managing director of Eurotherm (Far East) Ltd. (“Eurotherm”) between 1971 and 1992. From 1988 until his retirement in February 2005, Mr. Leung also served as managing director of Eurotherm Hong Kong. Mr. Leung received a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of East Asia, Macau in 1986 and is a Chartered Engineer, a title bestowed upon a member of the Council of Engineering Institutions in the United Kingdom.
David YL Leung has served as the Chief Executive Officer of both the Company an Far East since February 1, 2022, has served as a Director of the Company since March, 2019, and has served as the General Manager of Yixing since 2011. Mr. Leung’s responsibility as the General Manager of Yixing includes management of engineering, sales, marketing, projects, and procurement. Before joining Yixing, Mr. Leung was the Business Development Manager of Euro Tech (Far East) Limited, the parent company of Yixing Pact in Hong Kong, and has been working for the parent company for more than 10 years. Mr. Leung has gained a solid sales and marketing experience in distributing power, analytical and scientific testing equipment in Hong Kong and Macau. He has also worked for a high tech Japanese company focused on power and electrical testing instrument in Japan from 2000 and 2001 as a trainee. Mr. Leung is an environmental studies graduate from Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada (1997) with a special focus on Environmental Impact Assessment, and a Master of Management graduate from Macquarie Graduate School of Management, Sydney Australia (2010).
Jerry Wong has served as the Chief Financial Officer and a Director of the Company since its inception. Mr. Wong also served as the Chief Financial Officer and a Director of Far East since 1994 and has been with Far East since 1987. From 1985 until 1987, Mr. Wong worked for MUA Agencies Ltd., a subsidiary of a Hong Kong publicly listed company engaged in the insurance business, as deputy manager of its secretarial, legal and accounting department. From 1981 until 1985, Mr. Wong served as a senior accountant in Price Waterhouse-Hong Kong. He is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants in the United Kingdom and a Certified Public Accountant in Hong Kong.
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Alex Sham has been a Director of the Company since its inception. Mr. Sham joined Far East in 1988 and has been its Sales Manager since 1993 and became a Director of Far East in 1996. Mr. Sham received a Bachelor of Science in Applied Chemistry from Hong Kong Baptist University in 1990. Prior to joining Far East, Mr. Sham was employed by the Environmental Protection Department of the Hong Kong Government from 1986 until 1988. Mr. Sham received a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Adelaide in 2003.
Y.K. Liang has been a Director of the Company since February 1998. Mr. Liang was a director of Wong Liang Consultants Ltd., a general business consulting firm, and a member of the certified public accounting firm of Y.K. Liang & Co.. Mr. Liang has been a director of Sammy Lau CPA Limited for more than the past ten years.
Fu Ming Chen has been a Director of the Company since August 24, 2015. Mr. Chen has a background in accounting and tax. He served as the Finance and Tax Manager of Shanghai Huaxiang Woolen Dressing Co., Ltd. from 1995 to 2013. Prior to that, from 1978 to 1994, he served as the Chief Accountant at Gulu Chemical Factory, where he was a member of the senior management. He held a County Township Audit Certificate issued by Shanghai ChuanSha County People’s Government from 1991 to 2001 which authorized him to carry out audit of Township and Village Enterprises in Shanghai ChuanSha County on behalf of local tax authority. He also holds a Certificate of Accounting Professional – Intermediate Level Accountant as well as a Higher Professional Education Certificate issued by Shanghai Television University.
Janet Cheang has been a Director of the Company since July 11, 2017. She is currently director of Metta Fine Arts Ltd., an online art gallery specializing in the promotion and trading of contemporary arts. From 2007 to 2017, she founded and operated Pinpoint Consultancy Limited, a business consultancy firm specializing in business development and executive coaching for companies operating in Hong Kong and mainland China. From 2003 to 2007, she was founding partner and managing director of Culture Tainment Services Ltd., responsible for business and brand development consultancy and training projects. From 1997 to 2002, she had worked for Estee Lauder (Hong Kong) Ltd. as the Brand General Manager for Estee Lauder brand in Hong Kong and mainland China. She holds a Master of Arts in Practical Philosophy, Lingnan University, Hong Kong (2013), Master of Arts in Training and Human Resource Development, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney (2006) and Bachelor of Arts in Economics & Political Science, Carleton University, Ottawa (1978).
Directors of the Company serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders of the Company and until their successors are elected and duly qualified. Officers of the Company are elected annually by the Board of Directors and serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
Currently to our knowledge, there is no material legal proceeding involving any director, officer or holder of more than five percent of the Company’s Ordinary Shares.
Mr. David YL Leung, the Chief Executive Officer, is the son of Mr. T.C. Leung, the Company’s Chairman of the Board. There are no other family relationships among any of our current or former directors or executive officers. There was no arrangement or understanding with any major shareholders, customers, suppliers or others pursuant to which any person above was selected as a director or member of senior management.
Key Employees
George Hayek, Managing Director. He is the founder of Pact-Yixing and is a civil engineer (1967) and post-graduate certificate holder in sanitary engineering and environmental management from the American University of Beirut and the University of California at Irvine (in 1971 and 1988, respectively). Since 1971, he has occupied several key posts in water and waste-water treatment companies in the USA, the UK, Spain, Cyprus, The Middle East, Southeast Asia and the PRC. From 1998 to now, he has been the managing director of Pact-Yixing. His international experience helped Pact in securing most of the contracts with European and American multinational industries in the PRC.
| -51- |
| Table of Contents |
B. COMPENSATION.
From the Company and its subsidiaries, for services rendered in all capacities to the Company and its subsidiaries during Fiscal 2021, T.C. Leung, the Chairman of the Board received a yearly salary of US$197,000; David YL Leung, the Chief Executive Officer received an annual salary of US$147,000; Jerry Wong, the Chief Financial Officer, received a yearly salary of US$111,000; and George Hayek, a Key Employee of Yixing, received a yearly salary of US$59,000 and is reimbursed for actual travel and lodging expenses in Shanghai. There is no other information with respect to the compensation paid by the Company and its subsidiaries, for services rendered in all capacities to the Company and its subsidiaries during Fiscal 2021 to the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and a Key Employee of the Company. No other executive officer or employee received in excess of US$100,000 as compensation during Fiscal 2021.
Compensation of Directors. Directors of the Company do not receive compensation for their services as directors; however, Board of Directors authorize the payment of compensation to the Directors for their attendance at regular and annual meetings of the Board and for attendance at committee meetings of the Board as is customary for similar companies. Directors are reimbursed for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with their duties to the Company.
Pension Plan. Prior to December 1, 2000, Far East had only one defined contribution pension plan for all its Hong Kong employees. Under this plan, all employees were entitled to pension benefits equal to their own contributions plus 50% to 100% of individual fund account balances contributed by Far East, depending on their years of service with Far East. Far East was required to make specific contributions at approximately 10% of the basic salaries of the employees to an independent fund management company.
With the introduction of the Mandatory Provident Fund Scheme (“MPF scheme”), a defined contribution scheme managed by an independent trustee on December 1, 2000, Far East and its employees who joined Far East subsequently make monthly contributions to the scheme at 5% of the employee’s cash income as defined under the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Ordinance. Under the MPF scheme, the employer and its employees are each required to make contributions to the plan at 5% of the employees’ relevant income, subject to a cap of monthly relevant income of HK$30,000. Contributions to the plan vest immediately.
As stipulated by the rules and regulations in the PRC, the PRC’s subsidiaries contributes to state-sponsored retirement plans for its employees in Mainland China. PRC’s subsidiaries’ contribution approximately 16% of the basic salaries of its employees, and have no further obligations for the actual payment of pension or post-retirement benefits beyond the annual contributions. The state-sponsored retirement plans are responsible for the entire pension obligations payable to retired employees.
During the year ended December 31, 2021 the aggregate contributions of the Group to the aforementioned pension plans and retirement benefit schemes was US$225,000.
Company’s Stock Option Plans.
2019 Stock Option and Incentive Plan
In April 2019, the Board of Directors approved the adoption of the 2019 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). The Plan was also subsequently approved under a resolution of the Company’s shareholders. The Plan provides for the granting of up to 300,000 (500,000 after bonus shares adjustment) Ordinary Shares (the “Share Limit”), in the form of options to Officers, Directors and Key Employees who perform services which contribute to the successful performance of the Company and its subsidiaries. In addition, the Plan provides that, on the first day of each fiscal year commencing on January 1, 2020, the Share Limit shall automatically be increased by that number of shares equal to 5% of the number of Ordinary Shares outstanding as of such date.
| -52- |
| Table of Contents |
The Board of Directors or a committee (the “Committee”) appointed by the Board of Directors administers the Plan.
Appropriate adjustment in the maximum number of Ordinary Shares issuable pursuant to this Plan, the maximum number of Ordinary Shares with respect to which options may be granted within any 12-month period to any participant during the duration of this Plan, the number of shares subject to options granted under this Plan, and the exercise price with respect to options, shall be made to give effect to any increase or decrease in the number of issued Ordinary Shares resulting from a subdivision or consolidation of shares whether through reorganization, recapitalization, division of shares, reverse share split, spin-off, split-off, spin-out, or other distribution of assets to shareholders, issue of bonus shares or combination of shares, assumption and conversion of outstanding options due to an acquisition by the Company of the shares, stock or assets of any other company or corporation, other increase or decrease in the number of such shares outstanding effected, without receipt of consideration by the Company, or any other occurrence for which the Committee determines an adjustment is appropriate.
The purchase price per share of the Ordinary Shares to be paid upon the exercise of the option must be at least 100% of the fair market value of an Ordinary Shares on the date on which the option was granted. Under the Plan, if the Ordinary Shares are principally traded on a national securities exchange or the Nasdaq Global Market or Capital Market at the time of grant, the Company is required to use, at fair market value, the average of the closing prices of the Ordinary Shares for the ten consecutive trading days immediately before the date of grant. If the Ordinary Shares are traded on a national securities exchange or the Nasdaq Stock Global Market or Capital Market, but no closing prices are reported for such ten-day period, or if the Ordinary Shares are principally traded in the over-the-counter market, the Company is required to use, as fair market value, the average of the mean between the bid and asked prices reported for the Company’s Ordinary Shares at the close of trading during such ten-day period before the date of grant. If the Ordinary Shares are traded neither on a national securities exchange, one of the Nasdaq’s Markets nor in the over-the-counter market or if bid and asked prices are otherwise not available, the fair market value of the Ordinary Shares on the date of grant will be determined in good faith by the Committee or the Board of Directors, as the case may be.
The Board of Directors or the Committee, as the case may be, determines, at the time of grant, when each option granted under the Plan will become exercisable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all options held by a key employee of the Company or its subsidiaries become immediately exercisable, whether or not exercisable at the time, upon the death or disability, and shall be exercisable within twelve (12) months after the date of death or disability, but in no event later than the expiration date of such Options.
No option is to be exercisable more than ten years from the date the option is granted.
Payment of Exercise Price for Options. Under the Plans, payment for shares purchased upon exercise of an option may be made by any of the following methods, subject to certain requirements: (i) in cash, (ii) in Ordinary Shares which have been held by the participant for not less than six months prior to the exercise of the option, valued at its Fair Market Value (as defined) on the date of exercise, (iii) in cash by a broker-dealer to whom the holder of the option has submitted an exercise notice consisting of a fully endorsed option, or (iv) by such other medium of payment as the Board or the Committee, as applicable, in its sole discretion, shall authorize, or by any combination of (i), (ii), or (iii), at the sole discretion of the Board or the Committee, as applicable, or in any manner provided in the option agreement, except by directing the Company to withhold Ordinary Shares otherwise issuable upon the exercise of the Option in payment of the exercise price.
| -53- |
| Table of Contents |
Transfer of Options. Under the Plans, an option may not be sold, assigned or otherwise transferred except to:
| ● | the spouse or lineal descendant of a plan participant; |
| ● | the trustee of a trust for the primary benefit of a plan participant’s spouse or lineal descendant; |
| ● | a partnership of which a plan participant and lineal descendants are the only partners; or |
| ● | a tax exempt organization. |
These assignments are only permitted if the assigning option holder does not receive any compensation in connection with the assignment and the assignment is expressly approved by the Board or Committee, as the case may be.
The Company indemnifies the members of any Committee and its delegates and the Chief Executive Officer against (a) the reasonable expenses (as such expenses are incurred), including attorneys’ fees actually and necessarily incurred in connection with the defense of any action, suit or proceeding (or in connection with any appeal therein), to which they or any of them may be a party by reason of any action taken or failure to act under or in connection with the Plan, or any option granted under the Plan; and (b) all amounts paid by them in settlement thereof (provided such settlement is approved by independent legal counsel selected by the Company) or paid by them in satisfaction of a judgment in any such action, suit or proceeding, except in relation to matters as to which it shall be adjudged in such action, suit or proceeding that such Committee member or delegatee, as applicable, is liable for gross negligence or gross misconduct in the performance of his or her duties; provided that within 60 days after institution of any such action, suit or proceeding a Committee member or delegatee shall in writing offer the Company the opportunity, at its own expense, to handle and defend the same.
The Board may terminate, suspend, or amend the Plan at any time without the authorization of shareholders to the extent allowed by law or the rules of any market on which the Company’s shares are then listed or quoted.
During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company granted such options to its officers, directors and employees, which allow them to purchase up to 51,000 ordinary shares. The exercise price of all options granted is US$2.6 per share. The stock options granted are exercisable on January 1, 2022 and terminate on April 18, 2029.
The Company estimate the fair value of the options granted under the Binomial pricing model at US$2.324 per share.
Changes in outstanding stock options under plans mentioned above were as follows:
|
| Year ended December 31, |
| |||||||||||||||||||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
|
| 2019 |
| |||||||||||||||
|
| Number of Options |
|
| Weighted average exercise price |
|
| Number of Options |
|
| Weighted average exercise price |
|
| Number of Options |
|
| Weighted average exercise price |
| ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
Outstanding, beginning of year |
|
| 51,000 |
|
|
| 2.60 |
|
|
| 51,000 |
|
|
| 2.60 |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
Granted |
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| 51,000 |
|
|
| 2.60 |
|
Bonus shares adjustment |
|
| 34,000 |
|
|
| (1.04 | ) |
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding, end of year |
|
| 85,000 |
|
|
| 1.56 |
|
|
| 51,000 |
|
|
| 2.60 |
|
|
| 51,000 |
|
|
| 2.60 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercisable, end of year |
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
| -54- |
| Table of Contents |
As of December 31, 2021, there was no unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested stock options. The compensation expense for Fiscal 2021 is US$55,000.
The Group applies the provisions of ASC No. 718-10, which requires to recognise expense related to the fair value of stock-based compensation awards, including employee stock options.
Issuance of Bonus Shares
We issued bonus shares on January 21, 2022 to shareholders of record as of January 7, 2022; such shareholders received one (1) ordinary share for every two (2) ordinary shares held. All issuances resulting in a fractional share will be rounded down to the next whole share.
We issued bonus shares on March 2, 2021 to shareholders of record as of February 23, 2021; such shareholders received two (2) ordinary shares for every three (3) ordinary shares held. All issuances resulting in a fractional share were rounded down to the next whole share.
We issued bonus shares on October 8, 2019 to shareholders of record as of September 23, 2019; such shareholders received one (1) ordinary share for every two (2) ordinary shares held. All issuances resulting in a fractional share were rounded down to the next whole share.
C. BOARD PRACTICES
Terms of Directors and Executive Officers
Our board consisted of seven directors for fiscal year 2021. The term of each of the Company’s directors expires at the election and qualification of their successors at the next annual meeting of the Company’s shareholders, anticipated to be held in November of this year. The Company’s directors were re-elected at the Company’s last annual meeting of shareholders in November 2021. In addition, the service agreement between us and the directors do not provide benefits upon termination of their services.
Our officers are elected by and serve at the discretion of the board of directors. The executive officers shall hold office until their successors are duly elected and qualified, but any officer elected or appointed by the directors may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by resolution of directors. Any vacancy occurring in any office may be filled by resolutions of directors.
The Company had 4 meetings of its Board of Directors during Fiscal 2021.
Board Committee
The Board has a standing Audit Committee to assist the Board in carrying out its duties. The Audit Committee has a written charter approved by the Board. The chair of the Audit Committee determines the meeting agenda of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee members receive materials in advance of Committee meetings allowing them to prepare for the meeting. During Fiscal 2021, our Audit Committee had 3 meetings.
The Audit Committee currently consists of Y.K. Liang, Janet Cheang and Fu Ming Chen. The Audit Committee’s “financial expert” is Y.K. Liang. The Board has determined that the membership of the Audit Committee meets the current independence requirements of the NASDAQ listing standards as same applies to private foreign issuers and the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC because they are not currently employed by us, and do not fall into any of the enumerated categories of who cannot be considered independent in NASDAQ’s listing standards.
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| Table of Contents |
The Audit Committee assists the Board in monitoring the Company’s financial accounting, internal controls, planning and reporting. Among its duties, the Audit Committee:
| ● | reviews the Company’s auditing, accounting and financial reporting process; |
| ● | reviews the adequacy of the Company’s internal controls; |
| ● | reviews the independence, fee arrangements, audit scope, and performance of the Company’s independent auditors, and recommends the appointment or replacement of independent auditors to the Board of Directors; |
| ● | reviews and approves all non-audit work, if any, to be performed by the auditors; |
| ● | reviews the adequacy of the organizational structure; |
| ● | reviews, before release, the audited consolidated financial statements and operating and financial review and prospects contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F, and recommends that the Board of Directors submit these items to the shareholders’ meeting for approval; |
| ● | provides an open avenue of communication among the Company’s independent auditors, financial and senior management, and the Board of Directors; |
| ● | reviews and updates the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and ensure that there is a system to enforce the same and that this Code complies with all applicable rules and regulations; |
| ● | ensures that the Company’s management and auditors assess current financial reporting issues and practices; and |
| ● | reviews and pre-approves both audit and non-audit services to be provided by the Company’s auditors. |
D. EMPLOYEES
At March 31, 2022, the Company (exclusive of Yixing-Pact) had 37 full-time employees. The Company’s employees are located at Hong Kong and the PRC. At December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, staffing levels at the Company (exclusive of Yixing-Pact) were as follows:
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
|
| 2019 |
| |||
Marketing and sales |
|
| 11 |
|
|
| 13 |
|
|
| 15 |
|
Administrative |
|
| 16 |
|
|
| 18 |
|
|
| 20 |
|
Technical |
|
| 11 |
|
|
| 14 |
|
|
| 15 |
|
Total full time employees |
|
| 38 |
|
|
| 45 |
|
|
| 50 |
|
| -56- |
| Table of Contents |
At March 31, 2022, Pact-Yixing had 31 full-time employees. In addition, as of December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, staffing levels at Pact-Yixing were as follows:
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
|
| 2019 |
| |||
Administrative |
|
| 7 |
|
|
| 8 |
|
|
| 8 |
|
Technical |
|
| 22 |
|
|
| 24 |
|
|
| 28 |
|
Total full time employees |
|
| 29 |
|
|
| 32 |
|
|
| 36 |
|
None of our employees are represented by a labor union or covered by a collective bargaining agreement. We have never experienced any employment related work stoppages, and we consider our relations with our employees to be good. The Company’s management consists of its officers and directors.
