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EXCEL - IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT - China Auto Logistics IncFinancial_Report.xls
EX-31.1 - CERTIFICATION - China Auto Logistics Incf10q0614ex31i_chinaautologi.htm
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EX-32.2 - CERTIFICATION - China Auto Logistics Incf10q0614ex32ii_chinaautologi.htm
EX-31.2 - CERTIFICATION - China Auto Logistics Incf10q0614ex31ii_chinaautologi.htm

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2014

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from ______ to ______.

 

Commission file number: 001-34393

 

CHINA AUTO LOGISTICS INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

Nevada   20-2574314
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
     
Floor 1 FTZ International Auto Mall    
86 Tianbao Avenue, Free Trade Zone    
Tianjin Province, The People’s Republic of China   300461
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

 

(86) 22-2576-2771

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted 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). Yes ☒      No ☐

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer   ☐ Accelerated filer   ☐ Non-accelerated filer   ☐ Smaller reporting company   ☒

 

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

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

Class   Outstanding at August 11, 2014
Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share   4,034,394 shares

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

    Page
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION  
Item 1. Financial Statements  
  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2014 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2013 1
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited) 2
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited) 3
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited) 4
  Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) 5
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 6
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 32
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 32
     
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION  
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 33
Item 1A. Risk Factors 33
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 33
Item 3. Default Upon Senior Securities 33
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 33
Item 5. Other Information 33
Item 6. Exhibits 34
     
SIGNATURES 35

  

 
 

 

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.  Financial Statements

 

CHINA AUTO LOGISTICS INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

   June 30,
2014
(Unaudited)
   December 31,
2013
 
ASSETS        
Current assets        
Cash and cash equivalents  $1,823,512   $15,041,505 
Restricted cash   46,515,415    29,665,536 
Accounts receivable – trade, Car King Tianjin   649,857    - 
Receivable related to auto mall management fees   -    255,712 
Receivables related to financing services   101,530,958    68,568,562 
Inventories   14,708,838    15,343,671 
Advances to suppliers   58,261,106    38,074,096 
Prepaid expenses   26,742    12,311 
Value added tax refundable   185,054    283,478 
Deferred tax assets   12,671    48,345 
Total current assets   223,714,153    167,293,216 
           
Property and equipment, net   71,167,042    72,977,985 
Ownership interest in Car King Tianjin   86,952    577,904 
Due from Car King Tianjin   1,380,946    - 
Goodwill   20,012,637    20,159,365 
Intangible assets, net   487,934    547,155 
Total Assets  $316,849,664   $261,555,625 
           
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
Current liabilities          
Bank overdraft  $2,418,079   $2,439,429 
Lines of credit related to financing services   88,192,066    66,173,312 
Short term borrowings   53,446,006    6,259,598 
Accounts payable   1,118,103    - 
Notes payable to suppliers   8,935,534    21,275,203 
Accrued expenses   632,969    236,599 
Customer deposits   34,838,101    35,205,567 
Deferred revenue   160,897    202,428 
Rental deposits   81,232    - 
Payable related to acquisition of Zhonghe – current portion, net   16,213,975    15,706,581 
Due to former shareholder   2,207,275    2,223,458 
Due to director   499,459    597,393 
Income tax payable   296,155    174,540 
Deferred tax liability   656,347    786,413 
Total current liabilities   209,696,198    151,280,521 
           
Payable related to acquisition of Zhonghe, excluding current portion, net   36,410,075    35,306,223 
Deferred tax liability   11,677,488    12,239,842 
Total liabilities   257,783,761    198,826,586 
Equity          
China Auto Logistics Inc. shareholders’ equity          
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding        - 
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 95,000,000 shares authorized, 4,034,394 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013   4,034    4,034 
Additional paid-in capital   22,979,734    22,979,734 
Accumulated other comprehensive income   7,180,105    7,642,886 
Retained earnings   28,338,247    31,530,669 
Total China Auto Logistics Inc. shareholders’ equity   58,502,120    62,157,323 
Noncontrolling interests   563,783    571,716 
Total equity   59,065,903    62,729,039 
           
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity  $316,849,664   $261,555,625 

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements

 

1
 

 

  

CHINA AUTO LOGISTICS INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

 

   Three Months Ended
June 30,
   Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   2014   2013   2014   2013 
                 
Net revenue  $113,686,767   $110,256,310   $220,661,817   $217,881,376 
Cost of revenue   112,665,784    108,441,227    218,217,037    213,838,574 
Gross profit   1,020,983    1,815,083    2,444,780    4,042,802 
                     
Operating expenses:                    
Selling and marketing   199,272    192,808    385,799    362,842 
General and administrative   1,122,147    359,336    2,366,979    952,699 
Total operating expenses   1,321,419    552,144    2,752,778    1,315,541 
                     
(Loss) income from operations   (300,436)   1,262,939    (307,998)   2,727,261 
                     
Other income (expenses)                    
Interest income   198,010    20,358    258,909    242,646 
Interest expense   (1,719,897)   (142,439)   (3,042,480)   (219,075)
Gain on disposal of property and equipment   246    -    11,940    - 
Equity loss – share of investee company loss   (193,121)   -    (488,385)   - 
Foreign exchange loss   (72,318)   (20,219)   (72,414)   (186,370)
Total other expenses   (1,787,080)   (142,300)   (3,332,430)   (162,799)
                     
(Loss) income before income taxes   (2,087,516)   1,120,639    (3,640,428)   2,564,462 
                     
Income taxes (benefits) expense   (234,537)   321,148    (440,410)   756,648 
                     
Net (loss) income   (1,852,979)   799,491    (3,200,018)   1,807,814 
                     
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests   (6,725)   (993)   (7,596)   (5)
                     
Net (loss) income attributable to shareholders of China Auto Logistics Inc.  $(1,846,254)  $800,484   $(3,192,422)  $1,807,819 
                    
(Loss) earnings per share attributable to shareholders of China Auto Logistics Inc.                    
– basic and diluted  $(0.46)  $0.22   $(0.79)  $0.49 
                    
Weighted average number of common shares Outstanding                    
– basic and diluted   4,034,494    3,694,394    4,034,494    3,694,394 

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements

 

2
 

 

 

CHINA AUTO LOGISTICS INC.

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

 

   Three Months Ended
June 30,
   Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   2014   2013   2014   2013 
                 
Net (loss) income  $(1,852,979)  $799,491   $(3,200,018)  $1,807,814 
                     
Other comprehensive income                    
Foreign currency translation adjustments   65,932    1,124,525    (463,118)   1,213,896 
                     
Comprehensive (loss) income   (1,787,047)   1,924,016    (3,663,136)   3,021,710 
                    
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests   (6,257)   (2,029)   (7,933)   (777)
                     
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to shareholders of China Auto Logistics Inc.  $(1,780,790)  $1,926,045   $(3,655,203)  $3,022,487 

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements

 

3
 

 

 

CHINA AUTO LOGISTICS INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

 

   Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   2014   2013 
Cash flows from operating activities          
Net (loss) income  $(3,200,018)  $1,807,814 
           
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities          
Depreciation on property and equipment   1,283,899    56,661 
Amortization on intangible assets   55,380    - 
Gain on disposal of property and equipment   (11,940)   - 
Equity loss – share of investee company loss   488,385    - 
Change of Inventory reserve   166,241    - 
Change of deferred tax assets   35,551    - 
Change of deferred tax liabilities   (189,768)   - 
           
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:          
Restricted cash   15,794,841    (19,633,033)
Accounts receivable – trade, Car King Tianjin   (651,524)   - 
Receivable related to auto mall management fees   255,494    - 
Receivables related to financing services   (33,700,611)   (4,444,767)
Notes receivable   -    1,631,363 
Inventories   335,161    12,896,225 
Advances to suppliers   (20,471,286)   (22,846,983)
Prepaid expenses, other current assets and other assets   (14,761)   72,991 
Value added tax receivable   92,836    145,902 
Accounts payable   1,117,510    624,299 
Line of credit related to financing services   22,692,784    22,862,005 
Notes payable to suppliers   (12,244,657)   - 
Accrued expenses   398,833    (43,416)
Accrued interest   1,578,200    - 
Value added tax payable   -    (1,572)
Customer deposits   (98,091)   15,626,790 
Deferred revenue   (40,168)   (40,399)
Rental deposits   81,123    - 
Income tax payable   123,169    (12,445)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities   (26,123,417)   8,701,435 
           
Cash flows from investing activities          
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment   17,954    - 
Purchase of property and equipment   (6,802)   (10,873)
Advances to Car King Tianjin   (1,389,253)   - 
Acquisition deposit for Zhonghe   -    (16,122,531)
Net cash used in investing activities   (1,378,101)   (16,133,404)
           
Cash flows from financing activities          
Bank overdraft   (3,615)   2,409,457 
Proceeds from short-term borrowings   59,796,676    22,152,978 
Repayments of short-term borrowings   (12,405,885)   (19,944,736)
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash related to short-term borrowings   (32,905,773)   (2,866,586)
Proceeds from director   405,942    402,203 
Repayments to director   (513,820)   (396,537)
Net cash provided by financing activities   14,373,525    1,756,779 
           
Effect of exchange rate change on cash   (90,000)   76,647 
           
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents   (13,217,993)   (5,598,543)
           
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period   15,041,505    8,888,749 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period  $1,823,512   $3,290,206 
           
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information          
Interest paid  $3,298,777   $1,538,774 
Income taxes paid  $-   $744,203 

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements

  

4
 

 

CHINA AUTO LOGISTICS INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

 

(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Organization, Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation

 

China Auto Logistics Inc. (the “Company” or “China Auto”) operates through its wholly-owned subsidiary Ever Auspicious International Limited, a Hong Kong corporation (“HKCo.”), and its wholly-owned subsidiary Tianjin Seashore New District Shisheng Business Trading Group Co. Ltd. (“Shisheng”), a company established under the laws of the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”) and Shisheng’s wholly owned and majority owned subsidiaries, Tianjin Ganghui Information Technology Corp. (“Ganghui”), Tianjin Hengjia Port Logistics Corp. (“Hengjia”), Zhengji International Trading Corp. (“Zhengji”), and Tianjin Zhonghe Auto Sales Service Co., Ltd. (“Zhonghe”). The Company also has a 40% ownership interest in a joint venture between Zhonghe and Car King (China) Used Car Trading Co., Ltd. (“Car King Tianjin”).

 

The Company’s principal businesses include (i) sales of imported automobiles, (ii) financing services related to imported automobiles, (iii) automobile information websites and advertising services, (iv) logistics services related to the automobile importing process and other automobile value added services, such as assistance with customs clearance, storage and nationwide delivery services, and (v) airport auto mall automotive services including selling used cars through Car King Tianjin and leasing the Airport International Auto Mall facility in Tianjin, China (the “Airport International Auto Mall”) to Car King Tianjin and other tenants. The Cooperation Agreement dated March 1, 2013, by and between the Company and Tianjin Prominent Hero International Logistics Co., Ltd, to manage the International Auto Mall in Tianjin, China, expired according to its terms on February 28, 2014, and was not renewed. Therefore, as of March 1, 2014, the Company no longer provides auto mall management services.

 

The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013, which has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements and the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations and the Company believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information not misleading.

 

In the opinion of management, these condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments which are of a normal recurring nature and which are necessary to present fairly the financial position of China Auto as of June 30, 2014 and the results of its operations for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, and cash flows for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013. These condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes should be read in conjunction with the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013. The results of operations for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results which may be expected for the entire fiscal year.

 

The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of China Auto and its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. All inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in the preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Currency Reporting

 

The Company’s operations in the PRC use the local currency, Renminbi (“RMB”), as their functional currency, whereas amounts reported in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures are stated in U.S. dollars, the reporting currency of the Company, unless stated otherwise. As such, the condensed consolidated balance sheets of the Company have been translated into U.S. dollars at the current rates as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 and the condensed consolidated statements of income have been translated into U.S. dollars at the weighted average rates during the periods the transactions were recognized.

 

5
 

 

The resulting foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded in determining other comprehensive income in the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income and as a separate component of equity in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

The Company’s income is generated mainly through (1) sales of automobiles, (2) service fees paid by customers for assistance in obtaining bank financing for purchases of automobiles (“financing services”), (3) web-based advertising service fees, including fees from (i) displaying graphical advertisements on the Company websites and (ii) web-based listing services that allow customers to place automobile related information on the Company’s websites, (4) automobile value added services, and (5) airport auto mall automotive services. As indicated above, as of March 1, 2014, the Company no longer performs auto mall management services, and therefore, it will no longer recognize revenue related to such services.

 

The Company recognizes revenue when there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, delivery has occurred upon shipment or services have been rendered, the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured.

 

The Company recognizes the sales of automobiles upon delivery and acceptance by the customers and where collectibility is reasonably assured.

 

Service revenue related to financing services is recognized ratably over the financing period.

