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EX-31.1 - CERTIFICATION - Yew Bio-Pharm Group, Inc.f10k2016ex31i_yewbiopharm.htm
EX-32 - CERTIFICATION - Yew Bio-Pharm Group, Inc.f10k2016ex32_yewbiopharm.htm
EX-31.2 - CERTIFICATION - Yew Bio-Pharm Group, Inc.f10k2016ex31ii_yewbiopharm.htm
EX-21.1 - SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT - Yew Bio-Pharm Group, Inc.f10k2016ex21i_yewbiopharm.htm

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

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

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2016

 

OR

 

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 000-54701

 

YEW BIO-PHARM GROUP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Nevada   26-1579105
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

9460 Telstar Avenue, Suite 6

El Monte, California 91731

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (626) 401-9588

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☒

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☒

 

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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ☐

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

 

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 ☒

 

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates as of June 30, 2016 was approximately $308,464.

 

As of March 31, 2017, there were 51,875,000 shares, $0.001 par value per share, of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: NONE

 

 

 

 

 

 

YEW BIO-PHARM GROUP, INC.

FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

    Page
     
  PART I  
     
ITEM 1. BUSINESS 1
     
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS 15
     
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS 26
     
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES 26
     
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 28
     
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES 28
     
PART II
   
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES 29
     
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA 30
     
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 30
     
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 43
     
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA 43
     
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE 43
     
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 43
     
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION 44
     
PART III
   
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 45
     
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 47
     
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS 50
     
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE 51
     
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES 52
   
PART IV
   
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES 53
     
SIGNATURES 56
     
POWER OF ATTORNEY 56

 

 

 

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This document contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. All statements other than statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements”, including, but not limited to, any projections of earnings, revenue or other financial items; any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations; any statements concerning proposed new services or developments; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; any statements of belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing.

 

Forward-looking statements may include the words “may,” “could,” “will,” “estimate,” “intend,” “continue,” “believe,” “expect” or “anticipate” or other similar words. These forward-looking statements present our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this report. Except for our ongoing obligation to disclose material information as required by the federal securities laws, we do not intend, and undertake no obligation, to update any forward-looking statement.

 

Although we believe that the expectations reflected in any of our forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed in any of our forward-looking statements. Our future financial condition and results of operations, as well as any forward-looking statements, are subject to change and inherent risks and uncertainties. Some of the key factors impacting these risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:

 

risks related to our ability to collect amounts owed to us by some of our largest customers;
   
our ability to continue to purchase yew cuttings from our various suppliers at relatively stable prices;
   
our dependence on a small number of customers for our yew raw materials, including a related party;
   
our dependence on a small number of customers for our yew trees for reforestation;
   
our ability to market successfully yew raw materials used in the manufacture of traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM;
   
industry-wide market factors and regulatory and other developments affecting our operations;
   
our ability to sustain revenues should the Chinese economy slow from its current rate of growth;
   
continued preferential tax treatment for the sale of yew trees and potted yew trees;
   
uncertainties about involvement of the Chinese government in business in the PRC generally;
   
any change in the rate of exchange of the Chinese Renminbi, or RMB, to the U.S. dollar, which could affect currency translations of our results of operations, which are earned in RMB but reported in dollars;
   
industry-wide market factors and regulatory and other developments affecting our operations;
   
any impairment of any of our assets;
   
a slowdown in the Chinese economy; and
   
risks related to changes in accounting interpretations.

 

For a detailed description of these and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement, please see the section entitled “Risk Factors”, beginning on page 15 below.

 

 

 

 

PART I

 

The discussion of our business is as of the date of filing this report, unless otherwise indicated.

 

ITEM 1 BUSINESS

 

Introduction

 

Unless otherwise noted, references in this registration statement to the “Company,” “we,” “our” or “us” means Yew Bio-Pharm Group, Inc. (individually, “YBP”), a Nevada corporation; its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Yew Bio-Pharm Holdings Limited (individually, “Yew HK”), a corporation organized under the laws of Hong Kong, and Heilongjiang Jinshangjing Bio-Technology Development Co., Limited (individually, “JSJ”), a corporation organized in the People’s Republic of China, (“China” or the “PRC”); and a deemed variable interest entity, or VIE, Harbin Yew Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd. (individually, “HDS”), a corporation organized in the PRC, Harbin Yew Food Co. LTD (individually, “HYF”), the subsidiary of HDS, a corporation organized in the PRC, and MC Commerce Holding Inc. (individually, “MC”), a California corporation.

 

We are a major grower and seller of yew trees and manufacturer of products made from yew trees in China. We also sell raw material, including the branches and leaves of yew trees, used in the manufacture of TCM. The yew raw material contains taxol, and TCM containing yew raw material has been approved in the PRC for use as a secondary treatment of certain cancers, meaning it must be administered in combination with other pharmaceutical drugs. The yew industry is regulated in the PRC because the yew tree is considered an endangered species. In the first quarter of 2015, we started to sell wood ear mushroom.

 

We believe that our business is built upon five unique components:

 

We have entered into several land use agreements with various parties, which provide the potential for us to grow a large number of yew trees on large areas of land over the next few decades, although we cannot currently estimate the number of trees we will grow or the total amount of land we will put into production over such period.
   
We employ proprietary, patented accelerated growth technology, the Asexual Reproduction Method, to bring yew trees to commercialization decades faster than growing yew trees naturally.
   
Because of our more productive and faster rate of yew cultivation, we have a sufficient supply of raw material to allow us to use the branches and leaves, rather than the bark, of yew trees, to sell to customers for the purpose of making TCM. The yew industry is highly regulated in the PRC because the yew tree is considered an endangered species. By harvesting only branches and leaves of yew trees we respond to both environmental sensitivities and regulations, because cutting the bark of the yew trees will damage the trees and stop it from growing new branches.
   
We have permits from the Heilongjiang provincial government to sell our yew trees and manufacture handicrafts using yew timber. We believe that we are one of only a handful of companies in the PRC with permissions to manufacture handicrafts using yew timber.
   
The TCM raw materials and yew tree segments of our business are tax-free in the PRC.

 

Using patented accelerated growth technology developed by our founder and President, Zhiguo Wang, based on principles of asexual propagation and cloning, we can bring yew trees to maturity and commercialize them in as little as two-to-three years, compared to more than 50 years needed for naturally grown yew trees. Additionally, we have permits from the Heilongjiang provincial government to sell our yew trees and products made from yew trees. We believe that we are one of only a few companies in the PRC with such permission.

 

We operate in five business segments: TCM raw materials, yew trees, handicrafts, wood ear mushroom and others. We sell TCM raw materials in the form of yew tree branches and leaves to our customers, primarily an affiliate, to manufacture TCM containing taxol. We began the TCM raw materials segment in 2010.

 

In December 2009, another company owned directly and indirectly primarily by Mr. Wang, Heilongjiang Yew Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., or Yew Pharmaceutical, received approval from the Heilongjiang Food and Drug Agency, or HFDA, to sell Zi Shan, a TCM to be sold under both prescription and over-the-counter drug categories. Zi Shan contains taxol, and the TCM is approved in the PRC as a secondary treatment of cancer, meaning it must be administered in combination with other pharmaceutical drugs. In February 2010, we began selling to Yew Pharmaceutical branches and leaves of yew trees, which is more environmentally responsible than using the bark of yew trees, to extract taxol.

 

 1 

 

 

We also derive a significant amount of our revenue from the sale of yew seedlings and trees to state-owned enterprises and private businesses for reforestation in Heilongjiang Province and Jilin Province, in the northeastern China, as well as the sale of potted yew trees to retail customers. We also generate revenue from the sale of handicrafts, including furniture, made from yew timber. We started to sell wood ear mushroom on the fourth quarter of 2014. Additionally, we started to sell yew candles in the third quarter of 2015, and pine needle extracts in the fourth quarter of 2015. Most of our revenue is derived from the Chinese domestic market for the year ended December 31, 2016.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2016, revenues from the sale of TCM raw materials represented approximately 56.02% of consolidated revenue (including 56.02% of consolidated revenues from a related party); sale of yew trees represented approximately 0.04% of consolidated revenue; sale of handicrafts represented approximately 0.19% of consolidated revenue; and the sale of the others, which include yew candles, yew essential oil soap and pine needle extracts, represented approximately 43.74% of consolidated revenue. For the year ended December 31, 2015, revenues from the sale of TCM raw materials represented approximately 55.69% of consolidated revenue (including 47.73% of consolidated revenues from a related party); sale of yew trees represented approximately 3.84% of consolidated revenue; and the sale of handicrafts represented approximately 0.53% of consolidated revenue; the sale of wood ear mushroom represented approximately 8.95% of consolidated revenue, and the sale of the others, which include yew candles and pine needle extracts, represented approximately 30.99%.

 

Under Article 27 of the Law of the PRC on Enterprises Income Tax and Article 15 of the provisional regulations of the PRC on Value Added Tax, we do not pay any tax, including income tax and value-added tax, or VAT, in our TCM raw materials and yew tree segments. Our current VAT exemption certificate is valid from July 1, 2005 through December 31, 2016 and our current income tax exemption certificate is valid from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2058. We pay taxes on handicrafts made from yew timber, wood ear mushroom, yew candle, yew essential oil soap and pine needle extracts.

 

Zhiguo Wang, the founder of the Company and our President, does not devote all of his time to the Company’s business. We estimate that Mr. Wang devotes approximately 71% of his time, or approximately 120 hours per month, to the Company’s business. He devotes about 12% of his time, or approximately 20 hours per month, to the business of Yew Pharmaceutical and the balance of his time, or approximately 28 hours per month, to the business of other companies in which he is involved. These allocations are approximate only and are subject to change depending upon the projects and changing needs of the individual businesses in which he is involved.

 

The executive offices of HDS, our operating entity, are located in Harbin City, the capital of Heilongjiang Province in the PRC. Our four nurseries used to cultivate yew trees, and our production facilities to manufacture products made from yew trees, are in and around Harbin. We also have a facility in Harbin where we exhibit and warehouse potted yew trees, handicrafts and furniture.

 

YBP was incorporated in Nevada on November 5, 2007. YBP’s current executive office is located at 9460 Telstar Avenue Suite 6, El Monte, CA 91731, and our telephone number is (626) 401-9588. Our website is w ww.yewbiopharm.com. No part of our website is incorporated into this registration statement or any other report we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Industry Overview

 

Since 1996, we have grown Japanese yew trees (also referred to in China as Northeast yew trees), taxus cuspidate, on mountain hillsides near Harbin and cultivate them in four nurseries we operate near Harbin. We have successfully cultivated more than eight million yew nursery seedlings in four nurseries. These nurseries occupy approximately 19,759 Mu (approximately 2,957 acres) of forested land. We currently have the capacity to grow up to two million yew nursery seedlings annually. We also have contractual rights to use an additional 1,000,000 Mu (approximately 166,667 acre) site in Wuchang, which land we currently do not utilize, for future expansion of our yew tree growing operations.

 

Northeast yew trees grow well in the climate of Northeast China. Using our patented Asexual Reproduction Method, developed by our founder and President, Zhiguo Wang, based on principles of asexual propagation and cloning, we can bring yew trees to maturity and commercialize them in as little as two-to-three years, compared to more than 50 years of maturity period for naturally grown yew trees. We believe that utilizing the Asexual Reproduction Method addresses an imbalance between supply and demand for yew trees, both for reforestation and use in the production of cancer-fighting TCM.

 

The Northeast yew is a small- to medium-sized evergreen tree, typically growing from between 35 and 65 feet tall, with a trunk up to 6-1/2 feet in diameter. The bark is thin and scaly brown. The leaves are lanceolate, flat and dark green, typically between 1/2 and 1-1/2 inches long and about 0.1 inches broad, arranged in a spiral pattern on the stem. The Northeast yew tree is relatively slow growing compared to other species of yew trees, but can be very long-lived. It is estimated that a Northeast yew tree can live up to 2,000 years. The growing cycle of a Northeast yew tree is extremely long and regeneration is difficult.

 

Yew trees are scarce and, traditionally, it takes a long time to bring them to commercialization. It can take more than 50 years for a yew tree to mature naturally for pharmaceutical use. Our Asexual Reproduction Method shortens this period significantly. We begin with cuttings from natural yew trees, which we transplant at our nurseries. By using our Asexual Reproduction Method, the success rate of maturation is enhanced and in approximately two-to-three years the yew tree is able to be used for commercialization. We use some trees in their entirety and parts of other yew trees that we need and take the rest of the tree itself back to the forest to finish full growth to maturity in 10-15 years, creating a new generation of mature yew trees.

 

 2 

 

 

Because the Northeast yew trees are categorized as an endangered species and are protected in the PRC as a Level 2 preserved tree, the operation of the yew industry in the PRC is strictly regulated by the PRC Forest Law and its Implementing Regulations, Rules on Permit for Felling of Forest Trees, Regulations on Wild Plants Protection and other PRC laws and regulations. The available sources for yew trees for commercialization are scarce and costs of production are relatively high.

 

In accordance with the Notification about Key Points of Forestry Policies from National Forestry Bureau Registered (2007) No.173, or the Notification, issued on August 10, 2007 jointly by the National Forestry Bureau, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Finance Ministry, the Commerce Department, the State Administration of Taxation, the China Banking Regulatory Commission, and China Security Regulatory Commission, the Chinese government encourages the development of technologies promoting the cultivation of rare trees and plant-based pharmaceuticals; encourages the cultivation of fast growing timber species, especially rare and large diameter timber; and accelerates the reorganization and integration of existing wood-based panels, furniture, wood products manufacturing enterprises. The Notification also provides that the forestry industry shall enjoy state preferential taxation policies. According to the provisions of the relevant tax laws and regulations on enterprises engaged in agriculture and forestry projects, the enterprise income tax can be reduced or eliminated.

 

The Ministry of Science and Technology of the PRC implemented the Spark Program, or the Spark Program, in 1986. The major task of the Spark Program is to rejuvenate the rural economy by relying on science and technology and popularizing advanced and applicable scientific and technological findings in the rural areas. To encourage the Spark Program, the Chinese government set up the National Spark Prize in 1987, including Spark Science and Technology Prize, Spark Talent Training Prize, Spark Management Prize, Spark Outstanding Youth Prize and Spark Demonstrating Enterprise Prize. In 2001 the project of cultivation of yew trees has been recognized by the Ministry of Science and Technology of PRC as the Spark Program.

 

We have entered into several land use agreements with various parties, which provide the potential for us to grow a large number of yew trees on approximately 1,017,713.5 mu (approximately 169,619 acres) over the next few decades, although we cannot currently estimate the total number of trees we will grow or the total amount of land we will put into production over such period. Among these land use agreements, on March 21, 2004, we entered into a Joint-Stock Construct Rare Plant Northeast Yew Contract, or the Joint Venture Agreement, with the Heilongjiang Province Wuchang City Forestry Bureau, or the Wuchang Forestry Bureau, pursuant to which the Wuchang Forestry Bureau has given us access to 1,000,000 mu (approximately 166,667 acres) of forest land located in Wuchang City to develop yew tree forests and produce yew seedlings. Pursuant to the Joint Venture Agreement, we have permission to plant yew trees on this land from 2004 through 2034. Under the Joint Venture Agreement, any profits from the planting of yew trees and other agriculture shall be distributed 80% to the Company and 20% to the Wuchang Forestry Bureau. We have not yet cultivated this land or generated any revenue under the Joint Venture Agreement. Because of the profit-sharing feature of this agreement, we presently intend to focus on cultivating yew trees on other land subject to existing and possibly future land use agreements as our priority for at least the next few years.

 

Our business is sustainable and environmentally responsible. We accelerate the growth of yew trees utilizing our Asexual Reproduction Method, more than replenishing the number of yew trees we cultivate and put into production. We harvest yew trees twice a year. We do not use the bark of yew trees in production, which would kill the yew tree; instead, we use the branches and leaves of the yew tree.

 

Traditional Chinese Medicine

 

There is a long-established, scientifically recognized relationship between the Pacific yew, taxus brevifolia , and similar species of yew (including the Northeast yew), and certain cancer drugs, most notably paclitaxel, also known as taxol. Paclitaxel is a broad-spectrum mitotic inhibitor used in cancer chemotherapy. It was discovered in a U.S. National Cancer Institute program at the Research Triangle Institute in 1967 when Monroe E. Wall and Mansukh C. Wani isolated it from the bark of the Pacific yew tree and named it taxol. Taxol is found in the root, stem, leaf, seed and bark of the taxus family of trees, including the Pacific and Northeast yews. It was developed commercially by Bristol-Myers Squibb under the brand name Taxol®. The PRC State Food and Drug Administration, or the SFDA, approved a new drug certification for taxol in 1995.

 

The improvement on the extraction and isolation technology of the biological properties of taxol made it a breakthrough in the treatment of cancer in the 1990s, providing a non-intrusive alternative to the more radical techniques of radiotherapy and surgery. Taxol is used to treat patients with lung, ovarian, breast, head and neck cancer, and advanced forms of Kaposi’s sarcoma.

 

Taxol, derived from certain species of yew tree including the Northeast yew tree, is a taxane drug and mitotic inhibitor that is used to treat cancer. All cells grow by a process called mitosis (cell division). Taxol targets rapidly growing cancer cells, sticks to them while they are trying to divide and prevents them from completing the division process. Since the cancer cells cannot divide into new cells, they cannot grow and the cancer cannot metastasize. Taxol may suppress tumor growth through regulating microtubule stabilization, inducing apoptosis and adjusting immunologic mechanism. Taxol can promote the polymerization of microtubule and inhibit their degradation, through which taxol can block cell division in the G2/M stage and induce apoptosis of tumor cells.

 

 3 

 

 

Taxol is a clear, colorless fluid that is given intravenously as a chemotherapy injection or as an infusion pumped from a dose bag. Taxol can be administered as high-dose chemotherapy, once every two or three weeks, or in low doses on a weekly basis. In the treatment of certain soft tissue cancers, such as breast cancer, taxol is given for early stage and metastatic breast cancer after combination anthracycline and cytoxan therapy and is also given as neoadjuvant treatment to shrink a tumor before surgery. Taxol can also be used together with a drug called Cisplatin to treat advanced ovarian cancer and non-small cell lung cancer, or NSCLC. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved taxol as the primary and secondary treatment for NSCLC. There are other generally accepted protocols for the use of taxol as a cancer drug alone or in combination with other drugs depending upon the diagnosis, staging and type of cancer, as well as a patient’s medical history, tolerances and allergies, among other relevant factors.

 

The Chinese Herbal Medicine Standard (manual) of Heilogjiang Province (2011 version), edited by the HFDA, states that the Northeast yew has a secondary effect on treating cancer, meaning that while it has an impact on treating cancer, yew tree extract by itself (as distinguished from processed taxol) cannot be used as a stand-alone treatment of cancer. While the TCM raw material we sell contains taxol naturally, the companies to whom we sell such raw materials do not extract taxol from our TCM raw materials to produce pharmaceutical taxol.

 

Certain species of yew trees are the only natural source of taxol. Initially, taxol was extracted from the bark of the yew tree, but harvesting the bark usually kills the tree. Moreover, taxol is extracted from the bark of yew trees in extremely small amounts, often requiring the destruction of several yew trees to extract enough taxol to treat a single patient. Accordingly, taxol extracted from the yew is both very expensive and environmentally harmful. Because of environmental concerns about the adverse impact on forests in the Pacific Northwest in the United States, by the 1990s taxol ceased being derived from the bark of the Pacific yew. Alternative ways to develop taxol from renewable resources is ongoing. These include taxol-producing fungi from the yew tree and using other parts of the yew tree that may contain taxol.

 

We believe using yew trees that have been grown using our Asexual Reproduction Method significantly shortens the maturity cycle of naturally-grown yew trees and allows earlier commercialization of yew trees as a source of taxol. We further believe that using the branches and leaves of yew trees in large quantities, as we do, provides the key to solving the need for additional sources of taxol while not further endangering the PRC’s natural supply of yew trees, which themselves were over-forested in previous decades since the discovery of taxol.

 

The founder and President of our company, Zhiguo Wang, with the support of the Ministry of Forest and Science, and the Technology Department of Heilongjiang Province, successfully completed a project from 1984 to 1995 for asexual reproduction of the Northeast yew, and developed the first artificial cloned yew forest in the world. Tests conducted by the Ministry of Education’s Key Laboratory of Forest Plant Ecology in Northeast Forestry University have shown that the growing cycle of a cloned yew is significantly shorter than that of a natural yew and the concentration is taxol is higher. In 1995, this project received the Second Scientific and Technological Progress Award of Heilongjiang Province.

 

In December 2009, Yew Pharmaceutical received authorization from HFDA approving the sale of a yew-based TCM as a secondary treatment of cancer and certain other disorders, including uric disorders, certain liver diseases and menstrual discomfort. This TCM, sold under the brand name Zi Shan , has been approved to be sold under both prescription and over-the-counter drug categories. We also believe that Zi Shan may provide general beneficial effects on overall health. According to the Quintessence of Materia Medica, published in August 2006 by the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences - Institute of Medicinal Plants, the Northeast yew plays a role as a diuretic, detumescence and in restoring menstrual flow. The approval from HFDA allows Yew Pharmaceutical to sell Zi Shan throughout the PRC.

 

In November 2010, Yew Pharmaceutical applied to the SFDA to approve an upgrade of Zi Shan from provincial to national standard, which we believe will enhance its general market acceptance and therefore could create additional demand for the raw materials we sell to Yew Pharmaceutical. As of the date of this report, the application is pending.

 

We entered into a Cooperation and Development Agreement dated January 9, 2010, or the Development Agreement, with Yew Pharmaceutical, a related party, for the development, production and sale of yew-based TCM. Under the Development Agreement, we sell yew branches and leaves to Yew Pharmaceutical. Yew Pharmaceutical manufactures TCM at its own facilities in Harbin in accordance with the requirements of HFDA. Yew Pharmaceutical is also responsible for producing the finished product in accordance with good manufacturing practice, or GMP, requirements (in this regard, it received a GMP certificate in November 2009), and filing all applications with and obtaining all approvals from the HFDA.

 

Yew Pharmaceutical is the primary purchaser of the raw materials we sell in our TCM raw materials business. Pursuant to the Development Agreement, Yew Pharmaceutical pays us RMB1,000,000 per ton of raw material, whereas the current market price for such raw material is approximately RMB 1,100,000 per ton. The term of the Development Agreement is ten years, terminating on January 9, 2020. We began selling raw material in the form of branches and leaves of yew trees to Yew Pharmaceutical commencing in February 2010.

 

 4 

 

 

Yew Pharmaceutical is owned 95% by Heilongjiang Hongdoushan Ecology Forest Co., Ltd, a Chinese company, or HEFS, which itself is owned 63% by our founder, President and one of our directors, Zhiguo Wang, and 34% by his wife, Guifang Qi, who is also one of our directors. The remaining 5% is owned directly by Madame Qi. See Item 13, “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence”.

 

Yew Pharmaceutical is the exclusive manufacturer of Zi Shan in the PRC. Zi Shan is sold in sachets in HFDA-approved dosages of two grams per sachet. It is consumed as a tea twice a day for therapeutic purposes or once a day for general health benefits. Approximately 30% of Zi Shan sales to date are in Heilongjiang Province and approximately 70% of such sales are from other provinces.

 

Starting in June 2010, other pharmaceutical companies started purchasing yew raw materials from us to manufacture and sell TCM similar to Zi Shan in other provinces.

 

Yew Trees

 

We have developed a detailed process of yew tree breeding. We start growing yew trees from seedlings that we purchase from various third parties, including certain affiliates. These seedlings come from naturally-grown mature yew trees. Because yew trees are protected, yew seedlings are scarce. Prices have been rising for yew seedlings by approximately 20% per year in recent years and we expect that to continue for at least the next few years. Our largest supplier of yew seedlings is a company that is directly and indirectly owned primarily by Mr. Wang and Madame Qi. See “Suppliers” below and Item 13, “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence”.

 

We cultivate the yew seedlings at our nurseries for at least three to four years. Most of the land we lease from various parties for the growth of yew trees is location in and around Harbin. We have entered into several land use agreements with various parties, which provide the potential for us to grow a large number of yew trees on large areas of land over the next few decades, although we cannot currently estimate the number of trees we will grow or the total amount of land we will put into production over such period. Among these land use agreements, pursuant to the Joint Venture Agreement, we have been granted permission to grow yew trees on up to 1,000,000 mu (approximately 166,667 acres) and to share profits 80% to the Company and 20% to the Wuchang Forestry Bureau. In addition, we have been provided two areas to use as nurseries for the cultivation of yew seedlings in the aggregate amount of 1,400 mu (approximately 233 acres). See Item 2, “Properties”.

 

When the yew trees are mature enough for transplanting, we prepare survey and design specifications for an afforestation plan. Once this has been prepared and approved, we clean and divide the reproducing area, clearing brushwood and weeds, and mark off breeding areas of between five and eight meters in width and less than one meter in length. We typically plant stock in the spring, when the defrosted soil is a depth of at least 15 centimeters.

 

The cut materials are then dried for a period of 18-20 hours at a temperature of between 55°C and 60°C, with the temperature monitored every three hours. After the drying process, the moisture content of the plant material should not exceed 8.0%. We then use a crusher to grind the plant material into a powder. The powder is mixed before being put into sealed plastic bags. The sealed plastic bags are put into outer shipping material and the package undergoes a final inspection before being ready for shipment.

 

By using our patented Asexual Reproduction Method, developed by our founder and President, Zhiguo Wang, we are able to accelerate the commercial viability of a yew tree, so that it is able to be used for commercialization starting in approximately three years, compared to more than 50 years for naturally grown yew trees. For example, the branches and leaves from an accelerated growth yew tree can be used in the production of TCM in three to five years, and a cutting from an accelerated growth yew tree will develop into a small yew tree that can be sold as a potted tree starting in approximately three years. We are authorized sell cuttings of cloned yew trees without a government permit.

 

We sell yew trees primarily to state-owned enterprises and private businesses for reforestation in Heilongjiang Province and Jilin Province, in Northeast China. Historically, we have sold the majority of our yew trees to a small number of larger customers. However, even though we have a number of long-term customers, we do not enter into long-term agreements for the sale of our yew trees. Because our profit margin is smaller for larger customers due to volume price discounts, we are making efforts to increase sales to smaller customers. Our business relating to the sale of yew trees is seasonal. March to May, November and December are our strongest months.

 

After a period of three-to-seven years under cultivation, we also transplant some yew trees into decorative ceramic pots and sell these to retail customers for display in homes and offices. The Chinese people believe that in addition to its aesthetic qualities, yew trees help cleanse the air and reduce pollution. Accordingly, yew trees are purchased by individuals for personal use in their home or office and are often given as gifts. Yew trees can be found at landmarks around the world, including the White House and Lincoln Memorial.

 

 5 

 

 

We purchase high quality ceramic pots from third parties into which the yew trees are transplanted. We believe that there is a readily available supply of high-quality ceramic pots at relatively low and stable prices.

 

Because of the limited supply of yew trees and restrictions on the commercial use of yew trees, combined with the high quality of the ceramic pots we purchase from third-party sources, primarily in South China, used for the transplanted trees, the potted yew trees that we sell are highly prized and we charge premium retail prices by Chinese standards. Retail prices of potted yew trees vary based on the age, shape and other desirable qualities of the tree, and range from approximately RMB 280 to approximately RMB 3,080.

 

In connection with our entering into a land use agreement in July 2012, or the Fuye Field Agreement, we acquired more than 80,000 trees - which are not yew trees - located on that property. These trees consist of approximately 20,000 larix, 56,700 spruce and 3,700 poplar trees. Larix trees are used primarily in landscaping and we currently anticipate that we will begin selling larix trees to customers during 2013. Spruce and poplar trees are used primarily as building materials and we currently anticipate that we will begin selling these trees to customers in later periods, when these trees reach maturity in several years.

 

Handicrafts

 

Yew wood is of medium strength, making it possible to fashion products from the yew tree without undue effort or expense requiring special equipment. To create our current inventory of award-winning handicrafts, including furniture, historically we employed between 15 and 20 artisans from throughout the PRC, principally from Fujian Province and Jiangxi Province in southern China, annually from summer through late fall, to manufacture handicrafts made from yew timber at our production facility near Harbin. Since we currently have an adequate inventory of handicrafts, we now manufacture additional handicrafts only when orders are placed.

 

We begin the process of manufacturing handicrafts by selecting yew timber with greater variation in molding, which is indicative of a more attractive grain to the wood. The selected timber is then placed in a drying chamber and steam is injected to accelerate water evaporation until moisture content is only 3%. Depending upon the size and thickness of the timber, this process can take as long as one week.

 

The process of designing the item to be created begins with rough basing, based on geometrical form to summarize the overall artistic idea. During the entire process of carving the timber it is important to minimize knife scarring. Our crafted pieces typically go through a dying process; this not only can address certain small imperfections in the wood but is also done to aesthetically enhance the finished piece. After waiting at least twelve hours following dyeing, the carved item is then polished with sandpapers of different roughness and finally finishing cloths.

 

All of our products are hand-made, using yew tree timber of different maturities. Much of the furniture that we produce is reproductions of popular Ming and Qing Dynasty styles. We have acquired an inventory of yew timber from various parties over a number of years and have an adequate supply on hand for approximately five more years’ worth of production. Because of the scarcity of yew timber needed to produce handicrafts, it is very expensive to acquire new inventory of yew timber and supplies are extremely limited, if available at all. Accordingly, we plan to reduce and eventually eliminate our handicraft segment over the next several years.

 

Pursuant to the Department of Forestry of Heilongjiang Province (2003) Document No.188, issued by Department of Forestry of Heilongjiang Province on October 25, 2003, we have been granted rights to develop comprehensively and use Northeast yew resources. We believe that we are one of only a few companies in the PRC to have received approval for the manufacture of items made from yew timber.

 

Because of the limited supply of yew timber and restrictions on the commercial use of yew trees, combined with the high quality of artisans we employ, the handicrafts and furniture we manufacture are highly prized and we charge premium retail prices to our customers. Examples of retail prices for some of our products are as follows:

 

a pair of yew chopsticks sells for approximately RMB198;
   
a fountain pen sells for approximately RMB2,480;
   
sculptures can sell for tens of thousands of RMB; and
   
large pieces of furniture can sell for more than RMB100,000.

 

 6 

 

 

Wood Ear Mushroom

 

Wood ear mushroom grows in the deep forests throughout Asia, Europe and the United States. Though highly valued for its nutritional benefits in Asian regions, this crunchy, dark brown colored, and ear shape little super food is rarely sought after by its western counterparts. Wood ear mushroom contains high levels of polysaccharides, dietary fiber, protein, vitamins, and 20 times more iron than spinach, making it the new undisputed king vegetable. In addition, with rising concerns of heart health related diseases, researches have shown that antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents contained in wood ear mushroom can be an excellent alternative to traditional supplements.

 

The Company started to sell wood ear mushroom product in the fourth quarter of 2014, and generated $2,648,180 in revenues in 2015 from this newly created business segment. No sales were made in 2016, and management is reassessing its options to continue this business.

 

Others

 

The others segment includes the sales of yew candles, yew essential oil soap and pine needle extracts. We started to sell yew candle products in the third quarter of 2015, and pine needle extracts in the fourth quarter of 2015. The others segment generated $22,460,205in revenues in 2016.

 

Suppliers

 

We obtain yew seedlings from several sources. Prior to January 1, 2011, our largest supplier was Zishan Technology Co., Ltd., or ZTC, a related party. We believe that we pay market rate for the seedlings and cuttings we purchase from our suppliers. Mr. Wang and Madame Qi own approximately 39.4% and 30.7%, respectively, of ZTC. See Item 13, “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence”. We do not plan on making significant purchases from ZTC in the future.

 

None of the agreements we have with our suppliers are long-term contracts, meaning they can be canceled at any time. We believe that the supply of yew seedlings is readily available and if we lost one of our suppliers, we could readily find a replacement.

 

Sales and Marketing

 

We sell most of our products in the Chinese domestic market. The sale of yew trees for reforestation in Heilongjiang Province and Jilin Province is to both state-owned enterprises and private businesses.

 

We sold our products to a relatively small number of customers. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the following customers accounted for 10% or more of our consolidated revenue:

 

Yew Pharmaceutical accounted for approximately 56% of our consolidated revenue
   
Dafurong Biotechnology (HK) Ltd., accounted for approximately 29% of our consolidated revenue

 

For the year ended December 31, 2015, the following customers accounted for 10% or more of our consolidated revenue:

 

Yew Pharmaceutical accounted for approximately 57% of our consolidated revenue
   
Dafurong Biotechnology (HK) Ltd., accounted for approximately 36% of our consolidated revenue

 

Yew Pharmaceutical is the manufacturer of Zi Shan and other pharmaceutical products, and is owned, directly and indirectly, primarily by Zhiguo Wang and Guifang Qi.

 

The sale of furniture and handicrafts from our cultivated yew trees, as well as the sale of potted yew trees for display in homes and offices, is to the Chinese domestic market. We exhibit and warehouse potted yew trees, handicrafts and furniture at a facility located in Harbin.

 

Retail prices for potted yew trees are high by Chinese standards, but have remained stable. We provide the potted yew trees that we sell, from our nurseries. The supply of ceramic pots that we purchase from third-parties suppliers that we use to transplant cultivated yew trees is good and prices are stable.

 

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The sale of handicrafts is not seasonal. In December 2012, we closed our store in Harbin. Until December 2014, our headquarter warehouse in Harbin maintained inventory of a range of handicrafts and furniture, for sale and can also take orders for products custom-made to the specifications of our customers. We currently use this facility to exhibit and warehouse our products. Prices and delivery time for custom pieces vary depending upon the item and time of year, since our artisans work primarily during the warmer months from April to September.

 

Zi Shan is marketed and sold exclusively through Yew Pharmaceutical, under the Development Agreement. Yew Pharmaceutical is also our major purchaser of yew raw material used in the production of TCM. Yew Pharmaceutical is owned directly and indirectly primarily by Mr. Wang and Madame Qi.

 

Other TCM that is produced by manufacturers who buy yew raw material from us is marketed and sold by them to third party users, including hospitals.

 

We started to sell wood ear mushroom since the fourth quarter of 2014, and the major customer is our related party Heilongjiang Yew Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Yew Pharmaceutical purchased the wood ear mushroom and extracted for further processed. We also started to sell yew candles and pine needle extracts in the third and fourth quarters in 2015.

 

Intellectual Property

 

We believe that we are able to cultivate and grow yew trees successfully and faster by using our patented Asexual Reproduction Method, based on principles of asexual propagation and cloning, developed by our founder and President, Zhiguo Wang. Our patented Asexual Reproduction Method functions through cell replication with identical genes, sometimes referred to as cloning, of Northeast Yew with only a single parent present.

 

Mr. Wang first studied yew cloning techniques in 1982, for the purpose of addressing the long reproduction time, low reproduction rates and weak survival rates for yew trees in general. With the support of the Ministry of Forest and Science, and the Technology Department of Heilongjiang Province, Mr. Wang successfully completed a project from 1984 to 1995 for asexual cultivation and cloning technology of the yew, and developed the first artificial cloned yew forest in the world. Tests conducted by the Ministry of Education’s Key Laboratory of Forest Plant Ecology in Northeast Forestry University have shown that the growing cycle of a cultivated yew is significantly shorter than that of a natural yew and the concentration is taxol is higher.

