CBAK Energy Technology, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2023 March (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10−Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended: March 31, 2023

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

For the transition period from _____________ to _____________

Commission File Number: 001-32898

CBAK ENERGY TECHNOLOGY, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

BAK Industrial Park, Meigui Street
Huayuankou Economic Zone
Dalian City, Liaoning Province,
People’s Republic of China, 116450

(Address of principal executive offices, Zip Code)

(86)(411)-3918-5985

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

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

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

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

The number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of May 8, 2023 is as follows:

CBAK ENERGY TECHNOLOGY, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CBAK ENERGY TECHNOLOGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE THREE MONTNS ENDED

MARCH 31, 2022 AND 2023

CBAK ENERGY TECHNOLOGY, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CBAK Energy Technology, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed consolidated Balance Sheets

As of December 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023

(Unaudited)

(In US$ except for number of shares)

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

CBAK Energy Technology, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)

For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2023

(Unaudited)

(In US$ except for number of shares)

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

CBAK Energy Technology, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2023

(Unaudited)

(In US$ except for number of shares)

See accompanying Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

CBAK Energy Technology, Inc. and subsidiaries

Condensed consolidated statements of cash flows

For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2023

(Unaudited)

(In US$)

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

CBAK Energy Technology, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements

For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2023

(Unaudited)

(In US$ except for number of shares)

1. Principal Activities, Basis of Presentation and Organization

Principal Activities

CBAK Energy Technology, Inc. (formerly known as China BAK Battery, Inc.) (“CBAK” or the “Company”) is a corporation formed in the State of Nevada on October 4, 1999 as Medina Copy, Inc. The Company changed its name to Medina Coffee, Inc. on October 6, 1999 and subsequently changed its name to China BAK Battery, Inc. on February 14, 2005. CBAK and its subsidiaries (hereinafter, collectively referred to as the “Company”) are principally engaged in the manufacture, commercialization and distribution of a wide variety of standard and customized lithium ion (known as “Li-ion” or “Li-ion cell”) high power rechargeable batteries. Prior to the disposal of BAK International Limited (“BAK International”) and its subsidiaries (see below), the batteries produced by the Company were for use in cellular telephones, as well as various other portable electronic applications, including high-power handset telephones, laptop computers, power tools, digital cameras, video camcorders, MP3 players, electric bicycles, hybrid/electric vehicles, and general industrial applications. After the disposal of BAK International and its subsidiaries on June 30, 2014, the Company will focus on the manufacture, commercialization and distribution of high power lithium ion rechargeable batteries for use in cordless power tools, light electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, electric cars, electric busses, uninterruptable power supplies and other high power applications.

The shares of the Company traded in the over-the-counter market through the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board from 2005 until May 31, 2006, when the Company obtained approval to list its common stock on The NASDAQ Global Market, and trading commenced that same date under the symbol “CBAK”.

On January 10, 2017, the Company filed Articles of Merger with the Secretary of State of Nevada to effectuate a merger between the Company and the Company’s newly formed, wholly owned subsidiary, CBAK Merger Sub, Inc. (the “Merger Sub”). According to the Articles of Merger, effective January 16, 2017, the Merger Sub merged with and into the Company with the Company being the surviving entity (the “Merger”). As permitted by Chapter 92A.180 of Nevada Revised Statutes, the sole purpose of the Merger was to effect a change of the Company’s name.

Effective November 30, 2018, the trading symbol for common stock of the Company was changed from CBAK to CBAT. Effective at the opening of business on June 21, 2019, the Company’s common stock started trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market.

Basis of Presentation and Organization

On November 6, 2004, BAK International, a non-operating holding company that had substantially the same shareholders as Shenzhen BAK Battery Co., Ltd (“Shenzhen BAK”), entered into a share swap transaction with the shareholders of Shenzhen BAK for the purpose of the subsequent reverse acquisition of the Company. The share swap transaction between BAK International and the shareholders of Shenzhen BAK was accounted for as a reverse acquisition of Shenzhen BAK with no adjustment to the historical basis of the assets and liabilities of Shenzhen BAK.

On January 20, 2005, the Company completed a share swap transaction with the shareholders of BAK International. The share swap transaction, also referred to as the “reverse acquisition” of the Company, was consummated under Nevada law pursuant to the terms of a Securities Exchange Agreement entered by and among CBAK, BAK International and the shareholders of BAK International on January 20, 2005. The share swap transaction has been accounted for as a capital-raising transaction of the Company whereby the historical financial statements and operations of Shenzhen BAK are consolidated using historical carrying amounts.

Also on January 20, 2005, immediately prior to consummating the share swap transaction, BAK International executed a private placement of its common stock with unrelated investors whereby it issued an aggregate of 1,720,087 shares of common stock for gross proceeds of $17,000,000. In conjunction with this financing, Mr. Xiangqian Li, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company (“Mr. Li”) until March 1, 2016, agreed to place 435,910 shares of the Company’s common stock owned by him into an escrow account pursuant to an Escrow Agreement dated January 20, 2005 (the “Escrow Agreement”). Pursuant to the Escrow Agreement, 50% of the escrowed shares were to be released to the investors in the private placement if audited net income of the Company for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2005 was not at least $12,000,000, and the remaining 50% was to be released to investors in the private placement if audited net income of the Company for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2006 was not at least $27,000,000. If the audited net income of the Company for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2005 and 2006 reached the above-mentioned targets, the 435,910 shares would be released to Mr. Li in the amount of 50% upon reaching the 2005 target and the remaining 50% upon reaching the 2006 target.

Under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”), escrow agreements such as the one established by Mr. Li generally constitute compensation if, following attainment of a performance threshold, shares are returned to a company officer. The Company determined that without consideration of the compensation charge, the performance thresholds for the year ended September 30, 2005 would be achieved. However, after consideration of a related compensation charge, the Company determined that such thresholds would not have been achieved. The Company also determined that, even without consideration of a compensation charge, the performance thresholds for the year ended September 30, 2006 would not be achieved.