 

Service fees for graphical advertisements on the Company’s websites are charged on a fixed fee basis. The Company recognizes the advertising revenue when the service is performed over the service term. The Company charges a monthly fee for listing services and recognizes the revenue when services are performed. The Company offers sales incentives to its customers in the form of (i) subscription exemption; (ii) discounted prices and (iii) free advertisements. The Company classifies sales incentives as a reduction of net revenues. Revenues, net of discounts and allowances, are recognized ratably over the service periods.

 

The Company recognizes revenue from automobile value added services when such services are performed.

 

Airport auto mall automotive services include (i) the rental of the Airport International Auto Mall, and (ii) equity income (loss) derived from the Company’s 40% equity interest in Car King Tianjin. Rental income from the Airport International Auto Mall is recognized over the lease term on a straight-line basis. The Company’s lease agreement, entered into with Car King Tianjin in January 2014 (the “Rental Agreement”), contains a contingent rental arrangement for fiscal years 2016, 2017 and 2018, under which rental income is determined based on a percentage of Car King Tianjin’s gross profit. Notwithstanding this arrangement, the Rental Agreement contains both a minimum and a maximum annual rental amount. Contingent rental income is recognized when the specified targets are met. The equity income (loss) derived from Car King Tianjin is recognized based on the Company’s ownership share in Car King Tianjin’s net income (loss).

 

Value added taxes (“VAT”) represent amounts collected on behalf of specific regulatory agencies that require remittance by a specified date. These amounts are collected at the time of sales and are detailed on invoices provided to customers. The Company accounts for VAT on a net basis. The Company recorded and paid business taxes based on a percentage of the net service revenues and reported the service revenue net of the business taxes and other sales related taxes.

 

Receivables Related to Financing Services

 

The Company records receivables related to financing services when cash is loaned to customers to finance their purchases of automobiles. Upon repayment by customers, the Company records the amounts as reductions of receivables related to financing services. Receivables related to financing services represent the aggregate outstanding balance of loans from customers related to their purchases of automobiles and are considered receivables held for investment. The Company charges a fee for providing loan services and such fees are prepaid by customers. The Company amortizes these fees over the receivable terms, which range between three months and six months using the straight-line method. The Company records such amortized amounts as financing fee income and the unamortized amount is classified as deferred revenue on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 

The Company evaluates the collectibility of outstanding receivables at the end of each of the reporting periods and makes estimates for potential credit losses. The Company has not experienced any losses on its receivables related to financing services historically and accordingly did not record any allowance for credit losses as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

 

6
 

 

Inventories

 

Inventory is stated at the lower of cost (using the first-in, first-out method) or market. The Company continually evaluates the composition of our inventory, assessing slow-moving and ongoing products. The Company’s products are comprised of the purchase cost of automobiles, which declines in value over time. The Company continuously evaluates our inventory to determine the reserve amount for slow-moving inventory. As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the reserve for obsolescence amounted to $359,543 and $193,379, respectively.

 

Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share

 

Basic earnings (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net earnings (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings (loss) per common share is computed similarly to basic earnings per common share, except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if the potential common shares had been issued and if the additional common shares were dilutive. As of June 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company did not have any common stock equivalents, therefore, the basic earnings (loss) per share is the same as the diluted earnings (loss) per share.

 

New Accounting Standards

 

The Company is not aware of any recently issued accounting pronouncements that, when adopted, will have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

(2) Restricted Cash

 

Restricted cash consists of cash which is not available for use in the Company’s operations and is summarized as follows:

 

   June 30,   December 31, 
   2014   2013 
         
Collateral for bank’s issuance of letters of credit to the Company’s customers  $4,637,779   $6,630,313 
Collateral for lines of credit related to financing services   -    8,733,869 
Collateral for short-term borrowings   35,785,133    3,004,998 
Collateral for notes payable to suppliers   6,092,503    11,296,356 
   $46,515,415   $29,665,536 

 

(3) Property and Equipment

 

A summary of property and equipment is as follows:

 

   June 30,   December 31, 
   2014   2013 
         
Buildings and land use rights  $72,296,595   $72,826,656 
Computers   222,597    217,717 
Office equipment, furniture and fixtures   109,520    109,898 
Leasehold improvement   34,117    34,368 
Automobiles   1,093,686    1,117,383 
    73,756,515    74,306,022 
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization   (2,589,473)   (1,328,037)
   $71,167,042   $72,977,985 

 

Depreciation and amortization expenses for property and equipment amounted to $639,092 and $28,508 for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $1,283,899 and $56,661, for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

7
 

 

(4) Goodwill

 

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the six months ended June 30, 2014 are as follows:

 

   Reporting Segments     
   Sales of Automobiles   Airport Auto Mall Automotive Services   Total 
             
Balance as of December 31, 2013  $4,031,873   $16,127,492   $20,159,365 
Translation adjustment   (29,346)   (117,382)   (146,728)
                
Balance as of June 30, 2014  $4,002,527   $16,010,110   $20,012,637 

  

(5) Intangible Assets, Net

 

The Company acquired customer relations in connection with the acquisition of Zhonghe on November 30, 2013. As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the customer relations is summarized as follows:

 

       As of June 30, 2014 
   Life   Cost   Foreign
currency
translation adjustments
   Less:
Accumulated
Impairment
   Less:
Accumulated
Amortization
   Net Carrying
Amount
 
Intangible assets subject to amortization -                        
Customer relations   5 years   $555,002    (2,623)   -    (64,445)  $487,934 

 

       As of December 31, 2013 
   Life   Cost   Foreign
currency
translation adjustments
   Less:
Accumulated
Impairment
   Less:
Accumulated
Amortization
   Net Carrying
Amount
 
Intangible assets subject to amortization -                        
Customer relations   5 years   $555,002    1,426    -    (9,273)  $547,155 

  

Amortization expense for intangible assets was $27,582 and $0 for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $55,380 and $0 for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

8
 

 

(6)

Equity Investment in Car King Tianjin

 

The Company’s investment in Car King Tianjin is accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Car King Tianjin’s operations commenced on March 6, 2014. The results of operations and financial position of the Company’s equity basis investments are summarized below:

Condensed income statement information: 

Three Months
Ended
June 30,
2014

 
     
Net sales  $846,287 
      
Gross profit   456,263 
      
Net loss   (482,803)
      
The Company’s equity in net loss of Car King Tianjin  $(193,121)

 

Condensed income statement information:  Six Months
Ended
June 30,
2014
 
     
Net sales  $1,451,053 
      
Gross profit   613,047 
      
Net loss   (1,220,963)
      
The Company’s equity in net loss of Car King Tianjin  $(488,385)

 

Condensed balance sheet information: 

As of

June 30,
2014

 
     
Current assets  $2,600,893 
      
Non current assets   1,080,083 
      
Total assets  $3,680,976 
      
Current liabilities  $3,463,597 
      
Equity   217,379 
      
Current liabilities and equity  $3,680,976 
      
The Company’s ownership interest in Car King Tianjin  $86,952 

 

9
 

 

(7) Bank Overdraft

 

In March 2013, the Company entered into an overdraft agreement with PuDong Development Bank. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company can draw on its bank account up to $2,436,964 (RMB 15,000,000) in excess of the funds on deposit. The overdraft amount is subject to an annual interest rate at 6.72% and the maximum overdraft period cannot exceed 89 days. The overdraft agreement is guaranteed by Ms. Cheng Weihong, a Director and Senior Vice President of the Company, and a non-related entity which is a supplier and a customer of the Company, and matured in December 2013. The outstanding balance of this facility was $2,439,429 as of December 31, 2013.

 

In January 2014, the Company entered into an overdraft agreement with PuDong Development Bank. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company can draw on its bank account up to $2,436,964 (RMB 15,000,000) in excess of the funds on deposit. The overdraft amount is subject to an annual interest rate of 6.72% and the maximum overdraft period cannot exceed 89 days. The overdraft agreement is guaranteed by Ms. Cheng Weihong, a Director and Senior Vice President of the Company, and a non-related entity which is a supplier and a customer of the Company, and matures in December 2014. The outstanding balance of the facility was $2,418,079 as of June 30, 2014.

 

(8) Lines of Credit Related to Financing Services

 

The Company provides financing services to its customers using the Company’s bank facility lines of credit. The Company earns a service fee for drawing its facility lines related to its customers’ purchases of automobiles and payment of import taxes. Customers bear all the interest and fees charged by the banks and prepay those fees upon the execution of their service contracts with the Company. Customers are also required to make a deposit in the range of 10% to 15% of the purchase price of the automobiles. If customers default on payment, the banks take custody of the automobiles until the borrowings are fully repaid.

 

Interest charged by the banks for draws on these facility lines of credit is classified as cost of revenue in the consolidated statements of operations. Interest expense related to these lines of credit was $1,083,864 and $672,185 for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $2,056,502 and $1,242,161 for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

A summary of the Company’s lines of credit related to financing services follows:

 

China Merchants Bank

 

In June 2012, the Company entered into a facility line of credit agreement with China Merchants Bank. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company could borrow a maximum amount of $12,997,141 (RMB 80,000,000). The borrowings under the facility line of credit bear interest at rates to be determined upon drawing. During the three months ended June 30, 2014, interest was charged at rates ranging between 4.34% and 4.83% per annum, and borrowings under this facility were repayable within 3 months from the dates of drawing. As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had an outstanding balance of $0 and $3,930,068, respectively, under the facility line of credit. The facility line of credit is guaranteed by Ms. Cheng Weihong, a Director and Senior Vice President of the Company, and a non-related entity which is a supplier of the Company, and matured in June 2013 and was renewed for one year through June 2014 with substantially the same terms.

 

In June 2014, the Company entered into a facility line of credit agreement with China Merchants Bank. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company could borrow a maximum amount of $11,372,498 (RMB 70,000,000). The borrowings under the facility line of credit bear interest at rates to be determined upon drawing. During the three months ended June 30, 2014, interest was charged at rates ranging between 4.34% and 4.83% per annum, and borrowings under this facility were repayable within 3 months from the dates of drawing. As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had an outstanding balance of $4,303,366 and $0, respectively, under the facility line of credit. The facility line of credit is guaranteed by Ms. Cheng Weihong, a Director and Senior Vice President of the Company, and a non-related entity which is a supplier of the Company, and matures in February 2015.

 

Agricultural Bank of China

 

In September 2013, the Company entered into a facility line of credit agreement with Agricultural Bank of China. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company could borrow a maximum amount of $84,481,414 (RMB 520,000,000). The facility line of credit is guaranteed by five non-related entities, which are customers, suppliers or both. During the three months ended June 30, 2014, the borrowings under this facility line of credit bore interest at rates ranging from 4.53% to 6.19% per annum, and were repayable on the due dates, which were determined prior to each draw. As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had outstanding balances of $52,291,617 and $55,298,731, respectively, under this facility line of credit. The outstanding balance was secured by the amount of $0 and $8,733,869 deposited to the bank, which is presented as restricted cash on the consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, and matures in September 2014.

 

PuDong Development Bank

 

In December 2013, the Company entered into a facility line of credit agreement with PuDong Development Bank. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company could borrow a maximum amount of $19,495,711 (RMB 120,000,000). During the three months ended June 30, 2014, the borrowings under this facility line of credit bore interest at rates ranging from 5.23% to 5.43% per annum. As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had outstanding balances of $5,132,463 and $553,865, respectively, under the facility line of credit. The facility line of credit was guaranteed by Ms. Cheng Weihong, a Director and Senior Vice President of the Company, and a non-related entity, which is a supplier of the Company, and matures in December 2014.

 

10
 

 

China Zheshang Bank

 

In September 2013, the Company entered into a facility line of credit agreement with China Zheshang Bank. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company could borrow a maximum amount of $24,369,639 (RMB 150,000,000). This facility line of credit is guaranteed by (i) Mr. Tong Shiping, the Company’s Chairman, President and CEO, (ii) Ms. Cheng Weihong, a Director and Senior Vice President of the Company, (iii) Tianjin Binhai International Automall Ltd. Co., a customer, (iv) Zhonghe, the Company’s subsidiary, and (v) Hezhong (Tianjin) International Development Ltd. Co., the former owner of Zhonghe. This facility matures in September 2014. The borrowings under this facility line of credit bear interest at a rate of 5.3% per annum, and are repayable within 3 months from the dates of drawing. As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 the Company had outstanding balances of $8,903,387 and $6,390,648, respectively, under this facility line of credit.

 

Industrial and Commercial Bank of China

 

In February 2014, the Company obtained a facility from Industrial and Commercial Bank of China. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company can borrow a maximum amount of $16,246,426 (RMB 100,000,000). The facility line of credit is guaranteed by Hezhong (Tianjin) International Development Ltd. Co., Zhonghe’s former owner. During the three months ended June 30, 2014, the borrowings under this facility line of credit bore interest at a rates ranging from 3.83% to 3.89% per annum and were repayable on the due dates, which were determined prior to each draw. As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had outstanding balances of $10,817,725 and $0, respectively, under this facility line of credit.