 

We have been issued two patents related to our advanced growth technology:

 

“Yew Tree Plant Extracts, Methods for Extracting the Plant Extracts and Application”, or the Yew Extract Method, was granted by the State Intellectual Property Office, or SIPO, to HDS on August 16, 2011. This patent had previously been held by Heilongjiang Yew Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. This patent is valid for 20 years, from June 23, 2004 through June 22, 2024.
   
“Northeast Yew Asexual Reproduction Method”, or the Asexual Reproduction Method, was granted by SIPO to HDS on September 21, 2011. This patent is valid for 20 years, from September 30, 2010 through September 29, 2030.

 

We believe that our patented Asexual Reproduction Method has three unique advantages:

 

The Asexual Reproduction Method addresses the low rooting rate problem and accelerates the seedling rate and the maturity period for Northeast yew. It increases the rooting rate to over 80% and the seedling rate to over 85% for Northeast yew. It can bring the Northeast yew to maturity and ready for commercialization for medical use in as little as two-to-three years, compared to more than 50 years for naturally growing yew trees.
   
Large colonies can form to out-compete other organisms for nutrients. The active ingredients in the offspring were relatively stable with little difference.
   
There is high chance of survival of the offspring with little variation.

 

 8 

 

 

Our patented Yew Extract Method is an extraction process to extract anti-cancer active ingredients from yew branches and leaves for use in anti-cancer drugs. It utilizes Northeast yew branches and leaves as new medicinal parts to obtain anti-cancer ingredients. The Yew Extract Method has high yield rate and low costs. According to the Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, the anti-cancer effect of the ingredients obtained through Yew Extract Method is no less than that of taxol. Clinical research studies show the ingredients obtained through the Yew Extract Method has also low side effects. The Yew Extract Method increases the sustainability and enhances the utilization rates for yew trees in medical use from 1/5000 (in obtaining taxol) to 1/200. The Yew Extract Method has not yet been used for commercial purposes. We are currently studying the possibility of commercializing the Yew Extract Method for medical uses.

 

We do not currently own any trade names, trademarks or service marks the loss of which would be materially adverse to our business.

 

Research and Development

 

We entered into a Technology Development Service Agreement dated January 1, 2010, or the Technology Agreement, with Shanghai Kairun Bio-Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., or Kairun. Under the Technology Agreement, Kairun provides us with testing and technologies regarding utilization of yew trees to extract taxol and develop higher concentration of taxol in the yew trees we grow and cultivate. For these services, we have agreed to pay Kairun a one-time fee in the amount of RMB 200,000 after the technologies developed by Kairun are tested and approved by us. We retain all intellectual property rights in connection with the technologies developed by Kairun. Kairun may not provide similar services to any other party without our prior written consent.

 

The initial term of the Technology Agreement was two years. Kairun informed us that it is taking longer than originally expected to develop the technologies and conduct the tests under the Technology Agreement.

 

Accordingly, in February 2012, we entered into a supplemental agreement with Kairun, extending the term of the Technology Agreement indefinitely until project results specified in the original Technology Agreement are achieved. Kairun is owned directly and indirectly primarily by Mr. Wang and Madame Qi. See Item 13, “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence”.

 

We incurred $860 and $13,554 of research and development expenses in 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

Competition

 

We believe that we face little competition within the PRC for the growth and cultivation of yew trees because of the amount of space needed for proper cultivation of yew trees, the long period to maturity of the yew tree, the difficulties of propagation, the scarcity of yews and the regulation of the yew industry in the PRC. Because of the need for governmental approval to grow, cultivate and commercialize yew trees, we believe that there are high barriers to entry to our industry.

 

Most of our competitors are smaller companies that do not have cloning technology and therefore have to engage in substantially longer growing cycles to commercialize yew trees. Our main competitors in the growth of yew trees and cultivation of yew cuttings include Zhejiang Changshan Mandiya Yew Science and Technology Limited Company, located in Zhejiang, China; and Luo Yang Madia Yew Science and Technology Development Limited Company, or Luo Yang, located in Henan, China. For example, Luo Yang has only approximately 300 mu (approximately 50 acres) of yew seedlings under cultivation.

 

There is significant competition for the sale of furniture, handicrafts and potted trees in the PRC. This is a highly-fragmented industry in the PRC with innumerable competitors and little, if any, concentration of market share locally, regionally or nationally. Many of our competitors are probably larger than we are and can devote more resources than we can to the manufacture, distribution and sale of furniture, handicrafts and potted trees. Additionally, many of our competitors sell furniture and handicrafts, not made of yew trees, at prices considerably lower than the premium prices at which we sell our products. However, we believe that there is relatively little competition within the Chinese domestic market for our premium-priced yew products, primarily because of the scarcity of yew trees and the regulation of the yew industry in the PRC. We believe that we are the only business in the PRC that has been given permission to produce furniture and handicrafts from yew timber.

 

While we do not manufacture TCM or any taxol-based product ourselves, we could be seen as indirectly competing with companies that do manufacture taxol-based medicine. We face potential competition from many providers of TCM for many ailments. With respect to TCM specifically for use as a secondary treatment for cancer, we may be seen to compete with companies such as Fujian Leephick Pharmaceutical Limited Company, or Fujian Leephick, located in Wuping, China, and Qi Ao Chinese Medicine Tablet Co., Ltd., or Qi Ao, located in Anguo City, Hebei Province, China. Fujian Leephick is a fairly new company that we believe is only in an early stage of its research and development. Qi Ao can be differentiated from our company in that Qi Ao does not cultivate yew trees and requires third party supply of raw materials to produce TCM, whereas we produce the raw materials and sell them to our affiliate under the Development Agreement for the production of TCM, thereby providing a reliable supply of raw materials combined with the financial assurance of being paid up-front rather than being paid depending upon the timing and amount of sales to purchasers of the TCM.

 

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Ningbo Green-Health Pharmaceutical Company Co., Ltd. is a leading manufacturer of food and drugs with substantially greater financial and other resources than ours. However, taxol-based medicine is only one of Ningbo’s products and they do not produce any other yew-based products other than taxol-based medicine.

 

Plant and Equipment

 

The machinery and other equipment that we use in making our products are manufactured, for the most part, in the PRC. We conduct our own maintenance of our machinery and equipment. Replacement parts are relatively easy to obtain without delays as and when required, and are not subject to significant price fluctuations.

 

Government Regulations

 

Certain parts of our business are regulated under national, provincial and local laws in the PRC. The following information summarizes certain major regulations that apply to us.

 

Regulations at the national, provincial and local levels in the PRC are subject to change. To date, compliance with governmental regulations has not had a material impact on our earnings or competitive position, but, because of the evolving nature of such regulations, we are unable to predict the impact such regulation may have in the foreseeable future.

 

The growing and cultivation of yew trees and manufacturing products from yew trees, is regulated by Forest Law and its Implementing Regulations, Rules on Permit for Felling of Forest Trees, Regulations on Wild Plants Protection and other PRC laws and regulations. HDS received approval issued by the Department of Forestry of Heilongjiang Province (Document No. 188) on October 25, 2003, allowing it to sell yew trees and manufacture handicrafts using yew timber. There is no cost to the Company to maintain this approval. This approval has no expiration date.

 

As a foreign-invested enterprise, JSJ is subject to the Foreign-Invested Enterprise Law (1986), as amended, and the Regulations of Implementation of the Foreign Investment Enterprise Law (1990), as amended, both of which provide for incorporation, corporate governance, operation, business and other aspects of a foreign-invested enterprise.

 

PRC resident shareholders of the Company are required to complete foreign exchange registration with the State Administration on Foreign Exchange, or SAFE. In October 2005, SAFE issued the Notice on Issues Relating to the Administration of Foreign Exchange in Fund-raising and Return Investment Activities of Domestic Residents Conducted via Offshore Special Purpose Companies, or SAFE Circular 75, which became effective as of November 1, 2005, and was further supplemented by two implementation notices issued by the SAFE on November 24, 2005, May 29, 2007 and July1, 2011, respectively. SAFE Circular 75 states that PRC residents, whether natural or legal persons, must register with the relevant local SAFE branch prior to establishing or taking control of an offshore entity established for the purpose of overseas equity financing involving onshore assets or equity interests held by them.

 

In 2006, six PRC regulatory agencies jointly adopted Regulations on Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, or the M&A Rule. The M&A Rule requires that, if an overseas company established or controlled by PRC domestic companies or citizens intends to acquire equity interests or assets of any other PRC domestic company affiliated with the PRC domestic companies or citizens, such acquisition must be submitted to the Ministry of Commerce, or MOFCOM, rather than local regulators, for approval. In addition, this regulation requires that an overseas company controlled directly or indirectly by PRC companies or citizens and holding equity interests of PRC domestic companies needs to obtain the approval of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, or the CSRC, prior to listing its securities on an overseas stock exchange. On September 21, 2006, the CSRC published a notice on its official website specifying the documents and materials required to be submitted by overseas special purpose companies seeking CSRC’s approval of their overseas listings.

 

Environmental Issues

 

Our operations are subject to various pollution control regulations with respect to noise, water and air pollution and the disposal of waste and hazardous materials. We are also subject to periodic inspections by local environmental protection authorities. Our operating facilities have received certifications from the relevant PRC government agencies in charge of environmental protection indicating that the operations are in compliance with the relevant PRC environmental laws and regulations.

 

We believe that we are in substantial compliance with all environmental laws and regulations applicable to our business. We are not currently subject to any pending actions alleging any violations of applicable PRC environmental laws.

 

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Corporate Structure and Recapitalization

 

Second Restructure

 

In October 2010, the Company determined, in consultation with its professional advisors, that the First Restructure did not meet certain technical PRC legal requirements and that the Company would need to be further reorganized, or the Second Restructure. Accordingly, on October 28, 2010, JSJ and each of the HDS Shareholders entered into new Equity Transfer Agreement, referred to collectively as the Second Transfer Agreements, the terms of which are substantially identical to each other, pursuant to which 100% of the common stock of HDS was transferred by JSJ back to the HDS Shareholders for aggregate consideration of RMB45,000,000. Since the consideration of RMB45,000,000 due to the HDS Shareholders in the First Restructure had not yet been paid, pursuant to a Supplemental Agreement to the Second Equity Transfer Agreements dated February 16, 2011, the aggregate RMB45,000,000 amount payable by the HDS Shareholders to JSJ for the return of their HDS common stock in respect of the Second Restructure, was offset against JSJ’s liability to the HDS Shareholders in the same aggregate amount in respect of the First Transfer Agreements, which amount had not yet been paid by JSJ.

 

As discussed above, Mr. Jiang and HEFS had assigned to Mr. Wang their respective rights and obligations vis-a-vis JSJ resulting from the First Restructure, pursuant to the First Supplemental Agreement and the Creditors’ Agreement, since as of such time Mr. Jiang and HEFS had not yet been paid for the transfer of their interests in HDS to JSJ in the First Restructure in the amount of 3.22% and 10.62% of HDS’s equity interest, respectively. Therefore, in the Second Restructure, pursuant to the Second Transfer Agreements, JSJ transferred to Mr. Wang not only his previous shareholdings in HDS before the First Restructure (representing 62.81% of HDS’s total equity), but also an additional 13.84% of the equity in HDS as a result of Mr. Wang’s being assigned Mr. Jiang’s 3.22% equity interest in HDS and HEFS’s 10.62% equity interest in HDS.

 

After the foregoing transactions were completed, the HDS Shareholders then owned 100% of the shares of HDS in the following percentages:

 

Mr. Wang   81.47%
Madame Qi   18.53%

 

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On November 5, 2010, JSJ entered a series of contractual arrangements, or the Contractual Arrangements, with HDS and/or the HDS Shareholders, as described below:

 

Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement. Pursuant to the Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement between JSJ and HDS, or the Business Cooperation Agreement, JSJ has the exclusive right to provide to HDS general business operation services, including advice and strategic planning, as well as consulting services related to technology, research and development, human resources, marketing and other services deemed necessary, or collectively referred to as the Services. Under the Business Cooperation Agreement, JSJ has exclusive and proprietary rights and interests in all rights, ownership, interests and intellectual properties arising out of or created during the performance of the Business Cooperation Agreement, including but not limited to copyrights, patents, patent applications, software and trade secrets. HDS shall pay to JSJ a monthly consulting service fee, or the Service Fee, in RMB that is equal to 100% of the monthly net income of HDS. Upon the prior written consent by JSJ, the rate of Service Fee may be adjusted pursuant to the operational needs of HDS. Within 30 days after the end of each month, HDS shall (a) deliver to JSJ the management accounts and operating statistics of HDS for such month, including the net income of HDS during such month, or the Monthly Net Income, and (b) pay 80% of such Monthly Net Income to JSJ, each such payment referred to as a Monthly Payment. Within ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year, HDS shall (a) deliver to JSJ financial statements of HDS for such fiscal year, which shall be audited and certified by an independent certified public accountant approved by JSJ, and (b) pay an amount to JSJ equal to the shortfall, if any, of the aggregate net income of HDS for such fiscal year, as shown in such audited financial statements, as compared to the aggregate amount of the Monthly Payments paid by HDS to JSJ in such fiscal year. HDS also granted an irrevocable and exclusive option to JSJ to purchase any and all of the assets of HDS, to the extent permitted under PRC law, at the lowest price permitted by PRC law. Unless earlier terminated in accordance with the provisions of the Business Cooperation Agreement or other agreements separately executed between JSJ and HDS, the Business Cooperation Agreement is for a term of ten years and expires on November 5, 2020; however, the term of the Business Cooperation Agreement may be extended if confirmed in writing by JSJ prior to the expiration of the term thereof. The period of the extended term shall be determined exclusively by JSJ and HDS shall accept such extended term unconditionally. Unless JSJ commits gross negligence, or a fraudulent act, against HDS, HDS shall not terminate the Business Cooperation Agreement prior to the expiration of the term, including any extended term. Notwithstanding the foregoing, JSJ shall have the right to terminate the Business Cooperation Agreement at any time upon giving 30 days’ prior written notice to HDS.
   
Exclusive Option Agreement. Under an Exclusive Option Agreement among JSJ, HDS and each HDS Shareholder, individually referred to as an Option Agreement, the terms of which are substantively identical to each other, each HDS Shareholder has granted JSJ or its designee the irrevocable and exclusive right to purchase, to the extent permitted under PRC law, all or any part of the HDS Shareholder’s equity interests in HDS, or the Equity Interest Purchase Option, for RMB 10. If an appraisal is required by PRC laws at the time when and if JSJ exercises the Equity Interest Purchase Option, the parties shall negotiate in good faith and, based upon the appraisal, make a necessary adjustment to the purchase price so that it complies with any and all then applicable PRC laws. Without the consent of JSJ, the HDS Shareholders shall not sell, transfer, mortgage or dispose of their respective shares of HDS stock. Additionally, without the prior consent of JSJ, the HDS Shareholders shall not in any manner supplement, change or amend the articles of association and bylaws of HDS, increase or decrease its registered capital, change the structure of its registered capital in any other manner, or engage in any transactions that could materially affect HDS’ assets, liabilities, rights or operations, including, without limitation, the incurrence or assumption of any indebtedness except incurred in the ordinary course of business, execute any major contract over RMB 500,000, sell or purchase any assets or rights, incur of any encumbrance on any of its assets or intellectual property rights in favor of a third party or transfer of any agreements relating to its business operation to any third party. The term of each Option Agreement is ten years commencing on November 5, 2020 and may be extended at the sole election of JSJ.
   
Equity Interest Pledge Agreement. To guarantee HDS’s performance of its obligations under the Business Cooperation Agreement, each HDS Shareholder, JSJ and HDS entered into an Equity Interest Pledge Agreement, individually referred to as a Pledge Agreement, the terms of which are substantially similar to each other. Pursuant to the Pledge Agreement, each HDS Shareholder pledged all of his or her equity interest in HDS to JSJ. If HDS or the HDS Shareholders breach their respective contractual obligations and such breach is not remedied to the satisfaction of JSJ within 20 days after the giving of notice of breach, JSJ, as pledgee, will be entitled to exercise certain rights, including the right to foreclose upon and sell the pledged equity interests. During the term of the Pledge Agreement, the HDS Shareholder shall not transfer his or her equity interest in HDS or place or otherwise permit any other security interest of other encumbrance to be placed on such equity interest. Upon the full payment of the Service Fee under the BCA and upon the termination of HDS’s obligations thereunder, the Pledge Agreement shall be terminated.
   
Power of Attorney. Under a Power of Attorney executed by each HDS Shareholder, individually referred to as a Power of Attorney, the terms of which are substantially similar to each other, JSJ has been granted an exclusive, irrevocable power of attorney to take actions in the place and stead of the HDS Shareholder, to act on behalf of the HDS Shareholder as his or her exclusive agent and attorney with respect to all matters concerning the HDS Shareholder’s equity interests in HDS, including without limitation, the right to: 1) attend shareholders’ meetings of HDS; 2) exercise all the HDS Shareholder’s rights, including voting rights under PRC laws and HDS’s Articles of Association, including but not limited to the sale or transfer or pledge or disposition of the HDS Shareholder’s equity interests in HDS in whole or in part; and 3) designate and appoint on behalf of the HDS Shareholder the legal representative, executive director, supervisor, manager and other senior management of HDS.

 

 12 

 

 

On November 29, 2010, YBP established a wholly-owned subsidiary, Yew HK, a limited liability company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong. On January 26, 2011, YBP transferred its ownership in JSJ to Yew HK. As a result of the Second Restructure, HDS is considered a VIE, and YBP, as the sole shareholder of Yew HK and the ultimate parent company, is the controlling entity of HDS.

 

On April 15, 2011, Mr. Wang, Madame Qi and Mr. Han completed an updated registration with SAFE, pursuant to the requirements under SAFE Circular 75.

 

As of April 1, 2013, the HDS Shareholders collectively owned 22,805,512 shares, or approximately 45.61%, of YBP’s common stock, or the HDS Shareholders’ Stock. Before, during and after the Second Restructure, the HDS Shareholders served as the sole directors and principal executive officers of the Company, other than the position of CFO.

 

While we have not discovered any precedent under Nevada law for a transaction like the Second Restructure, it is possible that the Second Restructure should have been approved by YBP’s shareholders because it may be viewed as having involved the sale of all or substantially all of YBP’s assets in that the stock of HDS was transferred from a wholly-owned subsidiary, JSJ, to the HDS Shareholders. However, because the Company was not yet subject to the reporting obligations of the Exchange Act, YBP was unable to issue a proxy statement that complied with SEC proxy rules to its shareholders in connection with such approval. Once the Company became subject to the reporting obligations of the Exchange Act, it sought and obtained shareholder ratification of the Second Restructure and all of the transactions contemplated and effected in connection therewith at the Special Meeting on December 13, 2012. While we believe that it is unclear if the Second Restructure required shareholder approval under Nevada law, we also believe that since the Second Restructure has been ratified by our shareholders, any possible concerns about the manner by which the Second Restructure was approved under Nevada law has been alleviated, since we believe that the Nevada Corporations Law allows for shareholder ratification after-the-fact of transactions requiring shareholder approval. See Item 13, “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence”.

 

Recapitalization

 

Generally, the founders of a corporation in the United States receive shares of stock in consideration of the tangible and intangible assets contributed by them to the enterprise. Since the consideration for those shares is the transfer of assets, including intellectual property, and business know-how, sometimes referred to as “sweat equity”, no cash payment for such shares occurs.

 

However, unfamiliar with the usual way that founders acquire equity interests in corporations in the United States, the HDS Shareholders both contributed assets to the Company and actually purchased their HDS Shareholders’ Stock between March 2008 and September 2009, for cash, in a series of four different offerings of YBP common stock during that period, at prices ranging between $0.02 and $0.10 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $966,501.

 

As a result of the Contractual Arrangements of the Second Restructure, in which all of the profits of HDS will be paid under the terms of the Business Cooperation Agreement to JSJ, which is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of YBP, combined with the actual purchase by the HDS Shareholders of the HDS Shareholders’ Stock for cash, it could be viewed that Mr. Wang, Madame Qi and Mr. Han have, in effect, paid for their HDS Shareholders’ Stock twice.

 

Accordingly, the Company rectified this situation by obtaining shareholder approval at the Special Meeting on December 13, 2012 to issue a stock purchase option, each referred to as a Founder’s Option and collectively referred to as the Founders’ Options, to each of Mr. Wang and Madame Qi in an amount equal to the number of shares of YBP common stock that each of them then currently owned. The terms of the Founders’ Options are identical to each other except for the name of the optionee and the number of shares of YBP common stock subject to each such Founder’s Option. Those terms include:

 

the issuance of the Founders’ Options was subject to pre-issuance approval by our shareholders, which approval was obtained at the Special Meeting;
   
each Founder’s Option was fully vested upon issuance;
   
each Founder’s Option is exercisable for a period of five years;
   
each Founder’s Option has a per share exercise price equal to the fair market value of a shares of YBP common stock on the date of grant, or $0.22 per share; and
   
each Founder’s Option has a cashless exercise feature, pursuant to which, at the optionee’s election, he or she may choose to deliver previously-owned shares of YBP common stock in payment of the exercise price or not pay the exercise price of the Founder’s Option and receive instead a reduced number of shares of YBP common stock reflecting the value of the number of shares of YBP common stock equal to the difference, if any, between the aggregate fair market value of the shares issuable upon exercise of the Founder’s Option and the exercise price of the Founder’s Option.

 

 13 

 

 

The number of shares of YBP common stock subject to each Founder’s Option is as follows:

 

Number of Optionee  Number of Shares Subject to Founder’s Option 
Zhioguo Wang   20,103,475 
Guifang Qi   2,488,737 

 

The terms of the Founders’ Options have not been determined as a result of arm’s-length negotiations. The Board of Directors of YBP, which consists of the same persons who are the HDS Shareholders and the grantees of the Founders’ Options, obtained shareholder approval of the issuance of the Founders’ Options at the Special Meeting on December 13, 2012.

 

To the extent that the Founders’ Options are exercised, the number of shares of YBP common stock then held by each HDS Shareholder could as much as double, which would be highly dilutive to the other existing YBP shareholders. The following chart shows the maximum effect of this dilution assuming full exercise of each Founder’s Option for cash:

 

Shareholder  Number of
Shares
Presently
Held
   Percentage
of Issued
Shares
Presently
Held
   Number of
Shares Held
Assuming
Exercise of
All
Founders’
Options
   Percentage
of Issued
Shares
Following
Exercise of
All
Founders’
Options
 
Zhiguo Wang   20,103,475    39.03%   40,206,950    54.11%
Guifang Qi   2,439,737    4.74%   4,928,474    6.63%
                     
All HDS Shareholders as a group (2 persons)   22,543,212    43.77%   45,135,424    60.74%
All other existing shareholders   28,956,788    56.23%   29,170,088    39.26%
Total   51,500,000    100.00%   74,305,512    100.00%

 

See Item 13, “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence”.

 

 14 

 

 

Employees

 

As of December 31, 2016, we had approximately 86 employees, of whom approximately 46 were full-time employees and approximately 40 were part-time employees. Our employees that work in China belong to a trade union. We believe that we maintain good labor relations with our employees. We also hire additional people for brief periods of time during peak production and processing seasons.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

Risks Related to our Business

 

Our products may not achieve or maintain widespread market acceptance.

 

Success of our products is highly dependent on market acceptance. We believe that continued market acceptance of our products will depend on many factors, including:

 

the perceived advantages of our products over competing products and the availability and success of competing products;
   
the effectiveness of our sales and marketing efforts;
   
our product pricing and cost effectiveness;
   
the safety and efficacy of our products and the prevalence and severity of adverse side effects, if any; and
   
publicity concerning our products, product candidates or competing products.

 

If our products fail to achieve or maintain market acceptance, or if new products are introduced by others that are more favorably received than our products, are more cost effective or otherwise render our products obsolete, we may experience a decline in the demand for our products. If we are unable to market and sell our products successfully, our business, financial condition, results of operation and future growth would be adversely affected.

 

Our future research and development projects may not be successful.

 

The successful development of TCM and pharmaceutical products can be affected by many factors. Products that appear to be promising at their early phases of research and development may fail to be commercialized for various reasons, including the failure to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals. In addition, the research and development cycle for new products for which we may obtain an approval certificate is long.

 

There is no assurance that our future research and development projects will be successful or completed within the anticipated time frame or budget or that we will receive the necessary approvals from relevant authorities for the production of these newly developed products, or that these newly developed products will achieve commercial success. Even if such products can be successfully commercialized, they may not achieve the level of market acceptance that we expect.

 

We have limited insurance coverage and may incur losses resulting from product liability claims or business interruptions.

 

The nature of our business exposes us to the risk of product liability claims that is inherent in the research and development, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceutical products. These risks are greater for our products that receive regulatory approval for commercial sale. Even if a product were approved for commercial use by an appropriate governmental agency, there can be no assurance that users will not claim effects other than those intended resulted from the use of our products. While to date no material claim for personal injury resulting from allegedly defective products has been brought against us, a substantial claim or a substantial number of claims, if successful, could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We have a high concentration of sales to a small number of customers, one of which is an affiliate of our founder and President.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2016, Yew Pharmaceutical accounted for approximately 100% of our TCM raw materials revenue and approximately 56% of our consolidated revenue. For the year ended December 31, 2015, Yew Pharmaceutical accounted for approximately 86% of our TCM raw materials revenue and approximately 44% of our consolidated revenue. Yew Pharmaceutical is directly and indirectly owned primarily by our founder and President, Zhiguo Wang, and his wife, Guifang Qi.

 

 15 

 

 

Yew Pharmaceutical accounted for approximately 56% of our consolidated revenue
   
Dafurong Biotechnology (HK) Ltd., accounted for approximately 29% of our consolidated revenue

 

The loss of any of our largest customers could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations unless and until we can replace such customers.

 

The concentration of sales of yew trees to a small number of large customers could subject us to loss of significant revenues in the event that we were to lose one or more of our larger customers.

 

Additionally, many of our customers purchase trees from us in the spring but are not able to pay their bills until after harvest in the fall. Accordingly, our accounts receivable tends to increase during the second and third quarters of the year. If we are unable to collect the amounts owed to us by our major customers, there could be a material adverse effect on our results of operations and liquidity.

 

We owe amounts to related parties that are unsecured and payable on demand.

 

We owe certain amounts to related parties, including ZTC, Yew Pharmaceutical, Zhiguo Wang and Guifang Qi, that are payable on demand. As of December 31, 2016, the aggregate amount of these payables was approximately $883,596 and as of December 31, 2015, the aggregate amount of these payables was approximately $761,236. If one or more of the parties demanded payment of the amounts due to them, we would be required to use cash on hand or other assets to satisfy these obligations. While we believe that we presently have more than adequate resources to satisfy all of these obligations, there is no assurance that, in the future, the use of resources to satisfy then-current amounts owed to such parties or other related parties would not require us to modify our operations should such obligations then constitute a significant amount of our then-available resources.

 

We face substantial competition in connection with the marketing and sale of our products.

 

Our products compete with products with similar medical efficacy in similar market areas. Most of our competitors are well established, have greater financial, marketing, personnel and other resources, have been in business for longer periods of time than us, and have products that have gained wide customer acceptance in the marketplace. The TCM and pharmaceutical industries are also characterized by the frequent introduction of new products. We may be unable to compete successfully or our competitors may develop products which have greater medical efficacy or gain wider market acceptance than ours.

 

We may not be able to raise additional capital as it is needed to fund our operations. In such an event, we may have to curtail some of our existing and planned business activities.

 

While we are profitable and have adequate financial resources to fund our business for at least the next 12 months, we may need additional capital in the future to expand our existing operations, including growing yew trees under the Joint Venture Agreement, which could require capital beyond our available resources from operations. We have no current plans to raise additional capital at this time. No assurance can be given that we will be able to raise any additional capital that may be needed in any public or private offering of our securities, or secure debt through banks or other lenders.

 

If adequate additional financing is not available on reasonable terms, we may not be able to expand our business and we would have to modify our business plans accordingly. There is no assurance that additional financing will be available to us.

 

Even if we do find a source of additional capital, we may not be able to negotiate terms and conditions for receiving the additional capital that are favorable to us. Any future capital investments could dilute or otherwise materially and adversely affect the holdings or rights of our existing shareholders. In addition, new equity or convertible debt securities issued by us to obtain financing could have rights, preferences and privileges senior to our common stock. We cannot give you any assurance that any additional financing will be available to us, or if available, will be on terms favorable to us.

 

Our results of operations may be affected by fluctuations in availability and price of raw materials.

 

The raw materials we use are subject to price fluctuations due to various factors beyond our control, including, among other pertinent factors:

 

increasing market demand;
   
inflation;
   
severe climatic and environmental conditions;
   
seasonal factors, and
   
changes in governmental regulations and programs.

 


 16 

 

 

We also expect that our raw material prices will continue to fluctuate and be affected by inflation in the future. Changes to our raw materials prices may result in increases in production and packaging costs, and we may be unable to raise the prices of our products to offset the increase costs in the short-term or at all. As a result, our results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

 

We purchase yew cuttings from third parties to grow our yew trees. The cost of yew cuttings has been rising significantly in recent years and is expected to continue.

 

We purchase yew cuttings from third parties to grow our yew trees. Because yew cuttings are scarce, the cost of yew cuttings has been rising approximately 20% per year in recent years and we expect this to continue for at least the next few years. Scarcity in the supply of yew cuttings or significantly increased costs for yew cuttings, or both, could have a material adverse effect on our ability to do business or our cost of doing business.

 

Changes in certain current favorable tax treatment we receive could adversely affect our business.

 

Under current PRC national laws and regulations, we do not pay any tax, including income tax, on (i) the raw materials we sell for the manufacture of TCM or (ii) the yew trees we sell for reforestation or transplanting, or on the cultivate yew trees we sell as potted yew trees. If these laws and regulations change and we become subject to tax on any of these operations, our costs of doing business would increase, which would decrease our profits and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

Developments by competitors may render our products or technologies obsolete or non-competitive.

 

The TCM and pharmaceutical industries are intensely competitive and subject to rapid and significant technological change. A large number of companies are pursuing the development of pharmaceuticals that target the same diseases and conditions that our TCM raw materials are targeting. We face competition from TCM and pharmaceutical companies in the PRC and other countries. In addition, companies pursuing different but related fields represent substantial competition. Many of these organizations competing with us have substantially greater capital resources, larger research and development staffs and facilities, longer drug development history in obtaining regulatory approvals and greater manufacturing and marketing capabilities than we do. These organizations also compete with us to attract qualified personnel and parties for acquisitions, joint ventures or other collaborations.

 

We rely substantially on our founder and President. We may be adversely affected if we lose his services or the services of other key personnel or are unable to attract and retain additional personnel.

 

Our success is substantially dependent on the efforts of our senior management, particularly Zhiguo Wang, our founder and President. The loss of the services of Mr. Wang or other members of our senior management may significantly delay or prevent the achievement of our business objectives. If we lose the services of, or do not successfully recruit, key sales and marketing, technical and corporate personnel, the growth of our business could be substantially impaired. At present, we do not maintain key man insurance for any of our senior management.

 

Mr. Wang will not devote 100% of his time to the business affairs of the Company.

 

Zhiguo Wang, the founder of the Company and our President, does not devote all of his time to the Company’s business. As a result, he may not provide as much management and attention as would be the case if he devoted 100% of his time to our business. We estimate that Mr. Wang devotes approximately 71% of his time, or approximately 120 hours per month, to the Company’s business. He devotes about 12% of his time, or approximately 20 hours per month, to the business of Yew Pharmaceutical and the balance of his time, or approximately 28 hours per month, to the business of other companies in which he is involved. These allocations are approximate only and are subject to change depending upon the particular projects and changing needs of the individual businesses in which he is involved.

 

There may be conflicts of interest between management and other stockholders of the Company.

 

Zhiguo Wang, the founder of our company, our President and a director, is also our principal stockholder. As a result of this conflict of interest, management may have an incentive to act in a manner that is in its best interest, which could be adverse to the interests of any other stockholders of the Company. In addition, a conflict of interest may arise between Mr. Wang’s personal pecuniary interests directly, as the lessor of certain premises we rent, or indirectly through companies he controls and with whom we do business, such as Yew Pharmaceutical, Kairun and ZTC, and his fiduciary duty to our stockholders.

 

 17 

 

 

We have engaged, and are likely to continue to engage, in certain transactions with related parties. These transactions are not negotiated on an arms’ length basis.

 

We have engaged in certain transactions with our founder and President, Zhiguo Wang, and his wife, Guifang Qi. These include renting office space from Mr. Wang and retail space from Madame Qi, the aggregate rental expense incurred for which was approximately $3,011 for the year ended December 31, 2016 and $4,021 for the year ended December 31, 2015, respectively; an agreement whereby Yew Pharmaceutical, a company controlled by Mr. Wang, purchases raw materials including yew branches and leaves of yew trees from us to manufacture TCM and with respect to which we generated approximately $28.8 million or 56% of our total revenue for year ended December 31, 2016 and $17 million or 57% of our total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2015, respectively; the lease from a company majority-controlled by Mr. Wang and Madame Qi for the growing of yew trees, the lease of which was approximately $24,454 for the year ended December 31, 2016 and $26,128 for the year ended December 31, 2015 respectively. We are likely to continue to engage in these arrangements and may enter into new arrangements with Mr. Wang and/or Madame Qi. None of these arrangements has been negotiated as a result of arms’ length transactions. It is possible that we could have received more favorable terms had these agreements been entered into with third parties.

 

We may need to hire additional employees.

 

Our future success also depends upon our continuing ability to attract and retain highly qualified personnel. Expansion of our business and the management and operation will require additional managers and employees with industry experience, and our success will be highly dependent on our ability to attract and retain skilled management personnel and other employees. There can be no assurance that we will be able to attract or retain highly qualified personnel. Competition for skilled personnel in our industries is significant. This competition may make it more difficult and expensive to attract, hire and retain qualified managers and employees.

 

We are an “emerging growth company” under the recently enacted JOBS Act and we cannot be certain if the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies will make our common stock less attractive to investors.

 

We qualify as an “emerging growth company” under the recently enacted JOBS Act. As a result, we are permitted to, and intend to, rely on exemptions from certain disclosure requirements. For so long as we are an emerging growth company, among other things, we will not be required to:

 

have an auditor report on our internal controls over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act;
   
submit certain executive compensation matters to shareholder advisory votes, such as “say-on-pay” and “say-on-frequency”;
   
obtain shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved; and
   
disclose certain executive compensation related items such as the correlation between executive compensation and performance and comparisons of the Chief Executive’s compensation to median employee compensation.

 

In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act also provides that an emerging growth company can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. In other words, an emerging growth company can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We have elected to take advantage of the benefits of this extended transition period. Our financial statements may therefore not be comparable to those of companies that comply with such new or revised accounting standards.

 

We will remain an “emerging growth company” for up to five years, or until the earliest of (i) the last day of the first fiscal year in which our total annual gross revenues exceed $1 billion; (ii) the date that we become a “large accelerated filer” as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which would occur if the market value of our ordinary shares that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter or (iii) the date on which we have issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt during the preceding three-year period.