While the 217,955 escrow shares relating to the 2005 performance threshold were previously released to Mr. Li, Mr. Li executed a further undertaking on August 21, 2006 to return those shares to the escrow agent for the distribution to the relevant investors. However, such shares were not returned to the escrow agent, but, pursuant to a Delivery of Make Good Shares, Settlement and Release Agreement between the Company, BAK International and Mr. Li entered into on October 22, 2007 (the “Li Settlement Agreement”), such shares were ultimately delivered to the Company as described below. Because the Company failed to satisfy the performance threshold for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2006, the remaining 217,955 escrow shares relating to the fiscal year 2006 performance threshold were released to the relevant investors. As Mr. Li has not retained any of the shares placed into escrow, and as the investors party to the Escrow Agreement are only shareholders of the Company and do not have and are not expected to have any other relationship to the Company, the Company has not recorded a compensation charge for the years ended September 30, 2005 and 2006.

At the time the escrow shares relating to the 2006 performance threshold were transferred to the investors in fiscal year 2007, the Company should have recognized a credit to donated shares and a debit to additional paid-in capital, both of which are elements of shareholders’ equity. This entry is not material because total ordinary shares issued and outstanding, total shareholders’ equity and total assets do not change; nor is there any impact on income or earnings per share. Therefore, previously filed consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007 will not be restated. This share transfer has been reflected in these financial statements by reclassifying the balances of certain items as of October 1, 2007. The balances of donated shares and additional paid-in capital as of October 1, 2007 were credited and debited by $7,955,358 respectively, as set out in the consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity.

In November 2007, Mr. Li delivered the 217,955 shares related to the 2005 performance threshold to BAK International pursuant to the Li Settlement Agreement; BAK International in turn delivered the shares to the Company. Such shares (other than those issued to investors pursuant to the 2008 Settlement Agreements, as described below) are now held by the Company. Upon receipt of these shares, the Company and BAK International released all claims and causes of action against Mr. Li regarding the shares, and Mr. Li released all claims and causes of action against the Company and BAK International regarding the shares. Under the terms of the Li Settlement Agreement, the Company commenced negotiations with the investors who participated in the Company’s January 2005 private placement in order to achieve a complete settlement of BAK International’s obligations (and the Company’s obligations to the extent it has any) under the applicable agreements with such investors.

Beginning on March 13, 2008, the Company entered into settlement agreements (the “2008 Settlement Agreements”) with certain investors in the January 2005 private placement. Since the other investors have never submitted any claims regarding this matter, the Company did not reach any settlement with them.

Pursuant to the 2008 Settlement Agreements, the Company and the settling investors have agreed, without any admission of liability, to a settlement and mutual release from all claims relating to the January 2005 private placement, including all claims relating to the escrow shares related to the 2005 performance threshold that had been placed into escrow by Mr. Li, as well as all claims, including claims for liquidated damages relating to registration rights granted in connection with the January 2005 private placement. Under the 2008 Settlement Agreement, the Company has made settlement payments to each of the settling investors of the number of shares of the Company’s common stock equivalent to 50% of the number of the escrow shares related to the 2005 performance threshold these investors had claimed; aggregate settlement payments as of June 30, 2015amounted to 73,749 shares. Share payments to date have been made in reliance upon the exemptions from registration provided by Section 4(2) and/or other applicable provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. In accordance with the 2008 Settlement Agreements, the Company filed a registration statement covering the resale of such shares which was declared effective by the SEC on June 26, 2008.

Pursuant to the Li Settlement Agreement, the 2008 Settlement Agreements and upon the release of the 217,955 escrow shares relating to the fiscal year 2006 performance threshold to the relevant investors, neither Mr. Li or the Company have any obligations to the investors who participated in the Company’s January 2005 private placement relating to the escrow shares.

As of March 31, 2023, the Company had not received any claim from the other investors who have not been covered by the “2008 Settlement Agreements” in the January 2005 private placement.

As the Company has transferred the 217,955 shares related to the 2006 performance threshold to the relevant investors in fiscal year 2007 and the Company also have transferred 73,749 shares relating to the 2005 performance threshold to the investors who had entered the “2008 Settlement Agreements” with us in fiscal year 2008, pursuant to “Li Settlement Agreement” and “2008 Settlement Agreements”, neither Mr. Li nor the Company had any remaining obligations to those related investors who participated in the Company’s January 2005 private placement relating to the escrow shares.

On August 14, 2013, Dalian BAK Trading Co., Ltd was established as a wholly owned subsidiary of China BAK Asia Holding Limited (“BAK Asia”) with a registered capital of $500,000. Pursuant to CBAK Trading’s articles of association and relevant PRC regulations, BAK Asia was required to contribute the capital to CBAK Trading on or before August 14, 2015. On March 7, 2017, the name of Dalian BAK Trading Co., Ltd was changed to Dalian CBAK Trading Co., Ltd (“CBAK Trading”). On August 5, 2019, CBAK Trading’s registered capital was increased to $5,000,000. Pursuant to CBAK Trading’s amendment articles of association and relevant PRC regulations, BAK Asia was required to contribute the capital to CBAK Trading on or before August 1, 2033. Up to the date of this report, the Company has contributed $2,435,000 to CBAK Trading in cash.

On December 27, 2013, Dalian BAK Power Battery Co., Ltd was established as a wholly owned subsidiary of BAK Asia with a registered capital of $30,000,000. Pursuant to CBAK Power’s articles of association and relevant PRC regulations, BAK Asia was required to contribute the capital to CBAK Power on or before December 27, 2015. On March 7, 2017, the name of Dalian BAK Power Battery Co., Ltd was changed to Dalian CBAK Power Battery Co., Ltd (“CBAK Power”). On July 10, 2018, CBAK Power’s registered capital was increased to $50,000,000. On October 29, 2019, CBAK Power’s registered capital was further increased to $60,000,000. Pursuant to CBAK Power’s amendment articles of association and relevant PRC regulations, BAK Asia was required to contribute the capital to CBAK Power on or before December 31, 2021. The Company has paid in full to CBAK Power through injection of a series of patents and cash.

On May 4, 2018, CBAK New Energy (Suzhou) Co., Ltd (“CBAK Suzhou”) was established as a 90% owned subsidiary of CBAK Power with a registered capital of RMB10,000,000 (approximately $1.5 million). The remaining 10% equity interest was held by certain employees of CBAK Suzhou. Pursuant to CBAK Suzhou’s articles of association, each shareholder is entitled to the right of the profit distribution or responsible for the loss according to its proportion to the capital contribution. Pursuant to CBAK Suzhou’s articles of association and relevant PRC regulations, CBAK Power was required to contribute the capital to CBAK Suzhou on or before December 31, 2019. Up to the date of this report, the Company has contributed RMB9.0 million (approximately $1.3 million), and the other shareholders have contributed RMB1.0 million (approximately $0.1 million) to CBAK Suzhou through injection of a series of cash. CBAK Suzhou is dormant as of the date of this report.