E. SHARE OWNERSHIP
The following table sets forth information concerning the beneficial ownership of the Company’s ordinary shares as of March 31, 2022 by (i) each person known to the Company to own 5% or more of the outstanding Ordinary Shares, (ii) each director and executive officer of the Company, and (iii) all officers and directors of the Company as a group.
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and includes voting or investment power with respect to, or the power to receive the economic benefit of ownership of, the securities. In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of that person, we have included shares that the person has the right to acquire within 60 days, including through the exercise of any option or other right or the conversion of any other security. These Shares, however, are not included in the computation of the percentage ownership of any other person. The calculations of percentage ownership in the table below are based on 7,732,132 ordinary shares outstanding as of March 31, 2022.
None of our existing shareholders have different voting rights from other shareholders. To our knowledge, we are not owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by another corporation, by any foreign government or by any other natural or legal persons, severally or jointly. We are not aware of any arrangement that may, at a subsequent date, result in a change of control of our company.
|
| Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership |
|
| Approximate Percentage Of Ordinary Shares Owned |
| ||
T.C. Leung (1) |
|
| 3,999,647 |
|
|
| 51.7 | % |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alex Sham(1) |
|
| 201,452 |
|
|
| 2.6 | % |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jerry Wong(1) |
|
| 130,742 |
|
|
| 1.7 | % |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Y.K. Liang(1) |
|
| — |
|
|
| — |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fu Ming Chen(1) |
|
| — |
|
|
| — |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Janet Cheang(1) |
|
| — |
|
|
| — |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David YL Leung(1) |
|
| 18,750 | (2) |
| * |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Executive Officers and Directors of the Company as a group (7 persons) |
|
| 4,350,591 |
|
|
| 56.3 | % |
* This person beneficially owns less than 1% of our outstanding ordinary shares.
(1) | The address for the Company’s officers and directors is c/o Euro Tech (Far East) Ltd., Unit D, 18/F., Gee Chang Hong Centre, 65 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Hong Kong. |
(2) | This includes the share option which can be exercised from January 1, 2022 to April 18, 2029 to purchase 18,750 ordinary shares at the purchase price of $1.04 per share. This share option is granted under our 2019 Stock Option and Incentive Plan. |
| -57- |
| Table of Contents |
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
A. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS
See – Item 6E. Share Ownership.
B. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
See – Item 6B. Compensation.
C. INTERESTS OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL
This item does not apply to annual reports on Form 20-F.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
A. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8A.1 |
| See – Item 18. |
|
|
|
Item 8A.2 |
| See – Item 18. |
|
|
|
Item 8A.3 |
| See – Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, page F-2. |
|
|
|
Item 8A.4 |
| We have complied with this requirement. |
|
|
|
Item 8A.5 |
| Not applicable. |
|
|
|
Item 8A.6 |
| Not applicable. |
|
|
|
Item 8A.7 |
| Legal Proceedings. See – Item 4B. Business Overview-Litigation. |
|
|
|
Item 8A.8 |
| Dividend Policy. |
| -58- |
| Table of Contents |
On March 6, 2020, we declared a special cash dividend of an aggregate of US$1,299,000.78, which dividend was paid to all holders of record of our ordinary shares as of March 20, 2020. On June 17, 2021, we declared a special cash dividend of an aggregate of US$1,030,951.80, which dividend was paid to all holders of record of our ordinary shares as of June 28, 2021. The payment of cash dividends, if any, in the future is within the discretion of the Board of Directors. The payment of cash dividends, if any, in the future will depend upon the Company’s earnings, capital requirements and financial conditions and other relevant factors. The Company’s Board of Directors does not presently intend to declare any cash dividends in the foreseeable future, but instead intends to retain all earnings, if any, for use in the Company and Far East’s business operations.
We are a holding company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands. We may rely on dividends from our subsidiaries in China for our cash requirements, including any payment of dividends to our shareholders. PRC, Hong Kong and British Virgin Islands regulations may restrict the ability of our PRC, Hong Kong and British Virgin Islands subsidiaries to pay dividends to us.
B. SIGNIFICANT CHANGES
Except as disclosed elsewhere in this annual report, we have not experienced any significant changes since the date of our audited consolidated financial statements included in this annual report.
ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING
A. OFFER AND LISTING DETAILS
The Company has one class of securities presently registered: Ordinary Shares. These securities are presently traded on the NASDAQ’s Capital Market under the trading symbols “CLWT”.
Based upon information received from its transfer agent as of May 12, 2022, the Company believes that it has 21 shareholders of record including 361 beneficial owners of its Ordinary Shares held in nominee names by large clearing houses.
B. PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
This item does not apply to annual reports on Form 20-F.
C. MARKETS
See – Item 9A. “Listing Details.”
D. SELLING SHAREHOLDERS
This item does not apply to annual reports on Form 20-F.
E. DILUTION
This item does not apply to annual reports on Form 20-F.
F. EXPENSES OF THE ISSUE
This item does not apply to annual reports on Form 20-F.
| -59- |
| Table of Contents |
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A. SHARE CAPITAL
This item does not apply to annual reports on Form 20-F.
B. MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
On January 1, 2005, the BVI Business Companies Act, as amended, (the “BC ACT”) came into force, with the objective of replacing the now repealed International Business Companies Act ( the “IBC” Act ) over a 2 year transitional period. The Company was incorporated under the IBC Act, on January 1, 2007, the Company was automatically re-registered under the BC Act as a BVI Business Company. Companies that were automatically re-registered on January 1, 2007 were not required to submit a new Memorandum and Articles of Association and certain key sections of the IBC Act were “grandfathered” into the BC Act: these are known as the “Transitional Provisions”. The Transitional Provisions ensure that well established and recognized concepts from the IBC Act, such as “ authorized capital:, “capital accounts” and “surplus accounts , remain relevant until such time as that company elects to adopt and register a New Memorandum and Articles of Association that fully conform with the BC Act. In November 2011 and January 2012, the Company filed an Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association with the Registry of Corporate Affairs of the BVI Financial Services Commission that on November 29, 2011 and January 30, 2012 that became as of filing with the BVI authorities to, among other things, (i) not apply the Transitional Provisions and (ii) remove these concepts from the Company’s charter documents eliminating a layer of requirements that would otherwise apply to share divisions (splits), combinations (reverse splits), redemptions and dividends. The Company’s accounting treatment of share capital need not change. Changes in the Company’s Amended and Restated Memorandum are summarized in the Company’s Forms 6-K filed with the SEC on November 30, 2011 and February 6, 2012.The foregoing Forms 6-K are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully stated herein. Set forth below is a summary of certain terms of the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association and the BC Act relating to the Company’s securities. This description and the descriptions contained in the Forms 6-K incorporated by reference does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to BVI statutory law and the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Holders of the Company’s Ordinary Shares are entitled to one vote for each whole share on all matters to be voted upon by shareholders, including the election of directors. Holders of Ordinary Shares do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors. All shares of Ordinary Shares are equal to each other with respect to liquidation and dividend rights. In the event of the liquidation of the Company, all assets available for distribution to the holders of Ordinary Shares are distributable among them according to their respective share holdings. All of the outstanding shares of Ordinary Shares of the Company are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
Pursuant to the Company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association and pursuant to the laws of the BVI, the Company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association may be amended by a resolution of the Board of Directors without shareholder approval. This includes amendments to increase or reduce the authorized capital stock of the Company or to increase or reduce the par value of its shares. The ability of the Company to amend its Memorandum and Articles of Association without shareholder approval could have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change in control of the Company without any further action by the shareholders including but not limited to, a tender offer to purchase the Common Stock at a premium over then current market prices.
Under United States law, majority and controlling shareholders generally have certain “fiduciary” responsibilities to the minority shareholders. Shareholder action must be taken in good faith and actions by controlling shareholders which are obviously unreasonable may be declared null and void. The BVI law protecting the interests of the minority shareholders is not as protective in all circumstances as the law protecting minority shareholders in United States jurisdictions. While BVI law does not permit a shareholder of a BVI company to sue its directors derivatively, i.e., in the name of and for the benefit of the Company, and to sue the Company and its directors for his benefit and the benefit of others similarly situated, the circumstances in which any such action may be brought that may be available in respect of any such action may result in the rights of shareholders of a British Virgin Island company being more limited than those rights of shareholders in a United States company.
| -60- |
| Table of Contents |
The Board of Directors of the Company, without further shareholder action, may issue shares of Preferred Stock in any number of series and may establish as to each such series the designation and number of shares to be issued and the relative rights and preferences of the shares of each series, including provisions regarding voting powers, redemption, dividend rights, rights upon liquidation and conversion rights. The issuance of shares of Preferred Stock by the Board of Directors could adversely affect the rights of holders of Ordinary Shares by, among other matters, establishing preferential dividends, liquidation rights and voting power. The Company has not issued any shares of Preferred Stock and has no present intention to issue shares of Preferred Stock. The issuance thereof could discourage or defeat efforts to acquire control of the Company through acquisition of Ordinary Shares.
Share Register and Voting Restrictions. The Company maintains a share register at its registered office in the BVI. The Company’s registered number is 200960. The objects of the Company are to engage in any act or activity that is not prohibited under any law of the BVI. Under the Articles, the Company is not required to treat the holder of a registered share in the Company as a shareholder until that person’s name has been entered in the share register. The holders of Ordinary Shares have one vote for each Ordinary Share held of record. The holders of Preferred Shares have such voting powers, full or limited, or no voting powers and such restrictions as may be stated and expressed in the resolution providing for the issuance of the Preferred Shares.
Shareholders Meeting. The directors of the Company may convene meetings of the shareholders of the Company at such times and in such manner and places within or outside the BVI as the directors consider necessary or desirable. Upon the written request of the shareholders holding ten (10%) percent or more of the outstanding voting shares in the Company the directors must convene a meeting of shareholders.
A shareholder may participate at a meeting of shareholders by telephone or other electronic means, as long as all shareholders participating in the meeting are able to hear each other.
A meeting of shareholders is duly constituted if, at the commencement of the meeting, there are present in person or by proxy not less than fifty (50%) percent of the votes of the shares or class series of shares entitled to vote on resolutions of shareholders to be considered at the meeting. If a quorum is not present, the meeting, if convened upon the requisition of shareholders, shall be dissolved; in any other case it shall stand adjourned to the next business day at the same time and place or to such other time and place as the directors may determine, and if at the adjourned meeting there are present in person or by proxy not less than one third of the votes of the shares or each class or series of shares entitled to vote on the resolutions to be considered by the meeting, those present shall constitute a quorum but otherwise the meeting shall be dissolved.
Any action that may be taken by the shareholders at a meeting may also be taken by a resolution of shareholders consented to in writing or by written electronic communication by a majority or greater number of shares entitled to vote, without the need for any notice, but if not an unanimous writing, a copy of such resolution shall be sent to all non-consenting shareholders.
Pre-emptive Rights. The holders of Ordinary Shares and Preferred Shares are not entitled to any pre-emptive or similar rights.
Conflict of Interests. No agreement or transaction between the Company and one or more of its directors or any person in which any director has a financial interest or to whom any director is related, including as a director of that other person, is void and avoidable for this reason only, or by reason only that the director is present at the meeting of directors, or at the meeting of the committee of directors that approves the agreement or transaction, or that the vote or consent of the director is counted for that purpose, if the material facts of the interest of each director in the agreement or transaction and his interest in or relationship to any other party to the agreement or transaction are disclosed in good faith, or are known by the other directors. A director who has an interest in any particular business to be considered at a meeting of directors or shareholders may be counted for purposes of determining whether the meeting is duly constituted.
| -61- |
| Table of Contents |
Generally, no purchase, redemption or other acquisition of shares shall be made unless the directors determine that immediately after purchase, redemption or other acquisition the Company will be able to satisfy its liabilities as they become due in the ordinary course of its business and the realizable value of the assets of the Company will not be less than the sum of its total liabilities, other than deferred taxes, as shown in the books of account, and its capital and, in the absence of fraud, the decision of the directors as to the realizable value of the assets of the Company is conclusive, unless a question of law is involved.
Duration, Liquidation, Merger. The Company shall continue until wound-up and dissolved by a resolution of shareholders, or under the terms of any insolvency or liquidation laws in force in the BVI. Under BVI law the Company may merge with another company, including a parent company or subsidiary, incorporated in the BVI, or in a jurisdiction outside of the BVI where the laws of that jurisdiction permit the merger. A merger must be authorized by the directors of the Company and approved by the shareholders.
Board of Directors. The business and affairs of the Company are managed by the directors who may exercise all such powers of the Company as are not by BVI law or by the Company’s Articles reserved to the shareholders of the Company.
C. MATERIAL CONTRACTS
We have not entered into any material contracts other than in the ordinary course of business and other than those described in “Item 4. Information on the Company” or elsewhere in this annual report on Form 20-F.
D. EXCHANGE CONTROLS
There are no exchange control restrictions on payment of dividends on the Company’s Ordinary Shares or on the conduct of the Company’s operations either in Hong Kong, where the Company’s principal executive offices are located, or the BVI, where the Company is incorporated. There are no BVI laws which impose foreign exchange controls on the Company or that effect the payment of dividends, interest, or other payments to non-resident holders of the Company’s securities. BVI laws and the Company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association impose no limitations on the right of non-resident or foreign owners to hold the Company’s securities or vote the Company’s Ordinary Shares. The PRC government has established a unified exchange rate system and system of exchange controls to which the Company is subject.
E. TAXATION
The following summary of the material British Virgin Islands, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China and United States federal income tax consequences of an investment in our ordinary shares is based upon laws and relevant interpretations thereof in effect as of the date of this annual report, all of which are subject to change. This summary does not deal with all possible tax consequences relating to an investment in our ordinary shares, such as the tax consequences under state, local and other tax laws.
BVI
The Company and Pact Asia Pacific Limited are exempted from taxation in the BVI.
| -62- |
| Table of Contents |
HONG KONG
The Company’s subsidiary organized in Hong Kong, Far East provides for Hong Kong profits tax at a rate of 8.25% on assessable profits up to US$256,000; and 16.5% on any part of assessable profits over US$256,000 in 2021 on the basis of their income for financial reporting purposes, adjusting for income and expense items which are not assessable or deductible for profits tax purposes.
PRC
Euro Tech Trading (Shanghai) Limited (“ETTS”), a subsidiary of Far East, provides for PRC Enterprise Income Tax (“EIT”) at a rate of 25% in 2021 after offsetting losses brought forward, if any, on the basis of its income for financial reporting purposes, adjusting for income and expense items which are not assessable or deductible for PRC Enterprise Income Tax purposes. As of December 31, 2021, ETTS had an assessable loss carried forward of US$18,000 as agreed by the local tax authority to offset its profit for the forth coming years. Such loss will expire in 5 years.
Shanghai Euro Tech Limited (“SET”), a subsidiary of Far East, provides for the PRC Enterprise Income Tax of 25% in 2021. As of December 31, 2021, SET had an assessable loss carried forward of US$678,000 as agreed by the local tax authority to offset its profit for the forth coming years. Such loss will expire in 5 years.
Shanghai Euro Tech Environmental Engineering Limited (“SETEE”), a subsidiary of Far East, provides for the PRC Enterprise Income Tax of 25% in 2021. This company was dissolved in 2021.
Chongqing Euro Tech Rizhi Technology Co., Ltd, Rizhi Euro Tech Instrument (Shaanxi) Co., Ltd and Guangzhou Euro Tech Environmental Equipment Co., Ltd provide for PRC Enterprise Income Tax at a rate of 25% in 2019, after offsetting losses brought forward, if any, on the basis of its income for financial reporting purposes, adjusting for income and expense items which are not assessable or deductible for PRC Enterprise Income Tax purposes. These three companies were dissolved in 2019.
Yixing Pact Environmental Technology Co. Ltd. (“Yixing”) provides for PRC Enterprise Income Tax at a rate of 25% in 2021, after offsetting losses brought forward, if any, on the basis of its income for financial reporting purposes, adjusting for income and expense items which are not assessable or deductible for PRC Enterprise Income Tax purposes. As of December 31, 2021, Yixing had an assessable loss carried forward of US$1,759,000 as agreed by the local tax authority to offset its profit for the forth coming years. Such loss will expire in 5 years.
Under the New Enterprise Income Tax Law and the implementation rules, profits of the PRC subsidiaries earned on or after January 1, 2008 and distributed by the PRC subsidiaries to foreign holding company are subject to a withholding tax at a rate of 10% unless reduced by tax treaty. Aggregate undistributed earnings of Far East’s subsidiaries located in the PRC that are available for distribution to Far East of approximately US$0.6 million at December 31, 2021 are intended to be reinvested, and accordingly, no deferred taxation has been made for the PRC dividend withholding taxes that would be payable upon the distribution of those amounts to Far East. Distributions made out of pre January 1, 2008 retained earnings will not be subject to the withholding tax.
The items comprising the difference between income taxes computed at the Hong Kong profits tax and PRC EIT statutory tax rates in effect for 2021, 2020 and 2019 and our effective income taxes rates were as follows:
|
| Year ended December 31, |
| |||||||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
|
| 2019 |
| |||
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Income / (loss) before income taxes |
|
| 1,276 |
|
|
| 498 |
|
|
| (173 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Computed tax using respective companies’ statutory tax rates |
|
| 158 |
|
|
| 133 |
|
|
| 69 |
|
Change in valuation allowances |
|
| 349 |
|
|
| 48 |
|
|
| 30 |
|
Under-provision for income taxes in prior years |
|
| (12 | ) |
|
| - |
|
|
| (5 | ) |
Non-deductible expenses |
|
| (405 | ) |
|
| (277 | ) |
|
| (131 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes credit / (expense) at effective tax rate |
|
| 90 |
|
| (96 | ) |
|
| (37 | ) | |
| -63- |
| Table of Contents |
PRC STATUTORY RESERVES.
Under the relevant PRC laws and regulations, the PRC subsidiaries are required to appropriate certain percentage of their respective net income to two statutory funds i.e. the statutory reserve fund and the statutory staff welfare fund. The PRC subsidiaries can also appropriate certain amount of their net income to the enterprise expansion fund.
(i) Statutory reserve fund.
Pursuant to applicable PRC laws and regulations, the PRC subsidiaries are required to allocate at least 10% of its net income to the statutory reserve fund until such fund reaches 50% of its registered capital. The statutory reserve fund can be utilized upon the approval by the relevant authorities, to offset accumulated losses or to increase its registered capital, provided that such fund is maintained at a minimum of 25% of its registered capital.
Under the PRC laws and regulations, the PRC subsidiaries are restricted in their ability to transfer certain of their net assets in the form of dividend payments, loans or advances. The amounts restricted include paid-in capital and statutory reserves, as determined pursuant to PRC generally accepted accounting principles, totaling US$2,452,000 as at December 31, 2021.
(ii) Statutory staff welfare fund.
Pursuant to applicable PRC laws and regulations, the PRC subsidiaries are required to allocate certain amount of its respective net income to the statutory staff welfare funds determined by it. The statutory staff welfare funds can only be used to provide staff welfare facilities and other collective benefits to their employees. This fund is non-distributable other than upon liquidation of the PRC subsidiaries.
(iii) Enterprise expansion fund.
The enterprise expansion fund shall only be used to make up losses, expand the PRC subsidiaries’ production operations, or increase the capital of the subsidiaries. The enterprise expansion fund can be utilized upon approval by relevant authorities, to convert into registered capital and issue bonus capital to existing investors, provided that such fund is maintained at a minimum of 25% of its registered capital.