 

China Minsheng Bank

 

In April 2014, the Company obtained a facility from China Minsheng Bank. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company can borrow a maximum amount of $12,997,141 (RMB 80,000,000). The facility line of credit is guaranteed by (i) Mr. Tong Shiping, the Company’s Chairman, President and CEO, (ii) Ms. Cheng Weihong, a Director and Senior Vice President of the Company, (iii) Tianjin Binhai International Automall Ltd. Co., a customer, and (iv) Zhonghe, the Company’s subsidiary. During the three months ended June 30, 2014, the borrowings under this facility line of credit bore interest at rates ranging from 2.93% to 3.23% per annum, and were repayable on the due dates, which were determined prior to each draw. As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had outstanding balances of $6,743,508 and $0, respectively, under this facility line of credit.

 

(9) Short Term Borrowings

 

Agricultural Bank of China

 

In order to obtain short term financing, the Company entered into a term loan agreement in December 2013 with Agricultural Bank of China, which is settled in US dollars. The outstanding balance totaled $0 and $3,002,182 of short term foreign currency borrowings as of June 30, 2014 and of December 31, 2013, respectively. These short term foreign currency borrowings bear interest at rates ranging between 1.73% and 3.34% per annum and are secured by the amount of $0 and $3,004,998 (RMB 18,344,534), respectively, deposited to the bank, which is presented as restricted cash on the consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. These short term foreign currency borrowings matured during the three months ended June 30, 2014.

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company entered into thirteen term loan agreements with Agricultural Bank of China to obtain short term financing, which are settled in US dollars. Two of these loans were repaid during the six months ended June 30, 2014. The outstanding balance totaled $35,574,938 and $0 of short term foreign currency borrowings with Agricultural Bank of China as of June 30, 2014 and December, 31, 2013. These short term foreign currency borrowings bear interest at rates ranging between 3.12% and 3.33% per annum, mature within six months from the dates of borrowing and are secured by the amount of $35,785,133 and $0 deposited to the bank, which is presented as restricted cash on the consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

 

In March 2014, the Company entered into a working capital loan agreement with Agricultural Bank of China to obtain short term financing. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company can borrow up to $9,747,855 (RMB 60,000,000). The outstanding balance totaled $9,747,855 as of June 30, 2014. This short term loan bears interest at a rate of 6.6% per annum, matures in March 2015, and is secured by the Airport International Auto Mall and related land use rights.

 

In April 2014, the Company entered into a working capital loan agreement with Agricultural Bank of China to obtain short term financing. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company can borrow up to $4,873,928 (RMB 30,000,000). The outstanding balance totaled $4,873,928 as of June 30, 2014. This short term loan bears interest at a rate of 6.6% per annum, matures in March 2015, and is secured by the Airport International Auto Mall and related land use rights.

 

11
 

 

China Zheshang Bank

 

In August 2013 and September 2013, the Company entered into four loan agreements with China Zheshang Bank. Under the terms of the agreements, the Company borrowed an aggregate amount of $3,243,615 (RMB 19,904,114). The borrowings under these loan agreements bear interest at a rate of 5.6% per annum for a borrowing period of six months and are guaranteed by Mr. Tong Shiping, the Company’s Chairman, President and CEO; Ms. Cheng Weihong, a Director and Senior Vice President of the Company; an unrelated party who is a personal friend of Mr. Tong Shiping; and two unrelated parities, who are also customers of the Company. The total outstanding balance of these agreements was $3,257,416 as of December 31, 2013. This loan was repaid in March 2014.

 

In February 2014, the Company entered into two loan agreements with China Zheshang Bank. Under the terms of these agreements, the Company borrowed an aggregate amount of $3,249,285 (RMB 20,000,000). The borrowings under these loan agreements bear interest at a rate of 5.6% for a borrowing period of six months and are guaranteed by Mr. Tong Shiping, the Company’s Chairman, President and CEO; Ms. Cheng Weihong, a Director and Senior Vice President of the Company; an unrelated party who is a personal friend of Mr. Tong Shiping; and two unrelated parties, who are also customers of the Company. The total outstanding balance of these agreements was $3,249,285 as of June 30, 2014.

 

(10) Notes Payable to Suppliers

 

From time to time, the Company issues notes payable to suppliers, which are guaranteed by various banks. The terms of these notes payable vary depending on the negotiations with the suppliers. Typical terms are in the range of three to six months. Prior to the expiration dates of the notes, the note holders can present these notes to the banks to draw on the note amounts if the Company does not settle the outstanding amount payable to these suppliers. The Company is subject to a bank fee of 0.05% on notes payable amounts.

 

As of December 31, 2013, the Company had eight outstanding notes payable to suppliers, which matured in May 2014, in an aggregate amount of $3,273,108 (RMB 20,000,000), the payment of which was guaranteed by China Zheshang Bank for a period of six months. The Company was required to maintain 100% of the note amounts of $3,273,108 (RMB 20,000,000), as guaranteed funds, which was classified as restricted cash as of December 31, 2013, respectively.

 

As of June 30, 2014, the Company had two outstanding notes payable to suppliers, maturing in August 2014, in an aggregate amount of $3,249,285 (RMB 20,000,000), the payment of which was guaranteed by China Zheshang Bank for a period of six months. The Company was required to maintain 100% of the notes amounts, or $3,249,285 (RMB 20,000,000) as guaranteed funds, which was classified as restricted cash as of June 30, 2014.

 

As of June 30, 2014, the Company had four outstanding notes payable to suppliers, maturing in November and December 2014, in an aggregate amount of $5,686,249 (RMB 35,000,000), the payment of which was guaranteed by China Zheshang Bank for a period of six months. The Company was required to maintain approximately 50% of the notes amounts, or $2,843,218 (RMB 17,500,578) as guaranteed funds, which was classified as restricted cash as of June 30, 2014.

 

The purpose of these arrangements is to provide additional time for the Company to remit payments while ensuring that suppliers do not bear any credit risk, since the suppliers’ payments are guaranteed by the banks.

 

(11) Long term debt

 

The Company has outstanding debt due to the seller of Zhonghe, which was acquired by the Company on November 30, 2013. The debt carries interest at a rate of 6% per annum. The debt is due in three installment payments of approximately $19.6 million (RMB120,000,000) each, including interest, and is secured by the real estate property where the Airport International Auto Mall is located.

 

A summary of this debt follows:

 

Outstanding debt balance  $52,624,050 
Less current portion   (16,213,975)
Outstanding debt balance less current portion  $36,410,075 

 

12
 

 

(12) Major Customers and Suppliers

 

One customer accounted for 12% and 18% of the Company’s net revenue for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively. One customer accounted for a total of 22% and 22% of the Company’s net revenue during the three months ended June 30, 2013, respectively.

 

One supplier accounted for 10% of the Company’s purchases during the six months ended June 30, 2014. One supplier accounted for 22% and 23% of the Company’s purchases during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2013, respectively.

 

(13) Retained earnings

 

According to the Law of the PRC on Enterprises with Wholly-Owned Foreign Investment, the Company’s subsidiaries in the PRC are required to make appropriations from after-tax profits as determined under accounting principles generally accepted in the PRC (“PRC GAAP”) to nondistributable reserves. These reserve funds include one or more of the following: (i) a general reserve, (ii) an enterprise expansion reserve, and (iii) a staff bonus and welfare fund. A wholly-owned PRC subsidiary is not required to make appropriations to the enterprise expansion reserve but annual appropriations to the general reserve are required to be made at 10% of the profit after tax as determined under PRC GAAP at each year-end, until such fund has reached 50% of its respective registered capital. The staff welfare and bonus reserve is determined by the board of directors. The general reserve is used to offset future losses. The subsidiary may, upon a resolution passed by the stockholder, convert the general reserve into capital. The staff welfare and bonus reserve are used for the collective welfare of the employees of the subsidiary. The enterprise expansion reserve is for the expansion of the subsidiary operations and can be converted to capital subject to approval by the relevant authorities. These reserves represent appropriations of the retained earnings determined in accordance with Chinese law. 

 

In addition to the general reserve, the Company’s PRC subsidiaries are required to obtain approval from the local PRC government prior to distributing any registered share capital. Accordingly, both the appropriations to general reserve and the registered share capital of the Company’s PRC subsidiary are considered as restricted net assets and are not distributable as cash dividends. As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company’s statutory reserve fund was approximately $3,653,000 and $3,790,000, respectively. 

 

(14) Related Party Balances and Transactions

 

Ms. Cheng Weihong made non-interest bearing loans to the Company from time to time to meet working capital needs of the Company. Ms. Cheng Weihong is a Director and Senior Vice President of the Company. Ms. Cheng Weihong is the wife of the Company’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Tong Shiping. As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the outstanding balances due to Ms. Cheng Weihong were $499,459 and $597,393, respectively.

 

One of the Company’s former shareholders, Sino Peace Limited, paid accrued expenses through 2012 on behalf of the Company. As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the outstanding balances due to Sino Peace Limited were $2,207,275 and $2,223,458, respectively.

 

The balances as discussed above as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are interest-free, unsecured and have no fixed term of repayment. During the three months and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, there was no imputed interest charged in relation to these balances.

 

In January 2014, Zhonghe entered into an agreement with Car King Tianjin to rent approximately 9,927 square meters of the Airport International Auto Mall for a period of ten years through December 2023. Rent for the year of 2014 is approximately $1.3 million (RMB8,000,000), for a monthly rate of approximately $109,000 (RMB 666,667). During the three months and six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company recognized rental income of approximately $324,000 (RMB 2,000,000) and $652,000 (RMB 4,000,000) related to this lease. Accounts receivable due from Car King Tianjin amounted to $649,857 as of June 30, 2014.

 

The Company made loans to Car King Tianjin for working capital purposes during the six months ended June 30, 2014. Outstanding balances due from Car King Tianjin amounted to $1,380,946 as of June 30, 2014.

 

13
 

 

(15) Segment Information

 

The Company has five principal operating segments: (1) sales of automobiles, (2) financing services, (3) web-based advertising, (4) automobile value added services, and (5) airport auto mall automotive services. Effective March 1, 2014, the Company ceased providing auto mall management services due to the expiration on February 28, 2014 of the Cooperation Agreement dated March 1, 2013, by and between the Company and Tianjin Prominent Hero International Logistics Co., Ltd, to manage the International Auto Mall in Tianjin, China. The Company’s operating segments are determined based on the nature of the services offered. Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available and that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company's chief executive officer and chief operating officer have been identified as the chief operating decision makers. The Company's chief operating decision makers direct the allocation of resources to operating segments based on the profitability and cash flows of each respective segment.

 

The Company evaluates performance based on several factors, including net revenue, cost of revenue, operating expenses, and income from operations. The following tables show the operations of the Company's operating segments:

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2014

 

 
 
 
 
 
Sales of
 
 
 
 
 
Financing
 
 
 
 
Web-based
Advertising
 
 
 
 
Automobile
Value Added
 
 
 
 
Airport Auto
Mall Automotive
 
 
 
 
Auto Mall
Management
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Automobiles   Services   Services   Services   Services   Service   Corporate   Total 
                                 
Net revenue  $111,497,887   $1,792,924   $87,690   $-   $308,266   $-   $-   $113,686,767 
Cost of revenue   111,567,919    1,092,995    4,870    -    -    -    -    112,665,784 
                                         
Operating expenses                                        
Selling and marketing   13,668    109,273    16,165    -    60,166    -    -    199,272 
General and administrative   38,485    307,670    45,513    -    169,405    -    561,074    1,122,147 
Total operating expenses   52,153    416,943    61,678    -    229,571    -    561,074    1,321,419 
Income (loss) from operations  $(122,185)  $282,986   $21,142   $-   $78,695   $-   $(561,074)  $(300,436)

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2013

 

 
 
 
 
 
Sales of
 
 
 
 
 
Financing
 
 
 
 
Web-based
Advertising
 
 
 
 
Automobile
Value Added
 
 
 
 
Airport Auto
Mall Automotive
 
 
 
 
Auto Mall
Management
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Automobiles   Services   Services   Services   Services   Service   Corporate   Total 
                                 
Net revenue  $108,030,708   $1,810,159   $119,982   $53,175   $-   $242,286   $-   $110,256,310 
Cost of revenue   107,744,604    677,543    11,041    5,358    -    2,681    -    108,441,227 
                                         
Operating expenses                                        
Selling and marketing   30,392    120,313    11,572    5,079    -    25,452    -    192,808 
General and administrative   28,320    112,113    10,784    4,733    -    23,718    179,668    359,336 
Total operating expenses   58,712    232,426    22,356    9,812    -    49,170    179,668    552,144 
Income (loss) from operations  $227,392   $900,190   $86,585   $38,005   $-   $190,435   $(179,668)  $1,262,939 

 

14
 

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2014

 

   Sales of   Financing   Web-based
Advertising
   Automobile
Value
Added
   Airport Auto
Mall Automotive
   Auto Mall
Management
         
   Automobiles   Services   Services   Services   Services   Service   Corporate   Total 
                                 
Net revenue  $216,227,722   $3,336,093   $162,392   $125,110   $645,529   $164,971   $-   $220,661,817 
Cost of revenue   216,122,061    2,073,730    10,813    8,097    -    2,336    -    218,217,037 
                                         