On November 21, 2019, Dalian CBAK Energy Technology Co., Ltd (“CBAK Energy”) was established as a wholly owned subsidiary of BAK Asia with a registered capital of $50,000,000. Pursuant to CBAK Energy’s articles of association and relevant PRC regulations, BAK Asia was required to contribute the capital to CBAK Energy on or before November 20, 2022, the Company has extended the paid up time to January 31, 2054. Up to the date of this report, the Company has contributed $23,519,880 to CBAK Energy.

On July 14, 2020, the Company acquired BAK Asia Investments Limited (“BAK Investments”), a company incorporated under Hong Kong laws, from Mr. Xiangqian Li, the Company’s former CEO, for a cash consideration of HK$1.00. BAK Asia Investments Limited is a holding company without any other business operations.

On July 31, 2020, BAK Investments formed a wholly owned subsidiary CBAK New Energy (Nanjing) Co., Ltd. (“CBAK Nanjing”) in China with a registered capital of $100,000,000. On May 16, 2022, CBAK Nanjing’s registered capital was further increased to $200,000,000. Pursuant to CBAK Nanjing’s articles of association and relevant PRC regulations, BAK Investments was required to contribute the capital to CBAK Nanjing on or before July 29, 2040. Up to the date of this report, the Company has contributed $55,489,915 to CBAK Nanjing.

On August 6, 2020, Nanjing CBAK New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (“Nanjing CBAK”) was established as a wholly owned subsidiary of CBAK Nanjing with a registered capital of RMB700,000,000 (approximately $110 million). Pursuant to Nanjing CBAK’s articles of association and relevant PRC regulations, CBAK Nanjing was required to contribute the capital to Nanjing CBAK on or before August 5, 2040. Up to the date of this report, the Company has contributed RMB352,538,138 (approximately $55.6 million) to Nanjing CBAK.

On November 9, 2020, Nanjing Daxin New Energy Automobile Industry Co., Ltd (“Nanjing Daxin”) was established as a wholly owned subsidiary of CBAK Nanjing with a register capital of RMB50,000,000 (approximately $7.9 million). On March 6, 2023, Nanjing Daxin changed its name to Nanjing BFD Energy Technology Co., Ltd (“Nanjing BFD”) . Up to the date of this report, the Company has contributed RMB42.5 million (approximately $6.5 million) to Nanjing BFD.

On April 21, 2021, CBAK Power, along with Shenzhen BAK Power Battery Co., Ltd (BAK SZ), Shenzhen Asian Plastics Technology Co., Ltd (SZ Asian Plastics) and Xiaoxia Liu, entered into an investment agreement with Junxiu Li, Hunan Xintao New Energy Technology Partnership, Xingyu Zhu, and Jiangsu Saideli Pharmaceutical Machinery Manufacturing Co., Ltd for an investment in Hunan DJY Technology Co., Ltd (“DJY”). CBAK Power has paid $1.4 million (RMB9,000,000) to acquire 9.74% of the equity interests of DJY. CBAK Power has appointed one director to the Board of Directors of DJY. DJY is an unrelated third party of the Company engaging in researching and manufacturing of raw materials and equipment.

On August 4, 2021, Daxin New Energy Automobile Technology ( Jiangsu) Co., Ltd (“Jiangsu Daxin”) was established as a wholly owned subsidiary of Nanjing CBAK with a register capital of RMB 30,000,000 (approximately $4.7 million). Pursuant to Jiangsu Daxin’s articles of association and relevant PRC regulations, Nanjing Daxin was required to contribute the capital to Jiangsu Daxin on or before July 30, 2061. Up to the date of this report the Company has contributed RMB16.6 million (approximately $2.4 million) to Jiangsu Daxin.

On July 20, 2021, CBAK Power entered into a framework agreement relating to CBAK Power’s investment in Zhejiang Hitrans Lithium Battery Technology Co., Ltd (“Hitrans”, formerly known as Zhejinag Meidu Hitrans Lithium Battery Technology Co., Ltd), pursuant to which CBAK Power agreed to acquire 81.56% of registered equity interests (representing 75.57% of paid-up capital)of Hitrans (the “Acquisition”). The Acquisition was completed on November 26, 2021 (Note 11). After the completion of the Acquisition, Hitrans became a 81.56% registered equity interests (representing 75.57% of paid up capital) owned subsidiary of the Company.

On July 8, 2022, Hitrans held its second shareholder meeting (“the shareholder meeting”) in 2022 to pass a resolution to increase the registered capital of Hitrans from RMB40 million to RMB44 million (approximately $6.4 million) and to accept an investment of RMB22 million (approximately $3.2 million) from Shaoxing Haiji Enterprise Management & Consulting Partnership (“Shaoxing Haiji”) and an investment of RMB18 million (approximately $2.6 million) from Mr. Haijun Wu (collectively “management shareholder”). Under the resolution, 10% of the investment injection (RMB4 million or $0.6 million) contributed towards Hitrans’s registered capital and the remaining 90% (RMB36 million or $5.2 million) treated as additional paid-in capital contribution of Hitrans. 25% of the investments from the management shareholder were required to be in place before August 15, 2022, 25% of the investments were required to be in place before December 31, 2022 and the 50% balance (RMB20 million) were required to be received June 30, 2024. As of March 31, 2023, RMB10 million (approximately $1.5 million), representing the 25% of the investments were received.

On December 8, 2022, CBAK Power entered into equity interest transfer agreements with five individuals to disposal in aggregate 6.82% of Hitrans equity interests for a total consideration of RMB30,000,000 (approximately $4.3 million). The transaction was completed on December 30, 2022. As of March 31, 2023, CBAK Power’s equity interests in Hitrans was 67.33% (representing 69.12% of paid up capital). 

On March 10, 2023, CBAK Power entered into an agreement with Nanjing BFD to transfer the 67.33% equity interests CBAK Power holds in Hitrans to Nanjing BFD. As of the date of this report, the registration of the equity transfer with the local government is still in process. Following the transaction, Nanjing BFD shall become the controlling shareholder of Hitrans, while CBAK Power no longer holds any of Hitrans’s equity interests.