UNITED STATES
The following discussion is a summary of the material United States federal income tax considerations that may be relevant to the purchase, holding, ownership, disposition or sale of our ordinary shares.
This discussion is general in nature and does not discuss all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation which may be important to particular investors in light of their individual circumstances, including investors subject to special U.S. taxation rules.
| -64- |
| Table of Contents |
A U.S. Holder holding or considering acquiring or disposing of our ordinary shares is urged to consult his or her own tax advisor concerning the U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. income and other tax consequences of the holding, ownership, purchase, disposition or sale of our ordinary shares in light of such U.S. Holder’s particular circumstances.
A “U.S. Holder” for purposes of this discussion is a beneficial owner of ordinary shares that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes: (a) a citizen or resident of the United States; (b) a corporation or other entity taxable as a corporation created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, or the District of Columbia; (c) an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation, regardless of its source; or (d) a trust if it is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person. If a partnership holds our ordinary shares, the tax treatment of a partner will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A partner of a partnership holding our ordinary shares is urged to consult its own tax advisor regarding an investment in our ordinary shares.
Passive foreign investment company rules. A passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) for any taxable year in which either (a) at least 75% of our gross income is passive income or (b) at least 50% of the value (determined on the basis of a quarterly average) of our assets is attributable to assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income. For this purpose, passive income generally includes dividends, interest, royalties, rents (other than rents and royalties derived in the active conduct of a trade or business and not derived from a related person), annuities and gains from assets that produce passive income.
The annual PFIC determination to be made by a U.S. Holder of our ordinary shares is an inherently factual determination and there is limited guidance regarding the application of the PFIC rules to specific situations. Although the determination of PFIC status is subject to factual uncertainties because it depends upon the valuation of our ordinary shares as well as our goodwill and other assets and income. In addition, as the determination of PFIC status is made on an annual basis and depends on variables over which we have limited control, there can be no assurance that we will not be classified as a PFIC for 2022 or any future calendar years.
If we are determined to be a PFIC for any taxable year, a U.S. Holder could be treated as owning a proportionate share of some of our subsidiaries and, in the absence of certain elections, will subject to special rules that will have a penalizing effect on certain “excess distributions” (as defined).
A U.S. Holder that holds our Ordinary Shares in any year in which we are classified as a PFIC may make a “deemed sale” election with respect to such ordinary shares in a subsequent taxable year in which we are not classified as a PFIC. If you make a valid deemed sale election with respect to your Ordinary Shares, you will be treated as having sold all of your Ordinary Shares for their fair market value on the last day of the last taxable year in which we were a PFIC and such Ordinary Shares will no longer be treated as PFIC stock. You will recognize gain (but not loss), which will be subject to tax as an “excess distribution” received on the last day of the last taxable year in which we were a PFIC. Your basis in the Ordinary Shares would be increased to reflect gain recognized, and your holding period would begin on the day after we ceased to be a PFIC.
Also, a U. S. Holder may be required to file certain forms with the U.S. Treasury Department.
A U.S. Holder will generally recognize capital gain or loss upon the sale or other disposition of our Ordinary Shares in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized upon the disposition and the holder’s adjusted tax basis in such ordinary shares. Any capital gain or loss will be long-term if the Ordinary Shares have been held for more than one year and will generally be United States source gain or loss for United States foreign tax credit purposes.
| -65- |
| Table of Contents |
Certain U.S. Holders are required to report information to the Internal Revenue Service relating to an interest in “specified foreign financial assets,” including shares issued by a non-United States corporation, for any year in which the aggregate value of all specified foreign financial assets exceeds $50,000 (or a higher dollar amount prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service), subject to certain exceptions. These rules also impose penalties if a holder is required to submit such information to the Internal Revenue Service and fails to do so.
F. DIVIDENDS AND PAYING AGENT
This item does not apply to annual reports on Form 20-F.
G. STATEMENT BY EXPERTS
This item does not apply to annual reports on Form 20-F.
H. DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY
We have filed this Annual Report on Form 20-F with the SEC under the Exchange Act. Statements made in this Annual Report as to the contents of any document referred to are not necessarily complete. With respect to each such document filed as an exhibit to this Annual Report, reference is made to the exhibit for a more complete description of the matter involved, and each such statement shall be deemed qualified in its entirety by such reference.
We are subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act as a foreign private issuer and file reports and other information with the SEC. Reports and other information filed by us with the SEC, including this Annual Report on Form 20-F, may be inspected and copied at the public reference room of the SEC at 100 F. Street, N.E., Washington D.C. 20549. You can also obtain copies of this Annual Report on Form 20-F by mail from the Public Reference Section of the SEC, 100 F. Street, N.E., Washington D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. Additionally, copies of this material may be obtained from the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. The SEC’s telephone number is 1-800-SEC-0330. In accordance with NASDAQ Stock Market Rule 5250(d), we will also post this annual report on Form 20-F on our website at www.euro-tech.com. In addition, we will provide hardcopies of our annual report free of charge to shareholders upon request.
As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from the rules under the Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing and content of quarterly reports and proxy statements, and officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
I. SUBSIDIARY INFORMATION
For information on the Company’s subsidiaries see – Item 4C. The separate financial statements of Blue Sky as required under Regulation S-X 210.3-09, an entity in which the Company owns a 19.4% equity interest are attached to this annual report.
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Foreign Currency Risks
The Company is exposed to risk from changing foreign currency exchange rates. The Company’s sales are denominated either in HK dollar or RMB. The majority of the Company’s expenses and cost of revenue are denominated in HK dollars, followed by RMB, U.S. dollars, Japanese yen and the Euro. The Company is subject to a variety of risks associated with changes among the relative value of the U.S. dollar, HK dollar, RMB, Japanese yen and the Euro. The Company does not currently adequately hedge its foreign exchange positions. Any material increase in the value of the HK dollar, RMB, Japanese yen and the Euro relative to the U.S. dollar would increase the Company’s expenses and cost of revenue and therefore would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
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| Table of Contents |
Inflation
The Company cannot determine the precise effect of inflation on its operations; however, it does not believe inflation has had a material effect on revenues or results of operations during the past several years. Efforts by the PRC to curb inflation may also curb economic growth, increase our overhead costs and adversely affect our revenues. If the PRC rate of inflation continues to increase, the Chinese government may introduce further measures intended to reduce the inflation rate in the PRC. Any such measures adopted by the Chinese government may not be successful in reducing or slowing the increase in the PRC’s inflation rate. Sustained or increased inflation in the PRC may have an adverse impact on the PRC’s economy and may materially and adversely affect our business and financial results.
The Company is currently not exposed to material future earnings or cash flow exposures from changes in interest rates on debt obligations as the Company had no material bank indebtedness in Fiscal 2021. The Company does not currently anticipate entering into interest rate swaps and/or similar instruments.
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
A. DEBT SECURITIES
This item does not apply to annual reports on Form 20-F.
B. WARRANTS AND RIGHTS
This item does not apply to annual reports on Form 20-F.
C. OTHER SECURITIES
This item does not apply to annual reports on Form 20-F.
D. AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES
Not applicable.
| -67- |
| Table of Contents |
PART II
ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
None.
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS
In November 2011 and February 2012 the Company restated its Memorandum and Articles of Association. In January of 2012, the Company combined or reverse split each eleven of its outstanding Ordinary Shares into two shares of its Ordinary Shares. The reason for the foregoing was to comply with NASDAQ Listing Rules.
On September 20, 2011, the Company received a deficiency letter from NASDAQ that the Company was no longer in compliance with NASDAQ’s listing maintenance rule for failing to have a bid price of at least US$ 1.00 per share for the prior thirty trading days. In order to regain compliance, in January 2012, the Company effected a combination or reverse split of its Ordinary Shares.
To facilitate the combination, Company changed the par value of its Ordinary Shares from US$0.01 per share to no par value.
The Company had been originally incorporated under the International Business Companies Act (the “IBC” Act). On January 1, 2005 the BVI Business Companies Act, (as amended, the “BC Act”) came into force, with the objective of replacing the IBC Act over a 2 year transitional period.
On January 1, 2007, the Company was automatically re-registered under the BC Act as a BVI Business Company. Companies that were so automatically re-registered were not required to submit new Memorandum and Articles of Association and certain key sections of the IBC Act were “grandfathered” into the BC Act. See – Item 10B. Memorandum and Articles of Association. In December 2011 and January 2012, the Company filed Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association with the Registry of Corporate Affairs of the BVI Financial Services Commission to, among other things, (i) not apply the Transitional Provisions and (ii) remove these concepts from the Company’s charter documents eliminating a layer of requirements that would otherwise apply to share divisions (splits), combinations (reverse splits), redemptions and dividends. The Company’s accounting treatment of share capital need not change. Changes in the Company’s Amended and Restated Memorandum are summarized in the Company’s Forms 6-K filed with the SEC on November 30, 2011 and February 6, 2012.
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2021.
Disclosure controls and procedures are defined under SEC rules as controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within required time periods. Disclosure controls and procedures include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives.
Based upon that evaluation, our management has concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2021.
| -68- |
| Table of Contents |
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management, under the supervision of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and Rule 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act. Our internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation and fair presentation of our consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021. In making this assessment, they used the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on this assessment, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of December 31, 2021, our internal control over financial reporting is effective.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, all internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems were determined to be effective they may not prevent or detect misstatements and can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal controls that occurred during the period covered by this annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 16. [RESERVED]
ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
Our board of directors has determined that Mr. Y.K. Liang, one of our independent directors (under the standards set forth in Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act and the NASDAQ listing rules) and a member of our Audit Committee, meets the criteria for an “audit committee financial expert” as such term is defined in Item 407 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC.
ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS
Our Board of Directors has adopted a code of business conduct and ethics that applies to our directors, officers and employees, including certain provisions that specifically apply to our chief executive officer, chief financial officer and any other persons who perform similar functions for us. The Company agrees to undertake to provide to any person without charge, a copy of our code of business conduct and ethics within ten working days after we receive such person’s written request addressed to our offices set forth on the cover page of this annual report.
| -69- |
| Table of Contents |
ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The following table sets forth the aggregate fees by categories specified below in connection with certain professional services rendered by Union Power HK CPA Limited, our principal external auditor for fiscal years 2021 and 2020, respectively.
|
| For the Year Ended December 31 |
| |||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
| ||
|
| US$ |
|
| US$ |
| ||
Audit fees (1) |
|
| 164,000 |
|
|
| 160,000 |
|
Audit-related fees(2) |
|
| — |
|
|
| — |
|
Tax fees(3) |
|
| — |
|
|
| — |
|
All other fees |
|
| — |
|
|
| — |
|
Total |
|
| 164,000 |
|
|
| 160,000 |
|
Our Audit Committee has adopted a pre-approval policy for the engagement of our independent accountant to perform permitted audit and non-audit services. Under this policy, which is designed to assure that such engagements do not impair the independence of our auditor, the Audit Committee pre-approves annually a range of specific audit and non-audit services in the categories of Audit Service, Audit-Related Services, Tax Services and other services that may be performed by our independent accountants, and the maximum pre-approved fees that may be paid as compensation for each pre-approved service in those categories. Any proposed services exceeding the maximum pre-approved fees require specific approval by the Audit Committee.
(1) | “Audit fees” means the aggregate fees billed in each of the fiscal years listed for professional services rendered by our principal auditor for the audit of our annual financial statements. |
(2) | “Audit-related fees” means the aggregate fees billed in each of the fiscal years listed for assurance and related services by our principal auditor that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements and are not reported under “Audit fees.” Services comprising the fees disclosed under the category of “Audit-related fees” involve principally the performance of certain agreed upon procedures for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. |
(3) | “Tax fees” means the aggregated fees billed in each of the years listed for professional services rendered by our principal auditor for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning. |
ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES
The Company is a “Controlled Company” as defined in NASDAQ’s corporate governance rules as a majority of our shares are owned by a “control person,” T.C. Leung, who has disclosed his “control person” status in his filings with the Commission. So long as that “controlled company” status remains in effect, the Company will be exempt from certain NASDAQ corporate governance rules that, including among other things, would require: (a) a majority of our directors be independent; (b) the compensation of our chief executive officer be determined or recommended by independent directors; and (c) director nominations be determined or recommended by independent directors.
The Company believes it is in compliance with NASDAQ’s corporate governance rules as in effect and intends to comply with the changes to said rules no later than the date that they become effective.
ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
There were no purchases of equity securities by us or by any of our affiliates during the period covered by this annual report.
ITEM 16F. CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT
Not applicable.
ITEM 16G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
We are a foreign private issuer within the meaning of rules promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). Because our ordinary shares are listed on NASDAQ, we are subject to NASDAQ’s corporate governance requirements. In addition, because we are incorporated in the BVI, our corporate governance practices are also governed by applicable BVI law and our memorandum and articles of association.
We currently follow NASDAQ’s corporate governance requirements.
Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5605(c)(2)(A) provides that each listed company must have, and will continue to have, an audit committee of at least three members. Nasdaq Listing Rule 5615(a)(3)(A) provides (with certain exceptions not relevant to the conclusions expressed herein) that a foreign private issuer may follow its home country practice in lieu of the requirements of the Rule 5600 Series. Our BVI counsel, Maples and Calder, has provided a letter to NASDAQ certifying that the Company’s practice of following the provisions of the laws of the British Virgin Islands and its memorandum and articles of association in lieu of certain Nasdaq Stock Market Marketplace Rules is not prohibited under any statutory legal provision of the British Virgin Islands.
ITEM 16H. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
| -70- |
| Table of Contents |
PART III
ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
We have elected to provide financial statements pursuant to Item 18.
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The consolidated financial statements of each of Euro Tech Holdings Company Limited and Zhejiang Tianlan Environmental Protection Technology Company Limited are included at the end of this annual report.
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS
Lists of Exhibits
Exhibit No. |
| Description |
|
|
|
3.1 |
| Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association (1) |
|
|
|
3.2 |
| Amendments to Exhibit 3.1 ( 2) |
|
|
|
4.11 |
| Registrant’s Audit Committee Charter (3) |
|
|
|
4.13 |
| Euro Tech Holdings Company Limited 2019 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (4) |
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 * | |
|
|
|
| Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 * | |
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
101 .INS* |
| XBRL Instance Document |
|
|
|
101 .SCH* |
| XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document |
|
|
|
101 .CAL* |
| XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document |
|
|
|
101 .DBF* |
| XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document |
|
|
|
101 .LAB* |
| XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document |
|
|
|
101 .PRE* |
| XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document |
* Filed with this Annual Report on Form 20-F.
1. | Incorporated by reference, previously filed as an Exhibit to Registrant’s Form 6-K on November 30, 2011. |
2. | Incorporated by reference, previously filed as an Exhibit to Registrant’s Form 6-K on February 6, 2012. |
3. | Incorporated by reference, previously filed as an Exhibit to Registrant’s Form 20-F filed on August 19, 2002. |
4. | Incorporated by reference, previously filed as an Exhibit to Registrant’s Form 6-K on April 25, 2019. |
| -71- |
| Table of Contents |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorize the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.
| EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED |
| |
| (REGISTRANT) |
| |
|
|
|
|
May 16, 2022 | By: | /s/ David YL Leung |
|
|
| David YL Leung |
|
|
| Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
| (Principal Executive Officer) |
|
-72- |
EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
| F-1 |
| Table of Contents |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of
Euro Tech Holdings Company Limited
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Euro Tech Holdings Company Limited (the “Company”) and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the “Group”) as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income / (loss), shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Group as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its consolidated operations and its consolidated cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Group’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Group's consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Group in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Group is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Group's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
| F-2 |
| Table of Contents |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Cont’d)
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Euro Tech Holdings Company Limited
Critical Audit Matter (Cont’d)
Revenue Recognition
As described further in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, revenues derived from long-term contracts in the engineering segments are recognized as the performance obligations are satisfied over time. The Group uses output method to recognize revenue. The Group’s contracts may include variable consideration related to contract modifications through change orders or claims, and management must also estimate the variable consideration the Group expects to receive in order to estimate the total contract revenue. We identified revenue recognized over time to be a critical audit matter.
The principal considerations for our determination that revenue recognized over time is a critical audit matter is that auditing management’s estimate of the progress toward completion of its projects was complex and subjective. In addition, auditing the Group’s measurement of variable consideration is also complex and highly judgmental and can have a material effect on the amount of revenue recognized.
Our audit procedures related to revenue recognized over time included the following, among others.
· | We obtained an understanding and evaluated the design on the operating effectiveness of the Group’s processes and controls related to contract revenue recognition; |
· | We tested the estimated variable consideration by evaluating the appropriate application of the most likely amount method, and tracing amounts to supporting documentation; |
· | We evaluated management’s ability to reasonably estimate costs by performing a comparison of the actual costs to prior period estimates, including evaluating the timely identification of circumstances that may warrant a modification to the estimated costs; |
· | We evaluated management’s methodologies and the consistency of management’s methodologies over the life of the contracts; |
· | We tested the original estimated costs and profit margins on engineering projects that were commenced and completed during the year ended December 31, 2021, by obtaining the original estimates, compare to the actual costs and profit margin for the completed contracts and investigate significant changes; and |
· | We tested the estimated costs to complete engineering projects that were not completed during the year ended December 31, 2021 by comparing the estimated cost to complete at December 31, 2021 to actual cost incurred subsequent to December 31, 2021. |
/s/
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2018.