 

Until such time, however, because the JOBS Act has only recently been enacted, we cannot predict whether investors will find our stock less attractive because of the more limited disclosure requirements that we may be entitled to follow and other exemptions on which we are relying while we are an “emerging growth company”. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our stock price may be more volatile.

 

We must comply with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

 

We are required to comply with the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which prohibits U.S. companies from engaging in bribery or other prohibited payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Corruption, extortion, bribery, pay-offs, theft and other fraudulent practices occur from time-to-time in the PRC. If our competitors engage in these practices, they may receive preferential treatment from personnel of some companies, giving our competitors an advantage in securing business or from government officials who might give them priority in obtaining new licenses, which would put us at a disadvantage. Although we intend to inform our personnel that such practices are illegal, we cannot assure you that our employees or other agents will not engage in such conduct for which we might be held responsible. If our employees or other agents are found to have engaged in such practices, we could suffer severe penalties.

 

 18 

 

 

We may have difficulty establishing adequate management, legal and financial controls in the PRC.

 

The PRC historically has been deficient in Western-style management and financial reporting concepts and practices, as well as in modern banking and other control systems. We may have difficulty in hiring and retaining a sufficient number of locally-qualified employees to work in the PRC who are capable of satisfying the obligations of a U.S. public reporting company. As a result of these factors, we may experience difficulty in establishing adequate management, legal and financial controls (including internal controls over financial reporting), collecting financial data and preparing financial statements, books of account and corporate records and instituting business practices in the PRC that meet U.S. standards as in effect from time to time.

 

If the Chinese regulatory bodies determine that the structure for operating our business in the PRC does not comply with Chinese regulatory restrictions on foreign investment, we could be subject to severe penalties, which may materially and adversely affect our business.

 

The Chinese government has broad discretion in dealing with violations of laws and regulations, including levying fines, revoking business and other licenses and requiring actions necessary for compliance. In particular, licenses and permits issued or granted to us by relevant governmental bodies may be revoked at a later time by higher regulatory bodies. We cannot predict the effect of the interpretation of existing or new Chinese laws or regulations on our businesses. We cannot assure you that our current ownership and operating structure would not be found in violation of any current or future Chinese laws or regulations. As a result, we may be subject to sanctions, including fines, and could be required to restructure our operations or cease to provide certain services. Any of these or similar actions could significantly disrupt our business operations or restrict us from conducting a substantial portion of our business operations, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

If we are determined to be in violation of any existing or future Chinese laws, rules or regulations or fail to obtain or maintain any of the required governmental permits or approvals, the relevant Chinese regulatory authorities would have broad discretion in dealing with such violations, including:

 

revoking the business and operating licenses of our Chinese entities;
   
discontinuing or restricting the operations of our Chinese entities;
   
imposing conditions or requirements with which YBP or our Chinese entities may not be able to comply;
   
requiring YBP or our Chinese entities to restructure the relevant ownership structure or operations;
   
restricting or prohibiting our use of the proceeds from any offering to finance our business and operations in the PRC; or
   
imposing fines.

 

The imposition of any of these penalties would severely disrupt our ability to conduct business and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

 

Special Risks Relating to Doing Business in the PRC

 

Because all of our operations are outside the United States, we are subject to additional significant risks.

 

We are subject to risks inherent in business operations outside the United States. These risks include but are not limited to geopolitical concerns, currency fluctuations, currency exchange controls, restrictions on repatriating foreign-derived profits to the United States, inflation, local regulatory compliance, punitive tariffs, unstable local tax policies, trade embargoes, import and export license requirements, trade restrictions, greater difficulty collecting accounts receivable and longer payment cycles, unfamiliarity with local laws and regulations, differing legal standards in enforcing or defending our rights in courts or otherwise, less favorable intellectual property protection than is provided in the United States, changes in labor conditions, difficulties in staffing and managing international operations, difficulties in finding personnel locally who are capable to complying with the requirements of reporting by a U.S. reporting company, risks related to shipment of raw materials and finished goods across national borders, and cultural and language differences. Foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the United States economy in growth of gross domestic product, rate of inflation, market development, rate of savings, capital investment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments positions, and in many other respects.

 

 19 

 

 

The Chinese government exerts substantial influence over business activities.

 

We are dependent on relationships with the local government in the provinces in which we operate in the PRC. The Chinese government has exercised and continues to exercise substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through regulation and state ownership. Our ability to operate in the PRC may be harmed by changes in the PRC’s laws and regulations, including those relating to taxation, environmental regulations, land use rights, real property, intellectual property and other matters. We intend to continue to conduct our business in material compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements. However, the central or local governments of these jurisdictions may impose new, stricter regulations or interpretations of existing regulations that could require additional expenditures and efforts on our part to ensure our compliance with such regulations or interpretations. Accordingly, government actions in the future, including any decision not to continue to support recent economic reforms and to return to a more centrally planned economy or regional or local variations in the implementation of economic policies, could have a significant effect on economic conditions in the PRC generally or particular regions thereof, and could have an adverse impact on our business prospects, results of operations and financial condition.

 

The production, sale and distribution of TCM are subject to Chinese regulation.

 

Economic reforms adopted by the Chinese government have had a positive effect on the economic development of the country, but the government could change these economic reforms or any of the legal systems at any time. This could either benefit or damage our operations and profitability. Some changes that could have this effect are: (i) level of government involvement in the economy; (ii) control of foreign exchange; (iii) methods of allocating resources; (iv) balance of payment positions; (v) international trade restrictions; and (vi) international conflict.

 

We depend upon governmental laws and regulations that may be changed in ways that will harm our business.

 

Our business and products are subject to government regulations mandating the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals in the PRC and other countries. Changes in the laws or regulations in the PRC, or other countries we may sell into, that govern or apply to our operations could have a materially adverse effect on our business. For example, the law could change so as to prohibit the use of certain pharmaceuticals. If one of our pharmaceuticals or medical products is prohibited, this change would reduce our productivity of that product.

 

The Chinese government exerts substantial influence over the manner in which we must conduct our business activities.

 

The PRC only recently has permitted provincial and local economic autonomy and private economic activities. The Chinese government has exercised and continues to exercise substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through regulation and state ownership. Our ability to operate in the PRC may be harmed by changes in its laws and regulations, including those relating to taxation, import and export tariffs, pharmaceutical regulations, and other matters. We believe that our operations in the PRC are in material compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements. However, the central or local governments of these jurisdictions may impose new, stricter regulations or interpretations of existing regulations that would require additional expenditures and efforts on our part to ensure our compliance with such regulations or interpretations.

 

Accordingly, government actions in the future, including any decision not to continue to support recent economic reforms and to return to a more centrally planned economy or regional or local variations in the implementation of economic policies, could have a significant effect on economic conditions in the PRC or particular regions thereof, and could require us to divest ourselves of any interest we then hold in Chinese properties or joint ventures.

 

Our operations and assets in the PRC are subject to significant political and economic uncertainties.

 

Our operations may be adversely affected by the political environment in the PRC. The PRC has operated as a socialist and Communist state since 1949 and is controlled by the Communist Party of the PRC. In recent years, however, the government has introduced reforms aimed at creating a “socialist market economy” and policies have been implemented to allow business enterprises greater autonomy in their operations. Changes in the political leadership of the PRC may have a significant effect on laws and policies related to the current economic reforms program, other policies affecting business and the general political, economic and social environment in the PRC, including the introduction of measures to control inflation, changes in the rate or method of taxation, the imposition of additional restrictions on currency conversion and remittances abroad, and foreign investment. These effects could substantially impair our business, profits or prospects in the PRC. Moreover, economic reforms and growth in the PRC have been more successful in certain provinces than in others, and the continuation or increases of such disparities could affect the political or social stability of the PRC.

 

Changes in Chinese laws and regulations, or their interpretation, or the imposition of confiscatory taxation, restrictions on currency conversion, imports and sources of supply, devaluations of currency or the nationalization or other expropriation of private enterprises could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Under current leadership, the Chinese government has been pursuing economic reform policies that encourage private economic activity and greater economic decentralization. There is no assurance, however, that the Chinese government will continue to pursue these policies, or that it will not significantly alter these policies from time to time without notice.

 

We derive virtually all of our revenues from the PRC and we are therefore susceptible to the strength of the Chinese economy.

 

We derive virtually all of our revenues from the sale of products within the PRC. Any significant decline in the condition of the Chinese economy could adversely affect consumer demand of our services, among other things, which in turn would have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

 

 20 

 

 

Currency fluctuations and restrictions on currency exchange may adversely affect our business, including limiting our ability to convert Chinese currency into foreign currencies and, if the Chinese currency were to decline in value, reducing our revenue in U.S. dollar terms.

 

Our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar and our operations use the RMB as our primary functional currency in our operations. We are subject to the effects of exchange rate fluctuations with respect to either of these currencies. For example, the value of the RMB depends to a large extent on Chinese government policies and the PRC’s domestic and international economic and political developments, as well as supply and demand in the local market. Since 1994, the official exchange rate for the conversion of RMB to the U.S. dollar had generally been stable and the RMB had appreciated slightly against the U.S. dollar. However, on July 21, 2005, the Chinese government changed its policy of pegging the value of RMB to the U.S. dollar. Under the new policy, RMB may fluctuate within a narrow and managed band against a basket of certain foreign currencies. It is possible that the Chinese government could adopt a more flexible currency policy, which could result in more significant fluctuation of RMB against the U.S. dollar. We can offer no assurance that RMB will be stable against the U.S. dollar or any other foreign currency.

 

The income statements of our operations in the PRC will be translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates in each applicable period. To the extent the U.S. dollar strengthens against foreign currencies, the translation of these foreign currencies denominated transactions results in reduced revenue, operating expenses and net income for our international operations. Similarly, to the extent the U.S. dollar weakens against foreign currencies, the translation of these foreign currency denominated transactions results in increased revenue, operating expenses and net income for our international operations. We are also exposed to foreign exchange rate fluctuations as we convert the financial statements of our foreign subsidiaries into U.S. dollars in consolidation. If there is a change in foreign currency exchange rates, the conversion of financial statements into U.S. dollars will lead to a translation gain or loss which is recorded as a component of other comprehensive income. In addition, we have certain assets and liabilities that are denominated in currencies other than the relevant entity’s functional currency. Changes in the functional currency value of these assets and liabilities create fluctuations that will lead to a transaction gain or loss. We have not entered into agreements or purchased instruments to hedge our exchange rate risks, although we may do so in the future. The availability and effectiveness of any hedging transaction may be limited and we may not be able to successfully hedge our exchange rate risks.

 

Although Chinese governmental policies were introduced in 1996 to allow the convertibility of RMB into foreign currency for current account items, conversion of RMB into foreign exchange for capital items, such as foreign direct investment, loans or securities, requires the approval of SAFE, which is under the authority of the People’s Bank of China. These approvals, however, do not guarantee the availability of foreign currency conversion. We cannot be sure that we will be able to obtain all required conversion approvals for our operations or that Chinese regulatory authorities will not impose greater restrictions on the convertibility of RMB in the future. Because a significant amount of our future revenue may be in the form of RMB, our inability to obtain the requisite approvals or any future restrictions on currency exchanges could limit our ability to utilize revenue generated in RMB to fund any business activities outside of the PRC or to repay foreign currency obligations, including our debt obligations, which would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Chinese currency is not freely convertible, which may limit our ability to obtain financing for expansion on favorable terms, and may limit our ability to pay dividends in the future.

 

The RMB is not a freely convertible currency at present and, based solely on our understanding of the news that is widely and publicly available, it does not appear that the RMB will become a freely convertible currency in the foreseeable future. Some, and perhaps a significant amount, of the revenue generated by our future operations in the PRC will be paid in RMB, which may need to be converted to other currencies, primarily U.S. dollars, and remitted outside the PRC from time to time. The Chinese government strictly regulates conversion of RMB into foreign currencies. Over the years, foreign exchange regulations in the PRC have significantly reduced the government’s control over routine foreign exchange transactions under current accounts.

 

SAFE regulates the conversion of RMB into foreign currencies. Effective July 1, 1996, foreign currency “current account” transactions by foreign investment enterprises are no longer subject to the approval of SAFE, but need only a ministerial review, according to the Administration of the Settlement, Sale and Payment of Foreign Exchange Provisions promulgated in 1996. “Current account” items include international commercial transactions, which occur on a regular basis, such as those relating to trade and provision of services. Distributions to joint venture parties also are considered a “current account” transaction. Other non-current account items, known as “capital account” items, remain subject to SAFE approval. Under current regulations, we believe that we can obtain foreign currency in exchange for RMB from swap centers authorized by the Chinese government. We cannot assure you that foreign currency shortages or changes in currency exchange laws and regulations by the Chinese government will not restrict us from freely converting RMB in a timely manner or at all, as needed.

 

HDS is subject to restrictions on making payments to us.

 

We are a holding company incorporated in Nevada and do not have any assets or conduct any business operations other than our investments in JSJ and Yew HK, which also do not have operations of their own. HDS is our operating entity, which we control through contractual arrangements. As a result of our holding company structure, we rely entirely on payments from HDS to us. The Chinese government also imposes controls on the conversion of RMB into foreign currencies and the remittance of currencies out of the PRC. We may experience difficulties in completing the administrative procedures necessary to obtain and remit foreign currency. Furthermore, if Yew HK, JSJ or HDS were to incur debt on their own in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict their ability to make payments. If we are unable to receive all of the revenues from our operations through these contractual arrangements, we may be unable to pay dividends on our ordinary shares.

 

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Future fluctuation in the value of the RMB may negatively affect our ability to convert our return on operations to U.S. dollars in a profitable manner.

 

In recent years, the value of the RMB has appreciated significantly against the U.S. dollar. Many countries, including the United States, have argued that the RMB is artificially undervalued due to the PRC’s current monetary policies and have pressured the PRC to allow the RMB to float freely in world markets. If any devaluation of the RMB were to occur in the future, our returns on our operations in the PRC, to the extent they are paid in RMB, will be negatively affected upon conversion to U.S. dollars. Conversely, although we will attempt to have certain future payments to us paid in U.S. dollars to mitigate the foregoing risk, any increase in the value of the RMB in the future would increase the cost of purchasing goods or services within the PRC when we convert U.S. dollars to RMB to pay for such items.

 

We may be unable to enforce our rights due to policies regarding the regulation of foreign investments in the PRC.

 

The PRC’s legal system is a civil law system based on written statutes in which decided legal cases have little value as precedents, unlike the common law system prevalent in the United States. The PRC does not have a well-developed, consolidated body of laws governing foreign investment enterprises. Thus, the administration of laws and regulations by government agencies may be subject to considerable discretion and variation, and may be subject to influence by external forces unrelated to the legal merits of a particular matter. The PRC’s regulations and policies with respect to foreign investments are evolving. Definitive regulations and policies with respect to such matters as the permissible percentage of foreign investment and permissible rates of equity returns have not yet been published. Statements regarding these evolving policies have been conflicting and any such policies, as administered, are likely to be subject to broad interpretation and discretion and to be modified, perhaps on a case-by-case basis. The uncertainties regarding such regulations and policies present risks which may affect our ability to achieve our business objectives. We cannot assure you that we will be able to enforce any legal rights we may have under our contracts or otherwise. Our failure to enforce our legal rights may have a material adverse impact on our operations and financial position, as well as our ability to compete with other companies in our industry.

 

Inflation in the PRC may inhibit economic activity in such places and adversely affect our operations.

 

In recent years, the Chinese economy has experienced periods of rapid expansion and high rates of inflation which have led to the adoption by the Chinese government, from time to time, of various corrective measures designed to restrict the availability of credit or regulate growth and contain inflation. Because of a strong currency, a large trade surplus, strong domestic growth and increasing wages, the PRC is currently experiencing inflationary pressures, despite the global economic crisis. High inflation may in the future cause the Chinese government to impose controls on credit and/or prices, or to take other action which could inhibit economic activity in the PRC generally, and thereby adversely affect our future business operations and prospects in the PRC. Inflation in the PRC may inhibit economic activity in such places and adversely affect our operations. Inflation in the PRC may inhibit economic activity in such places and adversely affect our operations.

 

The Chinese legal system may have inherent uncertainties that could materially and adversely impact our ability to enforce the agreements governing our operations.

 

We are subject to oversight at the provincial and local levels of government. Our operations and prospects would be materially and adversely affected by the failure of the local government to honor our agreements or an adverse change in the laws governing them. In the event of a dispute, enforcement of these agreements could be difficult in the PRC. The PRC tends to issue legislation, which is followed by implementing regulations, interpretations and guidelines that can render immediate compliance difficult. Similarly, on occasion, conflicts arise between national legislation and implementation by the provinces that take time to reconcile. These factors can present difficulties in our ability to achieve compliance. Unlike the United States, the PRC has a civil law system based on written statutes in which judicial decisions have limited precedential value. The Chinese government has enacted laws and regulations to deal with economic matters such as corporate organization and governance, foreign investment, commerce, taxation and trade. However, our experience in interpreting and enforcing our rights under these laws and regulations is limited, and our future ability to enforce commercial claims or to resolve commercial disputes in the PRC is therefore unpredictable. These matters may be subject to the exercise of considerable discretion by agencies of the Chinese government, and forces and factors unrelated to the legal merits of a particular matter or dispute may influence their determination.

 

It will be extremely difficult to acquire jurisdiction and enforce liabilities against our officers, directors and assets based in the PRC.

 

Substantially most of our assets are located outside of the United States and most of our officers and directors reside outside the United States. As a result, it may not be possible for United States investors to enforce their legal rights, to effect service of process upon our directors or officers or to enforce judgments of United States courts predicated upon civil liabilities and criminal penalties of our directors and officers under Federal securities laws of the United States. Moreover, we have been advised that the PRC does not have treaties providing for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgments of courts with the United States. Further, it is unclear if extradition treaties now in effect between the United States and the PRC would permit effective enforcement of criminal penalties of the Federal securities laws of the United States.

 

We may have limited legal recourse under Chinese law if disputes arise with third parties.

 

The Chinese government has enacted some laws and regulations dealing with matters such as corporate organization and governance, foreign investment, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property, commerce, taxation and trade. However, the PRC’s experience in implementing, interpreting and enforcing these laws and regulations is limited, and our ability to enforce commercial claims or to resolve commercial disputes is unpredictable. If any new business ventures in which we may become involved are unsuccessful, or other adverse circumstances arise from these transactions, we face the risk that the parties to these ventures may seek ways to terminate the transactions, or, may hinder or prevent us from accessing important information regarding the financial and business operations of any acquired companies. The resolution of these matters may be subject to the exercise of considerable discretion by agencies and other instrumentalities of the Chinese government or those acting on its behalf, and forces unrelated to the legal merits of a particular matter or dispute may influence their determination. Any rights we may have to specific performance, or to seek an injunction under Chinese law, in either of these cases, are severely limited, and without a means of recourse by virtue of the Chinese legal system, we may be unable to prevent these situations from occurring. The occurrence of any such events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Because Chinese law will govern almost all of our material agreements, we may not be able to enforce our legal rights internationally, which could result in a significant loss of business, business opportunities or capital.

 

Chinese law will govern almost all of our material agreements. We cannot assure you that we will be able to enforce any of our material agreements or that remedies will be available outside of the PRC. The system of laws and the enforcement of existing laws in the PRC may not be as certain in implementation and interpretation as in the United States. The Chinese judiciary is relatively inexperienced in enforcing corporate and commercial law, leading to a higher than usual degree of uncertainty as to the outcome of any litigation. The inability to enforce or obtain a remedy under any of our future agreements could result in a significant loss of business, business opportunities or capital.

 

National, provincial and local governments have established many regulations governing our business operations.

 

We are also subject to numerous national, provincial and local governmental regulations, including environmental, labor, waste management, health and safety matters and product specifications and regulatory approvals from healthcare agencies. We are subject to laws and regulations governing our relationship with our employees including: wage requirements, limitations on hours worked, working and safety conditions, citizenship requirements, work permits and travel restrictions. These local labor laws and regulations may require substantial resources for compliance. We are subject to significant government regulation with regard to property ownership and use in connection with our facilities in the PRC, import restrictions, currency restrictions and restrictions on the volume of domestic sales and other areas of regulation. These regulations can limit our ability to react to market pressures in a timely or effective way, thus causing us to lose business or miss opportunities to expand our business.

 

Our contractual arrangements with HDS and its shareholders may not be as effective in providing control over HDS as direct ownership of it.

 

Our contractual arrangements with HDS and its respective shareholders provide us with effective control over this company. As a result of these contractual arrangements, we are considered to be the primary beneficiary of HDS; we consolidate the results of operations, assets and liabilities of HDS in our financial statements. However, these contractual arrangements may not be maximally effective in providing us with control over HDS as direct ownership of these companies. If HDS or its shareholders fail to perform their respective obligations under these contractual arrangements, we may have to incur substantial costs and resources to enforce such arrangements, and rely on legal remedies under PRC law, including seeking specific performance or injunctive relief, and claiming damages, which we cannot assure you will be effective.

 

The approval of the CSRC may be required in connection with this offering under a regulation adopted in August 2006, and, if required, we cannot predict whether we will be able to obtain such approval.

 

In 2006, six PRC regulatory agencies jointly adopted the M&A Rule. This rule requires that, if an overseas company established or controlled by PRC domestic companies or citizens intends to acquire equity interests or assets of any other PRC domestic company affiliated with the PRC domestic companies or citizens, such acquisition must be submitted to the Ministry of Commerce, rather than local regulators, for approval. In addition, this regulation requires that an overseas company controlled directly or indirectly by PRC companies or citizens and holding equity interests of PRC domestic companies needs to obtain the approval of the CSRC prior to listing its securities on an overseas stock exchange. On September 21, 2006, the CSRC published a notice on its official website specifying the documents and materials required to be submitted by overseas special purpose companies seeking CSRC’s approval of their overseas listings.

 

While the application of the M&A Rule remains unclear, based on their understanding of current PRC laws, regulations, and the notice published on September 21, 2006, since JSJ was established by means of direct investment rather than by merger or acquisition of the equity interest or assets of any “domestic company” as defined under the M&A Rules, and no provision in the M&A Rules classifies our contractual arrangements with HDS as a type of acquisition transaction falling under the M&A Rules, we are not required to submit an application to MOFCOM or the CSRC for its approval for our contractual control on HDS.

 

If the CSRC or another PRC regulatory agency subsequently determines that the approvals from MOFCOM and/or CSRC were required our contractual control over HDS, we may need to apply for a remedial approval from the CSRC and may be subject to certain administrative punishments or other sanctions from PRC regulatory agencies. The regulatory agencies may impose fines and penalties on our operations in the PRC, limit our operating privileges in the PRC, delay or restrict the repatriation of our foreign currency in our offshore bank accounts into the PRC, or take other actions that could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, reputation and prospects, as well as the trading price of our common stock.

 

The M&A Rule sets forth complex procedures for acquisitions conducted by foreign investors that could make it more difficult to pursue acquisitions.

 

The M&A Rule sets forth complex procedures and requirements that could make merger and acquisition activities by foreign investors more time-consuming and complex, including requirements in some instances that MOFCOM be notified in advance of any change-of-control transaction in which a foreign investor takes control of a PRC domestic enterprise. Complying with the requirements of the M&A Rule to complete such transactions could be time-consuming, and any required approval processes, including obtaining approval from MOFCOM, may delay or inhibit our ability to complete such transactions, which could affect our ability to expand our business or maintain our market share.

 

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We may be subject to penalties, including restriction on our ability to inject capital into our PRC subsidiaries and our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to distribute profits to us, if our PRC resident shareholders or beneficial owners fail to comply with relevant PRC foreign exchange rules.

 

In October 2005, SAFE issued a public notice requiring PRC residents to register with the local SAFE branch before establishing or controlling any company outside of the PRC for the purpose of capital financing with assets or equities of PRC companies, referred to in the notice as an “offshore special purpose vehicle PRC residents that are shareholders and/or beneficial owners of offshore special purpose companies established before November 1, 2005 were required to register with the local SAFE branch before March 31, 2006. In addition, any PRC resident that is a shareholder of an offshore special purpose vehicle is required to amend its SAFE registration with respect to that offshore special purpose company in connection with any increase or decrease of capital, transfer of shares, merger, division, equity investment or creation of any security interest over any assets located in the PRC or other material changes in share capital.

 

Zhiguo Wang, Guifang Qi and Xingming Han, collectively referred to as the HDS Shareholders, completed their respective registrations under SAFE Circular 75 on April 15, 2011. We have requested our other shareholders and/or beneficial owners to disclose whether they or their shareholders or beneficial owners fall within the ambit of the SAFE notice and urge those who are PRC residents to register with the local SAFE branch as required under the SAFE notice. To date, we have not received any notice from any of our other shareholders or beneficial owners that he or she is subject to the SAFE Circular 75 registration requirement. However, we cannot provide any assurance that all of our shareholders and beneficial owners who are PRC residents will comply with our request to make, obtain or update any applicable registrations or comply with other requirements required by the SAFE notice or other related rules. In case of any non-compliance on any of our PRC resident shareholders or beneficial owners, our PRC subsidiary, JSJ, and such shareholders and beneficial owners may be subject to fines and other legal sanctions.

 

If our previous offerings of stock to PRC residents are found to have violated PRC laws and regulations, we could be subject to fines and other legal sanctions.

 

We believe that our previous offerings of YBP common stock to PRC residents are not subject to regulation in the PRC, because (i) the offering was made by a non-PRC entity and (ii) it did not involve a public offering in the PRC. However, should the M&A Rule and/or the PRC Securities Law be interpreted to apply to our previous offerings of stock and were it also determined that we violated these laws and/or regulations, we could face fines of up to five times the proceeds of the offerings (other than the proceeds from the HDS Shareholders) and other penalties.

 

Additionally, SAFE Circular 75 could be interpreted broadly to require each PRC person who owns stock directly or indirectly in a non-PRC company to complete a registration with SAFE in respect of such stock. The HDS Shareholders have completed their respective SAFE registration. However, to our knowledge, no other PRC person has filed a SAFE registration with respect to their YBP common stock. The failure by these persons to complete a SAFE registration could subject HDS to fines of 30%, or 100% in certain extreme situations, of the proceeds of the offerings (other than the proceeds from the HDS Shareholders), and legal sanctions, including without limitation restrictions on converting foreign currency it receives from YBP into RMB.

 

Any failure to comply with PRC regulations regarding the registration requirements for employee stock ownership plans or share option plans may subject the PRC plan participants or us to fines and other legal or administrative sanctions.

 

On December 25, 2006, the People’s Bank of China promulgated the Administrative Measures of Foreign Exchange Matters for Individuals, which set forth the respective requirements for foreign exchange transactions by individuals (both PRC and non-PRC citizens) under either the current account or the capital account. On January 5, 2007, SAFE issued implementation rules for the Administrative Measures of Foreign Exchange Matters for Individuals which, among other things, specified approval requirements for certain capital account transactions such as a PRC citizen’s participation in the employee stock ownership plans or stock option plans of an overseas publicly listed company. On March 28, 2007, SAFE promulgated the Operation Procedures of Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in Employee Stock Ownership Plan or Stock Option Plan of Overseas-Listed Company, or the Stock Option Rules. Under this rule, PRC citizens who participate in an employee stock ownership plan or a stock option plan of an overseas publicly listed company are required to register with SAFE and complete certain other procedures. For participants of an employee stock ownership plan, an overseas custodian bank should be retained by PRC agent, which could be the PRC subsidiary of such overseas publicly-listed company or other qualified entity, to hold on trusteeship all overseas assets held by such participants under the employee stock ownership plan. In the case of a stock option plan, a financial institution with stock brokerage qualification at the place where the overseas publicly listed company is listed or a qualified institution designated by the overseas publicly listed company is required to be retained to handle matters in connection with the exercise or sale of stock options for the stock option plan participants. We and our PRC citizen employees who participate in an employee stock ownership plan or a stock option plan will be subject to these regulations when our company becomes a publicly listed company in the United States. If we or our PRC optionees fail to comply with these regulations, we or our PRC optionees may be subject to fines and other legal or administrative sanctions.

 

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Risks Related to our Stockholders and Shares of Common Stock

 

We may issue more securities in one or more capital raises in the future, which will result in substantial dilution to all stockholders prior to such issuance.

 

YBP’s Articles of Incorporation, as amended, authorizes the Company to issue an aggregate of 140,000,000 shares of common stock and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock. Any capital raise effected by us is likely to result in the issuance of additional securities and substantial dilution in the percentage of the equity held by our then existing stockholders. We may also issue additional shares of our common stock or other securities that are convertible into or exercisable for common stock in connection with hiring or retaining employees or consultants, future acquisitions, future sales of our securities for capital raising purposes or for other business purposes. Our board of directors has the power to issue any or all of such authorized but unissued shares without stockholder approval.

 

There is currently only a limited trading market for our common stock, and liquidity of shares of our common stock is limited.

 

Although we have been approved for trading on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol YEWB, there is currently only a limited trading market for our common stock and a more active market may not develop or be sustained. The OTC Bulletin Board is not a listing service or exchange, but is instead a dealer quotation service for subscribing members. If a more active public market for our common stock does not develop, then investors may not be able to readily resell the shares of our common stock that they have purchased making this an illiquid investment. If we establish a more active trading market for our common stock, the market price of our common stock may be significantly affected by factors such as actual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results, general market conditions and other factors. In addition, the stock market has from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that have particularly affected the market prices of the shares of developmental stage companies, which may adversely affect the market price of our common stock in a material manner.

 

Compliance with the criteria for securing exemptions under federal securities laws and the securities laws of the various states is extremely complex, especially in respect of those exemptions affording flexibility and the elimination of trading restrictions in respect of securities received in exempt transactions and subsequently disposed of without registration under the Securities Act or state securities laws.

 

Because of the trading price of our common stock, it is considered a “penny stock”, which makes it more difficult for investors to sell their shares due to suitability requirements.

 

Our common stock is deemed to be “penny stock” as that term is defined under the Exchange Act. Penny stocks generally are equity securities with a price of less than $5.00 (other than securities registered on certain national securities exchanges or quoted on the Nasdaq system, provided that current price and volume information with respect to transactions in such securities is provided by the exchange or system). Penny stock rules impose additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell to persons other than established customers and “accredited investors.” The term “accredited investor” refers generally to institutions with assets in excess of $5,000,000 or individuals with a net worth in excess of $1,000,000, not including their primary residence, or an annual income exceeding $200,000 (or $300,000 jointly with their spouse).

 

The penny stock rules require a broker-dealer, prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from the rules, to deliver a standardized disclosure document in a form prepared by the SEC, which provides information about penny stocks and the nature and level of risks in the penny stock market. Moreover, broker/dealers are required to determine whether an investment in a penny stock is a suitable investment for a prospective investor. A broker/dealer must receive a written agreement to the transaction from the investor setting forth the identity and quantity of the penny stock to be purchased. These requirements may reduce the potential market for our common stock by reducing the number of potential investors. This may make it more difficult for investors in our common stock to sell shares to third parties or to otherwise dispose of them. This could cause our stock price to decline.

 

The market price of our common stock is likely to be subject to significant price and volume fluctuations.

 

The price of our common stock may be subject to wide fluctuations due to variations in our operating results, news announcements, our limited trading volume, general market trends both domestically and internationally, currency movements, sales of common shares by our officers, directors and our principal stockholders, and sales of common shares by existing investors. Certain events, such as the issuance of common shares upon the exercise of our outstanding stock options, could also materially and adversely affect the prevailing market price of our common shares. Further, the stock markets in general have recently experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have affected the market prices of equity securities of many companies and that have been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of such companies. In addition, a change in sentiment by U.S. investors for PRC-based companies could have a negative impact on the stock price. These fluctuations may materially and adversely affect the market price of our common shares and the ability to resell shares at or above the price paid, or at any price.

 

We have never paid dividends on our common stock and do not intend to do so in the foreseeable future. Moreover, our holding company structure may hinder the payments of dividends.

 

We have never paid dividends on our common stock and do not presently intend to pay any dividends in the foreseeable future. We anticipate that any funds available for payment of dividends will be re-invested into the Company to further our business strategy. The declaration, payment and amount of any future dividends will be made at the discretion of the board of directors, and will depend upon, among other things, the results of our operations, cash flows and financial condition, operating and capital requirements, and other factors as the board of directors considers relevant. There is no assurance that future dividends will be paid, and, if dividends are paid, there is no assurance with respect to the amount of any such dividend.

 

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YBP has no direct business operations, other than its ownership of our subsidiaries. Should we decide to pay dividends in the future, as a holding company, our ability to pay dividends and meet other obligations depends upon the receipt of dividends or other payments from our subsidiaries, our VIE and other holdings and investments. In addition, our subsidiaries and VIE, may, from time to time, be subject to restrictions on their ability to make distributions to us due to restrictive covenants in agreements, restrictions on the conversion of local currency into U.S. dollars or other hard currency and other regulatory restrictions applicable to our subsidiaries. If future dividends are paid in RMB, fluctuations in the exchange rate for the conversion of the RMB into U.S. dollars may reduce the amount received by U.S. stockholders upon conversion of the dividend payment into U.S. dollars.

 

The HDS Shareholders currently have effective, but not absolute, control of the Company. If the Founders’ Options are exercised by the HDS Shareholders, they - and Mr. Wang by himself - will have both effective and absolute control of the Company and be able to determine the outcome of most actions by the Company and its shareholders.

 

Presently, the HDS Shareholders collectively own 22,543,212 shares, or 43.77%, of YBP’s common stock, not including certain additional shares they are deemed to beneficially own under applicable SEC rules. The HDS Shareholders serve as the sole directors and executive officers of the Company, other than the chief financial officer, or CFO, position. The Founders’ Options were approved by our shareholders at a special meeting of shareholders, or the Special Meeting, on December 13, 2012, and issued to the HDS Shareholders in December 2012. As a result, the HDS Shareholders may, upon exercise, own as many as 45,348,724 shares, or 61.52%, of YBP’s common stock. In such event, the HDS Shareholders would have both effective and absolute control of the Company, allowing them, by themselves, to elect all directors of the Company and determine the outcome of most matters placed before the shareholders for action. In fact, Mr. Wang himself could own as many as 40,206,950 shares, or 53.66%, of YBP’s common stock, meaning he could take all such actions by himself.

 

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

None.

 

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

 

Office and Retail Space

 

The principal executive offices of YBP in 2016 was located at 9460 Telstar Avenue, Suite 6, El Monte, California 91731. YBP lease these premises on a 3-year lease at a monthly rent of $3,261.28.

 

On July 1, 2012, JSJ entered into a lease for office space (the “JSJ Lease”) with the Company’s President, Zhiguo Wang, as lessor. Pursuant to the JSJ Lease, JSJ leases approximately 30 square meters of office space from Mr. Wang in Harbin, in the same premises used by HDS for its office space. Rent under the JSJ Lease is RMB 10,000 annually for a term of three years, expiring on June 30, 2018. We believe that the rent is at or below market for the space we are occupying. See Item 13, “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence”.