On July 6, 2018, Guangdong Meidu Hitrans Resources Recycling Technology Co., Ltd. (“Guangdong Hitrans”) was established as a 80% owned subsidiary of Hitrans with a registered capital of RMB10 million (approximately $1.6million). The remaining 20% registered equity interest was held by Shenzhen Baijun Technology Co., Ltd. Pursuant to Guangdong Hitrans’s articles of association, each shareholder is entitled to the right of the profit distribution or responsible for the loss according to its proportion to the capital contribution. Pursuant to Guangdong Hitrans’s articles of association and relevant PRC regulations, Hitrans was required to contribute the capital to Guangdong Hitrans on or before December 30, 2038. Up to the date of this report, Hitrans has contributed RMB1.72 million (approximately $0.3 million), and the other shareholder has contributed RMB0.25 million (approximately $0.04 million) to Guangdong Hitrans through injection of a series of cash. Guangdong Hitrans was established under the laws of the People’s Republic of China as a limited liability company on July 6, 2018 with a registered capital RMB10 million (approximately $1.5 million). Guangdong Hitrans is based in Dongguan, Guangdong Province, and is principally engaged in the business of resource recycling, waste processing, and R&D, manufacturing and sales of battery materials. Guangdong Hitrans is dormant as of the date of this report.  

On October 9, 2021, Shaoxing Haisheng International Trading Co., Ltd. (“Haisheng”) was established as a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitrans with a register capital of RMB5 million (approximately $0.8 million). Pursuant to Haisheng’s articles of association and relevant PRC regulations, Hitrans was required to contribute the capital to Haisheng on or before May 31, 2025. Up to the date of this report, Hitrans has contributed RMB3.5 million (approximately $0.5 million) to Haisheng.

The Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared under US GAAP.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US 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 financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. This basis of accounting differs in certain material respects from that used for the preparation of the books of account of the Company and its subsidiaries, which are prepared in accordance with the accounting principles and the relevant financial regulations applicable to enterprises with limited liability established in the PRC or Hong Kong. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements reflect necessary adjustments not recorded in the books of account of the Company’s subsidiaries to present them in conformity with US GAAP.

After the disposal of BAK International Limited and its subsidiaries, namely Shenzhen BAK, Shenzhen BAK Power Battery Co., Ltd (formerly BAK Battery (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.) (“BAK Shenzhen”), BAK International (Tianjin) Ltd. (“BAK Tianjin”), Tianjin Chenhao Technological Development Limited (a subsidiary of BAK Tianjin established on May 8, 2014, “Tianjin Chenhao”), BAK Battery Canada Ltd. (“BAK Canada”), BAK Europe GmbH (“BAK Europe”) and BAK Telecom India Private Limited (“BAK India”), effective on June 30, 2014, and as of March 31, 2023, the Company’s subsidiaries consisted of: i) China BAK Asia Holdings Limited (“BAK Asia”), a wholly owned limited liability company incorporated in Hong Kong on July 9, 2013; ii) Dalian CBAK Trading Co., Ltd. (“CBAK Trading”), a wholly owned limited company established on August 14, 2013 in the PRC; iii) Dalian CBAK Power Battery Co., Ltd. (“CBAK Power”), a wholly owned limited liability company established on December 27, 2013 in the PRC; iv) CBAK New Energy (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. (“CBAK Suzhou”), a 90% owned limited liability company established on May 4, 2018 in the PRC; v) Dalian CBAK Energy Technology Co., Ltd (“CBAK Energy”), a wholly owned limited liability company established on November 21, 2019 in the PRC; (vi) BAK Asia Investments Limited (“BAK Investments”), a wholly owned limited liability company incorporated in Hong Kong acquired on July 14, 2020; (vii) CBAK New Energy (Nanjing) Co., Ltd. (“CBAK Nanjing”), a wholly owned limited liability company established on July 31, 2020 in the PRC; (viii) Nanjing CBAK New Energy Technology Co., Ltd, (“Nanjing CBAK”), a wholly owned limited liability company established on August 6, 2020 in the PRC; (ix) Nanjing BFD Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (“Nanjing BFD”), a wholly owned limited liability company established on November 9, 2020; (x) Daxin New Energy Automobile Technology ( Jiangsu) Co., Ltd (“Jiangsu Daxin”), a wholly owned limited liability company established on August 4, 2021 in the PRC; (xi) Zhejiang Hitrans Lithium Battery Technology Co., Ltd (“Hitrans”), a 67.33% registered equity interests (representing 69.12% of paid-up capital) owned  limited liability company established on December 16, 2015 in the PRC; (xii) Guangdong Meidu Hitrans Resources Recycling Technology Co., Ltd., a 60.3% owned limited liability company established on July 6, 2018 in the PRC and (xiii) Shaoxing Haisheng International Trading Co., Ltd. (“Haisheng”), a 67.33% registered equity interests (representing 69.12% of paid-up capital) owned limited liability company established on October 9, 2021 in the PRC.

On December 8, 2020, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with certain institutional investors, pursuant to which the Company issued in a registered direct offering, an aggregate of 9,489,800 shares of common stock of the Company at a per share purchase price of $5.18, and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 3,795,920 shares of common stock of the Company at an exercise price of $6.46 per share exercisable for 36 months from the date of issuance, for gross proceeds of approximately $49.16 million, before deducting fees to the placement agent and other estimated offering expenses of $3.81 million payable by the Company. In addition, the placement agent for this transaction also received warrants (“Placement Agent Warrants”) for the purchase of up to 379,592 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $6.475 per share exercisable for 36 months after 6 months from the issuance.