Operating expenses                                        
Selling and marketing   36,685    182,956    25,173    15,329    104,350    21,306    -    385,799 
General and administrative   115,290    553,539    75,571    51,152    316,840    71,096    1,183,491    2,366,979 
Total operating expenses   151,975    736,495    100,744    66,481    421,190    92,402    1,183,491    2,752,778 
Income (loss) from operations  $(46,314)  $525,868   $50,835   $50,532   $224,339   $70,233   $(1,183,491)  $(307,998)

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 

 

 
 
 
 
 
Sales of
 
 
 
 
 
Financing
 
 
 
 
Web-based
Advertising
 
 
 
 
Automobile
Value Added
 
 
 
 
Airport Auto
Mall Automotive
 
 
 
 
Auto Mall
Management
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Automobiles   Services   Services   Services   Services   Service   Corporate   Total 
                                 
Net revenue  $212,867,568   $3,709,569   $332,466   $492,147   $-   $479,626   $-   $217,881,376 
Cost of revenue   212,544,730    1,253,087    24,552    10,926    -    5,279    -    213,838,574 
                                         
Operating expenses                                        
Selling and marketing   33,196    221,359    26,759    38,159    -    43,369    -    362,842 
General and administrative   33,212    288,422    37,283    62,453    -    54,980    476,349    952,699 
Total operating expenses   66,408    509,781    64,042    100,612    -    98,349    476,349    1,315,541 
Income (loss) from operations  $256,430   $1,946,701    243,872   $380,609   $-   $375,998   $(476,349)  $2,727,261 

 

Following are total assets by segment:

 

Total Assets  Sales of
Automobiles
   Financing
Services
   Web-based
Advertising
Services
   Automobile
Value
Added
Services
   Airport Auto Mall Automotive Services   Auto Mall
Management
Services
   Corporate   Total 
As of June 30, 2014  $138,325,315   $110,012,937   $638,601   $1,178,335   $65,700,117   $-   $994,359   $316,849,664 
                                         
As of December 31, 2013  $93,650,624   $96,122,720   $1,820,264   $2,815,434   $65,077,390   $376,146   $1,693,047   $261,555,625 

 

 

 

15
 

 

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

 

Except as otherwise indicated by the context, references in this Quarterly Report to “we,” “us,” “our” or the “Company” are to the consolidated businesses of China Auto Logistics Inc. and its wholly-owned direct and indirect subsidiaries and majority-owned subsidiaries, except that references to “our common stock” or “our capital stock” or similar terms refer to the common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of China Auto Logistics Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Registrant”).  “China” or “PRC” refers to the People’s Republic of China.  References to “RMB” refer to the Chinese Renminbi, the currency of the primary economic environment in which the Company operates.

 

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is designed to provide information that is supplemental to, and should be read together with, the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes contained in this Quarterly Report.  Information in this Item 2 is intended to assist the reader in obtaining an understanding of the condensed consolidated financial statements, the changes in certain key items in those financial statements from quarter to quarter, the primary factors that accounted for those changes, and any known trends or uncertainties that the Company is aware of that may have a material effect on the Company’s future performance, as well as how certain accounting principles affect the condensed consolidated financial statements.  This includes discussion of (i) Liquidity, (ii) Capital Resources, (iii) Results of Operations, and (iv) Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, and any other information that would be necessary to an understanding of the company’s financial condition, changes in financial condition and results of operations.

 

Forward Looking Statements

 

This periodic report contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, business strategies, operating efficiencies or synergies, competitive positions, growth opportunities for existing products, plans, and objectives of management.  Statements in this periodic report that are not historical facts are hereby identified as “forward-looking statements” for the purpose of the safe harbor provided by Section 21E of the Exchange Act and Section 27A of the Securities Act.  Generally, the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “continue” and similar expressions or the negative thereof, or comparable terminology, are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including the matters set forth in this report or other reports or documents we file with the SEC from time to time, which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those projected.

 

Prospective shareholders should understand that several factors govern whether any forward-looking statements contained herein will be or can be achieved.  Any one of those factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected herein.  These forward-looking statements include plans and objectives of management for future operations, including plans and objectives relating to the products and the future economic performance of the Company.  Assumptions relating to the foregoing involve judgments with respect to, among other things, future economic, competitive and market conditions, future business decisions, and the time and money required to successfully complete development projects, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of which are beyond the control of the Company.  Although we believe that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any of those assumptions could prove inaccurate and, therefore, there can be no assurance that the results contemplated in any of the forward-looking statements contained herein will be realized.  Based on actual experience and business development, the Company may alter its marketing, capital expenditure plans or other budgets, which may in turn affect the Company’s results of operations.  In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion of any such statement should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or any other person that the objectives or plans of the Company will be achieved.  Undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.  We undertake no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

 

The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon and should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and their related notes included in this Quarterly Report and our Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the SEC for the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

 

Prior Operations of China Auto Logistics Inc.

 

China Auto Logistics Inc., formerly Fresh Ideas Media, Inc., was incorporated in the State of Nevada on February 22, 2005.  Fresh Ideas Media, Inc. was engaged in the advertising and consulting business.  In February 2005, Fresh Ideas Media, Inc. formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, Community Alliance, Inc. (“Community Alliance”), an entity which markets sub-licenses for take-home school folders.  Fresh Ideas Media, Inc. had only commenced limited operations and had not yet generated significant revenues, and was therefore considered a development stage company.

 

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The Exchange and the Spin-Off

 

On November 10, 2008, Fresh Ideas Media, Inc. entered into an Exchange Agreement (the “Exchange”) with Ever Auspicious International Limited, a Hong Kong corporation (“HKCo”), whereby Fresh Ideas Media, Inc. acquired all of the issued and outstanding securities of HKCo in exchange for the issuance by Fresh Ideas Media, Inc. of 11,700,000 newly-issued shares of our common stock.  The closing of the Exchange (the “Closing”) occurred on the same day, immediately following the cancellation of an aggregate of 1,135,000 shares of Fresh Ideas Media, Inc.’s common stock held by Phillip E. Ray and Ruth Daily, Fresh Ideas Media, Inc.’s principal stockholders immediately prior to the Closing.  Prior to the Exchange, Phillip E. Ray and Ruth Daily owned approximately 23.89% and 16.58%, respectively, of the issued and outstanding common stock of Fresh Ideas Media, Inc.  As of the Closing, HKCo beneficially owned approximately 64.64% of the voting capital stock of Fresh Ideas Media, Inc.  As a result of the Exchange, HKCo became a wholly owned subsidiary of Fresh Ideas Media, Inc. and Fresh Ideas Media, Inc.’s primary business operations are those of HKCo.  Shortly after the Closing, Fresh Ideas Media, Inc. changed its name to China Auto Logistics Inc.

 

In connection with the consummation of the Exchange, Fresh Ideas Media, Inc. agreed to complete the spin-off of Community Alliance through a dividend of all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Community Alliance to holders of Fresh Ideas Media, Inc.’s common stock as of September 9, 2008.  The spin-off was approved by the Board of Directors of Fresh Ideas Media, Inc. on September 9, 2008.  As a result of the spin-off, the business and operations of HKCo are the sole business and operations of Fresh Ideas Media, Inc.

 

HKCo was incorporated in Hong Kong on October 17, 2007.  Prior to December 25, 2007, HKCo had minimal assets and no operations.  On December 25, 2007, Tianjin Seashore New District Shisheng Business Trading Group Co. Ltd. (“Shisheng”), a company established under the laws of the People’s Republic of China, became a wholly-owned foreign enterprise of HKCo.  This arrangement was approved by the relevant ministries of the PRC government.

 

Upon the completion of the above-mentioned transactions on December 25, 2007 and November 10, 2008, the Company owned 100% of HKCo which owned 100% of Shisheng, the operating entity of HKCo.  For financial reporting purposes, these transactions were classified as a recapitalization of Shisheng and the historical financial statements of Shisheng were reported as the Company’s historical financial statements.

 

Shisheng’s businesses include sales of both domestically manufactured automobiles and imported automobiles, providing financing services related to imported automobiles, and providing logistic services relating to the automobile importing process and other automobile import value added services such as assistance with customs clearance, storage and nationwide delivery services.  Shisheng holds 98% equity ownership in Hengjia Port Logistics Corp. (“Hengjia”), Ganghui Information Technology Corp. (“Ganghui”) and Zhengji International Trading Corp. (“Zhengji”).  Hengjia’s business is to provide web-based advertising services and automobile import value added services to wholesalers and distributors in the imported vehicle trading industry.  Ganghui’s business is to provide web-based, real-time information on imported automobiles.  Zhengji is engaged in sales of both domestically manufactured automobiles and imported automobiles.

 

On November 1, 2010, Shisheng entered into a Share Transfer Agreement with the shareholders of Chongqing Qizhong Technology Development Co., Ltd. (“Goodcar”) to acquire all issued and outstanding stocks of Goodcar for a net purchase price of $4.47 million, net of acquired cash, and completed the acquisition simultaneously.  Goodcar was engaged in the development and operation of the website www.goodcar.cn and the business of providing customers with information and discounted services relating to automobile, including discounted gas, car washes, and body-shop repair and car maintenance.

 

On March 15, 2011, the Company entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the former owners of Goodcar and agreed that the remaining cash consideration totaling $2.09 million and the consideration share of 177,238 (pre reverse split of 1,063,427) shares of common stock of the Company should be paid to the former owners of Goodcar no later than June 30, 2011.  Pursuant to the Agreement and the Memorandum of Understanding, the purchase price, net of cash acquired of $1.68 million from Goodcar, was $4.47 million for the acquisition of 100% of Goodcar’s equity interests. The purchase price of $4.47 million consisted of $1.01 million in cash ($2.69 million payable in cash less cash acquired of $1.68 million from Goodcar) and the issuance of 177,238 (pre reverse split of 1,063,427) shares of common stock valued at approximately $3.46 million. The value of common stock was determined based on $19.50 (pre reverse split of $3.25) per share, the per share price of the Company’s common stock on the acquisition date. The Company remitted approximately $600,000 and the remaining balance of the cash consideration in fiscal years 2010 and 2011, respectively. The 177,238 (pre reverse split of 1,063,427) shares of the Company’s common stock was to be unconditionally issued and was included in the Company’s equity as of December 31, 2010; the Company issued these shares during fiscal year 2011.

 

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On November 22, 2013, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Tianjin Zhonghe Auto Sales Service Co., Ltd. (“Zhonghe”), entered into a Cooperation Framework Agreement with Car King (China) Used Car Trading Co., Ltd. (“Car King China”) with respect to the establishment of a joint venture, Tianjin Car King Used Car Trading Company Ltd. (“Car King Tianjin,”) which will own and operate a used car business.  The establishment of Car King Tianjin was contingent upon the successful completion by the Company of the acquisition of Zhonghe, which owns and operates the Airport International Auto Mall, a 26,000 square meter automobile mall facility on a 68,000 square meter land parcel located in the Tianjin Airport Economic Area where the used car business is to be operated.  Upon the acquisition of Zhonghe on November 30, 2013, Car King Tianjin was established in accordance with the terms of the Cooperation Framework Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the Articles of Association of Car King Tianjin, Zhonghe and Car King China can make capital contributions totaling up to RMB 8,000,000 and RMB 12,000,000, respectively, to Car King Tianjin, which will have total registered capital of RMB 20,000,000.  Prior to being acquired by the Company, Zhonghe made an initial capital contribution of RMB 4,000,000 to Car King Tianjin in November 2013.  The Company is entitled to 40% of Car King Tianjin’s net profit or loss.  In January 2014, Zhonghe entered into an agreement with Car King Tianjin to rent approximately 9,927 square meters of the Airport International Auto Mall for a period of ten years through December 2023.

 

On November 30, 2013, Shisheng signed an agreement (the “Auto Mall Acquisition Agreement”) with Hezhong to purchase 100% of the equity of Zhonghe, which owned and operated the Airport International Auto Mall. Under the terms of the Auto Mall Acquisition Agreement, Shisheng will pay RMB 559,768,000 (approximately $91.2 million, net of cash received) to Hezhong, in four annual installments with an annualized rate of interest of 6%. The initial payment of RMB 240,000,000 (approximately $38.8 million) was paid within 5 business days after the signing of the Agreement. Upon the payment by Shisheng of this first installment, Hezhong transferred control of Zhonghe to Shisheng. Failure by Shisheng to pay the remaining installments may result in the termination of the Auto Mall Acquisition Agreement, as well as a penalty of 10% of the total transfer price.

 

The Cooperation Agreement dated March 1, 2013, by and between the Company and Tianjin Prominent Hero International Logistics Co., Ltd, to manage the International Auto Mall in Tianjin, China, expired according to its terms on February 28, 2014 and was not renewed. Therefore, as of March 1, 2014, the Company no longer provides auto mall management services.

 

On August 6, 2014, Shisheng signed a Strategic Cooperation Framework Agreement with Tianjin Binhai International Auto Mall Co., Ltd. (“Binhai”). Under the terms of this agreement, Shisheng and Binhai will act as strategic partners in the import vehicle sales service space, which cooperation shall include the development of a high-end import vehicle e-commerce sales platform and an online vehicle service platform. This agreement has a term of twenty (20) years, but may be terminated at any time without penalty by either party.