May 13, 2022
| F-3 |
| Table of Contents |
EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
|
| December 31, |
| |||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
| ||
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
| ||
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Current assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Restricted cash |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Accounts receivable, net |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Prepayments and other current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Contract assets |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Inventories |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Total current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and equipment, net |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Investments in affiliates |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Goodwill |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Operating lease right-of-use assets |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Deferred tax assets |
|
|
|
|
| - |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Total non-current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Total assets |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bank borrowings |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Accounts payable |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Contract liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Other payables and accrued expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Current portion of long-term operating lease obligations |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Income tax payable |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Total current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Long-term operating lease obligations, net of current maturities |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Total non-current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Total liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Commitments and contingencies (Note 21) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders’ equity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ordinary share, |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Additional paid-in capital |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Treasury stock, |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
PRC statutory reserves |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Retained earnings |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to Euro Tech Holdings Company Limited |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Non-controlling interests |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Total shareholders’ equity |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
| F-4 |
| Table of Contents |
EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME / (LOSS)
|
| Year ended December 31, |
| |||||||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
|
| 2019 |
| |||
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
| |||
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Trading and manufacturing |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Engineering |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trading and manufacturing |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
Engineering |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cost of revenues |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Finance costs |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
Selling and administrative expenses |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income / (loss) |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) | |
Interest income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Other income , net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
(Loss) / Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | |
Equity in income of affiliates |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income / (loss) before income taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes credit / (expense) |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income / (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net (income) / loss attributable to non-controlling interests |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income / (loss) attributable to Euro Tech Holdings Company Limited’s shareholders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other comprehensive income / (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income / (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | ||
Foreign exchange translation adjustments |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income / (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | ||
Comprehensive (income) / loss attributable to non-controlling interests |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income / (loss) attributable to the Company |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | ||
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
| F-5 |
| Table of Contents |
EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME / (LOSS) (CONT’D)
|
| Year ended December 31, |
| |||||||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
|
| 2019 |
| |||
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
| |||
Net income / (loss) per ordinary share attributable to Euro Tech Holdings Company Limited’s shareholders |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
- Basic |
| $ | US |
|
| $ | US |
|
| $ | US( |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
- Diluted |
| $ | US |
|
| $ | US |
|
| $ | US( |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
- Basic |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
- Diluted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
| F-6 |
| Table of Contents |
EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
|
| Year ended December 31, |
| |||||||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
|
| 2019 |
| |||
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
| |||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Net income / (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net income / (loss) to net cash (used in) / provided by operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Loss / (gain) on disposal of property, plant and equipment |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
| ||
Stock-based compensation expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Non-controlling interests in income / (loss) of subsidiaries |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) | |
Equity in profit of affiliates |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
Deferred tax (credit) / expenses |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Changes in non-current assets and liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term operating lease obligations |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
| |
Operating lease right-of-use assets |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | |
Decrease / (increase) in current assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable, net |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Prepayments and other current assets |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) | |
Contract assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Inventories |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | |
Increase / (decrease) in current liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) | |
Other payables and accrued expenses |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | |
Contract liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | ||
Income tax payable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Current portion of long-term operating lease obligations |
|
| 57 |
|
|
| (52 | ) |
|
| 170 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Net cash provided by / (used) in operating activities |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Cash flows from investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of property, plant and equipment |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment |
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Dividend received from affiliates |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Proceeds from sale of long-term investment |
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Purchase of long-term investment |
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Net cash provided by / (used in) investing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Cash flows from financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividend paid |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
| |
Proceeds from bank borrowings |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Repayments to bank borrowings |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Net cash (used in) / provided by financing activities |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash breakdown |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 5,991 |
| ||
Restricted cash |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
| |||
Supplemental disclosure of consolidated cash flow information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid during the period for income taxes |
|
|
|
|
| - |
|
|
|
| ||
Cash paid during the period for interest |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Operating leases (disclosed in accompanying Note 3) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-cash items: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease obligations |
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
|
| |
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
| F-7 |
| Table of Contents |
EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
|
| EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED’S SHARHOLDERS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| Number of ordinary Shares |
|
| Ordinary Amount |
|
| Additional paid-in capital |
|
| Treasury stock |
|
| Accumulated other com- prehensive income |
|
| PRC statutory reserves |
|
| Retained earnings |
|
| Non- controlling interests |
|
| Total |
| |||||||||
|
|
|
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
| |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2018 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||
Net loss |
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) | |||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments |
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) | ||||||
Bonus shares issued |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense |
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2019 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||
Net income / (loss) |
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
| |||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments |
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | ||||||
Dividend paid |
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | ||||||
Stock-based compensation expense |
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2020 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||
Net income / (loss) |
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments |
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | ||||||
Bonus shares issued |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Dividend paid |
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| - |
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| - |
|
|
| ( | ) | ||||
Stock-based compensation expense |
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2021 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
| F-8 |
| Table of Contents |
EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1 Organization and business
Euro Tech Holdings Company Limited (the “Company”) was incorporated in the British Virgin Islands on September 30, 1996.
Euro Tech (Far East) Limited (“Far East”) is the principal operating subsidiary of the Company. It is principally engaged in the marketing and trading of water and waste water related process control, analytical and testing instruments, disinfection equipment, supplies and related automation systems in Hong Kong and in the People’s Republic of China (the “PRC”).
The Group’s principal subsidiaries at December 31, 2021 and 2020 are set out below.
Name of entity |
| Ownership interest held by the Group |
|
| Place of incorporation and principal place of operation |
| Principal activities | ||||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
|
|
| |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Euro Tech (Far East) Limited |
|
| % |
|
| % |
|
| |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Euro Tech Trading (Shanghai) Limited |
|
| % |
|
| % |
|
| |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Shanghai Euro Tech Limited |
|
| % |
|
| % |
|
| |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Shanghai Euro Tech Environmental Engineering Company Limited |
| - |
|
|
| % |
|
| |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Euro Tech (China) Limited |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
|
| ||||
This company was dissolved on July 2, 2021.
This company was deregistered on April 3, 2020.
| F-9 |
| Table of Contents |
EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT’D)
1 Organization and business (Cont’d)
The Group’s principal subsidiaries at December 31, 2021 and 2020 are set out below (Cont’d).
Name of entity |
| Ownership interest held by the Group |
|
| Place of incorporation and principal place of operation |
| Principal activities | ||||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
|
|
| |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Yixing Pact Environmental Technology Co., Ltd. |
|
| % |
|
| % |
|
| |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Pact Asia Pacific Limited |
|
| % |
|
| % |
|
| |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Affiliate: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Zhejiang Tianlan Environmental Protection Technology Co. Ltd. (“Blue Sky”) |
|
| %* |
|
| %* |
|
| |||||
* The Group’s interest in Blue Sky has been counted for as an affiliate using the equity method as the Group has representation on both the Board and Executive Committee of Blue Sky, and the ability to participate in the decision-making process and exercise significant influence.
| F-10 |
| Table of Contents |
EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT’D)
2 Summary of significant accounting policies
(a) Basis of presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).
(b) Basis of consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries. Significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
(c) Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are all entities over which the Group has control; has the power to appoint or remove the majority of the members of the board of directors; has the right to cast a majority of votes at the meeting of the board of directors or to govern the financial and operating policies of the investee under a statute or agreement among the shareholders or equity holders.
(d) Investments in affiliates
We account for our interest in an investment using the equity method of accounting per Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) No. 323, “Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures” if we are not the primary beneficiary of a VIE or do not have a controlling interest. The investment is recorded at cost and the carrying amount is adjusted periodically to recognize our proportionate share of income or loss, additional contributions made and dividends and capital distributions received. We record the effect of any impairment or other than temporary decrease in the value of the investment.
In the event a partially owned equity affiliate were to incur a loss and our cumulative proportionate share of the loss exceeded the carrying amount of the equity method investment, application of the equity method would be suspended and our proportionate share of further losses would not be recognized unless we committed to provide further financial support to the affiliate. We would resume application of the equity method once the affiliate became profitable and our proportionate share of the affiliate’s earnings equals our cumulative proportionate share of losses that were not recognized during the period the application of the equity method was suspended.
| F-11 |
| Table of Contents |
EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT’D)
2 Summary of significant accounting policies (Cont’d)
(e) Revenue recognition
Our revenue is derived from long-term contracts for customers in our engineering segment, as well as short-term contracts for customers in our trading and manufacturing segment. Accounting treatment for these contracts in accordance with Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09 (Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customer), is as follows:
Performance obligations satisfied over time (Engineering services)
Recognition of performance obligations
A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer, and is the unit of account in the new revenue standard. The contract transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. Engineering service projects typically span between several days to over 5 years. The majority of our contracts have a single performance obligation as the promise to transfer the individual goods or services is not separately identifiable from other promises in the contracts and, therefore, is not distinct. Some contracts have multiple performance obligations, most commonly due to the contract covering multiple phases of the project life cycle (engineering).
Revenues are recognized as our obligations are satisfied over time, by reference to the progress towards complete satisfaction of that performance obligation.
If the Group expects the reference to progress certificates issued by the customers, with additional adjustments where necessary, depicts the Group’s performance in transferring control of goods or services promised to customers for individual projects, the Group satisfies the performance obligation over time and therefore, recognizes revenue over time in accordance with the output method for measuring progress. Under output method, revenue recognition is based on the stage of completion of the contracts, provided that the stage of contract completion and the gross billing value of contracting work can be measured reliably. The stage of completion of a contract is established by reference to the construction works certified by customers.
Remaining performance obligations (“RPOs”)
RPOs represent the amount of revenues we expect to recognize in the future from our contract commitments on projects and are hereafter referred to as “Backlog”. Backlog includes the entire expected revenue values for subsidiary we consolidate. Backlog may not be indicative of future operating results, and projects included in Backlog may be canceled, modified or otherwise altered by customers.
The Group had the following backlog:
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
| ||
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Engineering segment |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Unrecognized contract revenue which is expected to be recognized in next 12 months is approximately US$
| F-12 |
| Table of Contents |
EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT’D)
2 Summary of significant accounting policies (Cont’d)
(e) Revenue recognition (Cont’d)
Performance obligations satisfied over time (Engineeringservices) (Cont’d)
Variable consideration
Contract modifications through change orders, claims and incentives are routine in the performance of the Group’s contracts to account for changes in the contract specifications or requirements. In most instances, contract modifications are not distinct from the existing contract due to the significant integration service provided in the contract and are accounted for as a modification of the existing contract and performance obligation. Either the Group or its customers may initiate change orders, which may include changes in specifications or designs, manner of performance, facilities, equipment, materials, sites and period of completion of the work. Change orders that are unapproved as to both price and scope are evaluated as claims. The Group considers claims to be amounts in excess of approved contract prices that the Group seeks to collect from its customers or others for customer-caused delays, errors in specifications and designs, contract terminations, change orders that are either in dispute or are unapproved as to both scope and price, or other causes of unanticipated additional contract costs.
The Group estimates variable consideration for a performance obligation at the most likely amount to which the Group expects to be entitled (or the most likely amount the Group expects to incur in the case of liquidated damages), utilizing estimation methods that best predict the amount of consideration to which the Group will be entitled (or will be incurred in the case of liquidated damages). The Group includes variable consideration in the estimated transaction price to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur or when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved. The Group’s estimates of variable consideration and determination of whether to include estimated amounts in transaction price are based largely on an assessment of its anticipated performance and all information (historical, current and forecasted) that is reasonably available to the Group.
The effect of variable consideration on the transaction price of a performance obligation is recognized as an adjustment to revenue on a cumulative catch-up basis. To the extent unapproved change orders and claims reflected in transaction price (or excluded from transaction price in the case of liquidated damages) are not resolved in the Group’s favor, or to the extent incentives reflected in transaction price are not earned, there could be reductions in, or reversals of, previously recognized revenue.
Performance obligations satisfied at a point-in-time (Trading and manufacturing)
Revenue for our trading and manufacturing contracts is recognized at a point in time. Sales are recognized when control of the products has transferred, being when the products are delivered to the customer. Delivery occurs when the products have been delivered to the point of receipt by customer.
| F-13 |
| Table of Contents |
EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT’D)
2 Summary of significant accounting policies (Cont’d)
(e) Revenue recognition (Cont’d)
Classification of contract assets and liabilities
For revenue recognized associated with its contracts with customers over time, for which the Group has an enforceable right to receive compensation. Many of our contracts contain specific provisions that determine when the Group can bill for its work performed under these contracts.
Any revenue earned on a contract that has not yet been billed to the customer is recorded as a contract asset on the Group’s consolidated balance sheets.
The Group’s consolidated balance sheets present contract liabilities that contain deferred revenue that represent any costs incurred on contracts in process for which revenue has not yet been recognized.
Rental income
Rental income from operating leases is recognized in consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income /(loss) on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease.
(f) Research and development costs
Research and development costs (“R&D” costs) are expensed as incurred. The R&D costs amounted to approximately US$
(g) Advertising and promotional expenses
Advertising and promotional expenses (“A&P” expenses) are expensed as incurred. The A&P expenses amounted to approximately US$
| F-14 |
| Table of Contents |
EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT’D)
2 Summary of significant accounting policies (Cont’d)
(h) Income taxes
The Group follows the liability method of accounting for income tax. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the underlying assets or liabilities are recovered or settled. The Group also evaluates whether the recorded deferred tax assets and valuation allowances can be realized and, when necessary, reduces the amounts to what is expected to be realized.
The accounting guidance on accounting for uncertainty in income taxes also addresses derecognition, classification, interest and penalties on income taxes, and accounting in interim periods. The Group does not believe it has any uncertain tax positions through the periods ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 respectively which would have a material impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements.
Interest and penalties related to uncertain income tax positions are included in income tax expense on the Group’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income / (loss). Interest and penalties actually incurred are charged to interest expense and the other income, respectively if applicable.
The Group files tax returns in Hong Kong and the PRC. The tax returns for 2021, 2020 and 2019 are subject to examination by Hong Kong and PRC taxing authorities, commencing with the first year filed.
(i) Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand, and bank deposits with original maturities of three months or less, all of which are unrestricted as to withdrawal. There were no cash equivalents as of December 31, 2021 and 2020.
(j) Restricted cash
Restricted cash represents cash deposits retained with banks in the PRC for issuance of performance bonds and guarantees to the customers and cash deposited by the Group into separate accounts and designated as collateral for standby letters of credit in the same amount in accordance with contractual agreements.
(k) Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts
The Group does not charge interest to its customers and carries its customer receivables at their face amounts, less an allowance for doubtful accounts. As is common practice in the industry, the Group classifies all accounts receivable as current assets.
The Group grants trade credit, on a non-collateralized basis, to its customers and is subject to potential credit risk related to changes in business and overall economic activity. The Group analyzes specific accounts receivable balances, historical bad debts, customer credit-worthiness, current economic trends and changes in customer payment terms when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. In the event that a customer balance is deemed to be uncollectible, the account balance is written-off against the allowance for doubtful accounts.
| F-15 |
| Table of Contents |
EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT’D)
2 Summary of significant accounting policies (Cont’d)
(l) Inventories
Inventories are measured using the first-in, first-out method and are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost of finished goods comprise direct material, direct production costs and an allocated portion of production overhead costs based on normal operating capacity. Allowance is made for obsolete, slow moving or defective items, where appropriate.
(m) Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is carried at cost. Major modifications or refurbishments which extend the useful life of the assets are capitalized and depreciated over the adjusted remaining useful life of the assets. Upon retirement or disposition of property, plant and equipment, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed and any resulting gain or loss is recognized in consolidated income from operations. The cost of maintenance and repairs is charged to expense as incurred. Property, plant and equipment is reviewed for impairment and tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the carrying value of property, plant and equipment exceeds its fair value, an impairment charge would be recorded in the consolidated statement of operations.
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment are computed using the straight-line method over the assets’ estimated useful lives as follows:
Office premises | |
Leasehold improvements | |
Furniture, fixtures and office equipment | |
Motor vehicles | |
Testing equipment |
(n) Long-term investment
The Group has elected to apply the measurement alternative to equity securities without readily determinable fair values. As such, the Group’s non-marketable equity securities are measured at cost, less any impairment, and are adjusted for changes in fair value resulting from observable transactions for identical or similar investments of the investee.
| F-16 |
| Table of Contents |
EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(CONT’D)
2 Summary of significant accounting policies (Cont’d)
(o) Leases arrangements
In the ordinary course of business, the Group enters into a variety of operating lease arrangements.
Operating right-of-use leases are included in operating lease right-of-use assets, current portion of long-term operating lease obligations and long-term operating lease obligations, net of current maturities on the Group’s consolidated balance sheets, as appropriate. Operating lease right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. As most of the Group’s leases do not provide an implicit rate to calculate present value, the Group determines this rate by estimating the Group’s incremental borrowing rate, utilizing the borrowing rates associated with the Group’s various debt instruments. The operating lease right-of-use asset also includes any lease payments made and initial direct costs incurred and excludes lease incentives. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option.
Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
(p) Goodwill
Goodwill is not amortized. The Group performs either a qualitative or quantitative assessment to review goodwill for impairment on an annual basis. This assessment is performed at the beginning of the fourth quarter, or when circumstances change, such as a significant adverse change in the business climate or the decision to sell a business, both of which would indicate that impairment may have occurred.
A qualitative assessment considers financial, industry, segment and macroeconomic factors, if the qualitative assessment indicates a potential for impairment, a quantitative assessment is performed to determine if impairment exists. The quantitative assessment begins with a comparison of the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying value. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss would be recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of the goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment charge would be recorded in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income / (loss).
As a result of the annual qualitative review process in 2021 and 2020, the Group determined it was not necessary to perform a quantitative assessment.
(q) Foreign currency translation
The assets and liabilities of the Group’s subsidiaries denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars are translated into U.S. dollars using the applicable exchange rates at the consolidated balance sheet date. For consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income/(loss)’ items, amounts denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars were translated into U.S. dollars using the average exchange rate during the period. Equity accounts were translated at their historical exchange rates. Net gains and losses resulting from translation of foreign currency on consolidated financial statements are included in the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity as accumulated other comprehensive income. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income / (loss).
| F-17 |
| Table of Contents |
EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(CONT’D)
2 Summary of significant accounting policies (Cont’d)
(r) Comprehensive income / (loss)
We account for comprehensive income in accordance with ASC No. 220, “Comprehensive Income”, which specifies the computation, presentation and disclosure requirements for comprehensive income / (loss). Comprehensive income / (loss) consists of net income / (loss) and foreign currency translation adjustments, primarily from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates of our foreign subsidiaries with a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar.
(s) Ordinary share
On November 22, 2011, the Company filed Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association with the Registry of Corporate Affairs of the BVI Financial Services Commission that on November 29, 2011 became effective as of the filing date to amend the Company’s ordinary shares of US$0.01 par value capital stock to no par value capital stock. Treasury stock is accounted for using the cost method. When treasury stock is reissued, the value is computed and recorded using a weighted-average basis.
On October 8, 2019, the Company issued bonus shares at the rate of one ordinary share for every two ordinary shares held, creating
On March 3, 2021, the Company issued bonus shares at the rate of two ordinary shares for every three ordinary shares held, creating
(t) Net income per ordinary share
The Group computes net income per ordinary share using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, basic earnings per share attributable to Euro Tech Holdings Company Limited are computed by dividing net income attributable to Euro Tech Holdings Company Limited by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period. The Group reports both basic earnings per share, which is based on the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding, and diluted earnings per share, which is based on the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding and all dilutive potential ordinary shares outstanding.
Outstanding stock options are the only dilutive potential shares of the Company.
(u) Stock-based compensation
The Group determines compensation expense for stock-based awards based on the estimated fair values at the grant date and recognizes the related compensation expense over the vesting period. The Group uses the straight-line amortization method to recognize compensation expense related to stock-based awards that have only service conditions. This method recognizes stock compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award.
| F-18 |
| Table of Contents |
EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(CONT’D)
2 Summary of significant accounting policies (Cont’d)
(v) Use of estimates
The preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Certain accounting estimates of the Group require a higher degree of judgment than others in their application. These include the recognition of revenue and earnings from engineering contracts over time, the valuation of goodwill, and contract assets and contract liabilities. Management continually evaluates all of its estimates and judgments based on available information and experience; however, actual results could differ from these estimates.
(w) Related parties
Related parties are affiliates of the Group; entities for which investments are accounted for by the equity method by the Group; trusts for the benefit of employees, such as pension and profit-sharing trusts that are managed by or under the trusteeship of management; principal owners of the Group; its management; members of the immediate families of principal owners of the Group and its management; and other parties with which the Group may deal if one party controls or can significantly influence the management or operating policies of the other to an extent that one of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests. Another party also is a related party if it can significantly influence the management or operating policies of the transacting parties or if it has an ownership interest in one of the transacting parties and can significantly influence the other to an extent that one or more of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests.
(x) Segment information
The Group reports segment information based on the “management” approach. The management approach designates the internal reporting used by management for making decisions and assessing performance as the source of the Group’s reportable segments. The Group categorises its operations into two business segments: Trading and manufacturing, and Engineering.
(y) Concentration
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Group to a concentration of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable, net. The Group maintains substantially all of its cash and cash equivalent balances with large financial institutions which are believed to be high quality institutions.