 

HDS leases approximately 40 square meters of usable retail space in the Nangang District of Harbin from Guifang Qi, a director of the Company and the wife of Zhiguo Wang. Pursuant to a Lease Contract dated December 3, 2008, the premises were provided rent-free for the first year of the three-year lease. Beginning December 3, 2009, we paid rent in the amount of RMB 12,000 per year for the second and third years of the lease term. We entered into another lease on these premises on November 15, 2011. The term of the three-year lease is from December 1, 2011 through December 1, 2014. We pay rent in the amount of RMB 1,300 per month (RMB 15,600 per year), payable annually on or before May 30 of each year of the term. We believe that the rent is at or below market for the space we are occupying. We closed the store in December 2012, although we continue to lease the facility to exhibit and warehouse our finished products. See Item 13, “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence”.

 

HDS leases approximately 3,886 square meters of office space in Beichuan Village from Heilongjiang Pingshan Yew Comprehensive Development Co., Ltd., or Pingshan, under a 23-year lease commencing March 20, 2002 and expiring March 19, 2025. We pay rent at an annual rate of RMB 25,000 for each year of the terms as follows: RMB 250,000 on or before December 31, 2012 for the first ten years of the term; RMB 125,000 on or before December 31, 2017 for the next five years of the term; and a final payment of RMB 175,000 on or before the end of the term for the remaining seven years of the term. We made the first payment covering the first ten years of rent in the amount of RMB 250,000 in February 2012.

 

During 2016, we had unpaid rent of $3,600 to related parties pursuant to the JSJ Lease described above and the lease with ZTC described below under “Land Use and Similar Agreements”. See Item 13, “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence” and Note 11 in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Land Use and Similar Agreements

 

There is no private ownership of land in the PRC. Land is owned by the government and the government grants land use rights for specified terms. Therefore, we have entered into several long-term agreements to use land and/or cultivate yew trees on such land, as summarized in the following table:

 

Date of Agreement   Transferor
(Lessor)
  Location   Land Use Area   Term
March 21, 2004   Wuchang City
Forestry Bureau
  Wuchang City   1,000,000 mu   30 years
                 
March 22, 2004   Chengshan Niu   Beichuan Village,
Pingshan Town
  125 mu   50 years
                 
April 4, 2004   Pingshan Town
Government
(Beichuan Village
Committee)
  Beichuan Village,
Pingshan Town
  400 mu (1)   50 years
                 
March 25, 2005   ZTC   Lalin Town,
Wuchang City
  361 mu   30 years
                 
January 18, 2008   Shukun Jiang and
Shubao Jiang
  Pinshan Dalazi
Mountain
  290 mu   50 years
                 
March 4, 2010   Heilongjiang
Pingshan Yew
Comprehensive
Development Co., Ltd.
  Pingfangdian,
Wuchang City
  15,865 mu   45 years
                 
July 18, 2012   Huazhong Liu   Beizhao Village,
Hongxing Town,
A’cheng District
  117.5 mu (2)   16 years
                 
November 15, 2013   Heilongjiang Zishan
Gufen Limited, Co.
  Wuchang Pingfangdian
Forestry Centre,
Helongjiang Provence
  2,565 mu   38 years

 

 (1) This agreement provides for 400 mu, which is the total usable area subject to the agreement. A survey completed after the agreement was entered into concluded that a total of 955 mu is covered by the agreement, to which revised amount the parties have agreed.
   
(2) This agreement provides for 117.5 mu. A survey completed after the agreement was entered into concluded that a total of 148 mu is covered by the agreement, to which revised amount the parties have agreed.

 

On March 21, 2004, we entered into the Joint Venture Agreement with the Wuchang Forestry Bureau, pursuant to which the Wuchang Forestry Bureau has given us access to 1,000,000 mu (approximately 166,667 acres) of forest land located in Wuchang City to develop yew tree forests and produce yew seedlings. The Wuchang Forestry Bureau has also granted us land to use for two nurseries, of 400 mu (approximately 67 acres) and 1400 mu (approximately 233 acres), respectively, to cultivate yew tree seedlings. Pursuant to the Joint Venture Agreement, we have permission to plant yew trees on this land from 2004 to 2034. Any profits from the planting of yew trees and other agriculture shall be distributed 80% to the Company and 20% to the Wuchang Forestry Bureau. We have not yet cultivated this land or generated any revenue under the Joint Venture Agreement.

 

Under an agreement dated March 22, 2004, we lease from one individual 125 mu (approximately 21 acres) of land in Beichuan Village, Pingshan Town, A’cheng City, Heilongjiang Province. We made a one-time payment to the lessor in the amount RMB 552,500 under this lease, which has a term of 50 years.

 

Under an agreement dated April 4, 2004, we lease from Pingshan Town Government (Beichuan Village Committee) 400 mu (approximately 67 acres) of barren hill and uncultivated land in Beichuan Village, Heilongjiang Province, for a term of 50 years. We made a one-time payment of RMB 1,003,000 under this agreement. Based on surveying undertaken jointly between HDS and the Beichuan Village Committee, we have agreed that the land subject to this agreement actually comprises 955 mu (approximately 159 acres), although only 400 mu is usable land. At the end of the 50-year term of this agreement, we will retain the right to use the land without making further payments.

 

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Under an agreement dated March 25, 2005 with ZTC, we lease 361 mu (approximately 60 acres) of land in Lalin Town, Wuchang City, Heilongjiang Province, for nursery land used to cultivate yew stock. This agreement is for a term of 30 years expiring on March 24, 2035, after which term the right of land use shall be transferred to us. Under this agreement, we pay RMB 162,450 per year, with a lump sum payment of RMB 812,250 representing the first five years of the lease on or before December 31, 2010. We made a payment in the amount of RMB 1,000,000 in March 2012. Thereafter, we are required to pay each next five years’ rent in advance. Mr. Wang and Madame Qi are the principal owners of ZTC. See Item 13, “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence”.

 

Under an agreement dated January 18, 2008, we lease from two individuals approximately 290 mu (approximately 48 acres) and the building thereon, on the north side of Dalazi Mountain located in Pingshan Town, Heilongjiang Province. We paid RMB 2,370,000 for the use of the land, the yew trees thereon and the buildings thereon. We own the trees and buildings and lease the land. The lease has a term of 50 years. At the end of the 50-year term of this agreement, we will retain the right to use the land without making further payments.

 

Under an agreement dated March 4, 2010, we lease from Pingshan 15,865 mu (approximately 2,644 acres) of land in Pingfangdian, Wuchang City, for a term of 45 years expiring on March 4, 2055, and purchased all the yews situated thereon. We are required to make total payments of RMB 80,152,900 to Pingshan. The total payment has been divided into three installments, each installment representing a parcel of land. In 2010, we made payments in two installments aggregating RMB 42,434,000, for a parcel of 10,720 mu and all the yew trees and seedlings situated thereon and had a balance due of RMB 37,718,900 as of December 31, 2010, of which amount RMB 26,314,300 related to the final parcel of 5,145 mu. Subsequent to December 31, 2010, we acquired the remaining 5,145 mu and made payments aggregating RMB 8,144,300 in 2012.

 

On July 18, 2012, we entered into the Fuye Field Agreement with an individual in the PRC. Pursuant to the Fuye Field Agreement, HDS will lease 117.5 mu (approximately 19.6 acres) located at Fuye Field, Beizhao Village, Hongxing Town, A’cheng District in Helongjiang Province, PRC. Based on surveying undertaken after the Fuye Field Agreement was signed, we have agreed that the land subject to this agreement actually comprises 148 mu (approximately 24.7 acres). The term of the agreement is 16 years, through March 2028. During the term of the Fuye Field Agreement, HDS has the right to develop the property for the production of yew trees. In addition, HDS has acquired a building and more than 80,000 trees - which are not yew trees - located on the property. These trees consist of approximately 20,000 larix, 56,700 spruce and 3,700 poplar trees.

 

Payments to be made by us under the Fuye Field Agreement total RMB 15,002,300, payable as follows:

 

RMB 6,300,000 upon receipt by HDS of all related supporting documents and materials on the ownership and land use right of the property
   
RMB 3,700,000 on December 25, 2012
   
RMB 5,002,300 on or before December 25, 2013.

 

We prepaid the first installment of RMB 6,300,000 on or about June 20, 2012 and paid the entire remaining balance of RMB 8,702,300 on or about December 31, 2012.

 

On November 15, 2013, Harbin Yew Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd. (“HDS”), the operating entity and wholly-owned subsidiary of Yew Bio-Pharm Group, Inc. (the “Company”), entered into a Forest and Land Use Right Acquisition Contract of Wuchang Erhexiang Pingfangdian Forestry Centre 15 th Compartments (the “Wuchang Pingfangdian Forestry Centre Contract”) with Heilongjiang Zishan Keji Gufen Limited Company. (“ZKG”).

 

Pursuant to the Wuchang Pingfangdian Forestry Centre Contract, HDS acquired 2,565 mu of yew tree forests and land use right of the underlying land located at Wuchang Pingfangdian Forestry Centre in Helongjiang Province, PRC. The term of the contract is 38 years, through November 7, 2051. During the term of the Wuchang Pingfangdian Forestry Centre Contract, HDS plans to harvest cut and replant the trees, sell the harvest cutting logs, promote the growth of the young trees accordingly, as well as plant yew trees of five years old or above based on the condition of the harvest cutting.

 

Payments made by the Company under the Wuchang Pingfangdian Forestry Centre Contract total RMB47.2 million (approximately $7.7 million), payable as follows:

 

RMB21.2 million (approximately $3.5 million) on or before December 31, 2013.
   
RMB26.0 million (approximately $4.3 million) on or before May 31, 2015.

 

Since the assets purchase occurred between entities under common control, HDS recorded the assets received at historical carrying costs recorded by ZTC. The difference of $2,338,212 between the actual contract price and carrying costs is reflected as a reduction of shareholders’ equity (Additional paid-in capital). As of December 31, 2013, the assets purchased were transferred to HDS, and the amount due to ZTC is approximately $4.8 million. This amount was paid in full as of December 31, 2016.

 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

From time to time, we may become involved in various lawsuits and legal proceedings, which arise, in the ordinary course of business. However, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties, and an adverse result in these or other matters may arise from time to time that may harm our business. We are currently not aware of any such legal proceedings or claims that we believe will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or operating results.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not applicable.

 

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PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Market Information

 

The Company's common stock, par value, $0.0001 per share ("Common Stock") began trading on the Over the Counter Bulletin Board ("OTC:BB") under the symbol "YEWB” on November 27, 2013. Since that time there has been only limited trading. The following table sets forth, for the period indicated, the range of high and low closing “Bid” prices reported by the OTC:BB. Such quotations represent prices between dealers and may not include markups, markdowns, or commissions and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.

 

   High Bid   Low Bid 
         
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2015  $0.35   $0.11 
           
January 1 through  March 30, 2016  $0.14   $0.06 
April 1 through June 30, 2016  $0.09   $0.05 
July 1 through September 30, 2016  $0.40   $0.03 
October 1 through December 31, 2016  $0.42   $0.10 
           
January 1 through March 31, 2017  $0.34   $0.22 

 

Penny Stock Considerations

 

The trading of our common stock is deemed to be "penny stock" as that term is generally defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to mean equity securities with a price of less than $5.00. Our shares thus are subject to rules that impose sales practice and disclosure requirements on broker-dealers who engage in certain transactions involving a penny stock.

 

Under the penny stock regulations, a broker-dealer selling a penny stock to anyone other than an established customer or accredited investor must make a special suitability determination regarding the purchaser and must receive the purchaser's written consent to the transaction prior to the sale, unless the broker-dealer is otherwise exempt. Generally, an individual with a net worth in excess of $1,000,000 or annual income exceeding $100,000 individually or $300,000 together with his or her spouse is considered an accredited investor. In addition, under the penny stock regulations the broker-dealer is required to:

 

Deliver, prior to any transaction involving a penny stock, a disclosure schedule prepared by the SEC relating to the penny stock market, unless the broker-dealer or the transaction is otherwise exempt;
   
Disclose commissions payable to the broker-dealer and our registered representatives and current bid and offer quotations for the securities;
   
Send monthly statements disclosing recent price information pertaining to the penny stock held in a customer's account, the account's value and information regarding the limited market in penny stocks; and
   
Make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive the purchaser's written agreement to the transaction, prior to conducting any penny stock transaction in the customer's account.

 

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Because of these regulations, broker-dealers may encounter difficulties in their attempt to buy or sell shares of our common stock, which may affect the ability of selling stockholders or other holders to sell their shares in the secondary market and have the effect of reducing the level of trading activity in the secondary market. These additional sales practice and disclosure requirements could impede the sale of our common stock in the market place. In addition, the liquidity for our common stock may be decreased, with a corresponding decrease in the price of our common stock. Our shares are likely to be subject to such penny stock rules for the foreseeable future.

 

Stockholders

 

As of the date of this Report, we had approximately 1,000 stockholders of record of our common stock. This figure does not include holders of shares registered in “street name” or persons, partnerships, associates, corporations or other entities identified in security position listings maintained by depositories.

 

Dividend Policy

 

We have not declared any cash dividends on our common stock since our inception and do not anticipate paying any dividends in the foreseeable future. We plan to retain future earnings, if any, for use in our business. Any decisions as to future payments of dividends will depend on our earnings and financial position and such other facts, as the Board of Directors deems relevant.

 

Reports to Stockholders

 

We are currently subject to the information and reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and will continue to file periodic reports, and other information with the SEC. We intend to send annual reports to our stockholders containing audited financial statements.

Transfer Agent

 

West Coast Stock Transfer, Inc., 721 N. Vulcan Ave., # 205, Encinitas, CA 92024 is the registrar and transfer agent for our common stock.

 

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

 

Not Applicable

 

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

 

We are authorized to issue up to 15,000,000 shares of common stock for grants under the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan, or the 2012 Plan, which was adopted by our Board of Directors on September 25, 2012 and approved by our shareholders at the Special Meeting on December 13, 2012.

 

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following discussion of our consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, and consolidated financial conditions as of December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015 should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this document.

 

Overview

 

We are a major grower and seller of yew trees and manufacturer of products made from yew trees, we also sell branches and leaves of yew trees for the manufacture of TCM containing taxol, which TCM has been approved in the PRC for use as a secondary treatment of certain cancers, meaning it must be administered in combination with other pharmaceutical drugs. The yew industry is highly regulated in the PRC because the Northeast yew tree is considered an endangered species. In the third quarter of 2016, we started to sell handmade yew essence oil soaps and candles.

 

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For the year ended December 31, 2016, we operated in four reportable business segments: (1) the TCM raw materials segment, consisting of the production and sale of yew raw materials or yew tree extracts used in the manufacture of TCM; (2) the yew tree segment, consisting of the growth and sale of yew tree seedlings and mature trees, including potted miniature yew trees; (3) the handicrafts segment, consisting of the manufacture and sale of handicrafts and furniture made of yew timber; (4) the others segment, consisting of the sales of yew candles, yew essence oil soaps, and pine needle extracts in the year of 2016. Our reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different products. The four business segments are managed separately based on the fundamental differences in their operations. All of the Company’s operations except the sales of yew tree extracts are conducted in the PRC. We are located in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2016, revenues from the sale of TCM raw materials represented approximately 56.02% of consolidated revenue (all of consolidated revenues were from a related party); sale of yew trees represented approximately 0.04% of consolidated revenue; sale of handicrafts represented approximately 0.19% of consolidated revenue; and the sale of the others, which include yew candles, yew essence oil soaps, and pine needle extracts, represented approximately 43.74% of consolidated revenue. For the year ended December 31, 2015, revenues from the sale of TCM raw materials represented approximately 55.69% of consolidated revenue (including 47.73% of consolidated revenues from a related party); sale of yew trees represented approximately 3.84% of consolidated revenue; and the sale of handicrafts represented approximately 0.53% of consolidated revenue; and the sales of wood ear mushroom represented approximately 8.95% of consolidated revenue; and the sale of others approximately 30.99% of consolidated revenue.

 

YBP’s revenues were mostly generated by HDS and in the PRC. YBP has no significant business operations in the U.S. for the current reporting period except for a one-time sales contract to sell yew tree extracts to a third party in Hong Kong. The expenses (approximately $452,841 and $1,327,913 for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively) incurred in the U.S. were primarily related to fulfilling the reporting requirements of public listed company, stock-based compensation, and other costs related to issuance of common stock for professional service. As of December 31, 2016, YBP had approximately $3,165 in cash and held the 100% equity interests in its subsidiaries Yew HK and JSJ. Yew HK itself has no business operations or assets other than holding of equity interests in JSJ. JSJ has no business operations and assets with a book value of approximately $3,165, including approximately $3,165 in cash at December 31, 2016. JSJ also holds the VIE interests in HDS through the contractual arrangements (the “Contractual Arrangements”) described in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. On November 4, 2015, HDS established a new subsidiary, Harbin Yew Food Co. LTD. (“HYF”), to develop and cultivate wood ear mushroom. As of December 31, 2016, HYF had started pilot production but the sales were immaterial yet. If we are unable to enforce the Contractual Agreements, we may not be able to exert effective control over HDS and HYF, and our ability to conduct our business may be materially and adversely affected. If the applicable PRC authorities invalidate our Contractual Agreements for any violation of PRC laws, rules and regulations, we would lose control of the VIE and its subsidiary resulting in its deconsolidation in financial reporting and severe loss in our market valuation. On June 8, 2016, YBP established a new subsidiary, MC Commerce Holding Inc. (MC), to sales the Company’s yew products in American market. MC had no operation activities for the year ended December 31, 2016.

 

Critical accounting policies and estimates

 

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We continually evaluate our estimates, including those related to bad debts, allowance for obsolete inventory, and the classification of short and long-term inventory, the useful life of property and equipment and intangible assets, recovery of long-lived assets, income taxes, write-down in value of inventory, and the valuation of equity transactions. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Any future changes to these estimates and assumptions could cause a material change to our reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of the financial statements.

 

Variable interest entities

 

Pursuant to ASC 810 and related subtopics related to the consolidation of variable interest entities, we are required to include in our consolidated financial statements the financial statements of VIEs. The accounting standards require a VIE to be consolidated by a company if that company is subject to a majority of the risk of loss for the VIE or is entitled to receive a majority of the VIE’s residual returns. VIEs are those entities in which we, through contractual arrangements, bear the risk of, and enjoy the rewards normally associated with ownership of the entity, and therefore we are the primary beneficiary of the entity. HDS is considered a VIE, and we are the primary beneficiary. We entered into agreements with HDS pursuant to which we shall receive 100% of HDS’s net income. In accordance with these agreements, HDS shall pay consulting fees equal to 100% of its net income to our wholly-owned subsidiary, JSJ. JSJ shall supply the technology and administrative services needed to service the HDS.

 

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The accounts of HDS are consolidated in the accompanying financial statements. As a VIE, HDS’ sales are included in our total sales, its income from operations is consolidated with ours, and our net income includes all of HDS’ net income, and their assets and liabilities are included in our consolidated balance sheets. The VIEs do not have any non-controlling interest and, accordingly, we did not subtract any net income in calculating the net income attributable to us. Because of the contractual arrangements, we have pecuniary interest in HDS that requires consolidation of HDS’ financial statements with our financial statements.

 

As required by ASC 810-10, we perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether we are the primary beneficiary of HDS which is identified as a VIE of us. A quality assessment begins with an understanding of the nature of the risks in the entity as well as the nature of the entity’s activities including terms of the contracts entered into by the entity, ownership interests issued by the entity and the parties involved in the design of the entity. The significant terms of the agreements between us and HDS are discussed above in the “Corporate Structure and Recapitalization - Second Restructure” section. Our assessment on the involvement with HDS reveals that we have the absolute power to direct the most significant activities that impact the economic performance of HDS. JSJ, our wholly own subsidiary, is obligated to absorb a majority of the risk of loss from HDS activities and is entitled to receive a majority of HDS’s expected residual returns. In addition, HDS’ shareholders have pledged their equity interest in HDS to JSJ, irrevocably granted JSJ an exclusive option to purchase, to the extent permitted under PRC Law, all or part of the equity interests in HDS and agreed to entrust all the rights to exercise their voting power to the person(s) appointed by JSJ. Under the accounting guidance, we are deemed to be the primary beneficiary of HDS and the results of HDS’ operation are consolidated in our consolidated financial statements for financial reporting purposes.

 

Accordingly, as a VIE, HDS’ sales are included in our total sales, its income from operations is consolidated with our income from operations and our net income includes all of HDS’ net income. All the equity (net assets) and profits (losses) of HDS are attributed to us. Therefore, no non-controlling interest in HDS is presented in our consolidated financial statements. As we do not have any non-controlling interest and, accordingly, did not subtract any net income in calculating the net income attributable to us. Because of the Contractual Arrangements, YBP has a pecuniary interest in HDS that requires consolidation of HDS’ financial statements with those of ours.

 

Additionally, pursuant to ASC 805, as YBP and HDS are under the common control of the HDS Shareholders, the Second Restructure was accounted for in a manner similar to a pooling of interests. As a result, our historical amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements give retrospective effect to the Second Restructure, whereby our assets and liabilities are reflected at the historical carrying values and their operations are presented as if they were consolidated for all periods presented, with our results of operations being consolidated from the date of the Second Transfer Agreement. The accounts of HDS are consolidated in the accompanying financial statements.

 

Accounts receivable

 

Accounts receivable are presented net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses. We review the accounts receivable balance on a periodic basis and make general and specific allowances when there is doubt as to the collectability of individual balances. In evaluating the collectability of individual receivable balances, we consider many factors, including the age of the balance, a customer’s historical payment history, its current credit-worthiness and current economic trends. Accounts are written off after exhaustive efforts at collection. We recognize the probability of the collection for each customer and believe the amount of the balance as of December 31, 2016, could be collected and accordingly, based on a review of our outstanding balances, we did not record any allowance for doubtful accounts.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories consisted of raw materials, work-in-progress, finished goods-handicrafts, yew seedlings, yew candles, yew essence oil soaps, and other trees (consisting of larix, spruce and poplar trees). We classify our inventories based on our historical and anticipated levels of sales; any inventory in excess of its normal operating cycle of one year is classified as long-term on our consolidated balance sheets. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value utilizing the weighted average method. Raw materials primarily include yew timber used in the production of products such as handicrafts, furniture and other products containing yew timber. Finished goods-handicraft and yew seedlings include direct materials, direct labor and an appropriate proportion of overhead.

 

We estimate the amount of the excess inventories by comparing inventory on hand with the estimated sales that can be sold within our normal operating cycle of one year. Any inventory in excess of our current requirements based on historical and anticipated levels of sales is classified as long-term on our consolidated balance sheets. Our classification of long-term inventory requires us to estimate the portion of inventory that can be realized over the next 12 months.

 

To estimate the amount of slow-moving or obsolete inventories, we analyze movement of our products, monitor competing products and technologies and evaluate acceptance of our products. Periodically, we identify inventories that cannot be sold at all or can only be sold at deeply discounted prices. An allowance will be established if management determines that certain inventories may not be saleable. If inventory costs exceed expected market value due to obsolescence or quantities in excess of expected demand, we will record reserves for the difference between the carrying cost and the estimated market value.

 

Our handicraft and yew furniture products are hand-made by traditional Chinese artisans.

 

In accordance with ASC 905, “Agriculture”, our costs of growing yew seedlings are accumulated until the time of harvest and are reported at the lower of cost or market.

 

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Property and equipment

 

Property and equipment are carried at cost and are depreciated on a straight-line basis (after taking into account their respective estimated residual value) over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The cost of repairs and maintenance is expensed as incurred; major replacements and improvements are capitalized. When assets are retired, or disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gains or losses are included in income in the year of disposition. We examine the possibility of decreases in the value of fixed assets when events or changes in circumstances reflect the fact that their recorded value may not be recoverable. The estimated useful lives are as follows:

 

Building   15 years
Machinery and equipment   10 years
Office equipment   3 years
Leasehold improvement   5 years
Motor vehicles   4 years

 

Land use rights and yew forest assets

 

All land in the PRC is owned by the PRC government and cannot be sold to any individual or company. We have recorded the amounts paid to the PRC government to acquire long-term interests to utilize land and yew forests as land use rights and yew forest assets. This type of arrangement is common for the use of land in the PRC. Yew trees on land containing yew tree forests are used to supply raw materials such as branches, leaves and fruit to us that will be used to manufacture our products. We amortize these land and yew forest use rights over the term of the respective land and yew forest use right, which ranges from 45 to 50 years. The lease agreements do not have any renewal option and we have no further obligations to the lessor. We record the amortization of these land and forest use rights as part of our cost of revenues.

 

Revenue recognition

 

We generate our revenue from sales of yew seedling products, sales of yew raw materials for medical application, sales of yew handicraft products, sales of yew candles, yew essential oil soap and pine needle extracts and sales of wood ear mushroom. Pursuant to the guidance of ASC 605 and ASC 360, we recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the purchase price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured, and no significant obligations remain.

 

Income taxes

 

We are governed by the Income Tax Law of the PRC, Hong Kong and the United States. We account for income tax using the liability method prescribed by ASC 740, “Income Taxes”. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates that will be in effect in the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. We record a valuation allowance to offset deferred tax assets if based on the weight of available evidence; it is more-likely-than-not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized as income or loss in the period that includes the enactment date.

 

We apply the provisions of ASC 740-10-50, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes”, which provides clarification related to the process associated with accounting for uncertain tax positions recognized in our financial statements. Audit periods remain open for review until the statute of limitations has passed. The completion of review or the expiration of the statute of limitations for a given audit period could result in an adjustment to our liability for income taxes. Any such adjustment could be material to our results of operations for any given quarterly or annual period based, in part, upon the results of operations for the given period. Currently, we have no uncertain tax positions, and will continue to evaluate for uncertain positions in the future.

 

Stock-based compensation

 

Stock based compensation is accounted for based on the requirements of the Share-Based Payment topic of ASC 718 which requires recognition in the financial statements of the cost of employee and director services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments over the period the employee or director is required to perform the services in exchange for the award. The Accounting Standards Codification also requires measurement of the cost of employee and director services received in exchange for an award based on the grant-date fair value of the award.

 

Pursuant to ASC 505-50, for share-based payments to consultants and other third-parties, compensation expense is determined at the “measurement date.” The expense is recognized over the period of services or the vesting period, whichever is applicable. Until the measurement date is reached, the total amount of compensation expense remains uncertain. We record compensation expense based on the fair value of the award at the reporting date. The awards to consultants and other third-parties are then revalued, or the total compensation is recalculated based on the then current fair value, at each subsequent reporting date.

 

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Recent accounting pronouncements

 

In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing”. The amendments add further guidance on identifying performance obligations and also to improve the operability and understandability of the licensing implementation guidance. The amendments do not change the core principle of the guidance in Topic 606. The effective date and transition requirements for the amendments are the same as the effective date and transition requirements in Topic 606. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-12, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients”. The amendments, among other things: (1) clarify the objective of the collectability criterion for applying paragraph 606-10-25-7; (2) permit an entity to exclude amounts collected from customers for all sales (and other similar) taxes from the transaction price; (3) specify that the measurement date for noncash consideration is contract inception; (4) provide a practical expedient that permits an entity to reflect the aggregate effect of all modifications that occur before the beginning of the earliest period presented when identifying the satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations, determining the transaction price, and allocating the transaction price to the satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations; (5) clarify that a completed contract for purposes of transition is a contract for which all (or substantially all) of the revenue was recognized under legacy GAAP before the date of initial application, and (6) clarify that an entity that retrospectively applies the guidance in Topic 606 to each prior reporting period is not required to disclose the effect of the accounting change for the period of adoption. The effective date of these amendments is at the same date that Topic 606 is effective. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments”. These amendments provide cash flow statement classification guidance for: 1. Debt Prepayment or Debt Extinguishment Costs; 2. Settlement of Zero-Coupon Debt Instruments or Other Debt Instruments with Coupon Interest Rates That Are Insignificant in Relation to the Effective Interest Rate of the Borrowing; 3. Contingent Consideration Payments Made after a Business Combination; 4. Proceeds from the Settlement of Insurance Claims; 5. Proceeds from the Settlement of Corporate-Owned Life Insurance Policies, including Bank-Owned Life Insurance Policies; 6. Distributions Received from Equity Method Investees; 7. Beneficial Interests in Securitization Transactions; and 8. Separately Identifiable Cash Flows and Application of the Predominance Principle. The amendments in this ASU are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-17, “Consolidation (Topic 810): Interests Held through Related Parties That Are under Common Control”. These amendments change the evaluation of whether a reporting entity is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity by changing how a reporting entity that is a single decision maker of a variable interest entity treats indirect interests in the entity held through related parties that are under common control with the reporting entity. If a reporting entity satisfies the first characteristic of a primary beneficiary (such that it is the single decision maker of a variable interest entity), the amendments require that reporting entity, in determining whether it satisfies the second characteristic of a primary beneficiary, to include all of its direct variable interests in a variable interest entity and, on a proportionate basis, its indirect variable interests in a variable interest entity held through related parties, including related parties that are under common control with the reporting entity. The amendments in this ASU are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. If an entity adopts the pending content that links to this paragraph in an interim period, any adjustments should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash”. These amendments require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. As a result, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The amendments do not provide a definition of restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. The amendments in this ASU are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-20, “Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers”. The amendments in ASU 2016-20 affect narrow aspects of the guidance issued in ASU 2014-09 including Loan Guarantee Fees, Contract Costs, Provisions for Losses on Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts, Disclosure of Remaining Performance Obligations, Disclosure of Prior Period Performance Obligations, Contract Modifications, Contract Asset vs. Receivable, Refund Liabilities, Advertising Costs, Fixed Odds Wagering Contracts in the Casino Industry, and Costs Capitalized for Advisors to Private Funds and Public Funds. The effective date of these amendments are at the same date that Topic 606 is effective. Topic 606 is effective for public entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods therein (i.e., January 1, 2018, for a calendar year entity). The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption on its consolidated financial statements. 

 

Other accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by FASB that do not require adoption until a future date are not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

  

Currency exchange rates

 

Our functional currency is the U.S. dollar, and the functional currency of our operating subsidiaries and VIE is the RMB. All of our sales are denominated in RMB. As a result, changes in the relative values of U.S. dollars and RMB affect our reported levels of revenues and profitability as the results of our operations are translated into U.S. dollars for reporting purposes. In particular, fluctuations in currency exchange rates could have a significant impact on our financial stability due to a mismatch among various foreign currency-denominated sales and costs. Fluctuations in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and RMB affect our gross and net profit margins and could result in foreign exchange and operating losses.

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Our exposure to foreign exchange risk primarily relates to currency gains or losses resulting from timing differences between signing of sales contracts and settling of these contracts. Furthermore, we translate monetary assets and liabilities denominated in other currencies into RMB, the functional currency of our operating subsidiaries. Our results of operations and cash flow are translated at average exchange rates during the period, and assets and liabilities are translated at the unified exchange rate at the end of the period. Translation adjustments resulting from this process are included in accumulated other comprehensive income in our statement of shareholders’ equity. We have not used any forward contracts, currency options or borrowings to hedge our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk. We cannot predict the impact of future exchange rate fluctuations on our results of operations and may incur net foreign currency losses in the future.

 

Our financial statements are expressed in U.S. dollars, which is the functional currency of our parent company. The functional currency of our operating subsidiaries and affiliates is RMB. To the extent we hold assets denominated in U.S. dollars, any appreciation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar could result in a charge in our statement of operations and a reduction in the value of our U.S. dollar denominated assets. On the other hand, a decline in the value of RMB against the U.S. dollar could reduce the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts of our financial results.

 

Recently enacted JOBS Act

 

We qualify as an “emerging growth company” under the recently enacted JOBS Act. As a result, we are permitted to, and intend to, rely on exemptions from certain disclosure requirements. For so long as we are an emerging growth company, among other things, we will not be required to:

 

Have an auditor report on our internal controls over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act;
   
Submit certain executive compensation matters to shareholder advisory votes, such as “say-on-pay” and “say-on-frequency”;
   
Obtain shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved; and
   
Disclose certain executive compensation related items such as the correlation between executive compensation and performance and comparisons of the Chief Executive’s compensation to median employee compensation.

 

In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act also provides that an emerging growth company can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. In other words, an emerging growth company can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We have elected to take advantage of the benefits of this extended transition period. Our financial statements may therefore not be comparable to those of companies that comply with such new or revised accounting standards.

 

We will remain an “emerging growth company” for up to five years, or until the earliest of (i) the last day of the first fiscal year in which our total annual gross revenues exceed $1 billion; (ii) the date that we become a “large accelerated filer” as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which would occur if the market value of our ordinary shares that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter or (iii) the date on which we have issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt during the preceding three-year period.

 

Until such time, however, because the JOBS Act has only recently been enacted, we cannot predict whether investors will find our stock less attractive because of the more limited disclosure requirements that we may be entitled to follow and other exemptions on which we are relying while we are an “emerging growth company”. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our stock price may be more volatile.

 

Results of Operations

 

The following tables set forth key components of our results of operations for the periods indicated, in dollars. The discussion following the table is based on these results:

 

   Years Ended
December 31,
 
   2016   2015 
Revenues - third parties  $22,581,267   $12,794,005 
Revenues - related party   28,766,815    16,779,803 
Total revenues   51,348,082    29,573,808 
Cost of revenues - third parties   24,688,860    11,104,169 
Cost of revenues - related party   23,424,644    11,436,423 
Total cost of revenues   48,113,504    22,540,592 
Gross profit   3,234,578    7,033,216 
Operating expenses   1,113,220    1,893,278 
Income from operations   2,121,358    5,139,938 
Other income (expenses)   (96,458)   161,138 
Income Tax   (18,009)   (16,488)
Net income   2,006,891    5,284,588 
Other comprehensive income:          
Foreign currency translation adjustment   (2,632,390)   (2,080,703)
Comprehensive income  $(625,499)  $3,203,885 

 

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Year Ended December 31, 2016 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

Revenues

 

For the year ended December 31, 2016, we had total revenues of $51,348,082, as compared to $29,573,808 for the year ended December 31, 2015, an increase of $21,774,274 or 73.63%. The increase in total revenue was attributable to the increase in revenues from TCM raw materials and the others segments, including sales of yew candles, yew essence oil soaps, and pine needle extracts, partially offset by decrease in sales of wood ear mushroom.

 

Total revenue is summarized as follows:

 

   Years Ended
December 31,
   Increase   Percentage 
   2016   2015   (Decrease)   Change 
TCM raw materials  $28,766,815   $16,470,213   $12,296,602    74.66%
Yew trees   22,859    1,134,412    (1,111,553)   (97.98)%
Handicrafts   98,203    156,525    (58,322)   (37.26)%
Wood ear mushroom   -    2,648,180    2,648,180    (100)%
Others   22,460,205    9,164,478    13,295,727    145.08%
Total  $51,348,082   $29,573,808   $21,774,274    73.63%

 

For the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to December 31, 2015, the increase in revenue of TCM raw material was mainly attributable to the increase in demand from our related party, Yew Pharmaceutical. The decrease in revenue of yew tree was mainly attributable to the Company’s strategy adjustment to reserve more yew trees for future TCM raw materials sales and normal sales fluctuation. The revenues of handicrafts were comparable for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. The Company stopped selling wood ear mushroom to our related party, Yew Pharmaceutical, in the third quarter of 2015 and therefore the sales decreased significantly for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to December 31, 2015. The “Others” segment includes the sales of yew candles, yew essential oil soaps, and pine needle extracts. The increase in revenue of others was mainly attributable to the new product lines of yew essential oil soap and customer developed during the year ended December 31, 2016.