 

Current Business of the Company

 

The Company provides individual and business customers with services in relation to automobile sales, financing services, custom clearance, storage, national transportation, quotation platform, and information relating to automotive services and products, through its websites (www.at188.com, www.at160.com). The Company also sells imported automobiles and, as the only one-stop service provider in Tianjin, provides dealer financing to our customers. Through the acquisition of Zhonghe and the establishment of Car King Tianjin in November 2013, we entered into the used car sales market. We believe that there is a strong market for used car sales in China and this joint venture will provide us with opportunities for long term growth. In addition, we intend to use the Tianjin Airport International Auto Mall which was acquired through the acquisition of Zhonghe, to expand into the retail automobile sales market, which may generate higher overall gross margins.

 

Critical Accounting Policies, Estimates and Assumptions

 

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our condensed consolidated financial statements. These condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“US GAAP”), which require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of our assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses; to disclose contingent assets and liabilities on the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements; and to disclose the reported amounts of revenues and expenses incurred during the financial reporting period. The most significant estimates and assumptions include the valuation of accounts receivable, and the useful lives and impairment of property and equipment, goodwill and intangible assets, the valuation of deferred tax assets and inventories and the provision for income taxes. We continue to evaluate these estimates and assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. We rely on these evaluations as the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Since the use of estimates is an integral component of the financial reporting process, actual results could differ from those estimates. Some of our accounting policies require higher degrees of judgment than others in their application. We believe critical accounting policies as disclosed in this Form 10-Q reflect the more significant judgments and estimates used in preparation of our condensed consolidated financial statements. We believe there have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates.

 

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The following critical accounting policies rely upon assumptions and estimates and were used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements:

 

Revenue Recognition

 

We recognize revenue when there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, delivery has occurred upon shipment or services have been rendered, the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured.

 

The Company recognizes the sales of automobiles upon delivery and acceptance by the customers and where collectibility is reasonably assured.

 

Service revenue related to financing services is recognized ratably over the financing period.

 

Service fees for graphical advertisements on the Company’s websites are charged on a fixed fee basis. The Company recognizes the advertising revenue when the service is performed over the service term. The Company charges a monthly fee for listing services and recognizes the revenue when services are performed. The Company offers sales incentives to its customers in the form of (i) subscription exemptions, (ii) discounted prices, and (iii) free advertisements. The Company classifies sales incentives as a reduction of net revenues. Revenues, net of discounts, and allowances are recognized ratably over the service periods.

 

Airport auto mall automotive services include (i) the rental of the Airport International Auto Mall, and (ii) equity income (loss) derived from the Company’s 40% equity interest in Car King Tianjin. Rental income from the Airport International Auto Mall is recognized over the lease term on a straight-line basis. The Company’s lease agreement, entered into with Car King Tianjin in January 2014 (the “Rental Agreement”), contains a contingent rental arrangement for fiscal years 2016, 2017 and 2018, under which rental income is determined based on a percentage of Car King Tianjin’s gross profit. Notwithstanding this arrangement, the Rental Agreement contains both a minimum and a maximum annual rental amount. Contingent rental income is recognized when the specified targets are met. The equity income (loss) derived from Car King Tianjin is recognized based on the Company’s ownership share in Car King Tianjin’s net income (loss).

 

The Company recognizes revenue from automobile value-added services when such services are performed.

 

Receivables Related to Financing Services

 

We record a receivable related to financing services when cash is loaned to customers to finance their purchases of automobiles. Upon repayments by customers, we record the amounts as reductions of receivables related to financing services. Receivables related to financing services represent the aggregate outstanding balance of loans from customers related to their purchases of automobiles and are considered receivables held for investment. We charge a fee for providing loan services and such fee is prepaid by customers. We amortize these fees over the receivable terms, which range between three months and six months, using the straight-line method. We record such amortized amounts as financing fee income, and the unamortized amount is classified as deferred revenue on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 

We evaluate the collectibility of outstanding receivables at the end of each of the reporting periods and make estimates for potential credit losses. We have not experienced any losses on our accounts receivable historically.

 

Inventories

 

Inventory is stated at the lower of cost (using the first-in, first-out method) or market. We continually evaluate the composition of our inventory, assessing slow-moving and ongoing products. Our products are comprised of the purchase cost of automobiles, which declines in value over time. We continuously evaluate our inventory to determine the reserve amount for slow-moving inventory. As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, reserve for obsolescence amounted to $359,543 and $193,379, respectively.

 

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Income Taxes

 

In the process of preparing consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate our income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. Current income taxes are provided for in accordance with the laws of the relevant taxing authorities.

 

We account for income taxes using an asset and liability approach for financial accounting and reporting for income tax purposes. Under the asset and liability method, deferred income taxes are recognized for temporary differences, net operating loss carryforwards and credits by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable to future years. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. We conduct this analysis on a quarterly basis. As of June 30, 2014, the deferred tax assets amounted to $12,671 and deferred tax liabilities amounted to $12,333,835.

 

The Company has not provided deferred taxes on unremitted earnings attributable to its international subsidiaries as they are to be reinvested indefinitely. These earnings relate to ongoing operations and are approximately $30.9 million as of June 30, 2014. Because of the availability of US foreign tax credits, it is not practicable to determine the US income tax liability that would be payable if such earnings were not indefinitely reinvested.

 

The Company has no material uncertain tax positions as of June 30, 2014 or unrecognized tax benefit that would affect the effective income tax rate in future periods. The Company classifies interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. As of June 30, 2014, there are no interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions. The Company does not anticipate any significant increases or decreases to its liability for unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12 months.

 

New Accounting Standards

 

The Company is not aware of any recently issued accounting pronouncements that, when adopted, will have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following is management’s discussion and analysis of certain significant factors which have affected our financial position and operating results during the periods included in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements, as well as information relating to the plans of our current management. The following should be read in conjunction with the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and their related notes included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2014 Compared to the Three Months Ended June 30, 2013

 

The following table sets forth certain information relating to our results of operations, and our condensed consolidated statements of operations as a percentage of net revenue, for the periods indicated:

 

   Three
Months
Ended
June 30, 2014
   % of net
revenue
   Three
Months
Ended
June 30, 2013
   % of net
revenue
   Change in
%
 
Net revenue  $113,686,767    100.00%  $110,256,310    100.00%   3.11%
Cost of revenue   112,665,784    99.10%   108,441,227    98.35%   3.90%
Gross profit   1,020,983    0.90%   1,815,083    1.65%   (43.75)%
Operating expenses   1,321,419    1.16%   552,144    0.50%   139.33%
(Loss) income from operations   (300,436)   (0.26)%   1,262,939    1.15%   (123.79)%
Other expenses   (1,787,080)   (1.58)%   (142,300)   (0.13)%   1,155.85%
(Loss) income before income taxes and noncontrolling interests   (2,087,516)   (1.84)%   1,120,639    1.02%   (286.28)%
Net (loss) income   (1,852,979)   (1.63)%   799,491    0.73%   (331.77)%
Net (loss) income attributable to shareholders of China Auto Logistics Inc.  $(1,846,254)   (1.62)%  $800,484    0.73%   (330.64)%

 

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For the three months ended June 30, 2014, our net revenue increased 3.11% to $113,686,767, from $110,256,310 for the same period in 2013, and our cost of revenue increased 3.9% to $112,665,784 from $108,441,227 for the same period in 2013.  Our gross profit margin decreased 43.75% to 1.33% for the three months ended June 30, 2014 from 1.65% for the same period in 2013.  As compared to the same period in 2013, our gross profit, income (loss) from operations, net income (loss), and net income (loss) attributable to shareholders of China Auto Logistics Inc. for the three months ended June 30, 2014 decreased 43.75% to $1,020,983, decreased 123.79% to $(300,436), decreased 331.77% to $(1,852,979), and decreased 330.64% to $(1,846,254), respectively, primarily due to a reserve of $308,444 for a batch of slow moving vehicles purchased in late 2012 and 2013, a decrease in revenue from the fee income portion of the Company’s Financing Services segment , an increase in depreciation expense on the Airport International Auto Mall property, and an increase in interest expense on the payable related to the acquisition of Zhonghe.  Gross margin of 0.9% for the three months ended June 30, 2014 was lower than 1.65% for the same period of 2013 and 1.49% for the full year of 2013.

 

Net Revenue

 

The following table sets forth a summary of our net revenue by category for the periods indicated, in dollars and as a percentage of total net revenue:

 

   Three
Months
Ended
June 30, 2014
   % of net
revenue
   Three
Months
Ended
June 30, 2013
   % of net
revenue
   Change in
%
 
Net revenue  $113,686,767    100.00%  $110,256,310    100.00%   3.11%
- Sales of Automobiles   111,497,887    98.07%   108,030,708    97.97%   3.21%
- Financing Services   1,792,924    1.58%   1,810,159    1.64%   (0.95)%
- Web-based Advertising Services   87,690    0.08%   119,982    0.11%   (26.91)%
- Automobile Value Added Services   -    0.00%   53,175    0.05%   (100.00)%
- Airport Auto Mall Automotive Services   308,266    0.27%   -    -%   - 
- Auto Mall Management Services   -    0.00%   242,286    0.23%   (100.00)%

 

Sales of Automobiles

 

Net revenue from sales of automobiles increased 3.21% to $111,497,887 for the three months ended June 30, 2014 from $108,030,708 for the same period in 2013.  During the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company sold 1,048 automobiles and 1,240 automobiles, respectively, representing a decrease of approximately 15% in volume. The average unit selling price per automobile increased to $106,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2014 from $87,000 for the same period in 2013. 

 

Since the first quarter of 2013, we have experienced increased competition as more companies enter the imported automobile market.  While we remain one of the leaders in the imported automobile market, we continue to sell our automobiles at a low gross margin in order to expand our market share and maintain our market leader status.  During the three months ended June 30, 2014, sales for our top three selling brands, BMW, Land Rover, and Mercedes Benz accounted for 71% of our total net automobile sales.  Our once top three selling brand, Toyota, continued to be ranked number four in terms of sales amounts during the three months ended June 30, 2014. During the three months ended June 30, 2013, sales for our top three selling brands, BMW, Mercedes Benz and Toyota accounted for 76% of our net automobile sales. We sold substantially more Land Rover vehicles during the three months ended June 30, 2014 and the sales volume increased to 272 vehicles during the three months ended June 30, 2014 from 39 vehicles during the same period of 2013. The average selling prices for Land Rover vehicles decreased 32% during the three months ended June 30, 2014 compared to the same period of 2013 while the average selling prices for BMW and Mercedes Benz vehicles increased 13% and remained about the same, respectively, during the three months ended June 30, 2014 compared to the same period of 2013. Average selling prices for Toyota vehicles were typically lower compared to our other top selling luxury brands. Although sales of Toyota vehicles declined 39% during the three months ended June 30, 2014 compared to the same period of 2013, the overall average selling price of Toyota vehicles increased 36% during the current period. Our gross margin for sales of automobiles decreased to negative 0.06% for the three months ended June 30, 2014 from 0.26% for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and from 0.17% for the first quarter of 2014. We made a reserve in the amount of $308,444 for a batch of slow moving vehicles on vehicles purchased in late 2012 and 2013 which caused our gross margin for sales of automobiles be negative. Excluding this reserve, our gross margin for sales of automobiles would have been $238,412 or 0.21% for the three months ended June 30, 2014, slightly lower than the percentage in the same period of 2013 but higher than the percentage in the first quarter of 2014.

  

Sales to the Company’s top three customers, each of which are car dealers, accounted for 19% and 30% of the Company’s sales during the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The Company will continue to maintain close working relationships with its top customers while attempting to reduce the concentration of revenues among these top customers by actively looking for new customers to enlarge its customer base.

 

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Financing Services

 

The Company provides financing services to its business customers using the Company’s bank facility lines of credit (“Financing Services”).  These business customers are typically not customers of other segments.  The Company earns a service fee from its customers for drawing its facility lines related to its customers’ purchases of automobiles and payment of import taxes.  Customers bear all the interest and fees charged by the banks and prepay those fees upon the execution of their service contracts with the Company. We continue to take advantage of the available credit lines granted by our banks to expand our Financing Services operations through increasing our service types and expanding our customer base.

 

Net revenue from Financing Services for the three months ended June 30, 2014 decreased 0.95% to $1,792,924 from $1,810,159 for the same period in 2013.  The Company had aggregate credit lines of approximately $169 million (RMB 1.04 billion) and had approximately $88.2 million drawn on our lines as of June 30, 2014.  In addition to the facility lines of credit agreements with various banks, the Company had $53.4 million of short-term borrowings with Agricultural Bank of China and China Zheshang Bank as of June 30, 2014. We had approximately $58.6 million drawn on our $138 million lines of credit as of June 30, 2013.   The gross margin for our Financing Services segment decreased to 39.04% for the three months ended June 30, 2014 from 62.57% for the three months ended June 30, 2013.