The Group is subject to a concentration of risk because it derives a significant portion of its revenues from a few customers. The Group’s top customers accounting for more than 5% of the Group’s revenue generated approximately
The Group grants trade credit under contractual payment terms, generally without collateral, to its customers, which include high credit quality electric utilities, general contractors, owners and managers of industrial properties and government departments.
| F-19 |
| Table of Contents |
EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(CONT’D)
2 Summary of significant accounting policies (Cont’d)
(y) Concentration (Cont’d)
Consequently, the Group is subject to potential credit risk related to changes in business and economic factors. At December 31, 2021, three (2020: three) of the Group’s customers individually exceeded
(z) Finance costs
Interest relating to loans repaid is expensed in the period the repayment occurs.
(aa) Warranties
The suppliers of the Group offer a standard one-year warranty to end customers of the Group. The Group only provides labour service to repair or replace parts. The Group does not maintain a general warranty reserve because historically labour costs for such repair or replacement have been de minimis.
(ab) Shipping and handling costs
Amounts billed to customers related to shipping and handling are classified as revenues, and the Group’s shipping and handling costs are included in cost of revenues.
(ac) Statutory reserves
The Group is required to make appropriation to reserve funds, comprising the statutory reserve fund and statutory staff welfare fund, based on after-tax net income determined with generally accepted accounting principles of the PRC (“PRC GAAP”).
Appropriations to the statutory reserve fund is required to be at least 10% of the after tax net income determined in accordance with PRC GAAP until the reserve fund is equal to 50% of the entities’ registered capital.
(ad) Fair value measurements
The Group uses the three-tier hierarchy of fair value measurement, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value based upon their degree of availability in external active markets. These tiers include: Level 1 (the highest priority), defined as observable inputs, such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3 (the lowest priority), defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Group determined that the carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, net, prepayments and other current assets, contract assets, bank borrowings, accounts payable, contract liabilities, other payables and accrued expenses approximate their fair values because of the short-term nature of these instruments.
| F-20 |
| Table of Contents |
EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT’D)
2 Summary of significant accounting policies (Cont’d)
(ae) Recent accounting pronouncements
Changes to GAAP are typically established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) in the form of accounting standards updates (“ASUs”) to the FASB’s ASC. The Group considers the applicability and impact of all ASUs. The Group, based on its assessment, determined that any recently issued or proposed ASUs not listed below are either not applicable to the Group or may have minimal impact on its consolidated financial statements.
Recently adopted accounting pronouncements
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, which simplifies the accounting for income taxes, eliminates certain exceptions within ASC 740, Income Taxes, and clarifies certain aspects of the current guidance to promote consistent application among reporting entities. The Group adopted this ASU in January 2021 and there was no effect on the consolidated financial statements or disclosures.
In January 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-01, “Investments-Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815),” an amendment clarifying the interaction between accounting standards related to equity securities, equity method investments, and certain derivative instruments. The Group adopted this guidance in January 2021 and there was no effect on the consolidated financial statements or disclosures.
Recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted
In October 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-10, “Codification Improvements,” this ASU affects a wide variety of Topics in the Codification. They apply to all reporting entities within the scope of the affected accounting guidance. More specifically, this ASU, among other things, contains amendments that improve the consistency of the Codification by including all disclosure guidance in the appropriate Disclosure Section (Section 50). Many of the amendments arose because the FASB provided an option to give certain information either on the face of the financial statements or in the notes to financial statements and that option only was included in the Other Presentation Matters Section (Section 45) of the Codification. The option to disclose information in the notes to financial statements should have been codified in the Disclosure Section as well as the Other Presentation Matters Section (or other Section of the Codification in which the option to disclose in the notes to financial statements appears). Those amendments are not expected to change current practice. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2021, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2022. Early application of the amendments is permitted for and varies based on the entity. The amendments should be applied retrospectively and at the beginning of the period that includes the adoption date. The Group is currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on its consolidated financial statements.
(af) Reclassification
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform with the current year presentation.
| F-21 |
| Table of Contents |
EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(CONT’D)
2 Summary of significant accounting policies (Cont’d)
(ag) Non-controlling interests
For entities that are consolidated, but not 100% owned, a portion of the income or loss and equity is allocated to owners other than the Group. The aggregate of the income or loss and corresponding equity that is not owned by the Group is included within non-controlling interests in the consolidated financial statements.
Non-controlling interests is presented as a separate component of equity in the consolidated balance sheets. Net income includes the net income attributable to the holders of non-controlling interests in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income / (loss). Profits and losses are allocated to non-controlling interests in proportion to their relative ownership interests regardless of their basis.
(ah) Impairment of long lived assets
Long-lived assets such as property, plant and equipment with finite lives are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be fully recoverable or that the useful life is shorter than the Group had originally estimated. When these events occur, the Group evaluates the impairment for the long-lived assets by comparing the carrying value of the assets to an estimate of future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected future undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying value of the assets, the Group recognizes an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying value of the assets over the fair value of the assets. There was no impairment of long lived assets during 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
3 Lease obligations
The Group has operating leases primarily for office space. The Group’s leases have remaining lease terms of several months to two years.
The components of lease expense are as follows:
|
| Years ended December 31, |
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| 2021 |
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| 2020 |
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| US$’000 |
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| US$’000 |
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Operating lease cost |
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Short-term lease cost |
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Total lease cost |
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| F-22 |
| Table of Contents |
EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(CONT’D)
3 Lease obligations (Cont’d)
Supplemental consolidated cash flow information related to leases is as follows:
|
| Years ended December 31, |
| |||||
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| 2021 |
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| 2020 |
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| US$’000 |
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| US$’000 |
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Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: |
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Operating cash flows from operating leases |
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Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations (noncash): |
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Operating leases |
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| - |
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| - |
|
Supplemental consolidated balance sheet information related to leases is as follows:
|
| December 31, |
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| 2021 |
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| 2020 |
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| US$’000 |
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| US$’000 |
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Operating leases |
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Operating lease right-of-use assets |
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Current portion of long-term operating lease obligations |
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Long-term operating lease obligations, net of current maturities |
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Total operating lease liabilities |
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Weighted average remaining lease term |
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Operating leases |
| 23 months |
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| 16 months |
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Weighted average discount rate |
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Operating leases |
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| % |
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Maturities of lease liabilities are as follows:
|
| Operating leases |
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| US$’000 |
| |
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Year ending December 31, |
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2022 |
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2023 |
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Total lease payments |
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Less: imputed interest |
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| ( | ) |
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Total |
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| F-23 |
| Table of Contents |
EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(CONT’D)
4 Accounts receivable, net
Accounts receivable, net consisted of the following at December 31:
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| 2021 |
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| 2020 |
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| US$’000 |
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| US$’000 |
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Contract receivables |
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Less: allowance for doubtful accounts |
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The roll-forward of activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts was as follows for the years ended December 31:
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| 2021 |
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| 2020 |
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| US$’000 |
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| US$’000 |
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Balance at beginning of period |
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Less : reversal in allowances |
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| - |
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Balance at end of period |
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The following is an aging analysis of accounts receivable, net at December 31:
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| 2021 |
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| 2020 |
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| US$’000 |
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| US$’000 |
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Current |
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Past due |
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1-30 days |
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31-60 days |
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61-90 days |
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Greater than or equal to 91 days |
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| F-24 |
| Table of Contents |
EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(CONT’D)
5 Prepayments and other current assets
Prepayment and other current assets mainly represent deposits paid for purchases and services, rental and utilities deposits, and prepaid expenses.
|
| December 31, |
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| 2021 |
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| 2020 |
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| US$’000 |
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| US$’000 |
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Deposits paid |
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Prepayments |
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Other receivables |
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Other tax recoverable |
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6 Contract assets and liabilities
Contracts with customers usually stipulate the timing of payment, which is defined by the terms found within the various contracts under which work was performed during the period. Therefore, contract assets and liabilities are created when the timing of costs incurred on work performed does not coincide with the billing terms.
The Group’s consolidated balance sheets present contract assets which contains earned unbilled revenue associated with contract work that has been completed but not paid by customers, that are generally due once the job is completed and approved.
Contract assets consisted of the following at December 31:
|
| 2021 |
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| 2020 |
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| US$’000 |
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| US$’000 |
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Unbilled revenue |
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The Group’s consolidated balance sheets present contract liabilities which contains deferred revenue (previously identified as billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts).
Contract liabilities consisted of the following at December 31:
|
| 2021 |
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| 2020 |
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| US$’000 |
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| US$’000 |
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Deferred revenue |
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| F-25 |
| Table of Contents |
EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(CONT’D)
6 Contract assets and liabilities (Cont’d)
The following table provides information about contract assets and contract liabilities from contracts with customers:
|
| December 31, |
| |||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
| ||
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Contract assets |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Contract liabilities |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net contract liabilities |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
The difference between the opening and closing balances of the Group’s contract assets and contract liabilities primarily results from the timing of the Group’s billings in relation to its performance of work. The amounts of revenue recognized in the period that were included in the opening contract liability balances were US$79,000 and US$1,214,000 for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The revenue consists primarily of work performed on previous billings to customers.
The net liabilities position for contracts in process consisted of the following at December 31:
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
| ||
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Costs incurred in contracts in process |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Estimated earnings |
|
| 59 |
|
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Less: billings to date |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
The net liabilities position for contracts in process is included within the contract asset and contract liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as follows at December 31:
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
| ||
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Unbilled revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Deferred revenue |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
| F-26 |
| Table of Contents |
EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(CONT’D)
6 Contract assets and liabilities (Cont’d)
Disaggregated revenue from contracts
|
| Year ended December 31, |
| |||||||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
|
| 2019 |
| |||
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
| |||
Revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Trading and manufacturing (revenue recognized at point in time) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Engineering (revenue recognized over time) |
|
|
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|
|
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
|
|
| |||
7 Inventories
|
| December 31, |
| |||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
| ||
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Raw materials |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Work in progress |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Finished goods |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Management continuously reviews obsolete and slow moving inventories and assesses the inventory valuation to determine if the write-down of inventories is deemed appropriate. For the years ended December 31, 2021, and 2020, write-down of inventories amounted to US$
| F-27 |
| Table of Contents |
EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(CONT’D)
8 Property, plant and equipment, net
|
| December 31, |
| |||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
| ||
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Office premises* |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Leasehold improvements |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Furniture, fixtures and office equipment |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Motor vehicles |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Testing equipment |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less: Accumulated depreciation |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
| Year ended December 31, |
| |||||||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
|
| 2019 |
| |||
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Depreciation charge |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
* Far East earns rental income from a property in Beijing, PRC for which it does not hold the title. Far East is investigating various ways in which to obtain the title but has not formulated a specific plan as of the date of issuance of these consolidated financial statements. The net book value of the property at December 31, 2021 is approximately US$
| F-28 |
| Table of Contents |
EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(CONT’D)
9 Investments in affiliates
Investments in affiliates are accounted for using the equity method of accounting.
|
| December 31, |
| |||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Zhejiang Tianlan Environmental Protection Technology Co. Ltd. |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Interest held |
|
| % |
|
| % | ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term investment, at cost, less impairment |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Share of undistributed profits |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Far East is holding
Blue Sky has listed its shares on the New Third Board in the PRC since November 17, 2015 and suspended trading from August 15, 2017 and resumed trading on February 2, 2018 and suspended trading from November 24, 2020 and resumed trading on January 6, 2021.
The Group’s interest in Blue Sky has been counted for as an affiliate using the equity method as the Group has representation on both the Board and Executive Committee of Blue Sky, and the ability to participate in the decision-making process and exercise significant influence.
| F-29 |
| Table of Contents |
EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(CONT’D)
9 Investments in affiliates(Cont’d)
A summary of the financial information of the affiliate, Blue Sky, is set forth below:
|
| December 31, |
| |||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
| ||
Balance Sheet: |
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Total assets |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Total shareholders’ equity |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
| Year ended December 31, |
| |||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
| ||
Operating results: |
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Net sales |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
10 Other payables and accrued expenses
Other payables and accrued expenses mainly represent deposits received from customers and accruals for operating expenses.
|
| December 31, |
| |||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
| ||
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Dividend payables |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Deposits received from customers |
|
|
|
|
| - |
| |
Rental deposit received |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Accruals for operating expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Other tax payables |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
| F-30 |
| Table of Contents |
EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(CONT’D)
11 Ordinary share
On October 8, 2019, the Company issued bonus shares at the rate of one ordinary share for every two ordinary shares held, creating
During the year ended December 31, 2020, there was no movement with the Company’s issued ordinary shares and outstanding shares.
On March 3, 2021, the Company issued bonus shares at the rate of two ordinary shares for every three ordinary shares held, creating
Number of outstanding shares at year end of:
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Shares issued |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Less: shares under treasury stock |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
12 Goodwill
Reporting units - The Group’s reporting units consist of its trading and manufacturing and engineering segments. Goodwill is not amortized, but instead is reviewed for impairment at least annually during the fourth quarter of each year at the reporting level, absent any interim indicators of impairment or other factors requiring an assessment.
Annual impairment assessment - For our 2021 and 2020 annual impairment test we performed a qualitative assessment, using information as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Under current guidance, we are permitted to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test. We determined there were no factors indicating the need to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test and concluded that it is more likely than not the fair value of our reporting units is greater than their carrying value and thus there was no impairment to goodwill. As of December 31, 2019, the Group completed the annual impairment test by comparing the carrying amount of the net assets, including goodwill, with the fair value of Yixing Pact Environmental Technology Co., Ltd and Pact Asia Pacific Limited as of December 31, 2019
In addition to our annual review, we assess the impairment of goodwill whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of a reporting unit may be greater than fair value. Factors that could trigger an interim impairment review include, but are not limited to, significant adverse changes in the business climate which may be indicated by a decline in our market capitalization or decline in operating results. No impairments were recorded to our goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019. No material events or changes occurred between the testing date and year end to trigger a subsequent impairment review.
At December 31, 2021 and 2020, we had goodwill for our engineering segment with a carrying amount of US$
| F-31 |
| Table of Contents |
EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(CONT’D)
13 PRC statutory reserves
Under the relevant PRC laws and regulations, the PRC subsidiaries are required to appropriate a certain percentage of their respective net income to two statutory funds i.e. the statutory reserve fund and the statutory staff welfare fund. The PRC subsidiaries can also appropriate certain amount of its net income to the enterprise expansion fund.
(i) Statutory reserve fund
Pursuant to applicable PRC laws and regulations, the PRC subsidiaries are required to allocate at least
Under the PRC laws and regulations, the PRC subsidiaries are restricted in their ability to transfer certain of its net assets in the form of dividend payments, loans or advances. The amounts restricted include paid-in capital and statutory reserves, as determined pursuant to PRC generally accepted accounting principles, totaling US$
(ii) Statutory staff welfare fund
Pursuant to applicable PRC laws and regulations, the PRC subsidiaries are required to allocate a certain amount of its net income to the statutory staff welfare fund determined by it. The statutory staff welfare fund can only be used to provide staff welfare facilities and other collective benefits to its employees. This fund is non-distributable other than upon liquidation of the PRC subsidiaries. The balances as at December 31, 2021 and 2020 include in statutory reserves were US$
(iii) Enterprise expansion fund
The enterprise expansion fund shall only be used to make up losses, expand the PRC subsidiaries’ production operations, or increase the capital of the subsidiaries. The enterprise expansion fund can be utilised upon approval by relevant authorities, to convert into registered capital and issue bonus capital to existing investors, provided that such fund be maintained at a minimum of
| F-32 |
| Table of Contents |
EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(CONT’D)
14 Other income, net
|
| Year ended December 31, |
| |||||||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
|
| 2019 |
| |||
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Exchange gain / (loss), Other income, netnet |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | ||
Rental income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Government subsidies – Employment Support Scheme * |
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
| - |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
* The amount represents salaries and wage subsidies granted under Anti-Epidemic Fund by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for the use of paying wages of employees from June to November 2020.
15 Income taxes
No income tax arose in the United States of America by the Group for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2021 and 2020.
The Company and Pact Asia Pacific Limited are exempt from taxation in the British Virgin Islands (“BVI”).
Far East and Euro Tech (China) Limited provided for Hong Kong profits tax at a rate of
Euro Tech Trading (Shanghai) Limited (“ETTS”), a subsidiary of Far East, provides for PRC Enterprise Income Tax (“EIT”) at a rate of
Shanghai Euro Tech Limited (“SET”), a subsidiary of Far East, provides for PRC Enterprise Income Tax at a rate of
| F-33 |
| Table of Contents |
EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(CONT’D)
15 Income taxes(Cont’d)
Shanghai Euro Tech Environmental Engineering Company Limited (“SETEE”), a subsidiary of Far East, provides for PRC Enterprise Income Tax at a rate of
Yixing Pact Environmental Technology Co. Ltd. (“Yixing”), a subsidiary of Far East, provides for PRC Enterprise Income Tax at a rate of
Under the New Enterprise Income Tax Law and the implementation rules, profits of the PRC subsidiaries earned on or after January 1, 2008 and distributed by the PRC subsidiaries to foreign holding company are subject to a withholding tax at a rate of
The Company and its subsidiaries are based in Hong Kong and PRC and file Hong Kong profits tax return and PRC EIT return, respectively. The components of the (provision) / credit for income taxes (expense) / credit were as follows:
|
| Year ended December 31, |
| |||||||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
|
| 2019 |
| |||
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
| |||
Current taxes (expense ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Hong Kong profits tax and the PRC EIT |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Income tax expense |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax credit / (expenses) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hong Kong and the PRC |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Total deferred tax credit / (expenses) |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total credit / (expense) |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) | |
| F-34 |
| Table of Contents |
EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT’D)
15 Income taxes (Cont’d)
The items comprising the difference between income taxes computed at the Hong Kong profits tax and PRC EIT statutory tax rates in effect for 2021, 2020 and 2019 and our effective tax rates were as follows:
|
| Year ended December 31, |
| |||||||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
|
| 2019 |
| |||
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Income / (loss) before income taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Computed tax using respective companies’ statutory tax rates |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Change in valuation allowances |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Under-provision for income taxes in prior years |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| - |
|
|
| ( | ) |
Non-deductible expenses |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Income taxes credit / (expense) at effective tax rate |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) | |
The components of deferred tax assets / (liabilities) are as follows:
|
| December 31, |
| |||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
| ||
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Tax losses |
|
|
|
| ||||
Temporary differences |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
Less: Valuation allowances |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Net deferred tax assets / (liabilities) |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | |
Uncertain tax positions
As a result of the Group’s analysis, management has determined that the Group does not have any material uncertain tax positions.
16 Net income per ordinary share
The calculation of the basic and diluted net income per ordinary share is based on the following data:
|
| December 31, |
| |||||||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
|
| 2019 |
| |||
|
| Number of shares |
| |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purposes of basic and diluted net income per share |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
| F-35 |
| Table of Contents |
EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(CONT’D)
17 Stock options
2019 Stock Option and Incentive Plan
In April 2019, the Board of Directors approved the adoption of the 2019 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). The Plan was also subsequently approved under a resolution of the Company's shareholders. The Plan provides for the granting of up to
The Board of Directors or a committee (the “Committee”) appointed by the Board of Directors administers the Plan.