On February 8, 2021, the Company entered into another securities purchase agreement with the same investors, pursuant to which the Company issued in a registered direct offering, an aggregate of 8,939,976 shares of common stock of the Company at a per share purchase price of $7.83. In addition, the Company issued to the investors (i) in a concurrent private placement, the Series A-1 warrants to purchase a total of 4,469,988 shares of common stock, at a per share exercise price of $7.67 and exercisable for 42 months from the date of issuance; (ii) in the registered direct offering, the Series B warrants to purchase a total of 4,469,988 shares of common stock, at a per share exercise price of $7.83 and exercisable for 90 days from the date of issuance; and (iii) in the registered direct offering, the Series A-2 warrants to purchase up to 2,234,992 shares of common stock, at a per share exercise price of $7.67 and exercisable for 45 months from the date of issuance. The Company received gross proceeds of approximately $70 million from the registered direct offering and the concurrent private placement, before deducting fees to the placement agent and other estimated offering expenses of $5.0 million payable by the Company. In addition, the placement agent for this transaction also received warrants (“Placement Agent Warrants”) for the purchase of up to 446,999 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $9.204 per share exercisable for 36 months after 6 months from the issuance.

On May 10, 2021, the Company entered into that Amendment No. 1 to the Series B Warrant (the “Series B Warrant Amendment”) with each of the holders of the Company’s outstanding Series B warrants. Pursuant to the Series B Warrant Amendment, the term of the Series B warrants was extended from May 11, 2021 to August 31, 2021.

As of August 31, 2021, the Company had not received any notices from the investors to exercise Series B warrants. As of the date of this report, Series B warrants, along with Series A-2 warrants, had both expired.

As of March 31, 2023, the Company had $18.6 million bank loans and approximately $102.9 million of other current liabilities (excluding warrants liability).

The Company is currently expanding its product lines and manufacturing capacity in its Dalian, Nanjing and Zhejiang plant which requires more funding to finance the expansion. The Company plans to raise additional funds through banks borrowings and equity financing in the future to meet its daily cash demands, if required.

COVID-19

The Company business has been and may continue to be adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic or other health epidemics and outbreaks. A wave of infections caused by the Omicron variant emerged in Shanghai in early 2022, and a series of restrictions and quarantines were implemented to contain the spread in Shanghai and other regions. The Company’s manufacturing facilities in Dalian, Nanjing and Shaoxing were not producing at full capacity when restrictive measures were in force during 2022, which negatively affected our operational and financial results. China began to modify its zero-COVID policy at the end of 2022, and most of the travel restrictions and quarantine requirements were lifted in December 2022.

The extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic that will continue to have on the Company’s business is highly uncertain and difficult to predict and quantify, as the actions that the Company, other businesses and governments may take to contain the spread of COVID-19 continue to evolve. Because of the significant uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the extent of the future business interruption and the related financial impact cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.

The severity of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s business will continue to depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the duration and severity of the pandemic, the new variants of COVID-19, the efficacy and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and the extent and severity of the impact on the global supply chain and the Company’s customers, service providers and suppliers, all of which are uncertain and cannot be reasonably predicted at this time. As of the date of issuance of the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements, the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic may in the future materially impact the Company’s financial condition, liquidity or results of operations is uncertain. The Company is monitoring and assessing the evolving situation closely and evaluating its potential exposure.  

Going Concern

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern. The Company has accumulated deficit from recurring net losses and significant short-term debt obligations maturing in less than one year as of March 31, 2023. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company ability to continue as a going concern. The Company’s plan for continuing as a going concern included improving its profitability, and obtaining additional debt financing, loans from existing directors and shareholders for additional funding to meet its operating needs. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in the plans described above or in attracting equity or alternative financing on acceptable terms, or if at all. These condensed consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenues when its customer obtains control of promised goods or services, in an amount that reflects the consideration which it expects to receive in exchange for those goods. The Company recognizes revenues following the five step model prescribed under ASU No. 2014-09: (i) identify contract(s) with a customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenues when (or as) we satisfy the performance obligation.

Revenues from product sales are recognized when the customer obtains control of the Company’s product, which occurs at a point in time, typically upon delivery to the customer. The Company expenses incremental costs of obtaining a contract as and when incurred if the expected amortization period of the asset that it would have recognized is one year or less or the amount is immaterial.

Revenues from product sales are recorded net of reserves established for applicable discounts and allowances that are offered within contracts with the Company’s customers.

Product revenue reserves, which are classified as a reduction in product revenues, are generally characterized in the categories: discounts and returns. These reserves are based on estimates of the amounts earned or to be claimed on the related sales and are classified as reductions of accounts receivable as the amount is payable to the Company’s customer.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326) (“ASU 2016-13”), which requires entities to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. ASU 2016-13 replaces the existing incurred loss model and is applicable to the measurement of credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost. ASU 2016-13 is to be adopted on a modified retrospective basis. In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-02, Topic 326. The ASU eliminates the accounting guidance for trouble debt restructurings by creditors in Subtopic 310-40, and enhances the disclosure requirements for modifications of loans to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. Additionally, the ASU requires disclosure of gross writeoffs of receivables by year of origination for receivables within the scope of Subtopic 326-20, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses - Measured at Amortized Cost. This ASU is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2022. The Company applied the new standard beginning January 1, 2023 using the modified retrospective method. This adoption did not have material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

Recently Issued But Not Yet Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350), Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (“ASU 2017-04”). ASU 2017-04 eliminates Step 2 of the two-step goodwill impairment test, under which a goodwill impairment loss was measured by comparing the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. ASU 2017-04 requires only a one-step quantitative impairment test, whereby a goodwill impairment loss is measured as the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value (not to exceed the total goodwill allocated to that reporting unit). Adoption of the ASUs is on a modified retrospective basis. As a smaller reporting company, the standard will be effective for the Company for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2023. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of ASU 2017-04 will have on its condensed consolidated financial statement presentation or disclosures.

In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers, which requires the recognition and measurement of contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This creates an exception to the general recognition and measurement principles in ASC 805. As a smaller reporting company, ASU 2021-08 will be effective for the Company for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2023, with early adoption permitted. The amendments in this ASU should be applied prospectively to business combinations occurring on or after the effective date of the amendments. The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Other accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by the FASB or other standards-setting bodies that do not require adoption until a future date are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

2. Pledged deposits

Pledged deposits as of December 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023 consisted pledged deposits with banks for bills payable (note 12).

3. Trade and Bills Receivable, net

Trade and bills receivable as of December 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023:

Included in trade and bills receivables are retention receivables of $1,066,146 and $629,819 as of December 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023. Retention receivables are interest-free and recoverable either at the end of the retention period of three to five years since the sales of the EV batteries or 200,000 km since the sales of the motor vehicles (whichever comes first).