 

Cost of Revenues

 

For the year ended December 31, 2016, cost of revenues amounted to $48,113,504 as compared to $22,540,592 for the year ended December 31, 2015, an increase of $25,572,912 or 113.45%. For the year ended December 31, 2016, cost of revenues accounted for 93.7% of total revenues compared to 76.2% of total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

Cost of revenues by product categories is as follows:

 

   Years Ended
December 31,
   Increase   Percentage 
   2016   2015   (Decrease)   Change 
TCM raw materials  $23,424,644   $10,611,353   $12,813,291    120.75%
Yew trees   19,135    329,539    (310,404)   (94.19)%
Handicrafts   2,619,024    41,964    2,577,060    6,141%
Wood ear mushroom   -    2,473,165    (2,473,165)   (100)%
Others   22,050,701    9,084,571    12,966,131    142.73%
Total  $48,113,504   $22,540,592   $25,572,912    113.45%

 

The increase in our cost of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2015 was primarily a result of the increase in costs of revenue in TCM raw materials, handicrafts, and the others segments and offset by decreasing in costs of revenue of yew tree and wood ear mushroom segments.

 

The increase in cost of revenue in TCM raw material segment were primarily attributable to the increase in sales to our related party, Yew Pharmaceutical. We also sold some TCM raw materials processed from the whole yew trees in PingShan plantation during the first and second quarters of 2016 that eventually increased the unit cost of our TCM raw materials.

 

The increase in cost of revenue in handicrafts segment were primarily attributable to the inventory write-down of yew logs which were used to produce handicrafts in the amount of $2,499,563.

 

The decrease in cost of revenue in yew trees segment as compared to the year ended December 31, 2015 was due to the decreased sales of yew trees.

 

The decrease in cost of revenue of wood ear mushroom was attributable to our operating strategy of no longer selling the products for the year ended December 31, 2016.

 

The others segment includes the sales of export commodities, such as yew candles, yew essence oil soaps, and pine needle extracts. The increase in cost of revenue in others segment were mainly attributable to the increase in sales of export commodities to Dafurong and Tiansheng, third parties.

 

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Gross Profit

 

For the year ended December 31, 2016, gross profit was $5,734,141 as compared to $7,033,216 for the year ended December 31, 2015, representing gross profit margins of 11.17% and 23.78%, respectively. Gross profit margins by categories are as follows:

 

   Years Ended December 31, 
   2016   2015   Increase 
TCM raw materials   18.57%   35.57%   (17.00)%
Yew trees   16.29%   70.95%   (54.66)%
Handicrafts   (2,567)%   73.19%   (2,640)%
Wood ear mushroom   -%   6.61%   (6.61)%
Others   1.82%   0.87%   0.95%
Total   6.30%   23.78%   (17.48)%

 

The decrease in our overall gross profit margin for the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2015 was primarily attributable to the lower gross margin yields of TCM raw materials, Handicrafts, Wood ear mushroom and “Others”.

 

The decrease in our gross margin percentage related to the sale of TCM raw materials for the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2015 was primarily attributable to we sold certain TCM raw materials processed from the whole yew trees in PingShan plantation throughout the year of 2016 that decreased the gross profit margin of TCM raw materials for the year ended December 31, 2016.

 

The decrease in our gross margin percentage related to the sale of yew trees and seedlings for the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2015 was primarily attributable to the Company’s strategy adjustment to reserve more yew trees for future TCM raw materials sales and then normal sales fluctuation.

 

The gross margin percentage related to the sale of wood ear mushroom for the year ended December 31, 2016 was 0%, decreased 6.61% compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. It was the Company stopped selling wood ear mushroom during the year ended December 31, 2016.

 

The decrease in our gross margin percentage related to the sale of handicrafts for the year ended December 31, 2016 was primarily attributable to the impairment of handicrafts due to obsolete inventory and inventory write-down for the yew logs which were used to produce handicrafts.

 

Selling Expenses

 

For the year ended December 31, 2016, selling expense was $34,828as compared to $28,624 for the year ended December 31, 2015, an increase of $6,204, or 21.67%. The increase in our selling expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016 was primarily attributable to increase in other miscellaneous expenses, partially offset by decrease in salary and related benefit expenses.

 

General and Administrative Expenses

 

For the year ended December 31, 2016, general and administrative expenses amounted to $1,078,392, as compared to $1,864,654 for the year ended December 31, 2015, a decrease of $786,262, or 42.16%.

 

General and administrative expenses consisted of the following:

 

  

Years Ended

December 31,

 
   2016   2015 
Compensation and related benefits  $376,131   $1,265,189 
Depreciation   71,713    96,034 
Travel and entertainment   142,089    59,740 
Professional fees   86,061    222,806 
Research and development   59,754    13,554 
Other   342,644    207,331 
Total  $1,078,392   $1,864,654 

 

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The changes in general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2015, consisted of the following:

 

For the year ended December 31, 2016, compensation and related benefits decreased by $889,058, or 70%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. The decrease in compensation and related benefits was mainly attributable to decrease in stock-based compensation due to options forfeited as employee resigned.
   
For the year ended December 31, 2016, depreciation decreased by $24,321, or 25.33%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. The decrease was primarily attributable to the decrease in depreciable assets with one of the automobiles fully depreciated and disposal of partial of our fix assets in prior year.
   
For the year ended December 31, 2016, travel and entertainment increased by $82,350, or 137.85% as compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase was primarily attributable to increase in travels relating to business coordination during 2016.
   
Professional fees consisted primarily of legal, accounting, investor relations and other fees associated with being a public company in the United States. For the year ended December 31, 2016, professional fees decreased by $136,745, or 61.37%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. The decrease was primarily attributable to the common stock issued to exchange for the professional services in the year of 2015.
   
For the year ended December 31, 2016, research and developed expense increased by $46,200, or 340.86% as compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase was primarily attributable to increase in research cost from Yew Food for new products during 2016.
   
For the year ended December 31, 2016, other miscellaneous general and administrative expenses increased by $135,313, or 65.26%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase was primarily attributable to associated cost of the Company’s new U.S. principal executive office that was established in California.

 

Income from Operations

 

For the year ended December 31, 2016, income from operations was $2,121,358, as compared to income from operations of $5,139,938 for the year ended December 31, 2015, a decrease of $3,018,580, or 58.72%. The decrease was primarily attributable to the impairment of $2,499,563 on raw material, yew logs, and the decrease in gross margin.

 

Other Income (Expenses)

 

For the year ended December 31, 2016, total other expense was $96,458 as compared to total other income of $161,138 for the year ended December 31, 2015. The decrease is mainly attributable to the receipt of PRC government subsidy of $282,252 for planting TCM raw materials during the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

Net Income

 

As a result of the factors described above, our net income was $2,006,891 or $0.04 per share (basic and diluted), for the year ended December 31, 2016, as compared to net income of $5,284,588 or $0.10 per share (basic and diluted, respectively), for the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment

 

For the year ended December 31, 2016, we reported an unrealized loss on foreign currency translation of $2,632,390, as compared to a loss of $2,080,703for the year ended December 31, 2015. The change reflects the effect of the value of the U.S. dollar in relation to the RMB. These gains and loss are non-cash items. As described elsewhere herein, the functional currency of our subsidiary, JSJ, and our VIE, HDS, is the RMB. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been translated and presented in U.S. dollars using period end rates of exchange for assets and liabilities, and average rates of exchange for the period for net revenues, costs, and expenses. Net gains resulting from foreign exchange transactions, if any, are included in the consolidated statements of income.

 

Comprehensive Income

 

For the year ended December 31, 2016, comprehensive loss of $625,499 was derived from the sum of our net income of $2,006,891offset with foreign currency translation loss of $2,632,390. For the year ended December 31, 2015, comprehensive income of $3,203,885 was derived from the sum of our net income of $5,284,588 offset with foreign currency translation loss of $2,080,703.

 

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Segment Information

 

For the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2015, we operated in four reportable business segments: (1) the TCM raw materials segment, consisting of the production and sale of yew raw materials and yew tree extracts used in the manufacture of TCM; (2) the yew tree segment, consisting of the growth and sale of yew tree seedlings and mature trees, including potted miniature yew trees; (3) the handicrafts segment, consisting of the manufacture and sale of furniture and handicrafts made of yew timber; and (4) the “Others” segment, consisting of the sales of yew candles, yew essence oil soaps, and pine needle extracts. Our reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different products. Compared with the year ended December 31, 2015, there was no “Wood ear mushroom” segment for the year ended December 31, 2016. The four business segments are managed separately based on the fundamental differences in their operations. All of our operations except sales of yew tree extracts are conducted in the PRC.

 

Information with respect to these reportable business segments for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 was as follows:

 

  

For the year ended

December 31, 2016

  

For the year ended

December 31, 2015

 
  

Revenues-

third party

  

Revenues -

related party

   Total  

Revenues-

third party

  

Revenues -

related party

   Total 
Revenues:                        
TCM raw materials  $-   $28,766,815   $28,766,815   $2,354,700    14,115,513    16,470,213 
Yew trees   22,859    -    22,859    1,129,514    4,898    1,134,412 
Handicrafts   98,203    -    98,203    145,313    11,212    156,525 
Wood ear mushroom   -    -    -    -    2,648,180    2,648,180 
Others   22,460,205    -    22,460,205    9,164,478    -    9,164,478 
Total revenues  $22,581,267   $28,766,815   $51,348,082   $12,794,005    16,779,803    29,573,808 
                               
Cost of sales:                              
TCM raw materials  $-   $23,424,644   $23,424,644   $1,658,831    8,952,522    10,611,353 
Yew trees   19,135    -    19,135    324,642    4,897    329,539 
Handicrafts   2,619,024    -    2,619,024    36,125    5,839    41,964 
Wood ear mushroom   -    -    -    -    2,473,165    2,473,165 
Others   22,050,701    -    22,050,701    9,084,571    -    9,084,571 
Total cost of revenues  $24,688,860   $23,424,644   $48,113,504   $11,104,169   $11,436,423   $22,540,592 

 

TCM raw materials

 

During the year ended December 31, 2016, we sold 147,426kg of TCM raw materials as compared to 58,206 kg of TCM raw materials during the year ended December 31, 2015, a 153.28% increase in sales volume primarily attributable to increase in sales volume to our related party, Yew Pharmaceutical.

 

In February 2010, we began selling yew branches and leaves that are used in the production of TCM. On January 9, 2010, we entered into the Development Agreement with Yew Pharmaceutical, a related party, for the development, production and sale of yew-based TCM. Pursuant to the Development Agreement, we sell yew branches and leaves to Yew Pharmaceutical. Yew Pharmaceutical manufactures TCM at its own facilities in Harbin in accordance with the requirements of the Heilongjiang Food and Drug Administration (the “HFDA”). Yew Pharmaceutical is also responsible for producing the finished product in accordance with GMP requirements. In this regard, Yew Pharmaceutical received a GMP certificate in November 2009, and has filed all applications with, and obtained all approvals from, the HFDA.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, we had revenue of $28,766,815 and $14,115,513, respectively, from the sale of TCM raw materials to Yew Pharmaceutical. For the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, revenue from the sale of TCM raw materials to third parties amounted to $0 and $2,354,700, respectively.

 

Zi Shan is marketed and sold exclusively through Yew Pharmaceutical, under the Development Agreement. Yew Pharmaceutical is a major purchaser of our yew raw materials used in the production of TCM and is owned directly and indirectly primarily by Mr. Wang and Madame Qi.

 

TCM that is produced by manufacturers who buy yew raw material from us is marketed and sold by them to third party users, including hospitals.

 

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Sales volume was summarized as follows:

 

  

Years Ended

December 31,

 
   2016   2015 
Sales volume - third parties (kg)   -    3,080 
Sales volume - related party (kg)   147,426    55,126 
Total sales volume   147,426    58,206 

 

Additionally, in order to ensure the sustainability of our yew forests, we closely monitor the growth rate of our yew trees. The amount of TCM raw materials we can sell is limited by the seasonal growth rate of our yew trees that are available for cutting branches and leaves. Over time, as more yew trees reach maturity, these limits may be increased.

 

Yew trees

 

During the year ended December 31, 2016, we sold approximately 5 pieces of yew seedlings and trees, as compared to approximately 63,000 pieces of yew seedlings and trees for the year ended December 31, 2015, a decrease in volume of 100%.

 

The decrease in revenue of yew tree for the year ended December 31, 2016 was mainly attributable to the company’s strategy adjustment to reserve more yew trees for future TCM raw materials sales and then normal sales fluctuation as compared to the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

In connection with our entering into a land use agreement in July 2012 (the “Fuye Field Agreement”), we acquired more than 80,000 trees - which are not yew trees - located on that property. These trees consist of approximately 20,000 larix, 56,700 spruce and 3,700 poplar trees. Larix trees are used primarily in landscaping and we began selling larix trees to customers during 2013. Spruce and poplar trees are used primarily as building materials. Since March 31, 2015, we began to sell spruce trees to customers and anticipate selling poplar trees in the next few years once these trees reach their maturities.

 

Handicrafts

 

During the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, revenue from the sale of handicrafts made from yew timber amounted to $98,203 and $156,525, respectively, decrease of $58,322, or 37%. The decrease in revenues of handicrafts was mainly due to the Company’s strategy of stopping producing and selling of handicrafts due to bad market situation in 2016.

 

Wood ear mushroom

 

During the year ended December 31, 2016, we no longer sold wood ear mushroom. During the year ended December 31, 2015, we sold approximately 187,000 kg of wood ear mushroom in amount of $2,648,180 to our related party, Yew Pharmaceutical.

 

Others

 

During the year ended December 31, 2016, we sold approximately142,146 export commodities, including yew candles, yew essential oil soaps, and pine needle extracts. During the year ended December 31, 2015, we sold approximately 99,000 yew candles and pine needle extracts in amount of $9,164,478 to third party.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Liquidity is the ability of a company to generate funds to support its current and future operations, satisfy its obligations and otherwise operate on an ongoing basis. At December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we had cash balances of $278,981 and $985,119, respectively. These funds are primarily located in various financial institutions located in China. Our primary uses of cash have been for the purchase of yew trees, land use rights and yew forest assets. Additionally, we use cash for employee compensation and working capital.

 

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The following table sets forth information as to the principal changes in the components of our working capital from December 31, 2015 to December 31, 2016:

 

Category  December 31,
2016
   December 31,
2015
   Change   Percentage change 
Current assets:                    
Cash  $278,991   $681,608   $(402,617)   59%
Restricted cash   -    303,511    (303,511)   (100)%
Accounts receivable   14,467,852    3,857,968    10,609,884    275%
Accounts receivable - related party   6,941,931    6,489,495    452,436    7%
Inventories, net   10,296,792    4,665,549    5,631,243    121%
Prepaid expenses and other assets   75,743    64,174    11,569    18%
Prepaid expenses - related parties   76,035    106,370    (30,335)   (29)%
VAT recoverables   1,655,954    699,258    956,696    137%
Current liabilities:                    
Accounts payable   2,700,148    11,345    2,688,803    23700%
Accounts payable - related party   638,318    41,319    596,999    1445%
Accrued expenses and other payables   379,294    124,686    254,608    204%
Notes payable   1,156,444    607,022    549,422    91%
Taxes payable   16,520    14,261    2,259    16%
Due to related parties   883,596    761,236    122,360    16%
Short-term borrowing   1,723,865    3,081,332    (1,357,467)   (44)%
Working capital:                    
Total current assets  $33,793,298   $16,867,933   $16,925,365    100%
Total current liabilities   7,498,185    4,641,201    2,856,984    62%
Working capital  $26,295,113   $12,226,732   $14,068,381    115%

 

Our working capital increased by $14,068,381 to $26,295,113 at December 31, 2016, from working capital of $12,226,732 at December 31, 2015. This increase in working capital is primarily attributable to:

 

an increase in accounts receivable of approximately $10,609,884
   
an increase in accounts receivable - related party of approximately $452,436
   
an increase in inventories of approximately $5,631,243

 

partially offset by:

 

an increase in accounts payable of approximately $2,688,803

 

For the year ended December 31, 2016, net cash flow provided by operating activities was $643,031, as compared to net cash flow used in operating activities of $1,372,369 for the year ended December 31, 2015, an increase of $1,015,400. Because the exchange rate conversion is different for the balance sheet and the statements of cash flows, the changes in assets and liabilities reflected on the statements of cash flows are not necessarily identical with the comparable changes reflected on the balance sheets.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2016, net cash flow provided by operating activities of $643,031 was primarily attributable to:

 

net income of approximately $2,006,891 adjusted for the add-back of non-cash items, such as depreciation of approximately $112,282 and amortization of land use rights and yew forest assets of approximately $8,819,008, and stock-based compensation of approximately $31,466; and
 

 

partially offset by:

 

the usage of cash in operations by changes in operating assets and liabilities, such as an increase in accounts receivable of approximately $11,345,374, an increase in accounts receivable - related party of approximately $915,034, and an decrease in inventories of approximately $4,080,175, offset by increase in Accounts payable approximately $2,808,000;

 

For the year ended December 31, 2015, net cash flow used in operating activities of $1,372,369 is primarily attributable to:

 

net income of approximately $5,284,000 adjusted with the add-back of non-cash items, such as depreciation of approximately $143,000 and amortization of land use rights and yew forest assets of approximately $7,599,000, stock-based compensation of approximately $968,000, and issuance of common stock for professional service of approximately $66,000; and
   
the receipt of cash from changes in operating assets and liabilities, such as an increase in accrued expenses and other payable of approximately $46,000 and an increase in accounts payable – related party and note payable of approximately $667,000.

 

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Partially offset by:

 

the use of cash from changes in operating assets and liabilities, such as an increase in account receivable of approximately $3,112,000 and an increase in inventories of approximately $5,737,000.

 

Net cash flow provided by investing activities was approximately $234,910 for the year ended December 31, 2016. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we have changes in restricted cash for approximately 296,000. Net cash flow used in investing activities was approximately $2,362,765 for the year ended December 31, 2015. During the year ended December 31, 2015, we made payment in approximately $2,018,000 for land use right and yew forest assets.

 

Net cash flow used in financing activities was approximately $1,261,815 for the year ended December 31, 2016 and consisted of repayment of short-term borrowings of approximately $3,022,000.Net cash flow used in financing activities was approximately $3,965,000 for the year ended December 31, 2015 and consisted proceeds of approximately $3,217,000 from bank loan and approximately $718,000 from our related parties.

 

We have historically financed our operations and capital expenditures through cash flows from operations, bank loans and advances from related parties. From March 2008 to September 2009, we received approximately $2.9 million of proceeds in the aggregate from offerings and sales of our common stock. Except for the portion used to pay for professional and other expenses in the U.S., substantial portions of the proceeds we received through sales of our common stock were retained in the PRC and used to fund our working capital requirements. As the PRC government imposes controls on PRC companies’ ability to convert RMB into foreign currencies and the remittance of currency out of China, from time to time, in order to fund our corporate activities in the U.S., Zhiguo Wang, our President and CEO, advanced funds to us in the U.S. and we repaid the amounts owed to him in RMB in the PRC.

 

It is management’s intention to expand our operations as quickly as reasonably practicable to capitalize on the demand opportunity for our products. We regularly review our cash funding requirements and attempt to meet those requirements through a combination of cash on hand, cash provided by operations and any potential available bank borrowings. We believe that we can continue meeting our cash funding requirements for our business in this manner over at least the next twelve months. The majority of our funds are maintained in RMB in bank accounts in China. We receive most of our revenue in the PRC. Under existing PRC foreign exchange regulations, payments of current account items, including profit distributions, interest payments and expenditures from trade related transactions, can be made in foreign currencies by complying with certain procedural requirements. However, approval from China’s State Administration of Foreign Exchange (“SAFE”) or its local counterparts is required where RMB is to be converted into foreign currency and remitted out of China to pay capital expenses such as the repayment of loans denominated in foreign currencies. The PRC government may also, at its discretion, restrict access to foreign currencies for current account transactions. As of December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, approximately $37.4million and $41.8 million, respectively, of our net assets are located in the PRC. If the foreign exchange control system in the PRC prevents us from obtaining sufficient foreign currency to satisfy our currency demands, we may not be able to transfer funds deposited within the PRC to fund working capital requirements in the U.S. or pay any dividends in currencies other than the RMB, to our shareholders.

 

Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We have certain potential commitments that include future estimated payments. Changes in our business needs, cancellation provisions, changing interest rates and other factors may result in actual payments differing from the estimates. We cannot provide certainty regarding the timing and amounts of payments. We have presented below a summary of the most significant assumptions used in our determination of amounts presented in the tables, in order to assist in the review of this information within the context of our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

 

The following tables summarize our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2016, and the effect these obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flows in future periods:

 

Years Ended December 31:    
2017  $64,273 
2018   6,494 
2019   2,258 
2020   124,530 
2021   2,258 
Thereafter   279,919 
Total  $479,732 

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We have not entered into any financial guarantees or other commitments to guarantee the payment obligations of any third parties. We have not entered into any derivative contracts that are indexed to our shares and classified as shareholder’s equity or that are not reflected in our consolidated financial statements. Furthermore, we do not have any retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support to such entity. We do not have any variable interest in any unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit support to us or engages in leasing, hedging or research and development services with us.

 

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

General

 

Market risk represents the potential loss that may impact our financial position, results of operations or cash flows due to adverse changes in the financial markets. Market risk includes risks that arise from changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices, equity prices and other market changes that affect market sensitive instruments. In pursuing our business plan, the primary market risk to which we were exposed is interest rate risk. However, we currently have no significant interest rate risk, as we have no consolidated debt.

 

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

See pages F-1 through F-29

 

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

None.

 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures as defined in the Exchange Act that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported as specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management, with the participation of our CEO, performed evaluations of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2016. Based on those evaluations, which identified significant deficiency and material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, our management, including our CEO, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of December 31, 2016.

 

The specific significant deficiency identified by our management was as follows:

 

A lack of control in place to review the condition of inventories and assess the necessity to record any write-down of inventory value;

 

A “significant deficiency” is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting that is less severe than a material weakness, yet important enough to merit attention by those responsible for oversight of a registrant’s financial reporting.

 

The specific material weaknesses identified by our management were as follows:

 

A lack of sufficient number of personnel to provide segregation within the functions consistent with the objectives of internal control;
   
Lack of well-established procedures to identify, approve and report related party transactions

 

We expect the significant deficiency and material weaknesses will be remediated by the end of fiscal year 2017. Until such time, however, as these significant deficiency and material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting are remediated, we expect to have continuing weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, disclosure controls and related procedures.

 

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Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our CEO and CFO, we conducted evaluations of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on those evaluations, our management concluded that, due to the significant deficiency and material weaknesses described above, our internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2016.

 

Remediation of Significant Deficiencies in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Through our increased awareness and remediation efforts, we believe that our actions will result in an improvement in our internal control over financial reporting in fiscal year 2017. Specifically, we plan to recruit more accounting staff, conduct ongoing US GAAP trainings, and through our internal reviews and improved control procedures, we will identify certain prior accounting errors and make appropriate error corrections and disclosures, to prevent potential future material misstatements. In addition, we plan to make improvement throughout fiscal year 2017 to achieve our overall remediation target and objectives. Management believes that the actions described above will remediate the significant deficiency and material weaknesses we have identified in fiscal year 2016. As we work towards improvement of our internal control over financial reporting and implementation of the remediation measures, we may supplement or modify these remediation measures as appropriate.

 

Our management believes that our disclosure controls and procedures provide a reasonable level of assurance of achieving their objectives. Our management does not expect, however, that our disclosure controls and procedures or internal financial controls will prevent all errors or fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived or operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during fiscal year 2016 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

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PART III

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.

 

Our directors and executive officers as of December 31, 2016, and additional information concerning them are as follows:

 

Name   Age   Position
Zhiguo Wang   52   Chief Executive Officer, President, Chairman of the Board and Chief Financial Officer
Guifang Qi   52   Secretary and Director
Xuehai Wu   42   Director

 

Zhiguo Wang has been the President and a director of YBP since the company was incorporated in November 2007, and has been the Chief Financial Officer since December 15, 2013. Mr. Wang founded our company in 1996 and has served as Chairman of the Board and General Manager of HDS since its inception. Since August 2007, Mr. Wang has served as executive director of the China National Forest Industry Association. In January 2007, he was elected to the first board of directors by the Heilongjiang Province Pharmaceutical Professional Association. In August 2007, he was elected Executive Director of the China National Forest Industry Association. In December 2010, Mr. Wang was elected vice chairman of the Heilongjiang Province Forestry Industry Association. Mr. Wang is also involved in the management of other businesses, including Yew Pharmaceutical, Kairun and ZTC. He currently devotes approximately 71% of his time, or 120 hours per month, on average, to the Company’s business. Mr. Wang graduated from Northeast Forestry University, located in Harbin, for both his undergraduate and graduate degrees. Mr. Wang is the husband of Guifang Qi.

 

Guifang Qi was the Treasurer of YBP from May 2010 until December 15, 2013 when she took over the position of Secretary. She has been a director of YBP since December 2010. Since 1997, she has also served as Vice General Manager of HDS in charge of purchasing and suppliers. Madame Qi graduated from Mudanjiang Forestry School, located in Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang Province, where she majored in forestry. Madame Qi is the wife of Zhiguo Wang.

 

Xuehai Wu has been the Deputy General Manager of Harbin Yew Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd. (“HDS”), a subsidiary of the Company, since April, 2014. From October, 2011 until March 2014, Mr. Hu was the Chairman of the Board of Heilongjiang ZhiLong Pharmaceutical Technology Development Co., Ltd. and from June 2007 until September 2011, he was the Deputy General Manager for HaGaoKe White Swan Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd. From October, 2005 until June, 2007, Mr. Wu was the Chief Engineer of Harbin SongHe Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Mr. Wu graduated with a Bachelor degree from Northeast Agricultural University (China) where he majored in Biological Science.

 

Each of our director’s primary qualification to serve as such involves his or her extensive experience with different aspects of yew tree technology, cultivation, engineering and/or project management or investment banking and/or accounting and finance.

 

During the past ten years, there have been no events under any bankruptcy act, no criminal proceedings and no judgments, injunctions, orders or decrees material to the evaluation of the ability and integrity of any director, executive officer, promoter or control person of the Company, including any allegations (not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated), permanent or temporary injunction, or any other order of any federal or state authority or self-regulatory organization, relating to activities in any phase of the securities, commodities, banking, savings and loan, or insurance businesses in connection with the purchase or sale of any security or commodity, or involving mail or wire fraud in any business. None of our directors presently serves as a director of any other public companies.

 

Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings

 

None of our directors and officers has not been convicted in a criminal proceeding, excluding traffic violations or similar misdemeanors, nor has been a party to any judicial or administrative proceeding during the past ten years that resulted in a judgment, decree or final order enjoining the person from future violations of, or prohibiting activities subject to, federal or state securities laws, or a finding of any violation of federal or state securities laws, except for matters that were dismissed without sanction or settlement. There have been no events under any bankruptcy act, no criminal proceedings, no judgments, injunctions, orders or decrees material to the evaluation of the ability and integrity of any of our directors, executive officers, promoters or control persons during the past ten years.

 

We are a “smaller reporting company” as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act and an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012. We do not have standing audit, compensation and corporate governance committees, or committees performing similar functions. Our Board, as a whole, handles the matters usually addressed by such committees. All of our directors are also executive officers of the Company.

 

At this time, we have not adopted corporate governance guidelines, a code of business conduct, a code of ethics or a related party transaction policy. We anticipate that as we become more familiar with the obligations of U.S. public companies, we will implement appropriate corporate governance structures to comply with SEC and/or stock exchange requirements that would be applicable to us at such time.

 

 45 

 

 

We maintain a corporate website and post our SEC filings on a page of that website. The information on our website is not, and shall not be deemed to be, a part of this proxy statement or incorporated by reference into this or any other filing we make with the SEC.

 

Board of Directors

 

Director Independence

 

The Board will consist of four members, none of whom meet the independence requirements of the Nasdaq Stock Market as currently in effect. In addition, the proposed two new nominees to the Board will also not meet such independence requirements.

 

Meetings of the Board

 

Each of the directors attended 75% or more of the aggregate number of meetings of the Board in 2016.

 

Board Leadership

 

Our Company is led by Zhiguo Wang, who has served as both our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board since our incorporation in 2007. Our Board leadership structure is the traditional one most commonly utilized by other public companies in the United States, and we believe that this leadership structure has been effective for our Company. We believe that having a combined Chief Executive Officer/Chairman of the Board provides the right form of leadership and balance for our Company, given our small size. This structure provides us with a single leader for our company to ensure continuity of our operational, executive and Board functions.

 

Other Corporate Governance

 

We do not have standing audit, compensation and corporate governance committees, or committees performing similar functions. We have not adopted a code of ethics. We anticipate that as we become more familiar with the obligations of U.S. public companies, we will implement appropriate corporate governance structures to comply with SEC and/or stock exchange requirements. We intend to comply with all corporate governance requirements applicable to us at this time.

 

Communications with the Board

 

Shareholders and any interested parties may send correspondence to the Board or to any individual director, by mail to Corporate Secretary, Yew Bio-Pharm Group, Inc., 9460 Telstar, Ste. 6, El Monte, California, 91731 or by e-mail to hpang@yewbiopharm.com.

 

Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act

 

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act requires our executive officers and directors, and persons who own more than 10% of our common stock, to file reports regarding ownership of, and transactions in, our securities with the Securities and Exchange Commission and to provide us with copies of those filings. Based solely on our review of the copies of such forms received by us, or written representations from certain reporting persons, we believe that during fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, all filing requirements applicable to our officers, directors and greater than 10% percent beneficial owners were satisfied.

 

 46 

 

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The Summary Compensation Table shows certain compensation information for services rendered in all capacities for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. Other than as set forth herein, no executive officer’s salary and bonus exceeded $100,000 in any of the applicable years. The following information includes the dollar value of base salaries, bonus awards, the number of stock options granted and certain other compensation, if any, whether paid or deferred.

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

Name and Principal Position   Year     Salary
($)
    Bonus
($)
    Stock
Awards
($)
    Option
Awards
($)
    Non-equity
incentive
plan
compensation
($)
    Non-qualified
deferred
compensation
earnings
($)
    All other
compensation
($)
    Total
($)
 
Zhiguo Wang     2016       6,320                                           6,320  
President,     2015       6,031                   __                         6,031  
Chief Executive Officer     2014       5,855                   __                         5,855  
                                                                         
Guifang Qi     2016       69,600                                           69,600  
Treasurer, YBP and     2015       51,860                   __                         51,860  
Vice General Manager, HDS     2014       39,904                   __                         39,904  

 

 

Employment Agreements

 

We have entered into employment agreements with our Chinese executive officers in the form and with the provisions specified by the Harbin Labor and Social Security Bureau. The provisions of these agreements are not negotiable and do not vary other than providing the term, title and salary of the individual employee.

 

We have entered into employment agreements with our executive officers in the past. Currently we have no written employment agreements with any of our executive officers.

 

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Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

 

On December 13, 2012, at a special meeting of our shareholders (the “Special Meeting”), our shareholders approved the issuance of a stock purchase option (each, a “Founder’s Option” and collectively, the “Founders’ Options”) to Zhiguo Wang, Guifang Qi and Xingming Han (collectively, the “Founders”). Following the Special Meeting, the Board met on December 13, 2012 and, among other things, issued the Founders’ Options to the Founders.

 

The terms of each Founder’s Option are identical to each other except for the name of the optionee and the number of shares of the Company’s common stock subject to each such Founder’s Option. The principal terms of the Founders’ Options include the following:

 

each Founder’s Option is fully vested upon issuance;
   
each Founder’s Option is exercisable for a period of five years from the date of issuance;
   
each Founder’s Option is exercisable at $0.22 per share; and
   
each Founder’s Option has a cashless exercise feature, pursuant to which, at the optionee’s election, he or she may choose to deliver previously-owned shares of YBP common stock in payment of the exercise price or not pay the exercise price of the Founder’s Option and receive instead a reduced number of shares of YBP common stock reflecting the value of the number of shares of YBP common stock equal to the difference, if any, between the aggregate fair market value of the shares issuable upon exercise of the Founder’s Option and the exercise price of the Founder’s Option.

 

The following table provides information concerning unexercised options, stock that has not vested and equity incentive plan awards for each named executive officer outstanding at December 31, 2016.

 

   OPTION AWARDS      STOCK AWARDS 
Name  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
options
(#)
   Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options
(#)
   Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options
(#)
   Option
Exercise
Price
($)
   Option
Expiration
Date
  Number of Shares or Units of Stock that have not Vested
(#)
   Market
Value of
Shares
or Units
of Stock
that
have not
Vested
($)
   Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights that
have not
Vested
(#)
  

Equity

Incentive

Plan

Awards:

Market or

Payout

Value of

Unearned

Shares,

Units or

other Rights

that have

not Vested

($)

 
Zhiguo Wang   20,103,475            0.22   12/13/2017                
Guifang Qi   2,488,737            0.22   12/13/2017                
Xuehan Wu   213,300            0.22   12/13/2017                

 

We are authorized to issue up to 15,000,000 shares of common stock for grants under the 2012 Plan, which was adopted by our Board of Directors on September 25, 2012 and approved by our shareholders at the Special Meeting on December 13, 2012.

 

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Securities Authorized For Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

 

The following table provides certain information with respect to all of our equity compensation plans in effect as of December 31, 2016,

 

Plan Category  Number of
securities to
be
issued upon exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
   Weighted-
average
exercise price of
outstanding
options,
warrants and rights
   Number of
securities
remaining
available for
issuance under equity
compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders   7,800,000   $0.22    7,200,000 

 

Bonuses and Deferred Compensation

 

We do not have any bonus, deferred compensation or retirement plan. All decisions regarding compensation are determined by our board of directors.

 

Payment of Post-Termination Compensation

 

We do not have change-in-control agreements with any of our directors or executive officers, and we are not obligated to pay severance or other enhanced benefits to executive officers upon termination of their employment.

 

Board of Directors and Director Compensation

 

All directors hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders and until their successors have been duly elected and qualified. Officers are elected by and serve at the discretion of the board of directors. We do not currently have any independent directors. Our directors do not receive compensation for serving in such capacity.