Appropriate adjustment in the maximum number of Ordinary Shares issuable pursuant to this Plan, the maximum number of Ordinary Shares with respect to which options may be granted within any 12-month period to any participant during the duration of this Plan, the number of shares subject to options granted under this Plan, and the exercise price with respect to options, shall be made to give effect to any increase or decrease in the number of issued Ordinary Shares resulting from a subdivision or consolidation of shares whether through reorganization, recapitalization, division of shares, reverse share split, spin-off, split-off, spin-out, or other distribution of assets to shareholders, issue of bonus shares or combination of shares, assumption and conversion of outstanding options due to an acquisition by the Company of the shares, stock or assets of any other company or corporation, other increase or decrease in the number of such shares outstanding effected, without receipt of consideration by the Company, or any other occurrence for which the Committee determines an adjustment is appropriate.
The purchase price per share of the Ordinary Shares to be paid upon the exercise of the option must be at least
| F-36 |
| Table of Contents |
EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT’D)
17 Stock options (Cont’d)
2019 Stock option and incentive plan (Cont’d)
The Board of Directors or the Committee, as the case may be, determines, at the time of grant, when each option granted under the Plan will become exercisable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all options held by a key employee of the Company or its subsidiaries become immediately exercisable, whether or not exercisable at the time, upon the death or disability, and shall be exercisable within twelve (12) months after the date of death or disability, but in no event later than the expiration date of such Options.
No option is to be exercisable more than ten years from the date the option is granted.
Payment of Exercise Price for Options. Under the Plans, payment for shares purchased upon exercise of an option may be made by any of the following methods, subject to certain requirements: (i) in cash, (ii) in Ordinary Shares which have been held by the participant for not less than six months prior to the exercise of the option, valued at its Fair Market Value (as defined) on the date of exercise, (iii) in cash by a broker-dealer to whom the holder of the option has submitted an exercise notice consisting of a fully endorsed option, or (iv) by such other medium of payment as the Board or the Committee, as applicable, in its sole discretion, shall authorize, or by any combination of (i), (ii), or (iii), at the sole discretion of the Board or the Committee, as applicable, or in any manner provided in the option agreement, except by directing the Company to withhold Ordinary Shares otherwise issuable upon the exercise of the Option in payment of the exercise price.
Transfer of Options. Under the Plans, an option may not be sold, assigned or otherwise transferred except to:
| · | the spouse or lineal descendant of a plan participant; |
|
|
|
| · | the trustee of a trust for the primary benefit of a plan participant’s spouse or lineal descendant; |
|
|
|
| · | a partnership of which a plan participant and lineal descendants are the only partners; or |
|
|
|
| · | a tax exempt organization. |
These assignments are only permitted if the assigning option holder does not receive any compensation in connection with the assignment and the assignment is expressly approved by the Board or Committee, as the case may be.
| F-37 |
| Table of Contents |
EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(CONT’D)
17 Stock options (Cont’d)
2019 Stock option and incentive plan (Cont’d)
The Company indemnifies the members of any Committee and its delegates and the Chief Executive Officer against (a) the reasonable expenses (as such expenses are incurred), including attorneys’ fees actually and necessarily incurred in connection with the defense of any action, suit or proceeding (or in connection with any appeal therein), to which they or any of them may be a party by reason of any action taken or failure to act under or in connection with the Plan, or any option granted under the Plan; and (b) all amounts paid by them in settlement thereof (provided such settlement is approved by independent legal counsel selected by the Company) or paid by them in satisfaction of a judgment in any such action, suit or proceeding, except in relation to matters as to which it shall be adjudged in such action, suit or proceeding that such Committee member or delegatee, as applicable, is liable for gross negligence or gross misconduct in the performance of his or her duties; provided that within 60 days after institution of any such action, suit or proceeding a Committee member or delegatee shall in writing offer the Company the opportunity, at its own expense, to handle and defend the same.
The Board may terminate, suspend, or amend the Plan at any time without the authorization of shareholders to the extent allowed by law or the rules of any market on which the Company’s shares are then listed or quoted.
During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company granted such options to its officers, directors and employees, which allow them to purchase up to
The Company estimate the fair value of the options granted under the Binomial pricing model at US$
Changes in outstanding options under various plans mentioned above were as follows:
|
| Year ended December 31, |
| |||||||||||||||||||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
|
| 2019 |
| |||||||||||||||
|
| Number of options |
|
| Weighted average exercise price |
|
| Number of options |
|
| Weighted average exercise price |
|
| Number of options |
|
| Weighted average exercise price |
| ||||||
|
|
|
|
| US$ |
|
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|
|
| US$ |
|
|
|
|
| US$ |
| ||||||
|
|
|
|
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|
|
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|
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|
| ||||||
Outstanding, beginning of year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
| ||||
Granted |
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Bonus shares adjustment |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
Outstanding, end of year |
|
|
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| ||||||
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercisable, end of year |
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
| F-38 |
| Table of Contents |
EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT’D)
17 Stock options(Cont’d)
As of December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, there was no unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested stock options. The compensation expense for the year is approximately US$
The Group applies the provisions of ASC No. 718-10, which requires to recognise expense related to the fair value of stock-based compensation awards, including employee stock options.
The Binomial option-pricing model is used to estimate the fair value of the options granted. This requires the input of subjective assumptions, including the expected volatility of stock price, expected option term, expected risk-free rate over the expected option term and expected dividend yield rate over the expected option term. Because changes in subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in directors’ opinion, the existing model may not necessarily provide a realisable measure of the fair value of the stock options. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility in the 180 days prior to the issue of the options. Expected option term and dividend yield rate are based on historical trends. Expected risk-free rate is based on US Treasury securities with similar maturities as the expected terms of the options at the date of grant.
18 Pension plan
Prior to December 1, 2000, Far East had only one defined contribution pension plan for all its Hong Kong employees. Under this plan, all employees were entitled to pension benefits equal to their own contributions plus 50% to 100% of individual fund account balances contributed by Far East, depending on their years of service with Far East. Far East was required to make specific contributions at approximately 10% of the basic salaries of the employees to an independent fund management company.
With the introduction of the Mandatory Provident Fund Scheme (“MPF scheme”), a defined contribution scheme managed by an independent trustee on December 1, 2000, Far East and its employees who joined Far East subsequently make monthly contributions to the scheme at 5% of the employee’s cash income as defined under the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Ordinance. Under the MPF scheme, the employer and its employees are each required to make contributions to the plan at 5% of the employees' relevant income, subject to a cap of monthly relevant income of HK$30,000. Contributions to the plan vest immediately.
During the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, the aggregate contributions of the Group to the aforementioned pension plans and retirement benefit schemes were approximately US$
As stipulated by the rules and regulations in the PRC, the PRC’s subsidiaries contributes to state-sponsored retirement plans for its employees in Mainland China. PRC’s subsidiaries’ contribution approximately 16% of the basic salaries of its employees, and have no further obligations for the actual payment of pension or post-retirement benefits beyond the annual contributions. The state-sponsored retirement plans are responsible for the entire pension obligations payable to retired employees.
| F-39 |
| Table of Contents |
EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(CONT’D)
19 Risk factors
Financial risk factors
The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: credit risk and foreign exchange rate risk.
(i) Credit risk
The Group has no significant concentration of credit risk, cash in banks in Hong Kong and PRC is insured with limit of approximately US$
(ii) Foreign exchange rate risk
The Group operates in Hong Kong, the PRC and trades with both local and overseas customers and suppliers, and is exposed to foreign exchange rate risk arising from various currency exposures, primarily with respect to purchases in Hong Kong dollars, Renminbi and Euros. Foreign exchange risk arises from committed and unmatched future commercial transactions, such as confirmed import purchase orders and sales orders, recognized assets and liabilities, and net investment in the PRC operations.
20 Risk and uncertainty
The outbreak of COVID-19 worldwide and the various public health measures put in place in many countries to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have disrupted the overall business of the Group at different levels of time and regions in 2020. After the Chinese new year in February 2020, the Group’s domestic businesses were affected by the lock-down of various cities implemented in PRC, resulting in the forced suspension of some local operations until the gradual resumption of work beginning from late March to early April 2020. Management continues to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and has concluded that while it is reasonably possible that the virus could have a negative effect on the Group’s consolidated financial position, results of its operations, the specific impact is not readily determinable as of the date of these consolidated financial statements. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
21 Related party transactions
Other than compensation to directors and stock options available to the directors and disposal of long-term investment to associate Blue Sky for a total consideration of approximately US$
| F-40 |
| Table of Contents |
EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(CONT’D)
22 Commitments and contingencies
(i) Banking facilities
As at December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Group had various banking facilities available for overdraft and import and export credits from which the Group can draw up to approximately US$
(ii) Non-controlling interest put option
The Group granted the non-controlling interest of Yixing Pact Environmental Technology Co., Ltd. and Pact Asia Pacific Limited a put option, which is effective from 2009, requiring the Group to acquire part or all remaining shares of these two companies at a purchase price per share calculated by 5.2 times of their average net income for the three prior fiscal years divided by total number of shares outstanding at the time of exercise of such option. Such put option did not have an expiry date.
(iii) Insurance
The Group carries insurance policies to cover various risks, primarily general liability, automobile liability, workers’ compensation and employee medical expenses under which we are liable to reimburse the insurance company for a portion of each claim paid.
(iv) Purchase commitments
To manage the risk of changes in material prices and subcontracting costs used in tendering bids for engineering contracts, most of the time, the Group obtains firm quotations from suppliers and subcontractors before submitting a bid. These quotations do not include any quantity guarantees. As soon as the Group is advised that its bid is successful, the Group enters into firm contracts with most of its materials suppliers and sub-contractors, thereby mitigating the risk of future price variations affecting the contract costs.
(v) Litigations
The Group is now and may in the future be involved as a party to various legal proceedings that are incidental to the ordinary course of business. Management, after consultation with legal counsel, does not believe that the outcome of these actions will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Group. There are no significant unresolved legal issues as of December 31, 2021 and 2020.
| F-41 |
| Table of Contents |
EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(CONT’D)
22 Commitments and contingencies (Cont’d)
(vi) Contingencies
The Group accounts for loss contingencies in accordance with ASC Topic 450 and other related guidelines. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Group’s management is of the opinion that there are no commitments and contingencies to account for.
23 Segment information
(i) The Group reports under two segments: Trading and manufacturing, and Engineering.
Operating income represents total revenues less operating expenses, excluding other expense, interest and income taxes. The identifiable assets by segment are those used in each segment’s operations. Intersegment transactions are not significant and have been eliminated to arrive at consolidated totals.
|
| Year ended December 31, |
| |||||||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
|
| 2019 |
| |||
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
| |||
Revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Trading and manufacturing |
|
|
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|
|
| ||||||
Engineering |
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| |||
|
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| |||
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| |||
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income / (loss) |
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trading and manufacturing |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) | |
Engineering |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) | |
Unallocated corporate expenses |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) | |
|
| Year ended December 31, |
| |||||||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
|
| 2019 |
| |||
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
| |||
Depreciation: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Trading and manufacturing |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
Engineering |
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Capital expenditures, gross |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trading and manufacturing |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Engineering |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
| F-42 |
| Table of Contents |
EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(CONT’D)
23 Segment information (Cont’d)
(i) The Group reports under two segments: Trading and manufacturing, and Engineering. (Cont’d)
|
| December 31, |
| |||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
| ||
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
| ||
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Trading and manufacturing |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Engineering |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trading and manufacturing |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Engineering |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
(ii) Geographical analysis of revenue by customer location is as follows:
|
| Year ended December 31, |
| |||||||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
|
| 2019 |
| |||
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
| |||
Revenue - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
The PRC |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Hong Kong |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Others |
|
|
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|
|
|
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|
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
(iii) Long-lived assets (1)
Geographical analysis of long-lived assets is as follows:
|
| December 31, |
| |||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
| ||
|
| US$’000 |
|
| US$’000 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Hong Kong |
|
|
|
| ||||
The PRC |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
(1) Long-lived assets represent property, plant and equipment, net.
| F-43 |
| Table of Contents |
EURO TECH HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(CONT’D)
23 Segment information(Cont’d)
(iv) Major suppliers
Details of individual suppliers accounting for more than 5% of the Group’s purchases are as follows:
|
| Year ended December 31, |
| |||||||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
|
| 2019 |
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Supplier A |
|
| % |
|
| % |
|
| % | |||
Supplier B |
|
| % |
|
| % |
|
| % | |||
Supplier C |
|
| % |
|
| % |
|
| % | |||
Supplier D |
|
| % |
|
| % |
|
| % | |||
Supplier E |
|
| % |
|
| % |
|
|
| |||
Supplier F |
|
|
|
|
| % |
|
|
| |||
(v) Major customers
Details of individual customers accounting for more than 5% of the Group’s revenue are as follows:
|
| Year ended December 31, |
| |||||||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
|
| 2019 |
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Customer A |
|
| % |
|
| % |
|
| % | |||
Customer B |
|
|
|
|
| % |
|
|
| |||
Customer C |
|
|
|
|
| % |
|
| % | |||
Customer D |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| % | |||
24 Subsequent event
On December 16, 2021, the Company announced that the Company’s board of directors authorized the issuance of bonus shares (the “Bonus Shares”), which are issuable on January 21, 2022 to shareholders of record as of January 7, 2022 (the “Record Date”). Shareholders of record on the Record Date will receive one (1) ordinary share for every two (2) ordinary shares held. All issuances resulting in a fractional share will be rounded down to the next whole share.
| F-44 |
| Table of Contents |
ZHEJIANG TIANLAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LIMITED
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
| F-45 |
| Table of Contents |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Zhejiang Tianlan Environmental Protection Technology Company Limited
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Zhejiang Tianlan Environmental Protection Technology Company Limited (the “Company”) and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the “Group”) as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2021, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Group as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its consolidated operations and its consolidated cash flows for each of the three years ended December 31, 2021, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Group’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Group’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Group in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Group is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Group’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the management and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
| F-46 |
| Table of Contents |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Cont’d)
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Zhejiang Tianlan Environmental Protection Technology Company Limited
Critical Audit Matter (Cont’d)
Revenue Recognition
As described further in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, revenues derived from long-term contracts are recognized as the performance obligations are satisfied over time. The Group uses a ratio of project costs incurred to estimated total costs for each contract to recognize revenue. Under the cost-to-cost approach, the determination of the progress towards completion requires management to prepare estimates of the costs to complete. In addition, the Group’s contracts may include variable consideration related to contract modifications through change orders or claims, and management must also estimate the variable consideration the Group expects to receive in order to estimate the total contract revenue. We identified revenue recognized over time to be a critical audit matter.
The principal considerations for our determination that revenue recognized over time is a critical audit matter is that auditing management’s estimate of the progress toward completion of its projects was complex and subjective. This is due to the considerable judgement required to evaluate management’s determination of the forecasted costs to complete its long-term contracts as future results may vary significantly from past estimates due to changes in facts and circumstances. In addition, auditing the Group’s measurement of variable consideration is also complex and highly judgmental and can have a material effect on the amount of revenue recognized.
Our audit procedures related to revenue recognized over time included the following, among others.
· | We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design of the operating effectiveness of the Group’s processes and controls related to contract revenue recognition; |
· | We tested the Group’s cost-to-cost estimates by evaluating the appropriate application of the cost-to-cost method, testing the significant assumptions used to develop the estimated cost to complete and testing the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data; |
· | We tested the estimated variable consideration by evaluating the appropriate application of the most likely amount method, and tracing amounts to supporting documentation; |
· | We evaluating management’s ability to reasonably estimate costs by performing a comparison of the actual costs to prior period estimates, including evaluating the timely identification of circumstances that may warrant a modification to the estimated costs; |
· | We evaluate management’s methodologies and the consistency of management’s methodologies over the life of the contracts; |
· | We tested the original estimated costs and profit margins on projects that were commenced and completed during the year ended December 31, 2021, by obtaining the original estimates, compare to the actual costs and profit margin for the completed contracts and investigate significant changes; and |
· | We tested the estimated costs to complete projects that were not completed during the year ended December 31, 2021 by comparing the estimated cost to complete at December 31, 2021 to actual cost incurred subsequent to December 31, 2021 |
s/ Union Power HK CPA Limited
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2018.