An analysis of the allowance for credit losses are as follows:

4. Inventories

Inventories as of December 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023 consisted of the following:

During the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2023, write-downs of obsolete inventories to lower of cost or net realizable value of $406,152 and $979,633, respectively, were charged to cost of revenues.

5. Prepayments and Other Receivables

Prepayments and other receivables as of December 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023 consisted of the following:

An analysis of the allowance for credit losses are as follows:

6. Property, Plant and Equipment, net

Property, plant and equipment as of December 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023 consisted of the following:

During the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2023, the Company incurred depreciation expense of $2,271,267 and $2,539,631, respectively.

The Company has not yet obtained the property ownership certificates of the buildings in its Dalian manufacturing facilities with a carrying amount of $7,360,242 and $6,762,165 as of December 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023, respectively. The Company built its facilities on the land for which it had already obtained the related land use right. The Company has submitted applications to the Chinese government for the ownership certificates on the completed buildings located on these lands. However, the application process takes longer than the Company expected and it has not obtained the certificates as of the date of this report. However, since the Company has obtained the land use right in relation to the land, the management believe the Company has legal title to the buildings thereon albeit the lack of ownership certificates.

During the course of the Company’s strategic review of its operations, the Company assessed the recoverability of the carrying value of the Company’s property, plant and equipment. The impairment charge, if any, represented the excess of carrying amounts of the Company’s property, plant and equipment over the estimated discounted cash flows expected to be generated by the Company’s production facilities. The Company believes that there was no impairment during the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2023. 

7. Construction in Progress

Construction in progress as of December 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023 consisted of the following:

Construction in progress as of December 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023 mainly comprised capital expenditures for the construction of the facilities and production lines of CBAK Power, Nanjing CBAK and Hitrans.

For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2023, the Company capitalized interest of nil and $112,274 respectively to the cost of construction in progress. 

8. Long-term investments, net

Long-term investments as of December 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023 consisted of the following:

Investments in equity method investees

In August 2022, Nanjing CBAK, along with two unrelated third parties of the Company, Guangxi Guiwu Recycle Resources Company Limited (“Guangxi Guiwu”)  and Mr. Weidong Xu, an unrelated third party entered into an investment agreement to jointly set up a new company - Guangxi Guiwu CBAK New Energy Technology Co., Ltd (“Guangxi Guiwu CBAK”)  in which each party holding 20%, 60% and 20% equity interests and voting rights, respectively. Guangxi Guiwu engages in the business of recycling power batteries. The Company applies the equity method of accounting to account for the equity investments in common stock, over which it has significant influence but does not own a majority equity interest or otherwise control. Pursuant to the Company’s articles of association and relevant PRC regulations, each party was required to contribute the capital on or before December 31, 2023. As of March 31, 2023 and current, Nanjing CBAK, Guanxi Guiwu and Mr. Weidong Xu had contributed capital of $0.3 million (RMB2 million), $0.9 million (RMB6 million) and $0.3 million (RMB2 million), respectively.

Guangxi Guiwu CBAK commenced operations in 2023. For the period ended March 31, 2023, no income from the above investment was recorded.

Investments in non-marketable equity

 On April 21, 2021, CBAK Power, along with Shenzhen BAK Power Battery Co., Ltd (BAK Shenzhen), Shenzhen Asian Plastics Technology Co., Ltd (SZ Asian Plastics) and Xiaoxia Liu (collectively the “Investors”), entered into an investment agreement with Junxiu Li, Hunan Xintao New Energy Technology Partnership, Xingyu Zhu, and Jiangsu Saideli Pharmaceutical Machinery Manufacturing Co., Ltd for an investment in Hunan DJY Technology Co., Ltd (“DJY”), a privately held company. CBAK Power has paid $1.40 million (RMB9,000,000) to acquire 9.74% of the equity interests of DJY. CBAK Power along with other three new investors have appointed one director on behalf of the Investors to the Board of Directors of DJY. DJY is unrelated third party of the Company engaging in in research and development, production and sales of products and services to lithium battery positive cathode materials producers, including the raw materials, fine ceramics, equipment and industrial engineering.

On November 28, 2022, Nanjing CBAK along with Shenzhen Education for Industry Investment Co., Ltd. and Wenyuan Liu, an individual investor, set up Nanjing CBAK Education For Industry Technology Co., Ltd (“CBAK Education”) with a registered capital of RMB5 million (approximately $0.7 million), in which each party holding 10%, 60% and 30% equity interests of CBAK Education, respectively. The investment is for training skillful workforce for Nanjing CBAK. CBAK Education commenced its operation in 2023, nil capital contribution was made by Nanjing CBAK as of the report date. 

Non-marketable equity securities are investments in privately held companies without readily determinable market value. The Company measures investments in non-marketable equity securities without a readily determinable fair value using a measurement alternative that measures these securities at the cost method minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes on a non-recurring basis. The fair value of non-marketable equity securities that have been remeasured due to impairment are classified within Level 3. The Company adjusts the carrying value of non-marketable equity securities which have been remeasured during the period and recognize resulting gains or losses as a component of other operating income (expense), net. The Company recognized nil impairment loss for the three months period ended March 31, 2022 and 2023. 

9. Lease

(a) Prepaid land use rights

In August 2014 and November 2021, the Group acquired land use rights to build a factory of the Company in Dalian, PRC and Zhejiang, PRC.

Lump sum payments were made upfront to acquire the leased land from the owners with lease periods of 36 to 50 years, and no ongoing payments will be made under the terms of these land leases.

No impairment loss was made to the carrying amounts of the prepaid land use right for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2023. 

(b) Operating lease

On April, 2018, Hitrans entered into a lease agreement for staff quarters spaces in Zhejiang with a five year term, commencing on May 1, 2018 and expiring on April 30, 2023 The monthly rental payment is approximately RMB18,000 ($2,621) per month. In 2018, lump sum payments were made to landlord for the rental of staff quarter spaces and no ongoing payments will be made under the terms of these leases.

On January 14, 2021, Nanjing Daxin entered into a lease agreement for manufacturing, warehouse and office space in Tianjing with a three year term, commencing on March 1, 2021 and expiring on February 29, 2024. The monthly rental payment is approximately RMB73,143 ($10,648) per month. On February 28, 2022, Nanjing Daxin early terminated the lease after one-year non-cancellable period.