 

Our Financing Services revenue consists of two portions: interest income and fee income.  Revenue from the fee income portion decreased during the three months ended June 30, 2014 as a result of lower fee income generated during the period.  Excluding revenue from the interest income portion of $1,083,864 and $672,185 in the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, revenue from the fee income portion decreased 37.69% to $709,060 for the three months ended June 30, 2014 from $1,137,974 for the same period in 2013. After strong growth in our fee income beginning in 2012, and continuing through the second quarter of 2013, we began to see a flattening of our fee income revenue starting in the third quarter of 2013. A significant part of our financing income was related to fees charged to our customers for extending temporary credit beyond the financing terms contracted with banks. Because we made payments of approximately $39.2 million (RMB 240 million) related to the Zhonghe acquisition in December 2013, and have been providing working capital to Car King Tianjin, our use of cash flow is not as flexible as it was prior to these transactions. We are therefore unable to offer as many temporary credit term extensions for our customers as we previously did. As a result, we have decreased our offerings of this service until we have the additional working capital necessary to return to our previous offering levels.

 

Our revenue growth from Financing Services is heavily dependent on overall industry growth and economic market conditions in the PRC.  A factor that affects our revenue from Financing Services is our relationship with major commercial banks, with whom we have established good credit.  Any decrease of credit limits or expiration of credit lines or other bank facilities may temporarily reduce our capacity to provide Financing Services or affect our purchasing power.  However, we have not experienced any difficulties in accessing credit lines and loan facilities with banks in the past.  Therefore, we do not foresee any difficulty at this time in obtaining credit lines and loan facilities from our banks.

 

Our lines of credit are with major commercial banks in the PRC, including the Agricultural Bank of China, China Merchants Bank, PuDong Development Bank, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, China ZheShang Bank, and China Minsheng Bank.  We continue to strengthen our relationship with these banks and aim to negotiate with additional banks for higher lines of credit at more favorable terms.  Based on the Company’s business relationships with certain financial institutions, we are able to obtain financing on an “as-needed” basis and we are in negotiations for a number of new credit lines.  Although all of our lines of credit have maturities of less than two years and may not be renewed on the same terms, if at all, we do not expect that the expiration of our lines of credit with any one of our existing banks will have a material adverse effect on our ability to provide Financing Services.  However, if the automobile market in the PRC, and in particular the market for imported automobiles, slows down in the future, our revenue from Financing Services would be materially and adversely affected by a decreased number of transactions.

 

Web-based Advertising Services

 

The Company operates two websites, www.at188.com and www.at160.com, which serve a broad spectrum of China’s “auto living” public by providing information about automobiles and auto-related products and services (“Web-based Advertising Services”).  We currently operate in one single city in Tianjin. In the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, all of our revenue from our websites was generated by subscription fees and advertisements.  Revenues from our Web-based Advertising Services decreased 26.91% from $119,982 for the three months ended June 30, 2013 to $87,690 for the same period in 2014.   Starting in the first quarter in 2013, we shifted the focus of our website operations from generating advertising revenue to providing automotive information to our website visitors. We have created a platform, which allows our customers and potential customers to have access to our products including automobile sales, automobile valued added services and Financing Services.  By offering extensive automotive information and news, we hope to attract more potential customers to our websites.

 

22
 

 

Automobile Import Value Added Services

 

In addition to a shortage of working capital, all automobile dealers in China, whether they are authorized agents or general dealers, contend with cumbersome procedures relating to the import business. The imported automobile service industry has developed to address these barriers by providing customs clearance, storage and delivery services for the dealers and agents (collectively, “Value Added Services”). Once vehicles are cleared through customs, we offer a value-added delivery service to inland China (by air, by sea or by truck). We did not generate any revenue in this segment during the three months ended June 30, 2014. Our revenues from Value Added Services was $53,175 for the three months ended June 30, 2013. Revenue for Value Added Services fluctuates from time to time depending on the needs of our customers.  

 

Airport Auto Mall Automotive Services

 

As a result of our acquisition of Zhonghe, which owns and operates the Airport International Auto Mall, we are currently operating two new businesses including (i) selling used cars through Car King Tianjin; and (ii) leasing a portion of the Airport International Auto Mall facility. We are also considering directly targeting retail customers by selling new imported automobiles out of this facility. We are currently finalizing our operating plans to determine the best and most profitable uses for this facility, and we expect this facility will not be fully operational until the second half of 2014. During the three months ended June 30, 2014, we generated rental income of $308,266 which represented the rental income generated from leasing the Airport International Auto Mall to Car King Tianjin, which commenced operations in March 2014. Since we own less than 50% of Car King Tianjin, the revenue generated from Car King Tianjin is not reported in our consolidated revenue.

 

During the three months ended June 30, 2014, Car King Tianjin generated revenue in the amount of $604,766, which represented revenue from sales of used automobiles and agency commissions earned from selling automobiles owned by other Car King locations. The number of automobiles sold through Car King Tianjin reached about 220 automobiles during the three months ended June 30, 2014. As the used car market in China is still at a preliminary development stage, we expect the overall used car market continues to grow in the coming years.

 

We lease a substantial portion of our Airport International Auto Mall facility to Car King Tianjin to operate a used car business. Since the inception of Car King Tianjin’s business, the Company has provided advances to Car King Tianjin as working capital, while Car King China has provided consigned inventories to support Car King Tianjin’s used car sales, which provide the source of Car King Tianjin’s revenues but are not recorded as part of our revenue in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements. Due to the cumulative loss incurred by Car King Tianjin and the limited contributed capital made by the Company and Car King China, Car King Tianjin has limited working capital and its ability to remit the rent for the Airport International Auto Mall lease will be uncertain starting in the third quarter of 2014. As a result, beginning in the third quarter of 2014, we might not able to recognize the rental until Car King Tianjin’s operating results and cash flows begin to improve.

 

Cost of Revenue

 

   Three
Months
Ended
June 30, 2014
   % of net
revenue
   Three
Months
Ended
June 30, 2013
   % of net
revenue
   Change in
%
 
Net revenue  $113,686,767    100.00%  $110,256,310    100.00%   3.11%
Cost of revenue   112,665,784    99.10%   108,441,227    98.35%   3.90%

 

Our cost of revenue consists primarily of the cost of automobiles paid to our suppliers, certain direct labor and overhead costs related to our Financing Services, Web-based Advertising Services, Value Added Services, and Airport Auto Mall Automotive Services.  Our cost of revenue increased 3.9% from $108,441,144 for the three months ended June 30, 2013 to $112,665,784 for the three months ended June 30, 2014. Our cost of revenue percentage increased, not in proportion to the increase in our revenue, primarily due to (i) the higher cost of revenue percentage of our Financing Services revenue as a result of the lower fee income revenue, and (ii) the inventory reserve made during the three months ended June 30, 2014. Sales of automobiles accounted for 98.07% of our total revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2014 as compared to 97.97% for the three months ended June 30, 2013.  Automobile sales traditionally generate high revenues but low gross margins. As the gross margin of our automobile sales has stabilized during the first half of 2014, and shifted slightly higher compared to the same period of 2013 and the full year of 2013, we hope that our overall gross margin will stabilize through the remainder of 2014.

 

We have limited control over the cost of automobiles, as the prices of imported automobiles are determined by suppliers and are dependent upon market conditions.  We will continue to work on obtaining more favorable terms and discounts by strengthening our relationships with suppliers and placing more batch orders. 

 

23
 

 

Operating Expenses

 

   Three
Months
Ended
June 30, 2014
   % of total   Three
Months
Ended
June 30, 2013
   % of total   Change in
%
 
Operating Expenses                         
- Selling and Marketing  $199,272    15.08%  $192,808    34.92%   3.35%
- General and Administrative   1,122,147    84.92%   359,336    65.08%   212.28%
Total  $1,321,419    100.00%  $552,144    100.00%   139.33%

 

During the three months ended June 30, 2014, our total operating expenses increased 139.33% to $1,321,419 from $552,144 for the same period in 2013.  This increase was primarily a result of a 212.28% increase in general and administrative expenses to $1,122,147 for the three months ended June 30, 2014 from $359,336 for the same period in 2013.

 

The following table sets forth a breakdown of the primary selling and marketing expenses of the Company:

 

   Three Months Ended
June 30,
   Change in 
   2014   2013   % 
Primary selling and marketing expenses            
- Payroll  $43,324   $32,650    32.69%
- Staff-related costs   27,288    15,017    81.71%
- Office expenses   11,523    9,863    16.83%
- Advertising and promotion   8,488    4,899    73.26%
- Entertainment   17,257    17,675    (2.36)%
- Rent   42,368    33,807    25.32%

 

Payroll expenses increased 32.69% during the three months ended June 30, 2014 primarily due to the increase in the number of employees resulting from the acquisition of Zhonghe. Staff-related costs increased primarily due to the additional costs of the Zhonghe employees, and a general increase in the cost of benefits.  Office expenses fluctuate from time to time depending on our needs. We incur advertising and promotion expenses from to time in our normal business operations.  Entertainment expenses decreased by 2.36% for the three months ended June 30, 2014.  Entertainment expenses fluctuate from time to time depending on the needs of our sales department personnel.  Rent expenses increased primarily due to the increased exhibition spaces rented in the Auto Mall.

 

The following table sets forth a breakdown of the primary general and administrative expenses of the Company:

 

   Three Months Ended
June 30,
   Change in 
   2014   2013   % 
Primary general and administrative expenses               
- Payroll  $76,612   $71,467    7.20%
- Staff- related costs   17,862    20,370    (12.31)%
- Entertainment   42,772    26,666    60.40%
- Depreciation   639,092    28,170    2,168.70%
- Legal and professional fees   168,275    100,858    66.84%

 

Payroll expenses increased 7.2% during the three months ended June 30, 2014 primarily due to the increase in the number of employees resulting from the acquisition of Zhonghe.  Staff-related costs decreased 12.31% during the three months ended June 30, 2014, due to a decrease in welfare benefit costs.  Entertainment expenses fluctuate from time to time depending on the needs of our management personnel.  Depreciation expenses increased 2,168.7% due to the depreciation expense on the Airport International Auto Mall acquired in November 2013.  Legal and professional fees increased 66.84% for the three months ended June 30, 2014 primarily due to the professional fees incurred related to the acquisition of Zhonghe, which took place in November 2013.

 

24
 

 

Income (loss) from Operations

 

Income from operations decreased 123.79% for the three months ended June 30, 2014 to a loss of $300,436 from an income of $1,262,939 in the same period in 2013.  Our gross profit decreased 43.75% to $1,020,983 for the three months ended June 30, 2014 from $1,815,083 for the same period in 2013.   The sum of our revenues for Web-based Advertising Services, Financing Services, and Value Added Services, which generated higher profit margins compared to the sales of automobiles, declined to approximately $1,880,614 during the three months ended June 30, 2014 as compared to approximately $1,983,316 in the same period in 2013, due to the decline in revenues in each of these segments, especially the fee income portion of the Financing Service segment.  Our operating income for these three segments decreased to an aggregate amount of $304,128 for the three months ended June 30, 2014 from $1,024,780 for the three months ended June 30, 2013.  The top performing segment continued to be Financing Services, which has been the focus of our expansion since 2012, but we have seen a significant slowdown of this segment primarily due to a significant portion of our working capital, which was previously used to finance this segment, being used for the Zhonghe acquisition payments and for working capital loans to Car King Tianjin. Our Airport Auto Mall Automotive Services segment generated gross profit of $308,266 through rental income and operating income of $78,695 for the three months ended June 30, 2014 which we did not have during the same period of 2013.

 

Other Income and Expenses

 

Other income and expenses consist primarily of interest income, interest expense, gain on disposal of property and equipment, foreign exchange gain (loss) and equity loss on share of investee company.  

 

The Company’s interest income is generated by interest earned through bank deposits.

 

Interest expense was $1,719,897 during the three months ended June 30, 2014 compared to $142,439 during the same period of 2013. The increase of $1,577,458 or 1,107.46% was primarily due to the interest incurred on the payables related to the Zhonghe acquisition and the interest on the increased balances of our short-term borrowings.

 

Gain on disposal of property and equipment of $246 during the three months ended June 30, 2014 was related to receipt of the proceeds of an insurance claim over the net book value of an automobile used by the Company.

 

Foreign exchange gain (loss) represented foreign currency changes related to our foreign currency short-term borrowings. Our foreign currency gain (loss) fluctuates from time to time depending on the exchange rate fluctuations between RMB and currencies of certain major countries.

 

Equity loss – share of investee company loss of $193,121 during the three months ended June 30, 2014 represented the share of loss on the operating results of Car King Tianjin in which we have a 40% interest. Car King Tianjin began operations in March 2014 and it is expected that Car King Tianjin will be fully operational in the second half of 2014.