Hong Kong, the People’s Republic of China
May 13, 2022
| F-47 |
| Table of Contents |
ZHEJIANG TIANLAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
|
| December 31, |
| |||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
| ||
|
| RMB’000 |
|
| RMB’000 |
| ||
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Current assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Cash |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Accounts receivable, net |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Prepayments and other current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Contract assets, net |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Inventories |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and equipment, net |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Intangible assets, net |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Land use right, net |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Deferred tax assets |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Long-term investments |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total non-current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bank borrowings |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Accounts payable |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Other payables and accrued expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Contract liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Other taxes payable |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred government grant |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total non-current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments and contingencies (Note 21) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders’ equity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share capital |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Capital reserve |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
PRC statutory reserve |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Retained earnings |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to Zhejiang Tianlan Environmental Protection Technology Company Limited |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Non-controlling interests |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total shareholders’ equity |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
| F-48 |
| Table of Contents |
ZHEJIANG TIANLAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
|
| Year ended December 31, |
| |||||||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
|
| 2019 |
| |||
|
| RMB’000 |
|
| RMB’000 |
|
| RMB’000 |
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of revenues |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
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Selling and administrative expenses |
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| ( | ) |
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| ( | ) |
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| ( | ) |
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Operating income / (loss) |
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Interest income |
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Interest expense |
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| ( | ) |
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| ( | ) |
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| ( | ) |
Other income |
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Other losses |
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| ( | ) |
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Net income before income tax |
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Income tax credit / (expense) |
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| ( | ) |
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| ( | ) | |
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Net income |
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Net (income) / loss attributable to non-controlling interests |
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Net income attributable to Zhejiang Tianlan Environmental Protection Technology Company Limited’s shareholders |
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Net income per ordinary share attributable to Zhejiang Tianlan Environmental Protection Technology Company Limited’s shareholders |
| RMB |
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| RMB |
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| RMB |
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Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding |
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The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
| F-49 |
| Table of Contents |
ZHEJIANG TIANLAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
|
| Year ended December 31, |
| |||||||||
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| 2021 |
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| 2020 |
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| 2019 |
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| RMB’000 |
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| RMB’000 |
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| RMB’000 |
| |||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
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| |||
Net income |
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Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: |
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Amortization of intangible assets |
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Amortization of land use right |
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Bad debts written off |
|
| - |
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| - |
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| |
Depreciation |
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| |||
Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| - |
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| ( | ) |
Impairment loss on contract assets |
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Impairment loss on long-term investments |
|
| - |
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Impairment loss on property, plant and equipment |
|
| - |
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Increase in allowance for doubtful accounts |
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
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| |
Investment loss |
|
| - |
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| - |
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| |
Proceeds from deferred government grant |
|
| - |
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| - |
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| |
Property, plant and equipment written off |
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
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| |
Reversal of allowance for doubtful accounts |
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| ( | ) |
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| ( | ) |
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Change in non-current assets and liabilities: |
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Deferred government grant |
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| ( | ) |
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Deferred tax (liabilities) / assets |
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| ( | ) |
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Decrease / (increase) in current assets: |
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Accounts receivable, net |
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Prepayments and other current assets |
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| ( | ) |
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| ( | ) | |
Contract assets, net |
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| ( | ) |
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Inventories |
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| ( | ) |
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Short-term investments |
|
| - |
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Increase/(decrease) in current liabilities: |
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Accounts payable |
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| ( | ) |
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| ( | ) | |
Other payables and accrued expenses |
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| ( | ) | ||
Contract liabilities |
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| ( | ) |
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| ( | ) |
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| |
Other taxes payable |
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| ( | ) |
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| ( | ) | |
Current portion of long-term finance lease obligations |
|
| - |
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| ( | ) |
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| |
Tax refund / (paid) |
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| ( | ) |
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| ( | ) | |
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Net cash provided by operating activities |
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Cash flows from investing activities: |
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Proceeds from investment |
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| - |
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Proceeds from sale of long-term investments |
|
| - |
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| - |
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Proceeds from sale of partial shareholding in a subsidiary |
|
| - |
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Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment |
|
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| - |
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Proceeds from sale of subsidiaries |
|
| - |
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| - |
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| |
Purchase of intangible assets |
|
| - |
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| ( | ) |
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| |
Purchase of long-term investments |
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| ( | ) |
|
| - |
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| |
Purchase of property, plant and equipment |
|
| ( | ) |
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| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
Purchase of short-term investments |
|
| - |
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| - |
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| ( | ) |
Purchase of subsidiary |
|
| - |
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| ( | ) |
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| |
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Net cash used in investing activities |
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| ( | ) |
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| ( | ) |
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| ( | ) |
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Cash flows from financing activities: |
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Repayments of bank borrowings |
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| ( | ) |
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| ( | ) |
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| ( | ) |
Payment of principal obligations under long-term finance lease |
|
| - |
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| - |
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| ( | ) |
Proceeds from bank borrowings |
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Dividend paid to shareholders and interest paid |
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| ( | ) |
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| ( | ) |
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| |
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Net cash used in financing activities |
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| ( | ) |
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| ( | ) |
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| ( | ) |
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Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
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| ( | ) | ||
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Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
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Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
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| RMB’000 |
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| RMB’000 |
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| RMB’000 |
| |||
Supplemental disclosure of consolidated cash flow information: |
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Cash paid during the period for income tax |
|
| - |
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| - |
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Cash paid during the period for interest |
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The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
| F-50 |
| Table of Contents |
ZHEJIANG TIANLAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
|
| ZHEJIANG TIANLAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LIMITED’S SHAREHOLDERS |
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| |||||||||||||||||
|
| Share capital |
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| Capital reserve |
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| PRC statutory reserve |
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| Retained earnings |
|
| Non-controlling interests |
|
| Total |
| ||||||
|
| RMB’000 |
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| RMB’000 |
|
| RMB’000 |
|
| RMB’000 |
|
| RMB’000 |
|
| RMB’000 |
| ||||||
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| ||||||
Balance at December 31, 2018 |
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| ||||||
Net income / (loss) |
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| ( | ) |
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| |||||
Appropriation of reserves |
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| ( | ) |
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| |||||
Others |
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| ( | ) |
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| |||||
Balance at December 31, 2019 |
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| ||||||
Net income / (loss) |
|
|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
| |||||
Dividend paid |
|
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| ( | ) |
|
|
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|
| ( | ) | ||||
Others |
|
|
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|
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) | ||
Appropriation of reserves |
|
|
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| ( | ) |
|
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| |||||
Consolidation of companies under common control |
|
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| ||||||
Ordinary shares injected by shareholders |
|
|
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|
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| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) | ||||
Utilization of reserve |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
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|
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| ( | ) | ||||
Balance at December 31, 2020 |
|
|
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|
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|
|
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|
| ||||||
Net income |
|
|
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|
|
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|
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| ||||||
Dividend paid |
|
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|
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| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | ||||
Appropriation of reserves |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
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| |||||
Balance at December 31, 2021 |
|
|
|
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|
|
|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
| F-51 |
| Table of Contents |
ZHEJIANG TIANLAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1 Organization and business
Zhejiang Tianlan Environmental Protection Technology Company Limited (the “Company”) was incorporated in Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, the People's Republic of China (“PRC”) on May 18, 2000. The Company is a limited liability company limited by shares with an operating period up to long term.
The Company provides a comprehensive service for design, general contract, equipment manufacturing, installation, testing and operation management of the treatment of waste gases emitted from various boilers and industrial furnaces of power plants, steel works and chemical plants since 2000.
The Company has listed its shares on the New Third Board in the PRC since November 17, 2015 and suspended trading from August 15, 2017 and resumed trading on February 2, 2018 and suspended trading from November 24, 2020 and resumed trading on January 6, 2021.
The Group’s principal subsidiaries at December 31, 2021 and 2020 are set out below.
Name of entity |
| Ownership interest held by the Group |
|
| Place of incorporation and principal place of operation |
| Principal activities | ||||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
|
|
| |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Zhejiang Tianlan Environmental Protection Engineering Company Limited |
|
| %* |
|
| %* |
|
| |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Hangzhou Tianlan Environmental Protection Equipment Company Limited |
|
| % |
|
| % |
|
| |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hangzhou Tianlan Pure Environmental Protection Technology Company Limited |
|
| % |
|
| % |
|
| |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hangzhou Tiancan Environmental Technology Company Limited |
|
| % |
|
| % |
|
| |||||
* This company was acquired in August 2020.
| F-52 |
| Table of Contents |
ZHEJIANG TIANLAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT’D)
1 Organization and business (Cont’d)
The outbreak of COVID-19 worldwide and the various public health measures put in place in many countries to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have disrupted the overall business of the Group at different levels of time and regions in 2020. After the Chinese new year in February 2020, the Group’s domestic businesses were affected by the lock-down of various cities implemented in PRC, resulting in the forced suspension of some local operations until the gradual resumption of work beginning from late March to early April 2020. Management continues to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and has concluded that while it is reasonably possible that the virus could have a negative effect on the Group’s consolidated financial position, results of its operations, the specific impact is not readily determinable as of the date of these consolidated financial statements. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
2 Summary of significant accounting policies
(a) Basis of presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).
(b) Basis of consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries. Significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
(c) Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are all entities over which the Group has control; has the power to appoint or remove the majority of the members of the board of directors; has the right to cast a majority of votes at the meeting of the board of directors or to govern the financial and operating policies of the investee under a statute or agreement among the shareholders or equity holders.
(d) Revenue recognition
Our revenue is derived from long-term contracts for customers, as well as short-term contracts for customers. Accounting treatment for these contracts in accordance with Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09 (Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers), is as follows:
| F-53 |
| Table of Contents |
ZHEJIANG TIANLAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT’D)
2 Summary of significant accounting policies (Cont’d)
(d) Revenue recognition (Cont’d)
Performance obligations satisfied over time (Design, installation and operation management services)
Recognition of performance obligations
A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer, and is the unit of account in the new revenue standard. The contract transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. Engineering projects typically span between 12 to 36 months. The majority of our contracts have a single performance obligation as the promise to transfer the individual goods or services is not separately identifiable from other promises in the contracts and, therefore, not distinct. Some contracts have multiple performance obligations, most commonly due to the contract covering multiple phases of the project life cycle (design, installation and operation management services).
Revenues are recognized as our obligations are satisfied over time, using the ratio of project costs incurred to estimated total costs for each contract because of the continuous transfer of control to the customer as all of the work is performed at the customer’s site and, therefore, the customer controls the asset as it is being installed. This continuous transfer of control to the customer is further supported by clauses in the contract that allow the customer to unilaterally terminate the contract for convenience, pay the Group for costs incurred plus a reasonable profit and take control of any work in process. This cost-to-cost measure is used because management considers it to be the best available measure of progress on these contracts. Contract costs include all direct material, labor, subcontract and other costs.
Items excluded from cost-to-cost
Pre-contract costs are generally not material and are charged to expense as incurred, but in certain cases pre-contract recognition may be deferred if specific probability criteria are met.
Variable consideration
Contract modifications through change orders, claims and incentives are routine in the performance of the Group’s contracts to account for changes in the contract specifications or requirements. In most instances, contract modifications are not distinct from the existing contract due to the significant integration of services provided in the contract and are accounted for as a modification of the existing contract and performance obligation. Either the Group or its customers may initiate change orders, which may include changes in specifications or designs, manner of performance, facilities, equipment, materials, sites and period of completion of the work. Change orders that are unapproved as to both price and scope are evaluated as claims. The Group considers claims to be amounts in excess of approved contract prices that the Group seeks to collect from its customers or others for customer-caused delays, errors in specifications and designs, contract terminations, change orders that are either in dispute or are unapproved as to both scope and price, or other causes of unanticipated additional contract costs.
| F-54 |
| Table of Contents |
ZHEJIANG TIANLAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT’D)
2 Summary of significant accounting policies (Cont’d)
(d) Revenue recognition (Cont’d)
The Group estimates variable consideration for a performance obligation at the most likely amount to which the Group expects to be entitled (or the most likely amount the Group expects to incur in the case of liquidated damages), utilizing estimation methods that best predict the amount of consideration to which the Group will be entitled (or will incur in the case of liquidated damages). The Group includes variable consideration in the estimated transaction price to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur or when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved. The Group’s estimates of variable consideration and determination of whether to include estimated amounts in transaction price are based largely on an assessment of its anticipated performance and all information (historical, current and forecasted) that is reasonably available to the Group.
The effect of variable consideration on the transaction price of a performance obligation is recognized as an adjustment to revenue on a cumulative catch-up basis. To the extent unapproved change orders and claims reflected in transaction price (or excluded from transaction price in the case of liquidated damages) are not resolved in the Group’s favor, or to the extent incentives reflected in transaction price are not earned, there could be reductions in, or reversals of, previously recognized revenue.
Performance obligations satisfied at a point-in-time (Sales of equipment)
Revenue for our sales contracts is recognized at a point in time. Sales are recognized when control of the products has transferred, being when the products are delivered to the customer. Delivery occurs when the products have been delivered to the point of receipt by customer.
(e) Research and development costs
Research and development costs (“R&D” costs) are expensed as incurred. The R&D costs amounted to approximately
(f) Income tax
The Group follows the liability method of accounting for income tax. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the underlying assets or liabilities are recovered or settled. The Group also evaluates whether the recorded deferred tax assets and valuation allowances can be realized and, when necessary, reduces the amounts to what is expected to be realized.
The accounting guidance on accounting for uncertainty in income taxes also addresses derecognition, classification, interest and penalties on income taxes, and accounting in interim periods. The Group does not believe it has any uncertain tax positions through the periods ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 respectively which would have a material impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements.
The Group files tax returns in the PRC. The tax returns for 2021, 2020 and 2019 are subject to examination by the PRC taxing authorities, commencing with the first year filed.
| F-55 |
| Table of Contents |
ZHEJIANG TIANLAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT’D)
2 Summary of significant accounting policies (Cont’d)
(g) Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of bank deposits with original maturities of three months or less, all of which are unrestricted as to withdrawal and uninsured. There were no cash equivalents as of December 31, 2021 and 2020.
(h) Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts
The Group does not charge interest to its customers and carries its customer receivables at their face amounts, less an allowance for doubtful accounts. As is common practice in the industry, the Group classifies all accounts receivable as current assets.
The Group grants trade credit, on a non-collateralized basis, to its customers and is subject to potential credit risk related to changes in business and overall economic activity. The Group analyzes specific accounts receivable balances, historical bad debts, customer credit-worthiness, current economic trends and changes in customer payment terms when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. In the event that a customer balance is deemed to be uncollectible, the account balance is written-off against the allowance for doubtful accounts.
(i) Classification of contract assets, net and liabilities
For revenue recognized associated with its contracts with customers over time, for which the Group has an enforceable right to receive compensation. Many of our contracts contain specific provisions that determine when the Group can bill for its work performed under these contracts.
Any revenue earned on a contract that has not yet been billed to the customer is recorded as a contract asset on the Group’s consolidated balance sheets.
The Group’s consolidated balance sheets present contract liabilities that contain deferred revenue that represent any costs incurred on contracts in process for which revenue has not yet been recognized.
(j) Inventories
Inventories are measured using the weighted average method and are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost of finished goods comprise direct material, direct production costs and an allocated portion of production overhead costs based on normal operating capacity.
(k) Property, plant and equipment and land use right, net
Property, plant and equipment is carried at cost. Major modifications or refurbishments which extend the useful life of the assets are capitalized and depreciated over the adjusted remaining useful life of the assets. Upon retirement or disposition of property, plant and equipment, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed and any resulting gain or loss is recognized in consolidated income from operations. The cost of maintenance and repairs is charged to expense as incurred. Property, plant and equipment is reviewed for impairment and tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the carrying value of property, plant and equipment exceeds its fair value, an impairment charge would be recorded in the consolidated statement of operations.
| F-56 |
| Table of Contents |
ZHEJIANG TIANLAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT’D)
2 Summary of significant accounting policies (Cont’d)
(k) Property, plant and equipment and land use right, net (Cont’d)
Land in the PRC is owned by the PRC government. The government in the PRC, according to PRC Law, may sell the right to use the land for a specific period of time. Thus, all of the Group’s land purchases in the PRC are considered to be leasehold land and are classified as land use right.
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment and amortization of land use right are computed using the straight-line method over the assets’ estimated useful lives as follows:
Land use right | |
Buildings and leasehold improvements | |
Furniture, fixtures and office equipment | |
Motor vehicles | |
Plant and machineries |
(l) Intangible assets, net
The Group is currently amortizing its acquired intangible assets, consisted of patents and others, with finite-lived over periods generally ranging between three to twenty years.
(m) Impairment of long lived assets
Long-lived assets such as property, plant and equipment and intangible assets with finite lives are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be fully recoverable or that the useful life is shorter than the Group had originally estimated. When these events occur, the Group evaluates the impairment for the long-lived assets by comparing the carrying value of the assets to an estimate of future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected future undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying value of the assets, the Group recognizes an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying value of the assets over the fair value of the assets. The impairment of long-lived assets amounted to approximately RMB
(n) Government grant income
Government grant income consists of receipt of funds to subsidize the investment cost of technical development in China. No present or future obligation arises from the receipt of such amount.
Government grants are recognized in the consolidated balance sheet initially when there is reasonable assurance that they will be received and that the Group will comply with the conditions attaching to them. Grants that compensate the Group for expenses incurred are recognized as income in the consolidated statement of operations on a systematic basis in the same periods in which the expenses are incurred. Grants that compensate the Group for the cost of an asset are deducted from the carrying amount of the asset and consequently are effectively recognized in the consolidated statements of operations over the useful life of the asset by way of reduced depreciation expenses.
| F-57 |
| Table of Contents |
ZHEJIANG TIANLAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT’D)
2 Summary of significant accounting policies (Cont’d)
(o) Leases arrangements
The Group adopted ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The Group leases certain equipment under finance leases. The economic substance of the leases is a financing transaction for acquisition of the equipment. Accordingly, the right-of-use assets for these leases are included on the Group’s consolidated balance sheets in property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, amortization and impairment losses, with a corresponding amount recorded in current portion of long-term finance lease obligations. The finance lease assets are amortized over the life of the lease or, if shorter, the life of the leased asset, on a straight-line basis and included in depreciation expense. The financing component associated with finance lease obligations is included in interest expense. Generally, for the Group’s finance leases an implicit rate to calculate present value is provided in the lease agreement, however if a rate in not provided the Group determines this rate by estimating the Group’s incremental borrowing rate, utilizing the borrowing rates associated with the Group’s various debt instruments.
The Group determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Lease liabilities are the Group’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease and are measured on a discounted basis.
(p) Share capital
Paid in capital refers to the registered capital paid up by the shareholders of the Company.
At December 31, 2021, there were
(q) Use of estimates
The preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Certain accounting estimates of the Group require a higher degree of judgment than others in their application. These include the recognition of revenue and earnings from contracts over time, contract assets, net and contract liabilities. Management continually evaluates all of its estimates and judgments based on available information and experience; however, actual results could differ from these estimates.
(r) Related parties
Entities are considered to be related to the Group if the parties, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, control, are controlled by, or are under common control with the Group. Related parties also include principal owners of the Group, its management, members of the immediate families of principal owners of the Group and its management and other parties with which the Group may deal if one party controls or can significantly influence the management or operating policies of the other to an extent that one of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests. A party which can significantly influence the management or operating policies of the transacting parties or if it has an ownership interest in one of the transacting parties and can significantly influence the other to an extent that one or more of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests is also a related party.
| F-58 |
| Table of Contents |
ZHEJIANG TIANLAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT’D)
2 Summary of significant accounting policies (Cont’d)
(s) Net income per ordinary share
The Group computes net income per ordinary share using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, basic earnings per share attributable to Zhejiang Tianlan Environmental Protection Technology Company Limited are computed by dividing net income attributable to Zhejiang Tianlan Environmental Protection Technology Company Limited by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period.
(t) Warranties
The suppliers of the Group offer a standard one-year warranty to end customer of the Group. The Group only provides labour service to repair or replace parts. The Group does not maintain a general warranty reserve because historically labour costs for such repair or replacement have been de minimis.
(u) Shipping and handling costs
Amounts billed to customers related to shipping and handling are classified as revenues, and the Group’s shipping and handling costs are included in cost of revenues.
(v) Finance costs
Interest relating to loans repaid is expensed in the period the repayment occurs.
(w) Concentrations
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Group to a concentration of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable, net. The Group maintains substantially all of its cash and cash equivalent balances with large financial institutions which are believed to be high quality institutions.
The Group is subject to a concentration of risk because it derives a significant portion of its revenues from a few customers. The Group’s top five customers accounted for approximately
The Group grants trade credit under contractual payment terms, generally without collateral, to its customers, which include high credit quality electric utilities, general contractors, owners and managers of industrial properties.
Consequently, the Group is subject to potential credit risk related to changes in business and economic factors. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, none of the Group’s customers individually exceeded
| F-59 |
| Table of Contents |
ZHEJIANG TIANLAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT’D)
2 Summary of significant accounting policies (Cont’d)
(x) Statutory reserve
The Group is required to make appropriation to reserve, comprising the PRC statutory reserve, based on after-tax net income determined with generally accepted accounting principles of the PRC (“PRC GAAP”).
Appropriations to the PRC statutory reserve are required to be at least 10% of the after tax net income determined in accordance with PRC GAAP until the reserve is equal to 50% of the entities’ registered capital.
(y) Fair value measurements
The Group uses the three-tier hierarchy of fair value measurement, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value based upon their degree of availability in external active markets. These tiers include: Level 1 (the highest priority), defined as observable inputs, such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3 (the lowest priority), defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Group determined that the carrying values of cash, and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, net, prepayments and other current assets, contract assets, bank borrowings, accounts payable, other payables and accrued expenses and contract liabilities approximate their fair values because of the short-term nature of these instruments.
(z) Short-term and long-term investments
The Group has elected to apply the measurement alternative to equity securities without readily determinable fair values. As such, the Group’s non-marketable equity securities are measured at cost, less any impairment, and are adjusted for changes in fair value resulting from observable transactions for identical or similar investments of the investee.
(aa) Recent accounting pronouncements
Changes to GAAP are typically established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) in the form of accounting standards updates (“ASUs”) to the FASB’s ASC. The Group considers the applicability and impact of all ASUs. The Group, based on its assessment, determined that any recently issued or proposed ASUs not listed below are either not applicable to the Group or may have minimal impact on its consolidated financial statements.