 

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

 

The following table sets forth, as of March 31, 2017, the number of shares of our common stock owned of record and beneficially by all directors, executive officers, nominees for director and persons who beneficially own more than 5% of the outstanding shares of our common stock:

 

Name and Address  Amount and
Nature of
Beneficial
Ownership
  

Percentage of

Class (1)

 
Directors and Executive Officers:        

Zhiguo Wang (2)(3)

No.234, Gexin Street

Nangang District, Harbin City

People’s Republic of China

   47,338,361    63.5%
           

Guifang Qi (2)(4)

No.234, Gexin Street

Nangang District, Harbin City

People’s Republic of China

   47,338,361    63.5%
           
Xuehai Wu(5)
9460 Telstar Avenue, Suite 6
El Monte, CA 91731
   130,000    —0- 
           
All Directors and Executive Officers and Nominees as a group (3 persons)   47,468,361    63.5%

 

* less than 1%
(1) Percentage ownership is based on 74,597,212 shares of YBP common stock deemed outstanding on December 31, 2016, assuming exercise of all outstanding Founders’ Options and granted Director’s Options, all of which are exercisable within 60 days. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to securities. Shares of common stock subject to options, warrants and convertible notes currently exercisable or convertible, or exercisable or convertible within 60 days, are deemed outstanding for determining the number of shares beneficially owned and for computing the percentage ownership of the person holding such options, but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage ownership of any other person. Except as indicated by footnote, the persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock shown as beneficially owned by them.
(2) Zhiguo Wang and Guifang Qi are husband and wife.
(3) Consists of (i) 20,103,475 shares held by Mr. Wang; (ii) 2,439,737 shares held by Madame Qi; (iii) 2,202,937 shares held by an immediate family member living in Mr. Wang’s and Madame Qi’s residence and as to which Mr. Wang disclaims beneficial ownership; (iv) 20,103,475 shares which are issuable upon exercise of the Founder’s Option issued to Mr. Wang, which option is exercisable within 60 days; and (v) 2,488,737 shares which are issuable upon exercise of the Founder’s Option issued to Madame Qi, which option is exercisable within 60 days.
(4)

Consists of (i) 2,439,737 shares held by Madame Qi; (ii) 20,103,475 shares held by Mr. Wang; (iii) 2,202,937 shares held by an immediate family member living in Mr. Wang’s and Madame Qi’s residence and as to which Madame Qi disclaims beneficial ownership; (iv) 2,488,737 shares which are issuable upon exercise of the Founder’s Option issued to Madame Qi, which option is exercisable within 60 days; and (v) 20,103,475 shares which are issuable upon exercise of the Founder’s Option issued to Mr. Wang, which option is exercisable within 60 days.

(5) Mr. Wu owns options which are exercisable into 200,000 shares, of which 130,000 shares can be exercised by Mr. Wu within 60 days.

 

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.  

 

On January 9, 2010, the Company entered into a Cooperation and Development Agreement (the “Development Agreement”) with Yew Pharmaceutical. Pursuant to the Development Agreement, for a period of ten years expiring on January 9, 2020, the Company shall supply cultivated yew raw materials to Yew Pharmaceutical that will be used by Yew Pharmaceutical to make traditional Chinese medicines and other pharmaceutical products, at price of RMB 1,000,000 (approximately $158,000) per metric ton. In addition, the Company entered into a series of wood ear mushroom selling agreements with Yew Pharmaceuticals, pursuant to which the Company sells wood ear mushroom collected from local peasants to Yew Pharmaceuticals for manufacturing of wood ear mushroom products. Furthermore, the Company entered into a series of yew candles and pine needle extracts purchase agreements with Yew Pharmaceuticals, pursuant to which the Company purchases yew candles and pine needle extracts as finished goods and then sells to third party.

 

For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, total sales to Yew Pharmaceutical under the above agreement amounted to $28,766,815 and $16,774,905, respectively. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had $6,941,931 and $6,484,804 accounts receivable from Yew Pharmaceutical, respectively.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2016, the total purchase of yew candles, essential yew oil soap and pine needle extracts from Yew Pharmaceutical amounted to $34,824,694, of which $21,996,839 was included in the cost of revenues of $22,189,297 to the third party, with $5,183,869 inventory balance remained as of December 31, 2016. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the total purchase of yew candles and pine needle extracts from Yew Pharmaceutical amounted to $9,699,008, of which $9,084,571 was included in the cost of revenues of $11,436,423 to the third party, with $614,437 inventory balance remained as of December 31, 2015.

 

For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, HYF purchased wood ear mushroom extracts from Yew Pharmaceutical in the amount of $5,235 and $41,319, respectively. HYF had accounts payable of $47,149 and $41,319 to Yew Pharmaceutical at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2015, HDS provided advances in the amount of RMB 220,000 (approximately $35,000) to Yew Pharmaceutical. The advances to Yew Pharmaceutical in 2015 was received in full with no interest charged as of December 31, 2015.

 

At December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, HYF had $37,457 and $40,071, respectively, due to Yew Pharmaceutical, which represents an unsecured loan bearing no interest and payable on demand and was included in due to related parties on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

The Company entered into a Technology Development Service Agreement dated January 1, 2010 (the “Technology Agreement”) with Kairun. The term of the Technology Agreement was two years. Under the Technology Agreement, Kairun provides the Company with testing and technologies regarding utilization of yew trees to extract taxol and develop higher concentration of taxol in the yew trees the Company grow and cultivate. For these services, the Company agreed to pay Kairun RMB200,000 (approximately $32,000) after the technologies developed by Kairun are tested and approved by the Company. The Company will retain all intellectual property rights in connection with the technologies developed by Kairun. Kairun may not provide similar services to any other party without the Company’s prior written consent. In February 2012, we entered into a supplemental agreement with Kairun, extending the term of the Technology Agreement indefinitely until project results specified in the original Technology Agreement have been achieved. Kairun is owned directly and indirectly primarily by Mr. Wang and Madame Qi. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, Kairun has not yet completed the services provided for in the Technology Agreement and, therefore, no payment was made to Kairun.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company purchased yew seeding from ZTC in the amount of $584,640, which was included in the cost of revenues of $11,436,423 to the third party. No purchase was made from ZTC for the year ended December 31, 2016. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had no accounts payable to ZTC.

 

During the year ended December 31and 2015, HDS sold certain inventories to Hongdoushan Bio-Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (“HBP”) in the amount of $4,691. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had accounts receivable from HBP in the amount of $0 and $4,691, respectively.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2016, HBP paid off operation expense on behalf of HYF in the amount of $34,320. As of December 31, 2016, HYF had due to HBP in the amount of $58,178, which was included in due to related parties in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2015, HYF had due to HBP in the amount of $27,097, which represents an unsecured loan bearing no interest and payable on demand.

 

On September 25, 2015, HDS entered into a property and equipment transfer agreement with HBP, pursuant to which HDS transferred a used vehicle, with carrying amount of RMB 22,348, to HBP in exchange for RMB 220, 000 (approximately $35,000). Since the transfer occurred between entities under common control, HDS recorded the excess of the proceeds over carrying amount of $31,790 as an adjustment to shareholders’ equity (additional paid-in capital).

 

On March 25, 2005, the Company entered into an Agreement for the Lease of Seedling Land with ZTC (the “ZTC Lease”). Pursuant to the ZTC Lease, the Company leased 361 mu of land from ZTC for a period of 30 years, expiring on March 24, 2035. Annual payments under the ZTC Lease are RMB 162,450 (approximately $26,000). The payment for the first five years of the ZTC Lease was due prior to December 31, 2010 and beginning in 2011, the Company is required to make full payment for the land use rights in advance for each subsequent five-year period. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, rent expense related to the ZTC Lease amounted to $24,443 and $26,128, respectively. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, prepaid rent to ZTC amounted to $76,035 and $106,370 which was included in prepaid expenses-related party in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

 51 

 

 

On January 1, 2010, the Company entered into a lease for office space with Mr. Wang (the “Office Lease”). Pursuant to the Office Lease, annual payments of RMB15, 000 (approximately $2,000) are due for each of the term. The term of the Office Lease is 15 years and expires on December 31, 2025. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, rent expense related to the Office Lease amounted to $2,257 and $2,413, respectively. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the unpaid rent was $221 and $1,138, respectively, which was included in due to related parties in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

On July 1, 2012, the Company entered into a lease for office space with Mr. Wang (the “JSJ Lease”). Pursuant to the JSJ Lease, JSJ leases approximately 30 square meter of office space from Mr. Wang in Harbin. Rent under the JSJ Lease is RMB10,000 (approximately $1,600) annually. The term of the JSJ Lease is three years and expires on June 30, 2015. On July 1, 2015, the Company and Mr. Wang renewed the JSJ Lease. The renewed lease expires on June 30, 2018. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, rent expense related to the JSJ Lease amounted to $1,505 and $1,608, respectively. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the unpaid rent was $3,600 and $2,311, respectively, which was included in due to related parties in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

Pursuant to the Wuchang Pingfangdian Forestry Centre Contract, HDS acquired 2,565 mu (approximately 428.36 acres) located at Wuchang Pingfangdian Forestry Centre in Helongjiang Province, PRC. The term of the contract is 38 years, through November 7, 2051. During the term of the Wuchang Pingfangdian Forestry Centre Contract, HDS plans to harvest cut and replant the trees, sell the harvest cutting logs, promote the growth of the young trees accordingly, as well as plant yew trees of five years old or above based on the condition of the harvest cutting.

 

We have received advanced from, and in the past we have provided advances to, certain of our directors, officers and/or related parties, as follows:

 

Name of related parties  2016   2015 
Zhiguo Wang and other shareholders  $778,739   $694,076 

 

These advances are unsecured and payable on demand.

 

The original structuring of the Company and the second restructure of the Company that we implemented in 2010 (the “Second Restructure”) involved transactions between the Company and Zhiguo Wang, Guifang Qi, who are also our directors and executive officers, and Xingming Han, a former director of the Company (collectively, the “HDS Shareholders”). These transactions were not negotiated at arm’s length. While we have not discovered any precedent under Nevada law for a transaction like the Second Restructure, it is possible that the Second Restructure should have been approved by YBP’s shareholders because it may be viewed as having involved the sale of all or substantially all of YBP’s assets in that the stock of HDS was transferred from a wholly-owned subsidiary, JSJ, to the HDS Shareholders. However, because the Company was not yet subject to the reporting obligations of the Exchange Act, YBP was unable to issue a proxy statement to its shareholders in connection with such approval. The Company sought and obtained shareholder ratification of the Second Restructure and all of the transactions effected in connection therewith at the Special Meeting on December 13, 2012.

 

The terms of the Founders’ Options have not been determined as a result of arm’s-length negotiations. The Board of Directors of YBP, which consists of the same persons who are the HDS Shareholders and the grantees of the Founders’ Options, sought and obtained shareholder approval of the issuance of the Founders’ Options at the Special Meeting on December 13, 2012.

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

 

During 2016 and 2015, MaloneBailey, LLP, the Company’s independent auditors, have billed for their services as set forth below. In addition, fees and services related to the audit of the financial statements of the Company for the period ended December 31, 2016, as contained in this Report, are estimated and included for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.

 

   Years ended December 31, 
   2016   2015 
         
Audit Fees  $86,000   $86,000 
Audit-Related Fees  $889   $1,361 
Tax Fees  $-   $- 
All Other Fees  $-   $- 
Total Fees  $86,889   $87,361 

 

Pre-Approval Policy

 

Our Board as a whole pre-approves all services provided by MaloneBailey, LLP. For any non-audit or non-audit related services, the Board must conclude that such services are compatible with MaloneBailey, LLP independence as our auditors.

 

 52 

 

 

PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

(a) Documents filed as part of this report:

 

1. Financial Statements

 

The consolidated financial statements contained herein are as listed on the “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements” on page 59 of this report.

 

2. Financial Statement Schedule

 

The consolidated financial statement schedule contained herein is as listed on the “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements” on page 59 of this report. All other schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable, not required, or the information is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

 

3. Exhibits

 

See Exhibit Index.

 

(b) Exhibits:

 

The following exhibits are attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

 

Exhibit No.   Description
     
3.1(1)   Articles of Incorporation of Yew Bio-Pharm Group, Inc.
3.2(1)   Certificate of Amendment of Articles of Incorporation of Yew Bio-Pharm Group, Inc. dated May 19, 2010
3.3(6)   Certificate of Amendment of Articles of Incorporation of Yew Bio-Pharm Group, Inc. dated December 18, 2012
3.4(1)   Bylaws of Yew Bio-Pharm Group, Inc.
4.1(1)   Equity Transfer Agreement dated February 23, 2010 between Heilongjiang Jinshangjing Bio-Technology Development Co., Limited and Zhiguo Wang
4.2(1)   Equity Transfer Agreement dated February 23, 2010 between Heilongjiang Jinshangjing Bio-Technology Development Co., Limited and Guifang Qi
4.3(1)   Equity Transfer Agreement dated February 23, 2010 between Heilongjiang Jinshangjing Bio-Technology Development Co., Limited and Xingming Han
4.4(1)   Equity Transfer Agreement dated February 23, 2010 between Heilongjiang Jinshangjing Bio-Technology Development Co., Limited and Heilongjiang Ecology Stock Co. Ltd.
4.5(1)   Equity Transfer Agreement dated February 23, 2010 between Heilongjiang Jinshangjing Bio-Technology Development Co., Limited and Yingjun Jiang
4.6(1)   Supplemental Agreement to Equity Transfer Agreement dated February 23, 2010 among Mr. Wang, Madame Qi, Mr. Han, Heilongjiang Ecology Forest Co. Ltd. and Yingjun Jiang
4.7(1)   Debtor’s and Creditors’ Rights Transfer Agreement dated May 10, 2010 among Mr. Wang, Heilongjiang Ecology Stock Co. Ltd., Yingjun Jiang and Heilongjiang Jinshangjing Bio-Technology Development Co., Limited
4.8(1)   Equity Transfer Agreement dated October 28, 2010 between Heilongjiang Jinshangjing Bio-Technology Development Co., Limited and Zhiguo Wang
4.9(1)   Equity Transfer Agreement dated October 28, 2010 between Heilongjiang Jinshangjing Bio-Technology Development Co., Limited and Guifang Qi
4.10(1)   Equity Transfer Agreement dated October 28, 2010 between Heilongjiang Jinshangjing Bio- Technology Development Co., Limited and Xingming Han
4.11(1)   Supplemental Agreement to Equity Transfer Agreement dated February 16, 2011 among Heilongjiang Jinshangjing Bio-Technology Development Co., Limited, Zhiguo Wang, Guifang Qi and Xingming Han
4.12(1)   Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement dated November 5, 2010 between Heilongjiang Jinshangjing Bio-Technology Development Co., Limited and Harbin Hongdoushan Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd.
4.13(1)   Exclusive Option Agreement dated November 5, 2010 among Heilongjiang Jinshangjing Bio-Technology Development Co., Limited, Harbin Hongdoushan Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd. and Zhiguo Wang
4.14(1)   Exclusive Option Agreement dated November 5, 2010 among Heilongjiang Jinshangjing Bio-Technology Development Co., Limited, Harbin Hongdoushan Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd. and Guifang Qi
4.15(1)   Exclusive Option Agreement dated November 5, 2010 among Heilongjiang Jinshangjing Bio-Technology Development Co., Limited, Harbin Hongdoushan Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd. and Xingming Han
4.16(1)   Equity Interest Pledge Agreement dated November 5, 2010 among Heilongjiang Jinshangjing Bio-Technology Development Co., Limited, Harbin Hongdoushan Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd. and Zhiguo Wang

 

 53 

 

 

Exhibit No.   Description
     
4.17(1)   Equity Interest Pledge Agreement dated November 5, 2010 among Heilongjiang Jinshangjing Bio-Technology Development Co., Limited, Harbin Hongdoushan Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd. and Guifang Qi
4.18(1)   Equity Interest Pledge Agreement dated November 5, 2010 among Heilongjiang Jinshangjing Bio-Technology Development Co., Limited, Harbin Hongdoushan Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd. and Xingming Han
4.19(1)   Power of Attorney dated November 5, 2010 - Zhiguo Wang
4.20(1)   Power of Attorney dated November 5, 2010 - Guifang Qi
4.21(1)   Power of Attorney dated November 5, 2010 - Xingming Han
10.1(1)   Cooperation and Development Contract of Yew (taxus) Yinpian dated January 9, 2010 between Harbin Yew Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd. and Heilongjiang Yew Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
10.2(1)   Technology Development Services Agreement dated January 1, 2010 between Harbin Yew Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Kairun Bio-Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
10.3(1)   Technology Development Services Supplementary Agreement dated February 2, 2012 between Harbin Yew Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Kairun Bio-Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
10.4+(1)   Labor Contract effective May 9, 2009 between Harbin Yew Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd. and Zhiguo Wang
10.5+(1)   Labor Contract effective April 9, 2009 between Harbin Yew Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd. and Xingming Han
10.6+(1)   Labor Contract effective April 9, 2009 between Harbin Yew Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd. and Guifang Qi
10.7+(1)   Engagement Agreement dated August 24, 2011 between Yew Bio-Pharm Group, Inc. and CFO On Call Asia, Inc.
10.8(1)   Consulting Agreement dated November 1, 2010 between Yew Bio-Pharm Group, Inc. and Richard Lo
10.9(1)   Joint-Stock Construct Rare Plant Northeast Yew Contract dated March 21, 2004 between Harbin Yew Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd. and Wuchang City Forestry Bureau
10.10(1)   Waste Forest Land Transfer Agreement dated March 22, 2004 between Harbin Yew Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd. and Chengshan Niu
10.11(1)   Barren Hills and Uncultivated Land Use Right Transfer Agreement dated April 4, 2004 between Harbin Yew Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd. and Pingshan Town Government
10.12(1)   Contract for Seedling Land dated March 25, 2005 between Harbin Yew Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd. and Heilongjiang Yew Technology Stock Co.
10.13(1)   Contract for the Transfer of Forest Land Use Right and of the Ownership of Timbers dated January 18, 2008 among Harbin Yew Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd., Shukun Jiang and Shubao Jiang
10.14(1)   Yew Planting Seedlings Transfer Contract dated March 4, 2010 between Harbin Yew Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd. and Heilongjiang Pingshan Yew Comprehensive Development Co., Ltd.
10.15(1)   Lease Contract dated March 20, 2002 between Harbin Yew Science and Development Technology Co., Ltd. and Heilongjiang Pingshan Yew Comprehensive Development Co., Ltd.
10.16(1)   Lease Contract dated December 3, 2008 between Harbin Yew Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd. and Guifang Qi
10.17(1)   Lease Contract dated November 15, 2011 between Harbin Yew Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd. and Guifang Qi
10.18(1)   Lease Contract dated January 1, 2010 between Harbin Yew Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd. and Zhiguo Wang
10.19+(1)   Labor Contract effective April 10, 2012 between Harbin Yew Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd. and Xingming Han
10.20+(1)   Labor Contract effective April 10, 2012 between Harbin Yew Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd. and Guifang Qi
10.21+(2)   Labor Contract effective May 10, 2012 between Harbin Yew Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd. and Zhiguo Wang
10.22(3)   Forest Transfer Contract for Fuye Field, Beizhao Village, Hongxing Town, Acheng District
10.23(4)   Founder’s Option dated December 13, 2012 issued to Zhiguo Wang
10.24(4)   Founder’s Option dated December 13, 2012 issued to Guifang Qi
10.25(4)   Founder’s Option dated December 13, 2012 issued to Xingming Han
10.26(5)   Yew Bio-Pharm Group, Inc. 2012 Equity Incentive Plan
10.27(7)   Lease Contract dated July 1, 2012 between Heilongjiang JSJ Bio-Technology Development Co., Ltd. and Zhiguo Wang
10.28(8)   Forest and Land Use Right Acquisition Contract dated November 15, 2013 between Harbin Yew Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd. and Heilongjiang Zishan Keji Gufen Limited Company.
21.1*   Subsidiaries of the registrant
24.1*   Power of Attorney (included after signatures hereto)
31.1*   Certification by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
31.2*   Certification by the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
32*   Certification of Periodic Financial Report by the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 54 

 

 

 

Exhibit No.   Description
     
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
     
101.LAB**   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
     
101.PRE**   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

+ Management compensatory agreement
* Filed herewith.
** XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) information is furnished and not filed or a part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Section 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, is deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.
(1) Incorporated by reference from the Company’s registration statement on Form 10, filed with the SEC on May 8, 2012.
(2) Incorporated by reference from Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s registration statement on Form 10/A, filed with the SEC on June 29, 2012.
(3) Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on July 24, 2012.
(4) Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on December 19, 2012.
(5) Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Proxy Statement, filed with the SEC on October 24, 2012.
(6) Incorporated by reference from Amendment No.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed with the SEC on January 23, 2013.
(7) Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 11, 2013
(8) Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 6, 2013.

 

 55 

 

 

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.

 

  YEW BIO-PHARM GROUP, INC.
     
Date: March 31, 2017 By: /s/ ZHIGUO WANG
   

Zhiguo Wang

Chief Executive Officer

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY

 

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints, jointly and severally, Zhiguo Wang and Xingming Han, and each of them, as his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their or his or her substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Name   Title   Date
         
/s/ Zhiguo Wang  

Chief Executive Officer, President,

  March 31, 2017
Zhiguo Wang   Secretary and Chairman of the Board
(Principal Executive Officer)
   
         
/s/ Zhiguo Wang  

Chief Financial Officer

  March 31, 2017
Zhiguo Wang   (Principal Accounting Officer)    
         
/s/ Guifang Qi  

Treasurer — Yew Bio-Pharm Group, Inc.

  March 31, 2017
Guifang Qi   and Director    
         
/s/ Xuehai Wu   Director   March 31, 2017
Xuehai Wu        

 

 56 

 

 

YEW BIO-PHARM GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

For the Years Ended December 31, 2016 and 2015

 

CONTENTS

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm F-2
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets F-3
   
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income F-4
   
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity F-5
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows F-6
   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-7 - F-29

 

 F-1 

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Yew Bio-Pharm Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries,

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Yew Bio-Pharm Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the years then ended. The consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Yew Bio-Pharm Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

/s/ MaloneBailey, LLP

www.malonebailey.com

Houston, Texas

March 31, 2017

 

 F-2 

 

 

YEW BIO-PHARM GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

   December 31, 
   2016   2015 
         
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:        
Cash  $278,991   $681,608 
Restricted cash   -    303,511 
Accounts receivable   14,467,852    3,857,968 
Accounts receivable - related party   6,941,931    6,489,495 
Inventories, net   10,296,792    4,665,549 
Prepaid expenses - related party   76,035    106,370 
Prepaid expenses and other assets   75,743    64,174 
VAT recoverables   1,655,954    699,258 
           
Total Current Assets   33,793,298    16,867,933 
           
LONG-TERM ASSETS:          
Long-term inventories, net   7,151,613    12,334,261 
Property and equipment, net   692,116    702,764 
Land use rights and yew forest assets, net   4,558,234    13,906,379 
           
Total Long-term Assets   12,401,963    26,943,404 
           
Total Assets  $46,195,261   $43,811,337 
           
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:          
Accounts payable  $2,700,148   $11,345 
Accounts payable - related party   638,318    41,319 
Accrued expenses and other payables   379,294    124,686 
Notes payable   1,156,444    607,022 
Taxes payable   16,520    14,261 
Due to related parties   883,596    761,236 
Short-term borrowings   1,723,865    3,081,332 
           
Total Current Liabilities   7,498,185    4,641,201 
           
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:          
Deferred income   120,973    - 
Total Noncurrent Liabilities   120,973    - 
           
Total Liabilities   7,619,158    4,641,201 
           
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:          
Common Stock ($0.001 par value; 140,000,000 shares authorized; 51,875,000 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016 and 2015)   51,875    51,875 
Additional paid-in capital   9,654,024    9,622,558 
Retained earnings   27,074,624    25,067,733 
Statutory reserves   3,762,288    3,762,288 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)   (1,966,708)   665,682 
           
Total Shareholders' Equity   38,576,103    39,170,136 
           
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity  $46,195,261   $43,811,337 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

 

 F-3 

 

 

YEW BIO-PHARM GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

   For the Years Ended December 31, 
   2016   2015 
REVENUES:        
Revenues  $22,581,267   $12,794,005 
Revenues - related party   28,766,815    16,779,803 
           
Total Revenues   51,348,082    29,573,808 
           
COST OF REVENUES:          
Cost of revenues   24,688,860    11,104,169 
Cost of revenues - related party   23,424,644    11,436,423 
           
Total Cost of Revenues   48,113,504    22,540,592 
           
GROSS PROFIT   3,234,578    7,033,216 
           
OPERATING EXPENSES:          
Selling   34,828    28,624 
           
General and administrative   1,078,392    1,864,654 
           
Total Operating Expenses   1,113,220    1,893,278 
           
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS   2,121,358    5,139,938 
           
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES):          
Interest expense   (140,844)   (121,170)
Government grants   -    282,252 
Other income   44,386    56 
           
Total Other Income (Expenses)   (96,458)   161,138 
           
INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES   2,024,900    5,301,076 
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES   (18,009)   (16,488)
NET INCOME  $2,006,891   $5,284,588 
           
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:          
NET INCOME  $2,006,891   $5,284,588 
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):          
Foreign currency translation adjustment   (2,632,390)   (2,080,703)
           
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)  $(625,499)  $3,203,885 
           
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE:          
Basic  $0.04   $0.10 
Diluted  $0.04   $0.10 
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:          
Basic   51,875,000    52,069,863 
Diluted   51,875,000    52,113,807 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

 

 F-4 

 

 

YEW BIO-PHARM GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

For the Years Ended December 31, 2016 and 2015

 

   Common Stock, Par Value $0.001   Additional           Accumulated Other   Total 
   Number of Shares   Amount   paid-in Capital   Retained Earnings   Statutory Reserve   Comprehensive Income   Shareholders’ Equity 
                             
Balance, December 31, 2014   52,125,000   $52,125   $8,557,656   $20,444,667   $3,100,766   $2,746,385   $34,901,599 
                                    
Issuance of common stock in exchange for professional services   375,000    375    65,481    -    -    -    65,856 
                                  - 
Stock-based compensation   -    -    967,744    -    -    -    967,744 
                                    
Cancellation of shares issued in prior year for professional services   (625,000)   (625)   625    -    -    -    - 
                                    
Transfer of property and equipment to entity under common control with proceeds over carrying amount   -    -    31,052    -    -    -    31,052 
                                    
Adjustment to statutory reserve   -    -    -    (661,522)   661,522    -    - 
                                  - 
Net income for the year   -    -    -    5,284,588    -    -    5,284,588 
                                  - 
Foreign currency translation adjustment   -    -    -    -    -    (2,080,703)   (2,080,703)
                                    
Balance, December 31, 2015   51,875,000   $51,875   $9,622,558   $25,067,733   $3,762,288   $665,682   $39,170,136 
Stock-based Compensation             31,466                   31,466 
                                    
Net income for the year                  2,006,891              2,006,891 
                                    
Foreign currency translation adjustment                            (2,632,390)   (2,632,390)
                                    
Balance, December 31, 2016   51,875,000    51,875    9,654,024    27,074,624    3,762,288    (1,966,708)   38,576,103 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

 

 F-5 

 

 

YEW BIO-PHARM GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

   For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
   2016   2015 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:        
Net income  $2,006,891   $5,284,588 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:          
Depreciation   112,282    143,486 
Amortization of land use rights and yew forest assets   8,819,008    7,599,023 
Stock-based compensation   31,466    967,744 
Inventory write-down   2,499,563    - 
Issuance of common stock for professional service   -    65,856 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:          
Accounts receivable   (11,345,374)   (3,112,659)
Accounts receivable - related party   (915,034)   (6,438,017)
Prepaid and other current assets   (14,438)   (49,815)
Prepaid expenses - related party   24,443    (105,316)
Inventories, net   (4,080,175)   (5,737,554)
VAT recoverables   (1,047,212)   (729,984)
Accounts payable   2,807,954    11,844 
Accounts payable - related party   626,557    43,135 
Accrued expenses and other payables   362,600    46,807 
Due to related parties   9,635    478 
Notes payable   615,408    633,695 
Deferred income   126,392    - 
Taxes payable   3,065    4,320 
           
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES   643,031    (1,372,369)
           
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:          
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment   -    3,594 
Change in restricted cash   296,419    (316,848)
Loan made to related party   -    (35,384)
Repayment from related party   -    35,384 
Purchase of property and equipment   (61,509)   (31,497)
Purchase of land use rights and yew forest assets   -    (2,018,014)
           
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES   234,910    (2,362,765)
           
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:          
Proceeds from short-term borrowings   1,809,189    3,216,727 
Repayments of short-term borrowings   (3,022,055)     
Advances and loans from related parties   81    718,120 
Repayments to related parties   (49,030)   - 
Contribution from shareholders-transfer of property and equipment to entity under common control with proceeds over carrying amount   -    31,052 
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES   (1,261,815)   3,965,899 
           
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE ON CASH   (18,743)   (37,097)
           
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH   (402,617)   193,668 
           
CASH - Beginning of the year   681,608    487,940 
           
CASH - End of the year  $278,991   $681,608 
           
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:          
Cash paid for:          
Interest  $145,452   $75,196 
Income taxes  $24,451   $- 
           
NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES          
Operating expense paid by related party   88,088    - 
Property and equipment paid by related party   82,491    - 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

 F-6 

 

 

YEW BIO-PHARM GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Years Ended December 31, 2016 and 2015

 

NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES

 

Yew Bio-Pharm Group, Inc. (individually “YBP” and collectively with its subsidiaries and affiliates, the “Company”) was incorporated under the law of the State of Nevada on November 13, 2007. At the time of its incorporation, YBP had no operations and no substantial assets.

 

On October 29, 2009, YBP established a wholly-owned subsidiary, Heilongjiang Jinshangjing Bio-Technology Development Co., Limited (“JSJ”), a wholly-owned foreign enterprise (“WOFE”) incorporated in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”), as part of a restructure of the Company (the “First Restructure”).

 

Harbin Yew Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd. (“HDS”) is a limited liability company incorporated under the laws of the PRC on August 22, 1996. Until February 23, 2010, HDS was owned by Zhiguo Wang (“Mr. Wang”) (62.81%), his wife Guifang Qi (“Madame Qi”) (18.53%), Xingming Han (“Mr. Han”) (4.82%), a PRC individual named Yingjun Jiang (“Mr. Jiang”) (3.22%) and Heilongjiang Hongdoushan Ecology Forest Co., Ltd, (“HEFS”) (10.62%) (Mr. Wang, Madame Qi, Mr. Han, Mr. Jiang and HEFS are collectively referred to as the “Original Shareholders”). Mr. Wang is the President and a director of the Company. Madame Qi is the wife of Mr. Wang and an officer and director of the Company. Mr. Han was an officer and director of the Company. HEFS is owned primarily by Mr. Wang and Madame Qi.

 

Pursuant to the First Restructure, on February 23, 2010, the Company, through JSJ, entered into an Equity Transfer Agreement (collectively, the “First Transfer Agreements”) with each of the Original Shareholders. Pursuant to the First Transfer Agreements, the terms of which are substantially identical to each other, the Original Shareholders transferred all of their respective ownership in HDS to JSJ for an aggregate RMB45,000,000, which represents the amount of the then registered capital of HDS. As a result of this transaction, HDS became a wholly-owned subsidiary of JSJ. At February 23, 2010, the Company did not have working capital to pay the Original Shareholders this amount and, accordingly, the Company recorded this amount as a liability owed to the Original Shareholders. JSJ and the Original Shareholders also entered into a Supplemental Agreement dated February 26, 2010 (the “First Supplemental Agreement”), pursuant to which JSJ had the right to put the shares of HDS back to the Original Shareholders for the original purchase price of an aggregate RMB45,000,000, in the event that the transaction did not close or PRC governmental approval was not received, within six months following the execution of the First Transfer Agreements.

 

As of February 23, 2010, Mr. Wang, Madame Qi and Mr. Han (collectively, the “HDS Shareholders”) owned approximately 41.5% of YBP’s common stock (the “Common Stock”) and no other individual shareholder owned more than 2.5% of YBP’s Common Stock. Before, during and after the First Restructure, the HDS Shareholders served as the sole directors and principal executive officers of the Company and are responsible for all decisions and operations of the Company and HDS, and control the assets of the Company and HDS.

 

On May 10, 2010, JSJ, Mr. Wang, Mr. Jiang and HEFS entered into a Debtor’s and Creditors’ Rights Agreement (the “Creditors’ Agreement”), pursuant to which Mr. Jiang and HEFS assigned their rights, including the right to be paid for the HDS shares transferred by them to JSJ, under their respective First Transfer Agreements, to Mr. Wang, and Mr. Wang assumed the obligations of Mr. Jiang and HEFS under their respective First Transfer Agreements. Before, during and after the First Restructure, the HDS Shareholders served as the sole directors and principal executive officers of the Company.

 

In October 2010, the Company determined, in consultation with its professional advisors, that the First Restructure did not meet certain technical PRC legal requirements and that the Company would need to be further reorganized (the “Second Restructure”). Accordingly, on October 28, 2010, JSJ and each of the HDS Shareholders entered into new Equity Transfer Agreement (collectively, the “Second Transfer Agreements”), the terms of which are substantially identical to each other, pursuant to which 100% of the common stock of HDS was transferred by JSJ back to the HDS Shareholders for aggregate consideration of RMB45,000,000. Since the consideration of RMB45,000,000 due to the HDS Shareholders in the First Restructure had not yet been paid, pursuant to a Supplemental Agreement to the Second Equity Transfer Agreements dated February 16, 2011, the aggregate RMB45,000,000 amount payable by the HDS Shareholders to JSJ for the return of their HDS common stock in respect of the Second Restructure, was offset against JSJ’s liability to the HDS Shareholders in the same aggregate amount in respect of the First Transfer Agreements, which amount had not yet been paid by JSJ.

 

 F-7 

 

 

As discussed above, Mr. Jiang and HEFS had assigned to Mr. Wang their respective rights and obligations vis-a-vis JSJ resulting from the First Restructure, pursuant to the First Supplemental Agreement and the Creditors’ Agreement, since as of such time Mr. Jiang and HEFS had not yet been paid for the transfer of their interests in HDS to JSJ in the First Restructure in the amount of 3.22% and 10.62% of HDS’s equity interest, respectively. Therefore, in the Second Restructure, pursuant to the Second Transfer Agreements, JSJ transferred to Mr. Wang not only his previous shareholdings in HDS before the First Restructure (representing 62.81% of HDS’s total equity), but also an additional 13.84% of the equity in HDS as a result of Mr. Wang’s being assigned Mr. Jiang’s 3.22% equity interest in HDS and HEFS’s 10.62% equity interest in HDS.