 

Results of Operations for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 Compared to the Six Months Ended June 30, 2013

 

The following table sets forth certain information relating to our results of operations, and our condensed consolidated statements of operations as a percentage of net revenue, for the periods indicated: 

 

   Six
Months
Ended
June 30, 2014
   % of net
revenue
   Six
Months
Ended
June 30, 2013
   % of net
revenue
   Change in
%
 
Net revenue  $220,661,817    100.00%  $217,881,376    100.00%   1.28%
Cost of revenue   218,217,037    98.89%   213,838,574    98.14%   2.05%
Gross profit   2,444,780    1.11%   4,042,802    1.86%   (39.53)%
Operating expenses   2,752,778    1.25%   1,315,541    0.61%   109.25%
(Loss) income from operations   (307,998)   (0.14)%   2,727,261    1.25%   (111.29)%
Other expenses   (3,332,430)   (1.51)%   (162,799)   (0.07)%   1,946.95%
(Loss) income before income taxes and noncontrolling interests   (3,640,428)   (1.65)%   2,564,462    1.18%   (241.96)%
Net (loss) income   (3,200,018)   (1.45)%   1,807,814    0.83%   (277.01)%
Net (loss) income attributable to shareholders of China Auto Logistics Inc.  $(3,192,422)   (1.45)%  $1,807,819    0.83%   (276.59)%

 

25
 

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2014, our net revenue increased 1.28% to $220,661,817, from $217,881,376 for the same period in 2013, and our cost of revenue increased 2.05% to $218,217,037 from $213,838,574 for the same period in 2013.  Gross profit margin decreased 39.53% to 1.11% for the six months ended June 30, 2014 from 1.86% for the same period in 2013.  As compared to the same period in 2013, our gross profit, income (loss) from operations, net income (loss) and net income (loss) attributable to shareholders of China Auto Logistics Inc. for the six months ended June 30, 2014 decreased 39.53% to $2,444,780, decreased 111.29% to $(307,998), decreased 277.01% to $(3,200,018) and decreased 276.59% to $(3,192,422), respectively, primarily due to a reserve of $308,444 for a batch of slow moving vehicles purchased in late 2012 and 2013, a decrease in revenue from the fee income portion of the Company’s Financing Services segment , an increase in depreciation expense on the Airport International Auto Mall property, and an increase in interest expense on the payable related to the acquisition of Zhonghe. .Gross margin of 1.11% for the six months ended June 30, 2014 was lower than 1.86% for the same period of 2013 and 1.49% for the full year of 2013.

 

Net Revenue

 

The following table sets forth a summary of our net revenue by category for the periods indicated, in dollars and as a percentage of total net revenue:

 

   Six
Months
Ended
June 30, 2014
   % of net
revenue
   Six
Months
Ended
June 30, 2013
   % of net
revenue
   Change in
%
 
Net revenue  $220,661,817    100.00%  $217,881,376    100.00%   1.28%
- Sales of Automobiles   216,227,722    97.99%   212,867,568    97.70%   1.58%
- Financing Services   3,336,093    1.51%   3,709,569    1.70%   (10.07)%
- Web-based Advertising Services   162,392    0.07%   332,466    0.15%   (51.16)%
- Automobile Value Added Services   125,110    0.06%   492,147    0.23%   (74.58)%
- Automobile Mall Automotive Services   645,529    0.29%   -    -%   -%
- Auto Mall Management Services   164,971    0.08%   479,626    0.22%   (65.60)%

 

Sales of Automobiles

 

Net revenue from sales of automobiles increased 1.58% to $216,227,722 for the six months ended June 30, 2014 from $212,867,568 for the same period in 2013.  During the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company sold 2,029 automobiles and 2,496 automobiles, respectively, representing a decrease of approximately 19% in volume.  The average unit selling price per automobile for the six months ended June 30, 2014 increased 24% to $106,000 from $85,000 for the same period in 2013.

 

26
 

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2014, sales for our top three selling brands, BMW, Land Rover, and Mercedes Benz accounted for 68% of our total net automobile sales.  Toyota, formerly one of our top three selling brands, continued to be ranked number four in terms of sales amounts during the three months ended June 30, 2014. During the six months ended June 30, 2013, sales for our top three selling brands, BMW, Mercedes Benz and Toyota accounted for 79% of our net automobile sales. We sold substantially more Land Rover vehicles during the six months ended June 30, 2014 than the same period of 2014, as the sales volume increased to 426 vehicles during the six months ended June 30, 2014 from 50 vehicles during the same period of 2013. The average selling price for Land Rover vehicles decreased 25% during the six months ended June 30, 2014 compared to the same period of 2013, while the average selling price for BMW and Mercedes Benz vehicles increased 22% and remained about the same, respectively, during the six months ended June 30, 2014, compared to the same period of 2013. Average selling prices for Toyota vehicles were typically lower compared to our other top selling luxury brands. Although sales of Toyota vehicles declined 48% during the six months ended June 30, 2014 compared to the same period of 2013, the overall average selling price of Toyota vehicles increased 63% during the current period.  Our gross margin for sales of automobiles decreased to 0.05% for the six months ended June 30, 2014 from 0.15% for the six months ended June 30, 2013. We made a reserve for a batch of slow moving vehicles in the amount of $308,444 on vehicles purchased in late 2012 and 2013, which caused our gross margin for sales of automobiles to be negative. Excluding this reserve, our gross margin for sales of automobiles should have been $414,105 or 0.19% for the six months ended June 30, 2014 which is slightly better than the percentage for the same period of of 2013.

 

Sales to the Company’s top three customers, each of which are car dealers, accounted for 26% and 30% of the Company’s sales during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The Company will continue to maintain close working relationships with its top customers while attempting to reduce the concentration of revenues among these top customers by actively looking for new customers to enlarge its customer base.

 

Financing Services

 

The gross margin for our Financing Services segment decreased to 37.84% for the six months ended June 30, 2014 from 66.22% for the six months ended June 30, 2013.   The fee income portion of our financing revenue decreased during the six months ended June 30, 2014 as a result of lower interest rates charged by our banks during the period. Excluding interest income of $2,056,502 and $1,242,161 in the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, the fee income portion decreased 48.14% to $1,279,591 for the six months ended June 30, 2014 from $2,467,408 for the same period of 2013. After strong growth in our fee income portion beginning in 2012 and continuing through the second quarter of 2013, we began to see a flattening of our fee income revenue, which declined starting in the third quarter of 2013. A significant part of our Financing Services income was related to fees charged to our customers for extending temporary credit beyond the financing terms contracted with banks. Because we made payments of approximately $39.2 million (RMB240 million) related to the Zhonghe acquisition in December 2013, and have been providing working capital to Car King Tianjin, our use of cash flow is not as flexible as it was prior to these transactions. We are therefore unable to offer as many temporary credit term extensions for our customers as we previously did. As a result, we have decreased our offerings of this service until we have the additional working capital necessary to return to our previous offering levels.

 

Web-based Advertising Services

 

Our web-based advertising service revenue decreased 51.16% from $332,466 for the six months ended June 30, 2013 to $162,392 for the same period of 2014.  

 

Automobile Import Value Added Services

 

Our VAS revenue decreased 74.58%, from $492,147 for the six months June 30, 2013 to $125,110 for the six months ended June 30, 2014.  We expect our VAS revenue to fluctuate from time to time depending on our customers’ needs.

 

Airport Auto Mall Automotive Services

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2014, we generated rental income of $645,529 including $635,299 for rental income generated from leasing the Airport International Auto Mall to Car King Tianjin, which began to operate in March 2014.

 

Cost of Revenue

 

   Six
Months
Ended
June 30, 2014
   % of net
revenue
   Six
Months
Ended
June 30, 2013
   % of net
revenue
   Change in
%
 
Net revenue  $220,661,817    100.00%  $217,881,376    100.00%   1.28%
Cost of revenue   218,217,037    98.89%   213,838,574    98.14%   2.05%

 

27
 

 

Our cost of revenue consists primarily of the cost of automobiles paid to our suppliers, and certain direct labor and overhead costs related to our Financing Services, Web-based Advertising Services, Value Added Services, and Airport Auto Mall Automotive Services.  Our cost of revenue percentage increased, not in proportion to the decrease in our revenue, primarily due to (i) the higher cost of revenue percentage of our Financing Services revenue caused by the lower fee income revenue and (ii) the inventory reserve made during the six months ended June 30, 2014. Sales of automobiles accounted for 97.99% of our total revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2014 as compared to 97.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2013.  Automobile sales traditionally generate high revenues but low gross margins. As the gross margin of our automobile sales has stabilized during the first half of 2014 and shifted slightly higher compared to the same period of 2013 and the full year of 2013, we hope that our overall gross margin will stabilize through the remainder of 2014.

 

Operating Expenses

 

   Six
Months
Ended
June 30, 2014
   % of total   Six
Months
Ended
June 30, 2013
   % of total   Change in
%
 
Operating Expenses                    
- Selling and Marketing  $385,799    14.01%  $362,842    27.58%   6.33%
- General and Administrative   2,366,979    85.99%   952,699    72.42%   148.45%
Total  $2,752,778    100.00%  $1,315,541    100.00%   109.25%

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2014, our total operating expenses increased 109.25% to $2,752,778 from $1,315,541 for the same period in 2013.  This increase was a combination of a 6.33% increase in selling and marketing expenses to $385,799 for the six months ended June 30, 2014 from $362,842 for the same period in 2013, and a 148.45% increase in general and administrative expenses to $2,366,979 for the six months ended June 30, 2014 from $952,699 for the same period in 2013.

 

The following table sets forth a breakdown of the primary selling and marketing expenses of the Company:

 

   Six Months Ended
June 30,
   Change in 
   2014   2013   % 
Primary selling and marketing expenses            
- Payroll  $84,548   $66,864    26.45%
- Staff related costs   56,405    31,029    81.78%
- Office expense   19,681    21,627    (9.00)%
- Advertising and promotion   13,972    8,085    72.81%
- Entertainment   31,937    35,447    (9.90)%
- Rent   67,301    62,866    7.05%

 

Payroll expenses increased 26.45% during the six months ended June 30, 2014 primarily due to the increase in the number of employees resulting from the acquisition of Zhonghe. Staff-related costs increased primarily due to the additional costs of the Zhonghe employees, and a general increase in the cost of benefits.  Office expenses fluctuate from time to time depending on our needs. We incur advertising and promotion expenses from to time in our normal business operations.  Entertainment expenses decreased by 9.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2014.  Entertainment expenses fluctuate from time to time depending on the needs of our sales department personnel.  Rent expenses increased primarily due to the increased exhibition spaces rented in the Auto Mall.

 

The following table sets forth a breakdown of the primary general and administrative expenses of the Company:

 

   Six Months Ended
June 30,
   Change in 
   2014   2013   % 
Primary general and administrative expenses            
- Payroll  $161,923   $143,357    12.95%
- Staff related costs   41,603    41,015    1.43%
- Entertainment   83,926    39,196    114.12%
- Depreciation   1,283,981    56,323    2,179.67%
- Legal and professional fees   426,830    342,180    24.74%

 

28
 

 

Payroll expenses increased 12.957% during the six months ended June 30, 2014 primarily due to the increase in the number of employees resulting from the acquisition of Zhonghe.  Staff-related costs increased 1.43% primarily due to the additional costs of the Zhonghe employees, and a general increase in the cost of benefits.  Entertainment expenses fluctuate from time to time depending on the needs of our management personnel.  Depreciation expenses increased 2,179.67% due to the depreciation expense on the Airport International Auto Mall acquired in November 2013.  Legal and professional fees increased 24.74% for the six months ended June 30, 2014 primarily due to the professional fees incurred related to the acquisition of Zhonghe, which took place in November 2013.

 

Income (loss) from Operations

 

Income from operations decreased 111.29% for the six months ended June 30, 2014 to a loss of $307,998 from income of $2,727,261 in the same period in 2013.  Our gross profit decreased 39.53% to $2,444,780 for the six months ended June 30, 2014 from $4,042,802 for the same period in 2013.   The sum of our revenues for Web-based Advertising Services, Financing Services, and Value Added Services, which generate higher profit margins compared to the sales of automobiles, declined to approximately $3,623,595 during the six months ended June 30, 2014 as compared to approximately $4,534,182 in the same period in 2013, due to the decline in revenues in each of these segments, especially the fee income portion of our Financing Services segment.  Our operating income for these three segments decreased to an aggregate amount of $627,235 for the six months ended June 30, 2014 from $2,571,182 for the six months ended June 30, 2013.  The top performing segment continued to be Financing Services, which has been the focus of our expansion since 2012, but we have seen a significant slowdown of this segment primarily due to a significant portion of our working capital, which was previously used to finance this segment, being used for the Zhonghe acquisition payments and for working capital loans to Car King Tianjin. Our Airport Auto Mall Automotive Services segment generated gross profit of $645,529 through rental income and operating income of $224,339 for the six months ended June 30, 2014 which we did not have during the same period of 2013.

 

Other Income and Expenses

 

Other income and expenses consist primarily of interest income, interest expense, gain on disposal of property and equipment, foreign exchange gain (loss) and equity loss on share of investee company.  

 

The Company’s interest income is generated by interest earned through bank deposits.

 

Interest expense was $3,042,480 during the six months ended June 30, 2014 compared to $219,075 during the same period of 2013. The increase of $2,823,405 or 1,288.78% was primarily due to the interest incurred on the payables related to the Zhonghe acquisition and the interest on the increased balances of our short-term borrowings.

 

Gain on disposal of property and equipment of $11,940 during the six months ended June 30, 2014 was related to receipt of the proceeds of an insurance claim over the net book value of an automobile used by the Company.