Recently adopted accounting pronouncements
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which introduced an expected credit loss methodology for the measurement and recognition of credit losses on most financial instruments, including trade receivables and off-balance sheet credit exposures. Under this guidance, an entity is required to consider a broader range of information to estimate expected credit losses, which may result in earlier recognition of losses. This ASU also requires disclosure of information regarding how a company developed its allowance, including changes in the factors that influenced management’s estimate of expected credit losses and the reasons for those changes.
| F-60 |
| Table of Contents |
ZHEJIANG TIANLAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT’D)
2 Summary of significant accounting policies (Cont’d)
(aa) Recent accounting pronouncements (Cont’d)
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement, which modifies the disclosure requirements for Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 instruments in the fair value hierarchy. The Group adopted this ASU in January 2020 and there was no effect on the consolidated financial statements or disclosures.
Recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, which simplifies the accounting for income taxes, eliminates certain exceptions within ASC 740, Income Taxes, and clarifies certain aspects of the current guidance to promote consistent application among reporting entities. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Upon adoption, the Group must apply certain aspects of this standard retrospectively for all periods presented while other aspects are applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements or disclosures.
In January 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-01, “Investments-Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815),” an amendment clarifying the interaction between accounting standards related to equity securities, equity method investments, and certain derivative instruments. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. ASU 2020-01 will become effective for the Group in fiscal 2022. The Group is currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on its consolidated financial statements.
In October 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-10, “Codification Improvements,” this ASU affects a wide variety of Topics in the Codification. They apply to all reporting entities within the scope of the affected accounting guidance. More specifically, this ASU, among other things, contains amendments that improve the consistency of the Codification by including all disclosure guidance in the appropriate Disclosure Section (Section 50). Many of the amendments arose because the FASB provided an option to give certain information either on the face of the financial statements or in the notes to financial statements and that option only was included in the Other Presentation Matters Section (Section 45) of the Codification. The option to disclose information in the notes to financial statements should have been codified in the Disclosure Section as well as the Other Presentation Matters Section (or other Section of the Codification in which the option to disclose in the notes to financial statements appears). Those amendments are not expected to change current practice. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2021, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2022. Early application of the amendments is permitted for and varies based on the entity. The amendments should be applied retrospectively and at the beginning of the period that includes the adoption date. The Group is currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on its consolidated financial statements.
| F-61 |
| Table of Contents |
ZHEJIANG TIANLAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT’D)
2 Summary of significant accounting policies (Cont’d)
(ab) Non-controlling interests
For entities that are consolidated, but not 100% owned, a portion of the income or loss and equity is allocated to owners other than the Group. The aggregate of the income or loss and corresponding equity that is not owned by the Group is included within non-controlling interests in the consolidated financial statements.
Non-controlling interests is presented as a separate component of equity in the consolidated balance sheets. Net income includes the net income attributable to the holders of non-controlling interests in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income / (loss). Profits and losses are allocated to non-controlling interests in proportion to their relative ownership interests regardless of their basis.
3 Lease obligations
The Group has finance leases primarily for equipment.
The components of lease expense are as follows:
|
| Years ended December 31, |
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| 2021 |
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| 2020 |
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| RMB’000 |
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| RMB’000 |
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Finance lease cost: |
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Amortization of right-of-use assets |
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| - |
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Interest on lease liabilities included under cost of revenue and selling and administrative expenses |
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| - |
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| |
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Total finance lease cost |
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| - |
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| |
Supplemental consolidated cash flow information related to leases is as follows:
|
| Years ended December 31, |
| |||||
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| 2021 |
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| 2020 |
| ||
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| RMB’000 |
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| RMB’000 |
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Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: |
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Finance cash flows from finance leases |
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Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations (noncash): |
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Finance leases |
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| F-62 |
| Table of Contents |
ZHEJIANG TIANLAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT’D)
3 Lease obligations (Cont’d)
Supplemental consolidated balance sheet information related to leases is as follows:
|
| December 31, |
| |||||
|
| 2021 |
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| 2020 |
| ||
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| RMB’000 |
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| RMB’000 |
| ||
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|
| ||
Finance leases |
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Property, plant and equipment, at cost |
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Accumulated depreciation and impairment losses |
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Property, plant and equipment, net |
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Current maturities of long-term debt |
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Total finance lease liabilities |
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Weighted average remaining lease term |
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Finance leases |
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| - |
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| - |
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Weighted average discount rate |
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Finance leases |
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| % |
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| % | ||
4 Accounts receivable, net
Accounts receivable, net consisted of the following at December 31:
|
| 2021 |
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| 2020 |
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| RMB’000 |
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| RMB’000 |
| ||
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Contract receivables |
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Less: allowance for doubtful accounts |
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| ( | ) |
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| ( | ) |
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The roll-forward of activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts was as follows for the years ended December 31:
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| 2021 |
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| 2020 |
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| RMB’000 |
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| RMB’000 |
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Balance at beginning of period |
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Add: provision for allowances |
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Less: Reversal of provision for doubtful accounts |
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| ( | ) |
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| ( | ) |
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Balance at end of period |
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| F-63 |
| Table of Contents |
ZHEJIANG TIANLAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT’D)
4 Accounts receivable, net (Cont’d)
The following is an aging analysis of accounts receivable, net at December 31:
|
| 2021 |
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| 2020 |
| ||
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| RMB’000 |
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| RMB’000 |
| ||
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Within 1 year |
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| 82,534 |
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1 year - 2 years |
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2 years - 3 years |
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3 years - 4 years |
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4 years - 5 years |
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At December 31, 2021, the accounts receivable, net pledged as security for the Company’s bank loans and third party loans amounted to RMB Nil (2020: RMB Nil).
5 Prepayments and other current assets
Prepayments and other current assets mainly represent deposits paid for bidding projects, purchases, services and finance leases and prepaid expenses.
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| December 31, |
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| 2021 |
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| 2020 |
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| RMB’000 |
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| RMB’000 |
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Prepayments |
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Deposits paid for bidding projects and temporary payments |
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Other current assets |
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6 Contract assets, net and liabilities
Contracts with customers usually stipulate the timing of payment, which is defined by the terms found within the various contracts under which work was performed during the period. Therefore, contract assets and liabilities are created when the timing of costs incurred on work performed does not coincide with the billing terms.
The Group’s consolidated balance sheets present contract assets, net which contains earned unbilled revenue associated with contract work that has been completed but not paid by customers, that are generally due once the job is completed and approved.
| F-64 |
| Table of Contents |
ZHEJIANG TIANLAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT’D)
6 Contract assets, net and liabilities (Cont’d)
Contract assets, net consisted of the following at December 31:
|
| 2021 |
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| 2020 |
| ||
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| RMB’000 |
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| RMB’000 |
| ||
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Unbilled revenue |
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The Group’s consolidated balance sheets present contract liabilities which contain deferred revenue (previously identified as billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts).
Contract liabilities consisted of the following at December 31:
|
| 2021 |
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| 2020 |
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| RMB’000 |
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| RMB’000 |
| ||
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Deferred revenue |
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The following table provides information about contract assets, net and contract liabilities from contracts with customers at December 31:
|
| 2021 |
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| 2020 |
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| RMB’000 |
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| RMB’000 |
| ||
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Contract assets |
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Contract liabilities |
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| ( | ) |
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| ( | ) |
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Net contract assets |
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The difference between the opening and closing balances of the Group’s contract assets, net and contract liabilities primarily results from the timing of the Group’s billings in relation to its performance of work.
The net asset position for contracts in process consisted of the following at December 31:
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| 2021 |
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| 2020 |
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| RMB’000 |
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| RMB’000 |
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Estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts |
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Less: billings to date |
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| ( | ) |
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| ( | ) |
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| F-65 |
| Table of Contents |
ZHEJIANG TIANLAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT’D)
6 Contract assets, net and liabilities (Cont’d)
Contract assets, net consisted of the following at December 31:
|
| 2021 |
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| 2020 |
| ||
|
| RMB’000 |
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| RMB’000 |
| ||
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Gross contract assets |
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Less: allowance for doubtful accounts |
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| ( | ) |
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| ( | ) |
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7 Inventories
|
| December 31, |
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|
| 2021 |
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| 2020 |
| ||
|
| RMB’000 |
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| RMB’000 |
| ||
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Raw materials |
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Finished goods |
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8 Short-term and long-term investments
The Group's short-term investments consist of wealth management products and long-term investments consist of minority ownership interests in Chongqing Zhongtian Haizhi Ecological Environment Technology Co., Ltd (2020: Nil) limited liability company, generally from private equity arrangements. These investments are carried under the equity method of accounting, with changes in the carrying value reported as realized gains or losses in the consolidated financial statements.
| F-66 |
| Table of Contents |
ZHEJIANG TIANLAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT’D)
9 Property, plant and equipment
|
| December 31, |
| |||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
| ||
|
| RMB’000 |
|
| RMB’000 |
| ||
|
|
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|
| ||
Building and leasehold improvements |
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| ||
Furniture, fixtures and office equipment |
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Motor vehicles |
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Plant and machineries |
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Total |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
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|
|
|
|
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|
|
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
Accumulated impairment losses |
|
| ( | ) |
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| ( | ) |
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|
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Total |
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| ( | ) |
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| ( | ) |
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Net |
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|
|
| ||
|
| Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
|
| 2019 |
| |||
|
| RMB’000 |
|
| RMB’000 |
|
| RMB’000 |
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Depreciation charge |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
At December 31, 2021, the net book value of property, plant and equipment pledged as security for the Company’s bank loans and third party loans amounted to approximately RMB
| F-67 |
| Table of Contents |
ZHEJIANG TIANLAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT’D)
10 Intangible assets, net
|
| December 31, |
| |||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
| ||
|
| RMB’000 |
|
| RMB’000 |
| ||
|
|
|
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|
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| ||
Amortizable intangible assets |
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|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Gross carrying amount |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Patents |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Others |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less: Accumulated amortization |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net carrying amount |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
| Year ended December 31, |
| |||||||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
|
| 2019 |
| |||
|
| RMB’000 |
|
| RMB’000 |
|
| RMB’000 |
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Amortization expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
At December 31, 2021, estimated future intangible assets amortization expense for each of the next five years and thereafter was as follows:
|
| Future amortization expense |
| |
|
| RMB’000 |
| |
|
|
|
| |
2022 |
|
|
| |
2023 |
|
|
| |
2024 |
|
|
| |
2025 |
|
|
| |
2026 |
|
|
| |
Thereafter |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
| |
| F-68 |
| Table of Contents |
ZHEJIANG TIANLAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT’D)
10 Intangible assets, net (Cont’d)
At December 31, 2020, estimated future intangible assets amortization expense for each of the next five years and thereafter was as follows:
|
| Future amortization expense |
| |
|
| RMB’000 |
| |
|
|
|
| |
2021 |
|
|
| |
2022 |
|
|
| |
2023 |
|
|
| |
2024 |
|
|
| |
2025 |
|
|
| |
Thereafter |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
| |
11 Land use right, net
|
| December 31, |
| |||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
| ||
|
| RMB’000 |
|
| RMB’000 |
| ||
Gross carrying amount |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Land use right |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Less: Accumulated amortization |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net carrying amount |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
| Year ended December 31, |
| |||||||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
|
| 2019 |
| |||
|
| RMB’000 |
|
| RMB’000 |
|
| RMB’000 |
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Amortization expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
At December 31, 2021, the land use right pledged as security for the Company’s bank loans and third party’s loans amounted to approximately RMB 1,463,000 (2020: RMB4,463,000).
| F-69 |
| Table of Contents |
ZHEJIANG TIANLAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT’D)
11 Land use right, net (Cont’d)
As December 31, 2021, estimated future land use right amortization expense for each of the next five years and thereafter was as follows:
|
| Future amortization expense |
| |
|
| RMB’000 |
| |
|
|
|
| |
2022 |
|
|
| |
2023 |
|
|
| |
2024 |
|
|
| |
2025 |
|
|
| |
2026 |
|
|
| |
Thereafter |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
| |
As December 31, 2020, estimated future land use right amortization expense for each of the next five years and thereafter was as follows:
|
| Future amortization expense |
| |
|
| RMB’000 |
| |
|
|
|
| |
2021 |
|
|
| |
2022 |
|
|
| |
2023 |
|
|
| |
2024 |
|
|
| |
2025 |
|
|
| |
Thereafter |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
| |
| F-70 |
| Table of Contents |
ZHEJIANG TIANLAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT’D)
12 Bank borrowings
|
| December 31, |
| |||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
| ||
|
| RMB’000 |
|
| RMB’000 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Bank loans borrowed by the Company (note i) |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Bank loans borrowed by subsidiaries of the Company (note ii) |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
(i) | The bank loans are denominated in Renminbi and are repayable within 1 year. The bank loans borrowed by the Company as of December 31, 2021 bears interest at fixed rates of |
(ii) | The bank loans are denominated in Renminbi and are repayable within 1 year. The bank loans borrowed by subsidiaries of the Company as of December 31, 2021 bears interest at a fixed rate ranging from 4.35% to 5% (2020: a fixed rate ranging from 4.5% to 4.79%) per annum and are secured by the subsidiary’s office premises and leasehold improvements and land use right. Interest paid during the year ended December 31, 2021 was approximately RMB427,000 (2020: RMB287,000 and 2019: RMB246,000). |
13 Other payables and accrued expenses
|
| December 31, |
| |||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
| ||
|
| RMB’000 |
|
| RMB’000 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Accrued expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Output VAT |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Deposits received and temporary receipts |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
14 Other taxes payable
Other taxes payable mainly comprise Valued-Added Tax (“VAT”). The Group is subject to output VAT levied at the rate of
| F-71 |
| Table of Contents |
ZHEJIANG TIANLAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT’D)
15 Capital reserve
Capital reserve represents capital contributions from shareholders in excess of the paid-in capital amount and capitalization of gain on disposal of subsidiaries to the shareholders in previous years.
16 Other income and other losses
Other income
|
| Year ended December 31, |
| |||||||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
|
| 2019 |
| |||
|
| RMB’000 |
|
| RMB’000 |
|
| RMB’000 |
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Compensation income |
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
| - |
| |
Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment |
|
|
|
|
| - |
|
|
|
| ||
Investment income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| - |
| ||
Amounts waived by payees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Reversal of allowance for doubtful accounts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| - |
| ||
Subsidy income from PRC government |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Other losses
|
| Year ended December 31, |
| |||||||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
|
| 2019 |
| |||
|
| RMB’000 |
|
| RMB’000 |
|
| RMB’000 |
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Bad debts written off |
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
|
| |
Impairment loss on contract assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| - |
| ||
Impairment loss on long-term investments |
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
| - |
| |
Impairment loss on property, plant and equipment |
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
| - |
| |
Investment loss |
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
17 Income tax(credit)/expense
According to relevant PRC tax laws and regulations, entities incorporated in the PRC are subject to Enterprise Income Tax (“EIT”) at a statutory rate of 25% or reduced national EIT rates of 15% for certain High and New Technology Enterprises (“HNTE”) on PRC taxable income. Zhejiang Tianlan Environmental Protection Technology Company Limited and Hangzhou Tianlan Environmental Protection Equipment Company Limited are classified as HNTE which enjoy a preferential tax rate of 15%.
| F-72 |
| Table of Contents |
ZHEJIANG TIANLAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT’D)
17 Income tax(credit)/expense (Cont’d)
During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the PRC tax laws and regulations have launched a tax reduction scheme for small enterprises, Hangzhou Tianlan Pure Environmental Protection Technology Company Limited, Hangzhou Tiancan Environmental Technology Company Limited, Zhejiang Tianlan Environmental Engineering and Design Company Limited and Zhejiang Tianlan Environmental Protection Engineering Company Limited are entitled to enjoy this tax benefit. As such, they are subjects to Enterprise Income Tax rate of 20% only.
The Company and its subsidiaries are based in the PRC and file an EIT return. The components of the provision for income tax expense/(credit) were as follows:
|
| Year ended December 31, |
| |||||||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
|
| 2019 |
| |||
|
| RMB’000 |
|
| RMB’000 |
|
| RMB’000 |
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Current tax (credit)/expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
PRC EIT |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax (credit)/expense |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax (credit)/expense |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total deferred tax (credit)/expense |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total (credit)/expense |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
The items comprising the difference between income tax computed at the EIT statutory rates in effect for 2021, 2020 and 2019 and our effective tax rates were as follows:
|
| Year ended December 31, |
| |||||||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
|
| 2019 |
| |||
|
| RMB’000 |
|
| RMB’000 |
|
| RMB’000 |
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Income before income tax |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Computed tax using respective companies’ statutory tax rates |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
(Over)-provision for income tax in prior years |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| - |
|
Temporary differences |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Tax effect of expenses not deductible for tax purposes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Tax effect of special deduction for research and development costs |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
Others |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Income taxes (credit)/expense at effective tax rate |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
| F-73 |
| Table of Contents |
ZHEJIANG TIANLAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT’D)
17 Income tax(credit)/expense (Cont’d)
The components of deferred tax assets are as follows:
|
| December 31, |
| |||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
| ||
|
| RMB’000 |
|
| RMB’000 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Allowance for doubtful accounts |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Deferred government grant |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Impairment losses on assets |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Tax losses |
|
|
|
|
| - |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total deferred tax assets |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Uncertain tax positions
As a result of the Group’s analysis, management has determined that the Group does not have any material uncertain tax positions.
18 Pension plan
As stipulated by the rules and regulations in the PRC, the Group contributes to state-sponsored retirement plans for its employees in Mainland China. The Group contributes approximately 12% to 14% of the basic salaries of its employees, and has no further obligations for the actual payment of pension or post-retirement benefits beyond the annual contributions. The state-sponsored retirement plans are responsible for the entire pension obligations payable to retired employees.
During the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, the aggregate contributions of the Group to the aforementioned pension plans and retirement benefit schemes were approximately RMB
19 Risk factors
Financial risk factors
The Group’s activities expose it mainly to credit risk.
Credit risk
The Group has no significant concentration of credit risk, cash in banks in PRC is insured with limit of approximately RMB500,000, per bank per each depositor. Uninsured cash in banks and restricted cash balances in PRC are of approximately RMB
| F-74 |
| Table of Contents |
ZHEJIANG TIANLAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT’D)
20 Related party transaction
There were purchase of a subsidiary from shareholders of the Company with total consideration of approximately RMB
21 Commitments and contingencies
(i) Insurance
The Group carries insurance policies to cover various risks, primarily general liability, automobile liability, workers’ compensation and employee medical expenses under which we are liable to reimburse the insurance company for a portion of each claim paid.
(ii) Purchase commitments
To manage the risk of changes in material prices and subcontracting costs used in tendering bids for contracts, most of the time, the Group obtains firm quotations from suppliers and subcontractors before submitting a bid. These quotations do not include any quantity guarantees. As soon as the Group is advised that its bid is successful, the Group enters into firm contracts with most of its materials suppliers and sub-contractors, thereby mitigating the risk of future price variations affecting the contract costs.
(iii) Litigation
The Group is now and may in the future be involved as a party to various legal proceedings that are incidental to the ordinary course of business. Management, after consultation with legal counsel, does not believe that the outcome of these actions will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Group. There are no significant unresolved legal issues as of December 31, 2021 and 2020.
(v) Contingencies
The Group accounts for loss contingencies in accordance with ASC Topic 450 and other related guidelines. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Group’s management is of the opinion that there are no commitments and contingencies to account for.
(vi) Operating leases
The Group has no operating leases expense during the year ended December 31, 2021 (2020 and 2019: RMB
22 Subsequent event
On April 22, 2022, the director of the Company proposed a cash dividend of an aggregate of approximately RMB
| F-75 |