 

After the foregoing transactions were completed, the HDS Shareholders then owned 100% of the shares of HDS in the following percentages:

 

Mr. Wang   76.65%
Madame Qi   18.53%
Mr. Han   4.82%

 

Pursuant to a restructuring plan intended to ensure compliance with applicable PRC laws and regulations (the “Second Restructure”), on November 5, 2010, JSJ entered into a series of contractual arrangements (the “Contractual Arrangements”) with HDS and/or Zhiguo Wang, his wife Guifang Qi and Xingming Han (collectively with Mr. Wang and Madame Qi, the “HDS Shareholders”), as described below:

 

Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement. Pursuant to the Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement between JSJ and HDS (the “Business Cooperation Agreement”), JSJ has the exclusive right to provide to HDS general business operation services, including advice and strategic planning, as well as consulting services related to technology, research and development, human resources, marketing and other services deemed necessary (collectively, the “Services”). Under the Business Cooperation Agreement, JSJ has exclusive and proprietary rights and interests in all rights, ownership, interests and intellectual properties arising out of or created during the performance of the Business Cooperation Agreement, including but not limited to copyrights, patents, patent applications, software and trade secrets. HDS shall pay to JSJ a monthly consulting service fee (the “Service Fee”) in RMB that is equal to 100% of the monthly net income of HDS. Upon the prior written consent by JSJ, the rate of Service Fee may be adjusted pursuant to the operational needs of HDS. Within 30 days after the end of each month, HDS shall (a) deliver to JSJ the management accounts and operating statistics of HDS for such month, including the net income of HDS during such month (the “Monthly Net Income”), and (b) pay 80% of such Monthly Net Income to JSJ (each such payment, a “Monthly Payment”). Within ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year, HDS shall (a) deliver to JSJ financial statements of HDS for such fiscal year, which shall be audited and certified by an independent certified public accountant approved by JSJ, and (b) pay an amount to JSJ equal to the shortfall, if any, of the aggregate net income of HDS for such fiscal year, as shown in such audited financial statements, as compared to the aggregate amount of the Monthly Payments paid by HDS to JSJ in such fiscal year. HDS also granted an irrevocable and exclusive option to JSJ to purchase any and all of the assets of HDS, to the extent permitted under PRC law, at the lowest price permitted by PRC law. Unless earlier terminated in accordance with the provisions of the Business Cooperation Agreement or other agreements separately executed between JSJ and HDS, the Business Cooperation Agreement is for a term of ten years and expires on November 5, 2020; however, the term of the Business Cooperation Agreement may be extended if confirmed in writing by JSJ prior to the expiration of the term thereof. The period of the extended term shall be determined exclusively by JSJ and HDS shall accept such extended term unconditionally. Unless JSJ commits gross negligence, or a fraudulent act, against HDS, HDS shall not terminate the Business Cooperation Agreement prior to the expiration of the term, including any extended term. Notwithstanding the foregoing, JSJ shall have the right to terminate the Business Cooperation Agreement at any time upon giving 30 days’ prior written notice to HDS.
   
Exclusive Option Agreement. Under an Exclusive Option Agreement among JSJ, HDS and each HDS Shareholder (individually, an “Option Agreement”), the terms of which are substantively identical to each other, each HDS Shareholder has granted JSJ or its designee the irrevocable and exclusive right to purchase, to the extent permitted under PRC law, all or any part of the HDS Shareholder’s equity interests in HDS (the “Equity Interest Purchase Option”) for RMB10. If an appraisal is required by PRC laws at the time when and if JSJ exercises the Equity Interest Purchase Option, the parties shall negotiate in good faith and, based upon the appraisal, make a necessary adjustment to the purchase price so that it complies with any and all then applicable PRC laws. Without the consent of JSJ, the HDS Shareholders shall not sell, transfer, mortgage or dispose of their respective shares of HDS stock. Additionally, without the prior consent of JSJ, the HDS Shareholders shall not in any manner supplement, change or amend the articles of association and bylaws of HDS, increase or decrease its registered capital, change the structure of its registered capital in any other manner, or engage in any transactions that could materially affect HDS’ assets, liabilities, rights or operations, including, without limitation, the incurrence or assumption of any indebtedness except incurred in the ordinary course of business, execute any major contract over RMB500,000, sell or purchase any assets or rights, incur of any encumbrance on any of its assets or intellectual property rights in favor of a third party or transfer of any agreements relating to its business operation to any third party. The term of each Option Agreement is ten years commencing on November 5, 2020 and may be extended at the sole election of JSJ.
   
Equity Interest Pledge Agreement. In order to guarantee HDS’s performance of its obligations under the Business Cooperation Agreement, each HDS Shareholder, JSJ and HDS entered into an Equity Interest Pledge Agreement (individually, a “Pledge Agreement”), the terms of which are substantially similar to each other. Pursuant to the Pledge Agreement, each HDS Shareholder pledged all of his or her equity interest in HDS to JSJ. If HDS or the HDS Shareholders breach their respective contractual obligations and such breach is not remedied to the satisfaction of JSJ within 20 days after the giving of notice of breach, JSJ, as pledgee, will be entitled to exercise certain rights, including the right to foreclose upon and sell the pledged equity interests. During the term of the Pledge Agreement, the HDS Shareholder shall not transfer his or her equity interest in HDS or place or otherwise permit any other security interest of other encumbrance to be placed on such equity interest. Upon the full payment of the Service Fee under the Business Cooperation Agreement and upon the termination of HDS’s obligations thereunder, the Pledge Agreement shall be terminated.

 

 F-8 

 

 

Power of Attorney. Under the Power of Attorney executed by each HDS Shareholder (each, a “Power of Attorney”), the terms of which are substantially similar to each other, JSJ has been granted an exclusive, irrevocable power of attorney to take actions in the place and stead of the HDS Shareholders, to act on behalf of the HDS Shareholder as his or her exclusive agent and attorney with respect to all matters concerning the HDS Shareholder’s equity interests in HDS, including without limitation, the right to: 1) attend shareholders’ meetings of HDS; 2) exercise all the HDS Shareholders’ rights, including voting rights under PRC laws and HDS’s Articles of Association, including but not limited to the sale or transfer or pledge or disposition of the HDS Shareholder’s equity interests in HDS in whole or in part; and 3) designate and appoint on behalf of the HDS Shareholders the legal representative, executive director, supervisor, manager and other senior management of HDS.

 

To the extent that the Contractual Arrangements are enforceable under PRC law, as from time to time interpreted by relevant state agencies, they constitute the valid and binding obligations of each of the parties to each such agreement.

 

On November 29, 2010, YBP established a wholly-owned subsidiary, Yew Bio-Pharm Holdings Limited (“Yew Bio-Pharm (HK)”), a limited liability company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong and on January 26, 2011, YBP transferred its ownership in JSJ to Yew Bio-Pharm (HK).

 

The Company believes that HDS is considered a VIE under ASC 810 “Consolidation”, because the equity investors in HDS no longer have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest, and the Company, through JSJ, is the primary beneficiary of HDS and controls HDS’s operations. Accordingly, HDS has been consolidated as a deemed subsidiary into YBP as a reporting company under ASC 810.

 

As required by ASC 810-10, the Company performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of HDS which is identified as a VIE of the Company. A quality assessment begins with an understanding of the nature of the risks in the entity as well as the nature of the entity’s activities including terms of the contracts entered into by the entity, ownership interests issued by the entity and the parties involved in the design of the entity. The Company’s assessment on the involvement with HDS reveals that the Company has the absolute power to direct the most significant activities that impact the economic performance of HDS. JSJ is obligated to absorb a majority of the risk of loss from HDS activities and entitles JSJ to receive a majority of HDS’s expected residual returns. In addition, HDS’s shareholders have pledged their equity interest in HDS to JSJ, irrevocably granted JSJ an exclusive option to purchase, to the extent permitted under PRC Law, all or part of the equity interests in HDS and agreed to entrust all the rights to exercise their voting power to the person(s) appointed by JSJ. Under the accounting guidance, the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of HDS and the results of HDS are consolidated in the Company’s consolidated financial statements for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, as a VIE, HDS’s sales are included in the Company’s total sales, its income from operations is consolidated with the Company’s and the Company’s net income includes all of HDS’s net income. The Company does not have any non-controlling interest and, accordingly, did not subtract any net income in calculating the net income attributable to the Company. Because of the Contractual Arrangements, YBP has a pecuniary interest in HDS that requires consolidation of HDS’s financial statements with those of the Company.

 

Additionally, pursuant to ASC 805, as YBP and HDS are under the common control of the HDS Shareholders, the Second Restructure was accounted for in a manner similar to a pooling of interests. As a result, the Company’s historical amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements give retrospective effect to the Second Restructure, whereby the assets and liabilities of the Company are reflected at the historical carrying values and their operations are presented as if they were consolidated for all periods presented, with the results of the Company being consolidated from the date of the Second Transfer Agreement. The accounts of HDS are consolidated in the accompanying financial statements.

 

As of December 31, 2016, the Company agreed to waive all management fees to be payable by HDS and the Company expects to waive such management fees in the near future due to a need of working capital in HDS to expand HDS’s operations.

 

On November 4, 2014, HDS established a new subsidiary, Harbin Yew Food Co. Ltd. (“HYF”), to develop and cultivate wood ear mushroom. The Company plans to operate three production lines, including wood ear mushroom polysaccharide, powder, tea and other packaged wood ear mushroom products. The move marks the Company's entrance into the organic food and functional beverage market. HYF had limited operation activities for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.

 

On June 8, 2016, YBP established a new subsidiary, MC Commerce Holding Inc. (“MC”), in the State of California to sell the Company’s yew products in American market. MC had no operation activities for the year ended December 31, 2016.

 

The Company is principally engaged in (1) processing and selling yew raw materials used in the manufacture of traditional Chinese medicine (“TCM”); (2) growing and selling yew tree seedlings and mature trees, including potted miniature yew trees; (3) manufacturing and selling furniture and handicrafts made of yew tree timber; and (4) selling agricultural products (wood ear mushroom related) and export products (Yew candles, pine needle extracts and yew essential oil soap). The Company’s operating VIE and its subsidiary are located in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China.

 

 F-9 

 

 

YBP has no direct or indirect legal or equity ownership interest in HDS. However, through the Contractual Arrangements, the stockholders of HDS have assigned all their rights as stockholders, including voting rights and disposition rights of their equity interests in HDS to JSJ, our indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary. YBP is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of HDS and the financial statements of HDS are consolidated in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the carrying amount and classification of the assets and liabilities in the Company’s balance sheets that relate to the Company’s variable interest in the VIE and VIE’s subsidiary was as follows:

 

   December 31,
2016
   December 31,
2015
 
Assets        
Cash  $249,868   $662,037 
Restricted cash   -    303,511 
Accounts receivable   14,427,767    3,817,872 
Accounts receivable - related party   6,941,931    6,489,495 
Inventories (current and long-term), net   16,746,205    16,342,789 
Prepaid expenses and other assets   35,827    54,093 
Prepaid expenses - related party   76,035    106,370 
Property and equipment, net   595,338    671,762 
Land use rights and yew forest assets, net   4,558,233    13,906,379 
VAT recoverables   1,655,954    699,258 
Total assets of VIE and its subsidiary  $45,287,158   $43,053,566 
Liabilities          
Accrued expenses and other payables  $375,262   $135,415 
Accounts payable   2,654,067    - 
Accounts payable-related party   638,318    41,319 
Taxes payable   11,789    11,901 
Due to VIE holding companies   560,036    1,046,366 
Short-term borrowings   1,723,865    3,081,332 
Note payable   1,156,444    607,022 
Deferred income   120,973    - 
Due to related parties   157,484    69,955 
Total liabilities of VIE and its subsidiary  $7,398,238   $4,993,310 

 

Although the structure the Company has adopted is consistent with longstanding industry practice, and is commonly adopted by comparable companies in China, the PRC government may not agree that these arrangements comply with PRC licensing, registration or other regulatory requirements, with existing policies or with requirements or policies that may be adopted in the future. There are uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of PRC laws and regulations including those that govern the Company’s contractual arrangements, which could limit the Company’s ability to enforce these contractual arrangements. If the Company or any of its variable interest entities are found to be in violation of any existing or future PRC laws, rules or regulations, or fail to obtain or maintain any of the required permits or approvals, the relevant PRC regulatory authorities would have broad discretion to take action in dealing with such violations or failures, including levying fines, revoking business and other licenses of the Company’s variable interest entities, requiring the Company to discontinue or restrict its operations, restricting its right to collect revenue, requiring the Company to restructure its operations or taking other regulatory or enforcement actions against the Company. In addition, it is unclear what impact the PRC government actions would have on the Company and on its ability to consolidate the financial results of its variable interest entities in the consolidated financial statements, if the PRC government authorities were to find the Company’s legal structure and contractual arrangements to be in violation of PRC laws, rules and regulations. If the imposition of any of these government actions causes the Company to lose its right to direct the activities of HDS and through HDS’s equity interest in its subsidiary or the right to receive their economic benefits, the Company would no longer be able to consolidate the HDS and its subsidiary.

 

NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Principles of consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of YBP, its subsidiaries and operating VIE and its subsidiary, in which the Company is the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated on consolidation.

 

Details of the Company’s subsidiaries and variable interest entities (“VIE”) are as follows:

 

Name   Domicile and Date of Incorporation  

Registered

Capital

 

Effective

Ownership

 

Principal

Activities

Heilongjiang Jinshangjing Bio-Technology Development Co., Limited (“JSJ”)  

PRC

October 29, 2009

  US$100,000   100%   Holding company
Yew Bio-Pharm Holdings Limited (“Yew Bio-Pharm (HK)”)  

Hong Kong

November 29, 2010

  HK$10,000   100%   Holding company of JSJ
Harbin Yew Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd. (“HDS”)  

PRC

August 22, 1996

  RMB45,000,000   Contractual arrangements   Sales of yew tree components for use in pharmaceutical industry; sales of yew tree seedlings; the manufacture of yew tree wood handicrafts; and the sales of candle, pine needle extract, yew essential oil soap and wood ear mushroom
Harbin Yew Food Co., Ltd (“HYF”)  

PRC November 4, 2014

  RMB100,000   100%(1)   Sales of wood ear mushroom drink
MC Commerce Holding Inc.(“MC”)  

State of California, United State

June 8, 2016

      100%(2)   Sales of yew products

 

(1)Wholly-owned subsidiary of HDS
(2)Wholly-owned subsidiary of YBP

 F-10 

 

 

Method of accounting

 

The Company maintains its general ledger and journals with the accrual method accounting for financial reporting purposes. The consolidated financial statements and notes are representations of management. Accounting policies adopted by the Company conform to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America and have been consistently applied in the presentation of consolidated financial statements.

 

Use of estimates

 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United State of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Company continually evaluates its estimates, including those related to bad debts, inventories, recovery of long-lived assets, income taxes, and the valuation of equity transactions. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that it believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Any future changes to these estimates and assumptions could cause a material change to our reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Significant estimates include allowance for slow-moving and obsolete inventory, the classification of short and long-term inventory, the useful life of property and equipment and intangible assets, assumptions used in assessing impairment of long-term assets, write-down in value of inventory and the valuation of stock-based compensation.

 

Fair value of financial instruments

 

The Company adopted the guidance of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820 for fair value measurements which clarifies the definition of fair value, prescribes methods for measuring fair value, and establishes a fair value hierarchy to classify the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:

 

Level 1-Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities available at the measurement date.
   
Level 2-Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other then quoted prices that are observable, and inputs derived from or corroborated by observable market data.
   
Level 3-Inputs are unobservable inputs which reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions on what assumptions the market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best available information.

 

The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheets for cash, accounts receivable, inventories, current portion, prepaid expenses and other assets, accounts payable, accrued expenses and other payables, note payable and taxes payable approximate their fair market value based on the short-term maturity of these instruments. The Company did not have any non-financial assets or liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.

 

Transactions involving related parties cannot be presumed to be carried out on an arm’s-length basis, as the requisite conditions of competitive, freemarket dealings may not exist. Representations about transactions with related parties, if made, shall not imply that the related party transactions were consummated on terms equivalent to those that prevail in arm’s-length transactions unless such representations can be substantiated. It is not, however, practical to determine the fair value of amounts due from/to related parties due to their related party nature

 

Concentrations of credit risk

 

The Company’s operations are conducted in the PRC. Accordingly, the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations may be influenced by the political, economic and legal environment in the PRC, and by the general state of the PRC economy. The Company’s operations in the PRC are subject to special considerations and significant risks not typically associated with companies in North America and Western Europe. These include risks associated with, among others, the political, economic and legal environment and foreign currency exchange. The Company’s results may be adversely affected by changes in the political and social conditions in the PRC, and by changes in governmental policies with respect to laws and regulations, anti-inflationary measures, currency conversion, remittances abroad, and rates and methods of taxation, among other things.

 

Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and trade accounts receivable. Substantially all of the Company’s cash is maintained with state-owned banks within the PRC, and no deposits are covered by insurance. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any risks on its cash in bank accounts. A portion of the Company’s sales are credit sales which are primarily to customers whose ability to pay is dependent upon the industry economics prevailing in these areas; however, concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivables is limited due to generally short payment terms. The Company also performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers to help further reduce credit risk.

 

 F-11 

 

 

At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company’s cash balances by geographic area were as follows:

 

   December 31, 2016   December 31, 2015 
Country:                
United States  $25,958    9.3%  $15,927    1.6%
China   253,033    90.7%   969,192    98.4%
Total restricted cash and cash   $278,991    100%  $985,119    100.0%

 

Cash

 

For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with original maturities of three months or less and money market accounts to be cash equivalents. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company has no cash equivalents.

 

Restricted cash

 

The restricted cash are recorded as an asset when the Company deposits cash in the bank as collateral for commercial acceptance notes, separately from cash and cash equivalents.

 

Accounts receivable

 

Accounts receivable are presented net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. If necessary, the Company shall maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses. The Company reviews accounts receivable on a periodic basis and makes general and specific allowances when there is doubt as to the collectability of individual balances. In evaluating the collectability of individual receivable balances, the Company considers many factors, including the age of the balance, a customer’s historical payment history, its current credit-worthiness and current economic trends. Accounts are written off after exhaustive efforts at collection. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company has not established, based on a review of its outstanding balances, an allowance for doubtful accounts.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories, consisting of raw materials, work in process, yew seedlings and finished goods related to the Company’s yew products are stated at the lower of cost or market value utilizing the weighted average method. Raw materials primarily include yew wood used in the production of yew products such as furniture, ornaments, and other products containing yew wood. Finished goods, consisting of yew candles, pine needle extracts, yew essential oil soap and wood ear mushroom products, which include direct materials, direct labor and an appropriate proportion of overhead.

 

The Company estimates the amount of the excess inventories by comparing inventory on hand with the estimated sales that can be sold within its normal operating cycle of one year. Any inventory in excess of the Company’s current requirements based on historical and anticipated levels of sales is classified as long-term on its consolidated balance sheets. The Company’s classification of long-term inventory requires it to estimate the portion of inventory that can be realized over the next 12 months.

 

To estimate the amount of slow-moving or obsolete inventories, the Company analyzes movement of its products, monitors competing products and technologies and evaluates acceptance of its products. Periodically, the Company identifies inventories that cannot be sold at all or can only be sold at deeply discounted prices. An allowance will be established if management determines that certain inventories may not be saleable. If inventory costs exceed expected market value due to obsolescence or quantities in excess of expected demand, the Company will record reserves for the difference between the carrying cost and the market value.

 

In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 905, “Agriculture”, our costs of growing Yew seedlings are accumulated until the time of harvest and are reported at the lower of cost or market.

 

Property and equipment

 

Property and equipment are carried at cost and are depreciated on a straight-line basis (after taking into account their respective estimated residual value) over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The cost of repairs and maintenance is expensed as incurred; major replacements and improvements are capitalized. When assets are retired or disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gains or losses are included in income in the year of disposition. The Company examines the possibility of decreases in the value of fixed assets when events or changes in circumstances reflect the fact that their recorded value may not be recoverable.

 

The estimated useful lives are as follows:

 

Building  15 years
Machinery and equipment  10 years
Office equipment  3 years
Leasehold improvement  5 years
Motor vehicles  4 years

 

 F-12 

 

 

Land use rights and yew forest assets

 

All land in the PRC is owned by the PRC government and cannot be sold to any individual or company. The Company has recorded the amounts paid to the PRC government to acquire long-term interests to utilize land use rights and yew forests. This type of arrangement is common for the use of land in the PRC. Yew trees on land containing yew tree forests will be used to supply raw materials such as branches, leaves and fruit to the Company. The Company amortizes land use rights based on their terms and yew forest assets over the term of the respective land use rights or expected useful lives, which generally ranges from 16 to 50 years. The lease agreements do not have any renewal option and the Company has no further obligations to the lessor. The Company records the amortization of these land use rights and yew forest assets as part of its cost of revenues.

 

Impairment of long-lived assets

 

In accordance with ASC Topic 360, the Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable, or at least annually. The Company recognizes an impairment loss when the sum of expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset. The amount of impairment is measured as the difference between the asset’s estimated fair value and its book value. For years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company didn’t record any impairment charges on long-lived assets.

 

Revenue recognition

 

The Company generates its revenue from sales of yew seedling products, sales of yew raw materials for medical application, sales of yew handcraft products, sales of wood ear mushroom, sale of yew essential oil soap and sales of yew candles and pine needle extracts. Pursuant to the guidance of ASC Topic 605 and ASC Topic 360, the Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the purchase price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured, and no significant obligations remain.

 

Stock-based compensation

 

The Company accounts for stock options and other equity based compensation issued to employees in accordance with ASC 718 “Stock Compensation”. ASC 718 requires companies to recognize an expense in the statement of income at the grant date of stock options and other equity based compensation issued to employees. The Company accounts for non-employee share-based awards in accordance with ASC 505-50 “Equity-based payments to non-employees”.

 

Advertising

 

Advertising is expensed as incurred and is included in selling expenses on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. The Company incurred $318 and $353 for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

Shipping costs

 

Shipping costs are expensed as incurred and included in selling expenses and amount to $126 and $100 for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

Research and development

 

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. The costs primarily consist of salaries paid for the development and improvement of the Company’s products. Research and development costs of the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 were $860 and $13,554, respectively, and are included in general and administrative expenses.

 

Employee benefits

 

The Company’s major operations and most employees are located in the PRC. The Company makes mandatory contributions to the PRC government’s health, retirement benefit and unemployment funds in accordance with the relevant Chinese social security laws. The costs of these payments are charged to the same accounts and in the same period as the related salary costs and are not material.

 

Income taxes

 

The Company is governed by the Income Tax Law of the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong and the United States. The Company accounts for income tax using the liability method prescribed by ASC 740, “Income Taxes”. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates that will be in effect in the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The Company records a valuation allowance to offset deferred tax assets if based on the weight of available evidence, it is more-likely-than-not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized as income or loss in the period that includes the enactment date.

 

 F-13 

 

 

The Company applied the provisions of ASC 740-10-50, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes”, which provides clarification related to the process associated with accounting for uncertain tax positions recognized in our financial statements. Audit periods remain open for review until the statute of limitations has passed. The completion of review or the expiration of the statute of limitations for a given audit period could result in an adjustment to the Company’s liability for income taxes. Any such adjustment could be material to the Company’s results of operations for any given quarterly or annual period based, in part, upon the results of operations for the given period. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had no uncertain tax positions, and will continue to evaluate for uncertain positions in the future.

 

Value added tax

 

The Company is subject to value added tax (“VAT”). The applicable VAT rate is 13% for agricultural products and 17% for handicraft products, yew essential oil soap, yew candles and pine needle extracts sold in the PRC. The amount of VAT liability is determined by applying the applicable tax rate to the amount of goods sold (output VAT) less VAT accrued on purchases made with the relevant supporting invoices (input VAT). Sales and purchases are recorded net of VAT (the amount of VAT is excluded from revenues and costs) collected and paid as the Company acts as an agent for the government.

 

Government grants

 

Government grants include cash subsidies as well as other subsidies received from the PRC government by the subsidiaries and VIEs of the Company. Government grants are recognized when received and all the conditions specified in the grant have been met. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company recognized government grants in the amount of $0 and $282,252, respectively, representing governmental financial subsidies to support general planting and cultivation of yew trees. In October 2016, the Company received government grants of $120,973 for afforestation that is recorded initially as deferred income and to be recognized over the periods and in the proportions in which amortization expense on the trees is recognized.

  

Foreign currency translation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars (“USD”). The reporting currency of the Company is the USD. The functional currency of Yew Bio-Pharm (HK) is the Hong Kong dollar, and the functional currency of the Company’s VIEs and subsidiaries located in the PRC is the RMB. For the subsidiaries whose functional currencies are the Hong Kong dollar or RMB, results of operations and cash flows are translated at average exchange rates during the period, assets and liabilities are translated at the unified exchange rate at the end of the period, and equity is translated at historical exchange rates. As a result, amounts relating to assets and liabilities reported on the statements of cash flows may not necessarily agree with the changes in the corresponding balances on the balance sheets. Translation adjustments resulting from the process of translating the local currency financial statements into U.S. dollars are included in determining comprehensive income. The foreign currency translation adjustment included in comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 amounted to $(2,632,390) and $(2,080,703), respectively.

 

All of the Company’s revenue transactions are transacted in the functional currency, except for the sales of yew essential oil soap, yew candles and pine needle extracts in US dollar, which is not the functional currency, RMB.

 

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

 

The exchange rates used to translate amounts in RMB into USD for the purposes of preparing the consolidated financial statements are as follows:

 

   2016   2015 
Exchange rate on balance sheet dates:        
USD : RMB exchange rate   6.9437    6.4907 
           
Average exchange rate for the year          
USD : RMB exchange rate   6.6460    6.2175 

 

The RMB is not freely convertible into foreign currency and all foreign exchange transactions must take place through authorized institutions. No representation is made that the RMB amounts could have been, or could be, converted into USD at the rates used in translation. In addition, the current foreign exchange control policies applicable in PRC also restrict the transfer of assets or dividends outside the PRC.

 

Net income per share of common stock

 

ASC 260 “Earnings per Share,” requires dual presentation of basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) with a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of the basic EPS computation to the numerator and denominator of the diluted EPS computation. Basic EPS excludes dilution. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the entity. Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock, common stock equivalents and potentially dilutive securities outstanding during each period. Potentially dilutive common shares consist of restricted common stock and common stock options using the treasury stock method.

 

 F-14 

 

 

Comprehensive income

 

The Company follows ASC 220, “Comprehensive Income” to recognize the elements of comprehensive income. Comprehensive income is comprised of net income and all changes to the statements of stockholders’ equity, except those due to investments by stockholders, changes in paid-in capital and distributions to stockholders. For the Company, comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 included net income and unrealized gains (losses) from foreign currency translation adjustments.

 

Segment reporting

 

ASC Topic 280 requires use of the “management approach” model for segment reporting. The management approach model is based on the way a company’s management organizes segments within the company for making operating decisions and assessing performance. Reportable segments are based on products and services, geography, legal structure, management structure, or any other manner in which management disaggregates a company. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company operated in five reportable business segments: (1) the yew tree segment - the cultivation and sale of yew seedlings and yew trees, (2) the traditional Chinese medicine (“TCM raw materials”) segment - the production and sale of raw materials used for medicinal application in the pharmaceutical industry, (3) the handicrafts segment - the manufacture and sale of furniture and handicrafts made of yew timber, and (4) the others, mainly consisting of the transactions such as sale of wood ear mushroom, yew essential oil soap, yew candles and pine needle extracts.

 

Related party transactions

 

A related party is generally defined as (i) any person that holds 10% or more of the Company’s securities including such person’s immediate families, (ii) the Company’s management, (iii) someone that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the Company, or (iv) anyone who can significantly influence the financial and operating decisions of the Company. A transaction is considered to be a related party transaction when there is a transfer of resources or obligations between related parties.

 

Collaborative arrangement

 

On March 21, 2004, HDS entered into a Joint Venture Planting Agreement with Wuchang City Forestry Bureau (see Note 17), which is considered a collaborative arrangement under U.S. GAAP. The purpose of this arrangement is to share some of the risks and rewards associated with this Joint Venture Planting Agreement. The Company’s current share of profits is 80%. The Company accounts for this collaborative arrangement under ASC 808, “Collaborative Arrangements” and related topics and will record revenue gross as the prime contractor. ASC Topic 808-10-15 defines collaborative arrangements and requires collaborators to present the result of activities for which they act as the principal on a gross basis and report any payments received from (made to) the other collaborators based on other applicable authoritative accounting literature, and in the absence of other applicable authoritative literature, on a reasonable, rational and consistent accounting policy is to be elected. The Company adopted the provisions of ASC 808-10-15. The adoption of this statement did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company has not generated any revenues or activity from this collaborative agreement.

 

NOTE 3 - RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing”. The amendments add further guidance on identifying performance obligations and also to improve the operability and understandability of the licensing implementation guidance. The amendments do not change the core principle of the guidance in Topic 606. The effective date and transition requirements for the amendments are the same as the effective date and transition requirements in Topic 606. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-12, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients”. The amendments, among other things: (1) clarify the objective of the collectability criterion for applying paragraph 606-10-25-7; (2) permit an entity to exclude amounts collected from customers for all sales (and other similar) taxes from the transaction price; (3) specify that the measurement date for noncash consideration is contract inception; (4) provide a practical expedient that permits an entity to reflect the aggregate effect of all modifications that occur before the beginning of the earliest period presented when identifying the satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations, determining the transaction price, and allocating the transaction price to the satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations; (5) clarify that a completed contract for purposes of transition is a contract for which all (or substantially all) of the revenue was recognized under legacy GAAP before the date of initial application, and (6) clarify that an entity that retrospectively applies the guidance in Topic 606 to each prior reporting period is not required to disclose the effect of the accounting change for the period of adoption. The effective date of these amendments is at the same date that Topic 606 is effective. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption on its consolidated financial statements.

 

 F-15 

 

 

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments”. These amendments provide cash flow statement classification guidance for: 1. Debt Prepayment or Debt Extinguishment Costs; 2. Settlement of Zero-Coupon Debt Instruments or Other Debt Instruments with Coupon Interest Rates That Are Insignificant in Relation to the Effective Interest Rate of the Borrowing; 3. Contingent Consideration Payments Made after a Business Combination; 4. Proceeds from the Settlement of Insurance Claims; 5. Proceeds from the Settlement of Corporate-Owned Life Insurance Policies, including Bank-Owned Life Insurance Policies; 6. Distributions Received from Equity Method Investees; 7. Beneficial Interests in Securitization Transactions; and 8. Separately Identifiable Cash Flows and Application of the Predominance Principle. The amendments in this ASU are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-17, “Consolidation (Topic 810): Interests Held through Related Parties That Are under Common Control”. These amendments change the evaluation of whether a reporting entity is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity by changing how a reporting entity that is a single decision maker of a variable interest entity treats indirect interests in the entity held through related parties that are under common control with the reporting entity. If a reporting entity satisfies the first characteristic of a primary beneficiary (such that it is the single decision maker of a variable interest entity), the amendments require that reporting entity, in determining whether it satisfies the second characteristic of a primary beneficiary, to include all of its direct variable interests in a variable interest entity and, on a proportionate basis, its indirect variable interests in a variable interest entity held through related parties, including related parties that are under common control with the reporting entity. The amendments in this ASU are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. If an entity adopts the pending content that links to this paragraph in an interim period, any adjustments should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash”. These amendments require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. As a result, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The amendments do not provide a definition of restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. The amendments in this ASU are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-20, “Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers”. The amendments in ASU 2016-20 affect narrow aspects of the guidance issued in ASU 2014-09 including Loan Guarantee Fees, Contract Costs, Provisions for Losses on Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts, Disclosure of Remaining Performance Obligations, Disclosure of Prior Period Performance Obligations, Contract Modifications, Contract Asset vs. Receivable, Refund Liabilities, Advertising Costs, Fixed Odds Wagering Contracts in the Casino Industry, and Costs Capitalized for Advisors to Private Funds and Public Funds. The effective date of these amendments are at the same date that Topic 606 is effective. Topic 606 is effective for public entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods therein (i.e., January 1, 2018, for a calendar year entity). The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption on its consolidated financial statements.

 

 F-16 

 

 

NOTE 4 - INVENTORIES

 

Inventories consisted of raw materials, work-in-progress, finished goods including handicrafts, yew essential oil soap, yew candles and pine needle extracts, yew seedlings and other trees, which consist of larix, spruce and poplar trees. The Company classifies its inventories based on its historical and anticipated levels of sales; any inventory in excess of its normal operating cycle of one year is classified as long-term on its consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, inventories consisted of the following:

 

   December 31, 2016   December 31, 2015 
   Current portion   Long-term portion   Total   Current portion   Long-term portion   Total 
Raw materials  $795,985   $2,484,301   $3,280,286   $39,341   $2,653,104   $2,692,445 
Finished goods   5,245,771    556,875    5,802,646    1,332,323    717,355    2,049,678 
Yew seedlings   3,487,879    5,930,887    9,418,766    2,426,990    6,397,951    8,824,941 
Other trees   779,537    683,323    1,462,860    872,674    2,673,454    3,546,128 
Total   10,309,172    9,655,386    19,964,558    4,671,328    12,441,864    17,113,192 
                               

Inventory write-down

   (12,380)   (2,503,773)   (2,516,153)   (5,779)   (107,603)   (113,382)
Inventories, net  $10,296,792   $7,151,613   $17,448,405   $4,665,549   $12,334,261   $16,999,810 

 

The Company recorded inventory write-down (recovery) in the amount of $2,499,563 and $(15,688) for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The write-down in the value of inventory was based on the management’s specific analysis of future production plan and sales forecasts and was included in the cost of revenues.

 

NOTE 5 - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

 

Property and equipment consisted of the following as of December 31, 2016 and 2015:

 

   December 31, 
   2016   2015 
Buildings and building improvements  $631,736   $675,827 
Machinery and equipment   475,750    498,973 
Office equipment   50,595    49,975 
Motor vehicles   618,465    518,309 
    1,776,546    1,743,084 
Less: accumulated depreciation   (1,084,430)   (1,040,320)
Total property and equipment, net  $692,116   $702,764 

 

For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, depreciation expenses amounted to $112,282 and $143,486, respectively.

 

NOTE 6 - LAND USE RIGHTS AND YEW FOREST ASSETS

 

There is no private ownership of land in PRC. Land is owned by the government and the government grants land use rights for specified terms. The following summarizes land use rights acquired by the Company.

 

Yew trees on land containing yew tree forests will be used to supply raw materials such as branches and leaves that will be used by the Company’s customers for production of TCM. The Company amortizes land use rights based on their terms and amortizes yew forest assets over the term of the respective land use rights or expected useful lives. The lease agreements do not have any renewal option and the Company has no further obligations to the lessor. The Company records the amortization of these land use rights and yew forest assets as part of its cost of revenues. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, amortization expense amounted to $8,819,008 and $7,599,023, respectively.

 

 F-17 

 

 

As of December 31, 2016, land use rights and yew forest assets consisted of the following:

 

    Description   Useful life   Acquisition date   Expiration date   Metric acres (“Mu”)  
Parcel A   Developing forest land   50   3/2004   3/2054     125  
Parcel B   Developing forest land   50   4/2004   4/2054     400  
Parcel C   Yew tree forests   30   3/2005   3/2035     361  
Parcel D   Yew tree forests and underlying land   50   1/2008   12/2058     290  
Parcel E   Yew tree forests and underlying land   45   3/2010   3/2055     15,865  
Parcel F   Undeveloped forest land   16   7/2012   3/2028     148  
Parcel G   Yew tree forests and underlying land   22   4/2006   1/2028     5  
Parcel H   Yew tree forests and underlying land   38   11/2013   11/2051     2,565  

 

At December 31, 2016 and 2015, land use rights and yew forest assets consisted of the following:

 

   Useful Life 

December 31,

2016

   

December 31,

2015

 
Land use rights and yew forest assets  16-50 years  $6,708,537   $15,933,585 
Less: accumulated amortization      (2,150,303)   (2,027,206)
Land use rights and yew forest assets, net     $4,558,234   $13,906,379 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company purchased the yew seedlings in the amount of $2,018,014 and transplanted in Parcel H.