 

Foreign exchange gain (loss) represented foreign currency changes related to our foreign currency short-term borrowings. Our foreign currency gain (loss) fluctuates from time to time depending on the exchange rate fluctuations between RMB and currencies of certain major countries.

 

Equity loss – share of investee company loss of $488,385 during the six months ended June 30, 2014 represented the share of loss on the operating results of Car King Tianjin in which we have a 40% interest. Car King Tianjin began operations in March 2014 and it is expected that Car King Tianjin will be fully operational in the second half of 2014.

 

Inflation

 

We believe that inflation has had a negligible effect on operations for the six months period ended June 30, 2014.  However, overall commodity inflation is an ongoing concern for our business and has been a considerable operational and financial focus for the Company.  We continue to monitor commodity costs and work with our suppliers and customers to manage changes in commodity costs.

 

29
 

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

We generally finance our operations through a combination of operating profit, short-term borrowing from banks and shareholder loans.  During the reporting periods, we arranged a number of bank loans to satisfy our financing needs.  As of the date of this Form 10-Q, we have not experienced any difficulty in raising funds through bank loans, and we have not experienced any liquidity problems in settling our payables in the ordinary course of business and repaying our bank loans when they come due.

 

We believe that the level of financial resources is a significant factor for our future development, and accordingly, we may determine from time to time to raise capital through private debt or equity financings to strengthen the Company’s financial position, to expand our facilities and to provide the Company with additional flexibility to take advantage of business opportunities.  No assurances can be given that we will be successful in raising such additional capital on terms acceptable to the Company. 

 

The following table sets forth a summary of our cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.

 

   Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   2014   2013 
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities  $(26,123,417)  $8,701,435 
Net cash used in investing activities   (1,378,101)   (16,133,404)
Net cash provided by financing activities   14,373,525    1,756,779 
Effect on exchange rate change on cash   (90,000)   76,647 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   15,041,505    8,888,749 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   1,823,512    3,290,206 

 

Operating Activities

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2014, we had net cash used in operating activities of $26,123,417 as compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $8,701,435 during the same period of 2013.  

 

Net cash used in operating activities during the six months ended June 30, 2014 primarily consisted of a net loss of $3,200,018, an increase in receivable in lines of credit related to financing services of $33,700,611 due to a larger outstanding receivables balance at June 30, 2014, an increase in advances to suppliers of $20,471,286 due to the building up of our inventory orders in order to increase our inventory selections for our customers, and a decrease in notes payable to suppliers of $12,244,657 due to repayments made in the period to settle certain payables when they became due. The net amount of cash used in operating activities was partially offset by a decrease in restricted cash of $15,794,841 due to fewer banks requiring restricted cash to grant lines of credit and issue letters of credit, and an increase in payables related to financing services of $22,692,784 due to larger outstanding balances on the draws on the lines of credit related to Financing Services.

 

Net cash provided by operating activities during the six months ended June 30, 2013 primarily consisted of net income of $1,807,814, an increase in restricted cash of $19,633,033 due to an increase in the number of lines of credit, related to our Financing Services business, which required restricted cash, an increase in receivables related to Financing Services of $4,444,767, a decrease in inventories of $12,896,225 due to strong automobile sales, an increase in advances to suppliers of $22,846,983 due to an increase in automobile orders in order to replenish our inventories, an increase in lines of credit related to Financing Services of $22,862,005, and an increase in customer deposits of $15,626,790 due to strong customer orders for automobiles and financing services.

 

Investing Activities

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2014, we had net cash used in investing activities of $1,378,101 as compared to $16,133,404 during the same period of 2013.  We received cash proceeds of $17,954 related to the disposal of an automobile used by the Company during the six months ended June 30, 2014. We had net purchases of property and equipment in the amount of $6,802 and $10,873, respectively, during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.   We loaned $1,389,253 to Car King Tianjin for its working capital needs during the six months ended June 30, 2014. We made a deposit related to the acquisition of Zonghe in the amount of $16,122,531 during the six months ended June 30, 2013.

 

Financing Activities

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2014, net cash provided by financing activities was $14,373,525, as compared to $1,756,779 during the same period in 2013.  The net cash provided by financing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 mainly represented net borrowing proceeds on short-term loans from banks in the amount of $59,796,676 and $22,152,978, respectively, which were partially offset by repayments of $12,405,885 and $19,944,736, respectively.  Cash payments related to the increase in restricted cash required by these short-term borrowings were $32,905,773 and $2,866,586 during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Drawdowns from bank overdraft agreements decreased $3,615, and increased $2,409,457, during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. In addition, we received non-interest bearing short-term advances from our Director and Senior Vice President, Ms. Cheng Weihong, in the amount of $405,942 and $402,203 and repaid $513,820 and $396,537 during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

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Our total cash and cash equivalents increased to $1,823,512 as of June 30, 2014, as compared to $3,290,206 as of June 30, 2013.

 

Working Capital

 

As of June 30, 2014, the Company had working capital of $14,017,955 compared to working capital of $16,012,695 as of December 31, 2013.

 

We aim to continue to improve the level of working capital through increased revenue and efficiently controlling costs.  The Company adopted measures to lower holding costs of inventories and to develop and maintain good relationships with banks for favorable financing terms.

 

Indebtedness

 

We currently have several outstanding banking facilities with Agricultural Bank of China, China Merchants Bank, Pudong Development Bank, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, China Zheshang Bank, and China Minsheng Bank. As of June 30, 2014, the Company had aggregate credit lines of $169 million (RMB 1.04 billion), and had outstanding balances under these credit lines of $88.2 million, which amount was directly related to our Financing Services operations. In May 2014, we obtained a new facility from China Minsheng Bank to borrow up to $12,997,141 (RMB80,000,000). As of August 11, 2014, the Company had aggregate credit lines of $169 million (RMB1.04 billion) with its banks.

 

As of June 30, 2014, we had an aggregate outstanding loan balance of $53,446,006 related to certain short-term loan agreements with Agricultural Bank of China and China Zheshang Bank.  These loans carried interest at rates ranging from 3.12% to 6.6% per annum and had maturity dates between six months to one year from the original loan agreement dates.   These loans were used for our working capital.  We continue to take advantage of the low interest rate environment and our excellent relationships with the major banks to secure loans at attractive terms.  In order to expand our revenues on sales of automobiles, we are required to have a significant amount of working capital since our suppliers require deposits for orders.  As we continue to see growth in our automobile sales business, we expect to continue to use short term loans to finance our business expansion.

 

We had an overdraft of $2,418,079 with Pudong Development Bank as of June 30, 2014 pursuant to an Overdraft Agreement which expires in December 2014.

 

Under the terms of the Auto Mall Acquisition Agreement, Shisheng will pay RMB 559,768,000 (approximately $91.4 million) to Hezhong, in four annual installments with an annualized rate of interest of 6%. The initial payment of approximately $39.2 million (RMB 240,000,000) was paid within 5 business days after the signing of the Agreement.  As of June 30, 2014, we had an outstanding debt balance of $52,624,050 including interest. We have to remit approximately $19.6 million, including principal and interest in each November of 2014, 2015 and 2016.  We plan to finance these installment payments through our operating cash flows and bank loans.  We expect that we will not have sufficient cash flow to remit these payments without obtaining outside financing.  We believe we will be able to obtain sufficient bank loans at reasonable terms to finance our operations and these payment installments.  However no assurance can be given that we will be successful in obtaining any loans on terms acceptable to us.

 

We believe that the level of financial resources is a significant factor for our future development and accordingly, we may determine from time to time to raise capital through private debt or equity financings to strengthen the Company’s financial position, to expand our facilities and to provide us with additional flexibility to take advantage of business opportunities.  No assurances can be given that we will be successful in raising such additional capital on terms acceptable to us.

 

Rental Income from Car King Tianjin

 

We lease a substantial portion of our Airport International Auto Mall facility to Car King Tianjin to operate a used car business. Since the inception of Car King Tianjin’s business, the Company has provided advances to Car King Tianjin as working capital while Car King China has provided consigned inventories to support Car King Tianjin’s used car sales, which provide the source of Car King Tianjin’s revenues but are not recorded as part of our revenue in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements. Due to the cumulative loss incurred by Car King Tianjin and the limited contributed capital made by Company and Car King China, Car King Tianjin has limited working capital and its ability to remit the rent for the Airport International Auto Mall lease will be uncertain starting in the third quarter of 2014. As a result, beginning in the third quarter of 2014, we might not able to recognize the rental income beginning until Car King Tianjin’s operating results and cash flows begin to improve.

 

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OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

 

The Company does not have any outstanding derivative financial instruments, off-balance sheet guarantees or interest rate swap transactions of foreign currency forward contracts.  The Company does 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.  The Company does not have any variable interest in any unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit support to the Company or that engages in leasing, hedging or research and development services with the Company.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

A. Material Weaknesses

 

As discussed in Item 9A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, we identified a material weakness in the design and operation of our internal controls.  The material weakness is: the Company’s accounting department personnel have limited knowledge and experience in US GAAP.

 

To remediate the material weakness identified in internal control over financial reporting of the Company, we have commenced to: (a) continue our efforts to recruit additional personnel with sufficient knowledge and experience in US GAAP; and (b) continue our efforts to provide ongoing training courses in US GAAP to existing personnel, including our Chief Financial Officer and the Financial Controller.

 

We will continue to monitor and assess our remediation initiatives to ensure that the aforementioned material weakness stated is remediated.

 

B.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.  The Company’s management, with the participation of its principal executive and financial officers, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.  Based upon that evaluation and solely due to the unremediated material weakness described above, the Company’s principal executive and financial officers have concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures were not effective for the purpose for which they were designed as of the end of such period.  As a result of this conclusion, the financial statements for the period covered by this report were prepared with particular attention to the unremediated material weaknesses previously disclosed.  Accordingly, management believes that the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report fairly present, in all material respects, the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows as of and for the periods presented, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S, notwithstanding the unremediated weaknesses.

   

C. Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that was identified in connection with such evaluation that occurred during the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

   

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

 

There have been no material developments in any legal proceedings since the disclosures contained in the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

 

A DTC “Global Lock” on the electronic clearing of trades in our securities in the future may affect the liquidity of our stock and our ability to raise capital.

 

On July 17, 2014, the Company received a letter from the Depository Trust Company (“DTC”), notifying the Company that DTC intends to suspend all book-entry services provided to its participants with respect to the common shares of the Company (the “Global Lock”). The Company has until September 12, 2014 to provide a written response to DTC setting forth its reasons why the Global Lock should not be instituted. DTC would then have up to twenty business days to reply to the Company’s response with either a determination or a request for further information. The Company intends to object to the imposition of the Global Lock pursuant to the foregoing procedure, and is also currently considering all other options available to it. However, there can be no assurance that any of the Company’s efforts will be successful. If the Global Lock is imposed, the Company’s common shares will not be eligible for delivery, transfer or withdrawal through DTC until the Global Lock is removed, if ever. If instituted, the Global Lock would affect the liquidity of the Company’s shares which may make it difficult to purchase or sell shares in the open market. It may also have an adverse effect on the Company’s ability to raise capital since investors may be unable to resell shares into the market. The Company’s inability to raise capital on terms acceptable to it, if at all, could have a material and adverse effect on the Company’s business and operations.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

 

None.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

 

None. 

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 5. Other Information.

 

(a)   There is no information required to be disclosed on Form 8-K during the period covered by this Form 10-Q that was not so reported.

 

(b)   There were no material changes to the procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees to the Registrant’s board of directors during the quarter ended June 30, 2014.

 

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Item 6. Exhibits.

 

The following exhibits, which are numbered in accordance with Item 601 of Regulation S-K, are filed herewith or, as noted, incorporated by reference herein:

 

Exhibit
Number

  Exhibit Description
3.1 (1)   Amended Articles of Incorporation of the Company
3.2 (2)   Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company
31.1*   Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2*   Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1*   Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2*   Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 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.DEF**   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB**   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE**   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
101.INS**   XBRL Instance Document.

 

* Filed herewith

** Furnished herewith

(1) Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form SB-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 7, 2006, Definitive Schedule 14C Information Statement filed on December 5, 2008 and Form 8-K filed on October 9, 2012.

(2) Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Definitive Schedule 14C Information Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 5, 2008.

 

34
 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

  CHINA AUTO LOGISTICS INC.
     
  By: /s/ Tong Shiping
    Tong Shiping
    Chief Executive Officer
     
  By: /s/ Wang Xinwei
    Wang Xinwei
    Chief Financial Officer

 

Date:  August 13, 2014

  

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Index to Exhibits

 

Exhibit
Number

  Exhibit Description
3.1 (1)   Amended Articles of Incorporation of the Company
3.2 (2)   Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company
31.1*   Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2*   Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1*   Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2*   Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 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.DEF**   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB**   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE**   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

* Filed herewith

** Furnished herewith 

(1) Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form SB-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 7, 2006, Definitive Schedule 14C Information Statement filed on December 5, 2008 and Form 8-K filed on October 9, 2012.

(2) Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Definitive Schedule 14C Information Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 5, 2008. 

 

 

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