On April 6, 2021, Nanjing CBAK entered into a lease agreement for warehouse space in Nanjing with a three year term, commencing on April 15, 2021 and expiring on April 14, 2024. The monthly rental payment is approximately RMB97,743 ($14,230) per month.

On June 1, 2021, Nanjing Daxin entered into a lease agreement for manufacturing, warehouse and office space in Wuxi with a three year term, commencing on June 1, 2021 and expiring on May 31, 2024. The monthly rental payment is approximately RMB238,095 ($34,663) per month for the first year and approximately RMB277,778 ($40,440) per month from the second year. In May 2022, Nanjing Daxin early terminated the lease after one-year non-cancellable period.

On June 1, 2021, Hitrans entered into a lease agreement with liquid gas supplier for a five year term for supplying liquid nitrogen and oxygen, commencing on July 1, 2021. The monthly rental payment is approximately RMB5,310 ($773) per month.

On December 9, 2021, Hitrans entered into a lease agreement for extra staff quarters spaces in Zhejiang with a three year term, commencing on December 10, 2021 and expiring on December 9, 2024. The monthly rental payment is approximately RMB10,400 ($1,514) per month for the first year, RMB10,608 ($1,544) and RMB10, 820 ($1,575) per month from the second year and third year, respectively.

On March 1, 2022, Hitrans entered into a lease agreement for extra staff quarters spaces in Zhejiang with a three year term, commencing on March 1, 2022 and expiring on February 28, 2027. The monthly rental payment is approximately RMB15,840 ($2,306) per month for the first year, with 2% increase per year.

On August 1, 2022, Hitrans entered into a lease agreement for warehouse spaces in Zhejiang with a one and half years term, commencing on August 1, 2022 and expiring on January 31, 2024. The monthly rental payment is RMB60,394 ($8,792) per month.

On October 20, 2022, CBAK Power entered into a lease agreement for staff quarters spaces in Dalian with a five year term, commencing on October 20, 2022 and expiring on October 19, 2025. The monthly rental payment is RMB61,905 ($9,012) per month.

On December 20, 2022, Hitrans entered into a lease agreement for extra staff quarters spaces in Zhejiang with a five year term commencing on December 20, 2022 and expiring on December 19, 2027. The monthly rental payment is RMB52,000 ($7,570) per month for the first year, with 2% increase per year.

On December 30, 2022, Hitrans entered into a lease agreement with liquid gas supplier for a five year term for supplying liquid nitrogen and oxygen to December 29, 2027 The monthly rental payment is approximately RMB7,265 ($1,058) per month.

Operating lease expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2023 for the capitation agreement was as follows:

(c) Company as lessee - Finance lease

The components of finance lease expenses were as follows:

The following is a schedule, by years, of maturities of lease liabilities as of March 31, 2023:

Lease term and discount rate:

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases where the Company was the lessee for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2023 was as follows:

10. Intangible Assets, net

Intangible assets as of December 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023 consisted of the followings:

Amortization expenses were $131,571 and $121,754 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2023, respectively.

Total future amortization expenses for finite-lived intangible assets as of March 31, 2023 were estimated as follows:

11. Acquisition of subsidiaries

On April 1, 2021, CBAK Power entered into a framework investment agreement with Hangzhou Juzhong Daxin Asset Management Co., Ltd. (“Juzhong Daxin”) for a potential acquisition of Hitrans. Juzhong Daxin is the trustee of 85% of registered equity interests (representing 78.95% of paid-up capital) of Hitrans and has the voting right over the 85% of registered equity interests. Subject to definitive acquisition agreements to be entered into among the parties, including shareholders owning the 85% of equity interests of Hitrans, CBAK Power intends to acquire 85% of equity interests of Hitrans in cash in 2021. CBAK Power has paid $3.10 million (RMB20,000,000) to Juzhong Daxin as a security deposit in April 2021. Hitrans is an unrelated third party of the Company engaging in researching, manufacturing and trading of raw materials and is one of the major suppliers of the Company in fiscal 2020.

On July 20, 2021, CBAK Power entered into a framework agreement relating to CBAK Power’s investment in Hitrans, pursuant to which CBAK Power acquires 81.56% of registered equity interests (or representing 75.57% of paid-up capital) of Hitrans (the “Acquisition Agreement”). Under the Acquisition Agreement, CBAK Power acquires 60% of registered equity interests (representing 54.39% of paid-up capital) of Hitrans from Zhejiang Meidu Graphene Technology Co., Ltd. (“Meidu Graphene”) valued at RMB118 million ($18.30 million) and 21.56% of registered equity interests (representing 21.18% of paid-up capital) of Hitrans from Hitrans’s management shareholders valued at approximately RMB40.74 million ($6.32 million). Two individuals among Hitrans management shareholders, including Hitrans’s CEO, Mr. Haijun Wu (“Mr. Wu”), keep 2.50% registered equity interests (representing 2.46% of paid-up capital) of Hitrans and New Era Group Zhejiang New Energy Materials Co., Ltd. (“New Era”) continue to hold 15% registered equity interests (representing 21.05% of paid-up capital) of Hitrans after the acquisition.

As of the date of the Acquisition Agreement, the 25% registered equity interests (representing 24.56% of paid-up capital) of Hitrans held by Hitrans management shareholders was frozen as a result of a litigation arising from the default by Hitrans management shareholders on debts borrowed from Zhejiang Meidu Pawn Co., Ltd. (“Pawn Co.”) whereby the 25% registered equity interests (representing 24.56% of paid-up capital) of Hitrans was pledged as collateral. Mr. Junnan Ye (“Mr. Ye”), acting as an intermediary, first acquire 22.5% registered equity interests (representing 22.11% of paid-up capital) of Hitrans, free of any encumbrances, from Hitrans management shareholders. Pursuant to the Acquisition Agreement, within five days of CBAK Power’s obtaining 21.56% registered equity interests (representing 21.18% of paid-up capital) of Hitrans from Mr. Ye, CBAK Power pay approximately RMB40.74 million ($6.32 million) in cash, which amount shall be used toward the repayment of debts due to Pawn Co. On July 23, 2021, CBAK Power paid RMB40.74 million (approximately $6.32 million) in cash to Mr. Ye.