 

During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company cut certain whole yew trees in Parcel H to process TCM raw materials. As the trees could no longer supply branches and leaves, their remaining carrying value in the amount of $8,185,557 and $7,109,557 was transferred to cost of revenues, respectively, and included in the amortization of $8,819,008 and $7,599,023 in the consolidated statements of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.

 

Amortization of land use rights and yew forest assets attributable to future periods is as follows:

 

Years ended December 31:  Amount 
2017  $204,247 
2018   204,247 
2019   204,247 
2020   204,247 
2021   204,247 
2022 and thereafter   5,687,302 
Total  $6,708,537 

 

 F-18 

 

 

NOTE 7 - TAXES

 

(a) Federal Income Tax and Enterprise Income Taxes

 

The Company, YBP, registered in the State of Nevada, and its subsidiary, MC, registered in the State of California, are subject to the United States federal income tax at a tax rate of 34%. No provision for income taxes in the U.S. has been made as YBP and MC had no U.S. taxable income as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.

 

The Company’s subsidiary, Yew Bio-Pharm (HK), is incorporated in Hong Kong and has no operating profit or tax liabilities during the years. Yew Bio-Pharm (HK) is subject to tax at 16.5% on the assessable profits arising in or derived from Hong Kong.

 

The Company’s subsidiary, JSJ, and VIE and its subsidiary, HYF and HDS, incorporated in the PRC, are subject to PRC’s Enterprise Income Tax. Pursuant to the PRC Income Tax Laws, Enterprise Income Taxes (“EIT”) is generally imposed at 25%. However, HDS has been named as a leading enterprise in the agricultural industry and awarded with a tax exemption through December 31, 2058 with an exception of sales of handicrafts, yew candle, pine needle extracts and yew essential oil soap which are not within the scope of agricultural area.

 

The provision for income taxes consists of the following:

 

   For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
   2016   2015 
Current  $18,009   $16,488 
Deferred   -    - 
Total  $18,009   $16,488 

 

The combined effects of the income tax expense exemptions and tax reductions available to the Company for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows:

 

  

Years Ended

December 31,

 
   2016   2015 
Tax exemption effect  $629,937   $1,581,916 
Tax reduction due to loss carry-forwards   8,200    2,226 
Loss not subject to income tax   (180,550)   (448,322)
Basic net income per share effect  $(0.01)  $(0.02)
Diluted net income per share effect  $(0.01)  $(0.02)

 

The table below summarizes the difference between the U.S. statutory federal tax rate and the Company’s effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015:

 

  

Years Ended

December 31,

 
   2016   2015 
U.S. federal income tax rate   34.00%   34.00%
Foreign income not recognized in the U.S.   (34.00)%   (34)%
PRC EIT rate   25.00%   25.00%
PRC tax exemption   (61.96)%   (30.92)%
Income tax difference under different tax jurisdictions   5.36%   6.08%
Valuation allowance   32.48%   0.19%
Other   -    (0.04)%
Total provision for income taxes   0.89%   0.31%

 

 F-19 

 

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are provided for significant income and expense items recognized in different years for income tax and financial reporting purposes. Temporary differences, which give rise to a net deferred tax asset for the Company as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, are as follows:

 

  

December 31,

2016

  

December 31,

2015

 
Tax benefit of net operating loss carry forward and inventory write-down  $2,105,056   $1,925,808 
Tax benefit of inventory write-down   624,891    - 
Valuation allowance   (2,729,947)   (1,925,808)
Non-current deferred tax assets  $-   $- 

 

For U.S. income tax purposes, the Company has cumulative undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiary and VIE of approximately $33.0 million and $30.6 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, which are included in consolidated retained earnings and will continue to be indefinitely reinvested in overseas operations. Accordingly, no provision has been made for U.S. deferred taxes related to future repatriation of these earnings, nor is it practicable to estimate the amount of income taxes that would have to be provided if we concluded that such earnings will be remitted to the U.S. in the future.

 

ASC 740 requires recognition and measurement of uncertain income tax positions using a “more-likely-than-not” approach. The management evaluated the Company’s tax positions and considered that no provision for uncertainty in income taxes was necessary as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.

  

(b) Value Added Taxes (“VAT”)

 

The applicable VAT tax rate is 13% for agricultural products and 17% for handicrafts, yew candles and pine needle extracts sold in the PRC. In accordance with VAT regulations in the PRC, the Company is exempt from paying VAT on its yew raw materials and yew trees sales as an agricultural corps cultivating company up to December 31, 2016. The company’s sales of yew candles and pine needle extracts and export products are under VAT tax-exempt treaty and thus are eligible for return of VAT-IN. VAT payable in the PRC is charged on an aggregated basis at the applicable rate on the full price collected for the goods sold or taxable services provided and less any deductible VAT already paid by the taxpayer on purchases of goods in the same fiscal year.

 

NOTE 8 - SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS AND NOTES PAYABLE

 

On April 23, 2015, HDS entered into a loan agreement with Harbin Rongtong Branch of Bank of Communications (“BOCOM”) in the amount of RMB10,000,000 (approximately $1,630,000), payable on April 22, 2016. HDS paid off the loan in full on April 28, 2016. On May 30, 2016, HDS entered into a loan agreement with BOCOM, pursuant to which the Company obtained a bank loan in the amount of RMB10,000,000 (approximately $1,519,000), payable on May 30, 2017. The loan carries an interest rate of 5.873% per annum and is payable quarterly. Heilongjiang Zishan Technology Co., Ltd. (“ZTC”), a related party controlled by Zhiguo Wang and his wife Madame Qi, collateralized its buildings and land use right with BOCOM to secure the loan. In addition, ZTC, Heilongjiang Yew Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (“Yew Pharmaceutical”), a related party of the Company, Zhiguo Wang, Madame Qi, Yicheng Wang, the son of Zhiguo Wang and Yuqi Mao, the spouse of Yicheng Wang, provided guarantees to the loan.

 

On November 24, 2015, HDS executed a loan in the form of factoring agreement with Shanghai Pudong Development Bank (“SPD Bank”) Harbin Branch in the principal amount of RMB 10,000,000 (approx. $1,560,000). The loan carries an interest rate of 3.969% per annum and is payable, together with the principal, on November 18, 2016. The proceeds of the loan were used by the Company to purchase raw materials and for general corporate purposes. Madam Qi has secured the loan with her personal assets. In addition, Heilongjiang Yew Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (“Yew Pharmaceutical”), a related party of the Company, Mr. Wang, Yichen Wang, the son of Mr. Wang and Yuqi Mao, the spouse of Yichen Wang provided guarantees to the loan. HDS paid off the loan in full on November 4, 2016.

 

On November 26, 2015, the Company issued several commercial acceptance notes to Yew Pharmaceutical with the total principal amount of RMB3,940,000 (approximately $610,000) to pay partial of the account payable owed. The terms of the commercial acceptance notes include the same maturity date of May 26, 2016 with no interest. The commercial acceptance notes are secured by a deposit of RMB1,970,000 (approximately $300,000) from the Company. On May 26, 2016, the Company paid off the commercial acceptance notes in full.

 

On May 27, 2016, the Company issued several commercial acceptance notes to Yew Pharmaceutical with the total principal amount of RMB3,940,000 (approximately $594,000) to pay partial of the account payable owed. The terms of the commercial acceptance notes include the same maturity date of November 27, 2016 with no interest. The commercial acceptance notes are secured by a deposit of RMB1,970,000 (approximately $300,000) from the Company, which was presented as restricted cash as of December 31, 2015. In November 2016, the Company paid off the commercial acceptance notes in full. As a consequence, the restricted cash was released in full then.

 

On November 4, 2016, the company issued a commercial acceptance note to Yew Pharmaceutical with the principal amount of RMB8,030,000 (approximately $1,188,000) to pay partial of the account payable owed. The commercial acceptance note was due on November 4, 2017 with no interest, secured by Madam Qi’s personal assets and guaranteed by Madam Qi, Zhiguo Wang, Yicheng Wang, Yuqi Mao and Yew Pharmaceutical.

 

 F-20 

 

 

NOTE 9 - STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

(a) Common Stock

 

On July 22, 2014, the Company entered into a Service Provider Agreement (the “SPA”) with a service provider to commence service on July 22, 2014 for a period of three years. Pursuant to the SPA, the Company agreed to issue to the service provider 1,250,000 shares of its Rule 144 restricted common stock for the service period. The shares are payable in 875,000 shares of its restricted common stock on or before July 22, 2014 for the first year of service under the SPA and 375,000 shares of its restricted common stock to be issued on or before July 22, 2015, for the second and third year of service under the SPA. The 875,000 shares were issued on July 22, 2014 and the fair value of these shares of $131,250 was fully expensed for the years ended December 31, 2014. The 375,000 shares was not issued up to date of filing of this report and the fair value of these shares of $65,856 was fully expensed for the year ended December 31, 2015 based on the SPA.

 

On July 22, 2014, the Company entered into a Consulting Agreement (the “Agreement”) with a consultant for a period of three years. Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company agreed to issue to the consultant 1,250,000 shares of its Rule 144 restricted common stock for the service period. The consultant would provide financing and certain consultation services to the Company. The fair value of these common shares was determined to be $187,500 and was fully recognized upon the share issuance. On August 24, 2015, the Company signed a mutual rescission agreement with the consultant to rescind the Agreement. To execute the rescission, the Company shall cancel the 1,250,000 shares of the restricted common stock, and re-issue 625,000 shares of its Rule 144 restricted common stock as a settlement. Pursuant to the mutual rescission agreement, the Company removes the par value of forfeited share, or $625, for the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

(b) Stock Options

 

On July 18, 2014, the Company’s board of directors in lieu of an established compensation committee granted options pursuant to the Corporation’s 2012 Equity Incentive Plan to two directors and one of its employees (the “Optionees I”). Within the stock option agreement, each of the Optionees I was issued 200,000 shares of common stock of the Company at an exercise price of $0.20 per share. The option has a term of four years and expires on August 1, 2018 from August 1, 2014, vesting commencement date. The options vest over a three-year time period from August 1, 2014, and 30%, 35%, and 35% of the total shares granted shall vest and become exercisable 12, 24, and 36 months after the initial vesting commencement date.

 

On November 18, 2014, the Company’s board of directors in lieu of an established compensation committee granted options pursuant to the Corporation’s 2012 Equity Incentive Plan to the Company’s employees (the “Optionees II”). Within the stock option agreement, each of the Optionees II was issued shares of common stock of the Company at an exercise price of $0.23 per share. There are three types of term for the subject stock options granted. (1) The option has a term of four years starting from November 18, 2014, the vesting commencement date, and expires on November 18, 2018. The options vest over a three-year time period from November 18, 2014, and 30%, 35%, and 35% of the total shares granted shall vest and become exercisable 12, 24, and 36 months after the initial vesting commencement date. (2) The option has a term of two years starting from November 18, 2014, the vesting commencement date, and expires on November 18, 2016. The options vest over a one-year time period from November 18, 2014, and 100% of the total shares granted shall vest and become exercisable 12 months after the initial vesting commencement date. (3) The option has a term of three years starting from November 18, 2014, the vesting commencement date, and expires on November 18, 2017. The options vest over a two-year time period, and 50% and the remaining 50% of the total shares shall vest and become exercisable 12 and 24 months respectively after the initial vesting commencement date.

 

On October 11, 2016, the Company’s board of directors in lieu of an established compensation committee granted options pursuant to the Corporation’s 2012 Equity Incentive Plan to their attorney who is also the Company’s employee, William B. Barnett (the “Optionees III”). Within the stock option agreement, the Optionees III was issued 200,000 shares of common stock of the Company at an exercise price of $0.25 per share. The option has a term of three years and expires on October 11, 2019 from October 11, 2016, vesting commencement date. The options vest over a two-year time period from October 11, 2016, and 50% and remaining 50% of the total shares granted shall vest and become exercisable 12 and 24 months after the initial vesting commencement date.

 

 F-21 

 

 

The fair value of the Company’s option as of the date of grant for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 was determined using the following management assumptions:

 

Name of Optionee 

Expected Terms

(In Years)

   Computed Volatility   Risk free Interest Rate (%)   Expected Dividends   Fair Value 
HengJiang Pang   3.025    202%   0.97    -    36,906 
Tong Liu   3.025    202%   0.97    -    36,906 
Xuehai Wu   3.025    202%   0.97    -    36,906 
Lifan Liu   1.5    212%   0.14    -    38,873 
Weiran Lu   1.5    212%   0.14    -    38,873 
Junzhong Wu   1.5    212%   0.14    -    19,437 
Guobin Zhou   1.5    212%   0.14    -    19,437 
Binbin Lou   1.5    212%   0.14    -    38,873 
Wei Zhang   1.5    212%   0.14    -    38,873 
Songshan Zhang   1.5    212%   0.14    -    38,873 
Bingtao Li   1.5    212%   0.14    -    19,437 
Jianyi Yang   1.5    212%   0.14    -    23,324 
Jing Wang   1.5    212%   0.14    -    19,437 
Yunli Pei   1.5    212%   0.14    -    38,873 
Chunmei Xu   1.5    212%   0.14    -    19,437 
Donghui Zhao   1.5    212%   0.14    -    19,437 
Xiefeng Liu   2.25    212%   0.53    -    20,734 
Lixin Liu   2.25    212%   0.53    -    16,587 
Jie Zhang   2.25    212%   0.53    -    41,468 
Jilong Yin   2.25    212%   0.53    -    20,734 
Long Deng   2.25    212%   0.53    -    20,734 
Shiyi Li   3.025    212%   0.96    -    12,886 
Xingli Han   3.025    212%   0.96    -    51,542 
Yang Jiang   3.025    212%   0.96    -    12,886 
Chao Liu   3.025    212%   0.96    -    21,476 
Shouhua Zhang   3.025    212%   0.96    -    25,771 
Lianfa Sun   3.025    212%   0.96    -    17,181 
Jinsong Lv   3.025    212%   0.96    -    17,181 
Anna Tang   3.025    212%   0.96    -    12,886 
Hong Li   3.025    212%   0.96    -    17,181 
Siyuan Wang   3.025    212%   0.96    -    150,332 
Yicheng Wang   3.025    212%   0.96    -    150,332 
Yuqi Mao   3.025    212%   0.96    -    150,332 
Jimin Lu   3.025    212%   0.96    -    12,886 
Jinguo Wang   3.025    212%   0.96    -    17,181 
Xue Wang   3.025    212%   0.96    -    21,476 
Ping Qi   3.025    212%   0.96    -    21,476 
Weihong Zhang   3.025    212%   0.96    -    21,476 
Hongrun Wang   3.025    212%   0.96    -    21,476 
Zhiling Wang   3.025    212%   0.96    -    30,066 
Zhigang Wang   3.025    212%   0.96    -    30,066 
Zhimin Wang   3.025    212%   0.96    -    30,066 
Kaiming Guo   3.025    212%   0.96    -    12,886 
Tinghua Xu   3.025    212%   0.96    -    12,886 
Shaoming Geng   3.025    212%   0.96    -    17,181 
Jing Sun   3.025    212%   0.96    -    17,181 
Fengping Dong   3.025    212%   0.96    -    17,181 
William B. Barnett   2.250    174%   0.87    -    43,999 

 

 F-22 

 

 

Stock option activities for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 are summarized in the following table.

 

  

Year Ended

December 31, 2016

  

Year Ended

December 31, 2015

 
  

Number of

Stock

Options

  

Weighted

Average

Exercise Price

  

Number of

Stock

Options

  

Weighted

Average

Exercise Price

 
Balance at beginning of year   26,805,512   $0.22    27,205,512   $0.22 
Issued   200,000    0.25    -    - 
Exercised   -    -    -    - 
Expired   960,000    0.23           
Forfeited   720,000    0.23    400,000    0.23 
Balance at end of year   25,325,512   $0.22    26,805,512   $0.22 
Options exercisable at end of year   24,415,012   $0.22    24,735,512   $0.22 

 

The following table summarizes the shares of the Company’s common stock issuable upon exercise of options outstanding at December 31, 2016:

 

Stock Options Outstanding   Stock Options Exercisable 
Range of Exercise Price   Number Outstanding at December 31, 2016   Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)   Weighted Average Exercise Price   Number Exercisable at December 31, 2016   Weighted Average Exercise Price 
$0.20-0.25    25,325,512    1.03   $0.22    24,415,012   $0.22 

 

The Company’s outstanding stock options and exercisable stock options had intrinsic value of $7,800, based upon the Company’s closing stock price of $0.22 as of December 31, 2016. Stock option expense recognized during the year ended December 31, 2016 amounted to $31,466.

 

NOTE 10 - EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

The following table presents a reconciliation of basic and diluted net income per share for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015:

 

   For the Years Ended December 31, 
   2016   2015 
Net income available to common stockholders for basic and diluted net income per share of common stock  $2,006,891   $5,284,588 
Weighted average common stock outstanding - basic   51,875,000    52,069,863 
Effect of dilutive securities:          
Stock options issued to directors/officers/employees   -    43,944 
Weighted average common stock outstanding - diluted   51,875,000    52,113,807 
Net income per common share - basic  $0.04   $0.10 
Net income per common share - diluted  $0.04   $0.10 

 

NOTE 11 - CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK AND MAJOR CUSTOMERS

 

Customers

 

For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, customers accounting for 10% or more of the Company’s revenue were as follows:

 

   For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
Customer  2016   2015 
A (Yew Pharmaceutical, a related party)   56.02%   56.72%
B   29.24%   36.23%
C   14.36%   - 

 

* Less than 10%

 

The three largest customers accounted for 99.8% and 94.0% of the Company’s total outstanding accounts receivable at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, of which Heilongjiang Yew Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., (“Yew Pharmaceutical”), a related party, accounted for 32.4% and 63.0% of total outstanding accounts receivable, respectively.

 

 F-23 

 

 

Suppliers

 

For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, suppliers accounting for 10% or more of the Company’s purchase were as follows:

 

   For the Years Ended December 31, 
Supplier  2016   2015 
A (Yew Pharmaceutical, a related party)   75.6%   47%
B   %   12%

 

Accounts payable to supplier C, supplier D, supplier E, Changzhi Du, a related party of the Company, and supplier F accounted for 24.6%, 24.1%, 17.7% and 15.8% of the Company’s total accounts payable at December 31, 2016.

 

Accounts payable to Yew Pharmaceutical accounted for 78% of the Company’s total accounts payable at December 31, 2015. The Company did not have any accounts payable to Supplier B at December 31, 2015.

 

NOTE 12 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

In addition to several of the Company’s officers and directors, the Company conducted transactions with the following related parties:

 

Company   Ownership
Heilongjiang Zishan Technology Co., Ltd. (“ZTC”)   51% owned by Heilongjiang Hongdoushan Ecology Forest Co., Ltd., 34% owned by Zhiguo Wang, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, 11% owned by Guifang Qi, the wife of Mr. Wang and director of the Company, and 4% owned by third parties.
Heilongjiang Yew Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (“Yew Pharmaceutical”)   95% owned by Heilongjiang Hongdoushan Ecology Forest Stock Co., Ltd., and 5% owned by Madame Qi.
Shanghai Kairun Bio-Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (“Kairun”)   60% owned by Heilongjiang Zishan Technology Co., Ltd., 20% owned by Heilongjiang Hongdoushan Ecology Forest Stock Co., Ltd., and 20% owned by Mr. Wang.
Heilongjiang Hongdoushan Ecology Forest Co., Ltd. (“HEFS”)   63% owned by Mr. Wang, 34% owned by Madame Qi, and 3% owned by third parties.
Hongdoushan Bio-Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (“HBP”)   30% owned by Mr. Wang, 19% owned by Madame Qi and 51% owned by HEFS
Heilongjiang Pingshan Hongdoushan Development Co., Ltd. (“HDS Development”)   80% owned by HEFS and 20% owned by Kairun
Wuchang City Xinlin Forestry Co., Ltd. (Xinlin)   98% owned by ZTC and 2% owned by HEFS effective March 21, 2016
Changzhi Du   Legal person of Xinlin
Jinguo Wang   Management of HDS
Anyangquanfeng Bio Science Inc.   84.72% owned by Mr. Wang
     
Heilongjiang Yew Medicine Research Institute affiliated clinics   Zhiguo Wang is the Company’s legal person

 

Transactions with Yew Pharmaceutical

 

On January 9, 2010, the Company entered into a Cooperation and Development Agreement (the “Development Agreement”) with Yew Pharmaceutical. Pursuant to the Development Agreement, for a period of ten years expiring on January 9, 2020, the Company shall supply cultivated yew raw materials to Yew Pharmaceutical that will be used by Yew Pharmaceutical to make traditional Chinese medicines and other pharmaceutical products, at price of RMB 1,000,000 (approximately $158,000) per metric ton. In addition, the Company entered into a series of wood ear mushroom selling agreements with Yew Pharmaceuticals, pursuant to which the Company sells wood ear mushroom collected from local peasants to Yew Pharmaceuticals for manufacturing of wood ear mushroom products. Furthermore, the Company entered into a series of yew candles and pine needle extracts purchase agreements with Yew Pharmaceuticals, pursuant to which the Company purchases yew candles and pine needle extracts as finished goods and then sells to third party.

 

For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, total sales to Yew Pharmaceutical under the above agreement amounted to $28,766,815 and $16,774,905, respectively. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had $6,941,931 and $6,484,804 accounts receivable from Yew Pharmaceutical, respectively.

 

 F-24 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2016, the total purchase of yew candles, essential yew oil soap and pine needle extracts from Yew Pharmaceutical amounted to $34,824,694, of which $21,996,839 was included in the cost of revenues of $22,189,297 to the third party, with $5,183,869 inventory balance remained as of December 31, 2016. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the total purchase of yew candles and pine needle extracts from Yew Pharmaceutical amounted to $9,699,008, of which $9,084,571 was included in the cost of revenues of $11,436,423 to the third party, with $614,437 inventory balance remained as of December 31, 2015.

 

For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, HYF purchased wood ear mushroom extracts from Yew Pharmaceutical in the amount of $5,235 and $41,319, respectively. HFY had accounts payable of $47,149 and $41,319 to Yew Pharmaceutical at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2015, HDS provided advances in the amount of RMB 220,000 (approximately $35,000) to Yew Pharmaceutical. The advances to Yew Pharmaceutical in 2015 was received in full with no interest charged as of December 31, 2015.

 

At December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, HYF had $37,457 and $40,071, respectively, due to Yew Pharmaceutical, which represents an unsecured loan bearing no interest and payable on demand and was included in due to related parties on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

Transactions with ZTC

 

For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company purchased yew seeding from ZTC in the amount of $584,640, which was included in the cost of revenues of $11,436,423 to the third party. No purchase was made from ZTC for the year ended December 31, 2016. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had no accounts payable to ZTC.

 

Transactions with HBP

 

During the year ended December 31, 2015, HDS sold certain inventories to HBP in the amount of $4,691. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had accounts receivable from HBP in the amount of $0 and $4,691, respectively.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2016, HBP paid off operation expense on behalf of HYF in the amount of $34,320. As of December 31, 2016, HYF had due to HBP in the amount of $58,178, which was included in due to related parties in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2015, HYF had due to HBP in the amount of $27,097, which represents an unsecured loan bearing no interest and payable on demand.

 

On September 25, 2015, HDS entered into a property and equipment transfer agreement with HBP, pursuant to which HDS transferred a used vehicle, with carrying amount of RMB 22,348, to HBP in exchange for RMB 220, 000 (approximately $35,000). Since the transfer occurred between entities under common control, HDS recorded the excess of the proceeds over carrying amount of $31,790 as an adjustment to shareholders’ equity (additional paid-in capital).

 

Transactions with HDS Development

 

On January 20, 2016, the Company prepaid $301,083 to HDS Development for purchasing yew seedlings. On June 30, 2016, the prepayment was returned to the Company in full due to the cancellation of the purchase.

 

Transactions with Xinlin

 

On May 31, 2016, HDS purchased yew seedlings from Xinlin in the amount of $541,679. As of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company had no accounts payable to Xinlin.

 

Transactions with Changzhi Du

 

For the year ended December 31, 2016, HDS purchased yew seedlings from Changzhi Du in the amount of $2,989,558. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had accounts payable of $591,169 to Changzhi Du.

 

Transactions with Jinguo Wang

 

On May 31, 2016, HDS purchased yew seedlings from Jinguo Wang in the amount of $541,679. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had no accounts payable to Jinguo Wang.

 

 F-25 

 

 

Operating Leases

 

On March 25, 2005, the Company entered into an Agreement for the Lease of Seedling Land with ZTC (the “ZTC Lease”). Pursuant to the ZTC Lease, the Company leased 361 mu of land from ZTC for a period of 30 years, expiring on March 24, 2035. Annual payments under the ZTC Lease are RMB 162,450 (approximately $26,000). The payment for the first five years of the ZTC Lease was due prior to December 31, 2010 and beginning in 2011, the Company is required to make full payment for the land use rights in advance for each subsequent five-year period. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, rent expense related to the ZTC Lease amounted to $24,443 and $26,128, respectively. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, prepaid rent to ZTC amounted to $76,035 and $106,370 which was included in prepaid expenses-related party in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

On January 1, 2010, the Company entered into a lease for office space with Mr. Wang (the “Office Lease”). Pursuant to the Office Lease, annual payments of RMB15,000 (approximately $2,000) are due for each of the term. The term of the Office Lease is 15 years and expires on December 31, 2025. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, rent expense related to the Office Lease amounted to $2,257 and $2,413, respectively. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the unpaid rent was $221 and $1,138, respectively, which was included in due to related parties in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

On July 1, 2012, the Company entered into a lease for office space with Mr. Wang (the “JSJ Lease”). Pursuant to the JSJ Lease, JSJ leases approximately 30 square meter of office space from Mr. Wang in Harbin. Rent under the JSJ Lease is RMB10,000 (approximately $1,600) annually. The term of the JSJ Lease is three years and expires on June 30, 2015. On July 1, 2015, the Company and Mr. Wang renewed the JSJ Lease. The renewed lease expires on June 30, 2018. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, rent expense related to the JSJ Lease amounted to $1,505 and $1,608, respectively. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the unpaid rent was $3,600 and $2,311, respectively, which was included in due to related parties in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

Due to Related Parties

 

The Company’s officers, directors and other related parties, from time to time, provided advances to the Company for working capital purpose or paid expense on behalf of the Company. These advances and payables are usually short-term in nature, non-interest bearing, unsecured and payable on demand. Due to Zhiguo Wang and other shareholders, excluding the borrowings from Madame Qi as disclosed below and including the unpaid rents disclosed above, amounted to $284,626 and $113,236 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

On May 15, 2015, the Company borrowed $648,000 from Madame Qi through the issuance of a subordinated promissory note. The note bears 2% interest per annum and shall be payable on or before November 15, 2015 (“Due Date”). Interest payment shall be made with principal on Due Date. On September 28, 2015, Madame Qi and the Company agreed to extend the Due Date to January 31, 2016, with the remaining terms of the note unchanged. On January 15, 2016 and 2017, the Company and Madame Qi entered into agreements to further extend the Due Date of the note to December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company made repayments of $49,030 to Madame Qi. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the total borrowings including the interest were $598,970 and $668,301, which was included in due to related parties in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

Research and Development Agreement

 

The Company entered into a Technology Development Service Agreement dated January 1, 2010 (the “Technology Agreement”) with Kairun. The term of the Technology Agreement was two years. Under the Technology Agreement, Kairun provides the Company with testing and technologies regarding utilization of yew trees to extract taxol and develop higher concentration of taxol in the yew trees the Company grow and cultivate. For these services, the Company agreed to pay Kairun RMB200,000 (approximately $32,000) after the technologies developed by Kairun are tested and approved by the Company. The Company will retain all intellectual property rights in connection with the technologies developed by Kairun. Kairun may not provide similar services to any other party without the Company’s prior written consent. In February 2012, we entered into a supplemental agreement with Kairun, extending the term of the Technology Agreement indefinitely until project results specified in the original Technology Agreement have been achieved. Kairun is owned directly and indirectly primarily by Mr. Wang and Madame Qi. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, Kairun has not yet completed the services provided for in the Technology Agreement and, therefore, no payment was made to Kairun.

 

 F-26 

 

 

NOTE 13 - STATUTORY RESERVES

 

The Company is required to make appropriations to reserve funds, comprising the statutory surplus reserve and discretionary surplus reserve, based on after-tax net income determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles of the PRC (“PRC GAAP”). Appropriation to the statutory surplus reserve is required to be at least 10% of the after tax net income determined in accordance with PRC GAAP until the reserve is equal to 50% of the entities’ registered capital. Appropriations to the discretionary surplus reserve are made at the discretion of the board of directors.

 

The statutory surplus reserve fund is non-distributable other than during liquidation and can be used to fund previous years’ losses, if any, and may be utilized for business expansion or converted into share capital by issuing new shares to existing shareholders in proportion to their shareholding or by increasing the par value of the shares currently held by them, provided that the remaining reserve balance after such issue is not less than 25% of the registered capital. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company appropriated to the statutory surplus reserve in the amount of $0 and $661,522, respectively. The accumulated balance of the statutory reserve of the Company as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $3,762,288 and $3,762,288, respectively.

 

NOTE 14 - SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

ASC 280 requires use of the “management approach” model for segment reporting. The management approach model is based on the way a company’s management organizes segments within the company for making operating decisions and assessing performance. Reportable segments are based on products and services, geography, legal structure, management structure, or any other manner in which management disaggregates a company.

 

For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company operated in five reportable business segments: (1) the TCM raw materials segment, consisting of the production and sale of yew raw materials or yew tree extracts used in the manufacture of TCM; (2) the yew tree segment, consisting of the growth and sale of yew tree seedlings and mature trees; (3) the handicrafts segment, consisting of the manufacture and sale of handicrafts and furniture made of yew timber; (4) the wood ear mushroom segment, consisting of the sale of wood ear mushroom; and (5) Others including the yew candles, pine needle extracts and yew essential oil soap segment, consisting of the sale of yew candles, pine needle extracts and yew essential oil soap. The Company’s reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different products. They are managed separately based on the fundamental differences in their operations. All of the Company’s operations except the sales of yew candles, pine needle extracts and yew essential oil soap in the amount of $22,456,483 are conducted in the PRC.

 

Information with respect to these reportable business segments for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 was as follows:

 

  

For the Years Ended,

December 31,

 
   2016   2015 
Revenues:        
TCM raw materials  $28,766,815   $16,470,213 
Yew trees   22,859    1,134,412 
Handicrafts   98,203    156,525 
Wood ear mushroom   -    2,648,180 
Others   22,460,205    9,164,478 
   $51,348,082   $29,573,808 
Cost of revenues:          
TCM raw materials  $23,424,644   $10,611,353 
Yew trees   19,135    329,539 
Handicrafts   2,619,023    41,964 
Wood ear mushroom   -    2,473,165 
Others   22,050,702    9,084,571 
   $48,113,504   $22,540,592 
Depreciation and amortization:          
TCM raw materials  $266,789   $376,769 
Yew trees   49,838    68,931 
Handicrafts   35,360    27,887 
Wood ear mushroom   -    - 
Others   27,084    56,412 
   $379,071   $529,999 
Net income (loss):          
TCM raw materials  $4,987,851   $5,858,860 
Yew trees   3,443    804,873 
Handicrafts   (2,522,031)   114,561 
Wood ear mushroom   -    175,015 
Others   (462,372)   (1,668,721)
   $2,006,891   $5,284,588 

  

 F-27 

 

 

   December 31, 2016 
   TCM raw materials   Yew trees   Handicrafts   Wood ear mushroom   Others   Total 
Identifiable long-lived assets, net  $4,558,234   $436,948   $22,218   $-   $232,950   $5,250,350 

 

   December 31, 2015 
   TCM raw materials   Yew trees   Handicrafts   Wood ear mushroom   Others   Total 
Identifiable long-lived assets, net  $13,602,178   $816,926   $33,316   $-   $156,723   $14,609,143 

 

The Company does not allocate any selling, general and administrative expenses, other income/expenses to its reportable segments because these activities are managed at a corporate level. In addition, the specified amounts for interest expense and income tax expense are not included in the measure of segment profit or loss reviewed by the chief operating decision maker and these specified amounts are not regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker. Therefore, the Company has not disclosed interest expense and income tax expense for each reportable segment.

 

Asset information by reportable segment is not reported to or reviewed by the chief operating decision maker and, therefore, the Company has not disclosed asset information for each reportable segment. The Company’s operations are located in the PRC. All revenues are derived from customers in the PRC. All of the Company’s operating assets are located in the PRC.

 

NOTE 15 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Operating Lease

 

The Company leased office space in the A’cheng district in Harbin (the “A’cheng Lease”) on March 20, 2002. The A’cheng Lease is for a term of 23 years and expires on March 19, 2025. Pursuant to the A’cheng Lease, lease payment shall be made as follows:

 

Period   Annual lease amount   Payment due date
March 2002 to February 2012   RMB 25,000   Before December 2012
March 2012 to February 2017   RMB 25,000   Before December 2017
March 2017 to March 2025   RMB 25,000   Before December 2025

 

For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, rent expense related to the A’cheng Lease amounted $3,598 and $3,846, respectively.

 

On February 1, 2015, the Company entered into a lease for its U.S. principal office space in California. Pursuant to the office lease, the monthly payment of $3,261 is due on the first day of each month. The term of the lease is for 3 years and expires on January 31, 2018.

 

See Note 13 for related party operating lease commitments.

 

Future minimum rental payments required, including lease with related parties, are as follows:

 

Years Ended December 31:    
2017  $64,273 
2018   6,494 
2019   2,258 
2020   124,530 
2021   2,258 
Thereafter   279,919 
Total  $479,731 

 

Seedling Purchase and Sale Long-Term Cooperation Agreement

 

On November 25, 2010, HDS entered into a Seedling Purchase and Sale Long-Term Cooperation Agreement (the “Seedling Agreement”) with Wuchang City Xinlin Foresty Co., Ltd (“Xinlin”), pursuant to which HDS will sell yew seedlings to Xinlin at a price equal to 90% of HDS’s publicly-published wholesale prices. Xinlin has agreed to purchase from the Company 10,000 yew seedlings annually. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company made sales of $0 and $102,935, respectively, under the Seedling Agreement.

 

 F-28 

 

 

NOTE 16 - JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENT FOR PLANTING OF YEW TREES

 

On March 21, 2004, HDS entered into a Joint Venture Planting Agreement (the “Joint Venture Agreement”) with Wuchang City Forestry Bureau (the “Forest Bureau”), pursuant to which the Forest Bureau has given HDS access to 1,000,000 mu of forest land located in Wuchang City to develop yew tree forests and produce yew seedlings. Pursuant to the Joint Venture Agreement, the Company is required to plant yew trees on this land from 2004 to 2034. Any profits from the planting of yew trees and other agriculture shall be distributed 80% to the Company and 20% to the Forest Bureau. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company has not generated any revenues or activity on this land.

 

NOTE 17 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

  

On February 1, 2017, the Company’s board of directors in lieu of an established compensation committee granted options pursuant to the Corporation’s 2012 Equity Incentive Plan to an employee (the “Optionees IV”). Within the stock option agreement, the Optionees IV was issued 50,000 shares of common stock of the Company at an exercise price of $0.25 per share. The option has a term of four years and expires on February 1, 2021 from February 1, 2017, vesting commencement date. The options vest and become exercisable immediately from the grant date.

 

 

F-29