In addition, as of the date of the Acquisition Agreement, Meidu Graphene’s 60% registered equity interests (representing 54.39% of paid-up capital) of Hitrans was frozen as a result of a litigation arising from Hitrans’s failure to make payments to New Era in connection with the purchase of land use rights, plants, equipment, pollution discharge permit and other assets (the “Assets”) under certain asset transfer agreements as well as Meidu Graphene’s guarantee for Hitrans’s payment obligations thereunder.

As a part of the transaction, CBAK Power entered into a loan agreement with Hitrans to lend Hitrans approximately RMB131 million ($20.6 million) (the “Hitrans Loan”) by remitting approximately RMB131 million ($20.6 million) into the account of Shaoxing Intermediate People’s Court (the “Court”) to remove the freeze on Meidu Graphene’s 60% registered equity interests (representing 54.39% of paid-up capital) of Hitrans. Moreover, Juzhong Daxin will return RMB10 million ($1.6 million) of the security deposit to CBAK Power before CBAK Power wires approximately RMB131 million ($20.6 million) to the Court. Juzhong Daxin retained RMB5 million ($0.78 million) as commission for facilitating the acquisition and RMB5 million ($0.78 million) recognized as compensation expense to another potential buyer. On July 27, 2021, Juzhong Daxin returned RMB7 million ($1.1 million) of the security deposit to CBAK Power. The remaining RMB3 million ($0.5 million) had not yet been repaid by Juzhong Daxin up to the date of this report (Note 16). The Company is still negotiating with Juzhong Daxin, as Juzhong Daxin believes that according to the Security Acquisition Framework Agreement entered into between CBAK Power and Juzhong Daxin, CBAK Power should pay RMB3 million ($0.5 million) as risk premium for facilitating the acquisition. CBAK Power believes it is not reasonable to pay any of the risk premium in accordance with the terms of the agreement and Juzhong Daxin should return RMB3 million ($0.5 million) to CBAK Power. CBAK Power has taken legal action for the outstanding balance.

CBAK Power shall pay all other fees due to Juzhong Daxin in accordance with the Letter of Intent. According to the Acquisition Agreement, Mr. Ye first acquire 60% registered equity interests (representing 54.39% of paid-up capital) of Hitrans, free of any encumbrances, from Meidu Graphene. Thereafter, CBAK Power assign RMB118 million ($18.30 million) of the Hitrans Loan to Mr. Junnan Ye as consideration for the acquisition of 60% registered equity interests (representing 54.39% of paid-up capital) of Hitrans from Mr. Ye (the “Assignment”). Hitrans shall repay RMB118 million ($18.27 million) to Mr. Ye in accordance with a separate loan repayment agreement (the “Loan Repayment Agreement”) entered into among Mr. Ye, Hitrans, CBAK Power and Mr. Wu in July 2021. Under the Loan Repayment Agreement, Hitrans shall repay Mr. Ye at least RMB70 million ($10.86 million) within two months of obtaining the title to the Assets from New Era and the remaining RMB 48 million ($7.41 million) by December 31, 2021, with a fixed interest of RMB3.5 million ($0.54 million) which can be reduced by up to RMB1 million ($0.15 million) if the loan is settled before its due date. CBAK Power provides guarantee to Mr. Ye on Hitrans’s repayment obligations under the Loan Repayment Agreement. Hitrans shall repay the remaining approximately RMB13 million ($2.02 million) of the Hitrans Loan to CBAK Power at an interest rate of 6% per annum, maturing in one year from the date of the Assignment. As of December 31, 2021, Hitrans has repaid RMB93 million ($14.6 million) and interest incurred was RMB0.9 million ($0.1 million) recorded as finance cost for the year ended December 31, 2021. As of January 29, 2023, Hitrans has repaid all the loan principals of RMB118 million ($18.3 million) and interests of RMB3.5 million ($0.54 million) to Mr. Ye (Note 14).

The transfer of 81.56% registered equity interests (representing 75.57% of paid-up capital) of Zhejiang Hitrans to CBAK Power has been registered with the local government and CBAK Power had paid approximately RMB40.74 million (approximately $6.32 million) in cash to Mr. Ye. In addition, CBAK Power had wired approximately RMB131 million (approximately $20.6 million) to the Court and Juzhong Daxin returned RMB7 million ($1.1 million) of the security deposit to CBAK Power. The Acquisition was completed on November 26, 2021.

Upon the closing of the Acquisition, CBAK Power became the largest shareholder of Hitrans holding 81.56% of the Company’s registered equity interests (representing 75.57% of paid-up capital of the Company). As required by applicable Chinese laws, CBAK Power and Management Shareholders are obliged to make capital contributions of RMB11.1 million ($1.7 million) and RMB0.4 million ($0.06 million), respectively, for the unpaid portion of Hitrans’s registered capital in accordance with the articles of association of Hitrans. 

The Company completed the valuations necessary to assess the fair values of the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, resulting from which the amount of goodwill was determined and recognized as of the respective acquisition date. The following table summarizes the estimated aggregate fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the closing date, November 26, 2021.

The components of the consideration transferred to effect the Acquisition are as follows:

The transaction resulted in a purchase price allocation of $1,606,518 to goodwill, representing the financial, strategic and operational value of the transaction to the Company. Goodwill is attributed to the premium that the Company paid to obtain the value of the business of Hitrans and the synergies expected from the combined operations of Hitrans and the Company, the assembled workforce and their knowledge and experience in provision of raw materials used in manufacturing of lithium batteries. The total amount of the goodwill acquired is not deductible for tax purposes.

The Company performed Goodwill impairment test at the reporting unit level on an annual basis and between annual tests when an event occurs or circumstances change indicating the asset might be impaired. Goodwill was fully impaired as of December 31, 2022. No impairment loss of Goodwill of the reporting unit of Hitrans was recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2022.

12. Goodwill

The Company performed goodwill impairment test at the reporting unit level on an annual basis and between annual tests when an event occurs or circumstances change indicating the asset might be impaired. As of December 31, 2022, the Company performed testing on reporting unit of NCM precursor and cathode materials products (“Hitrans Reporting unit”)

The Company first assessed qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. For those reporting units where it is determined that it is more likely than not that their fair values are less than the units’ carrying amounts, the Company will perform the first step of a two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. After performing the assessment, if the carrying amounts of the reporting units are higher than their fair values, the Company will perform the second step of the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test.

In 2022 and 2021, the Company performed qualitative assessments for Hitrans reporting unit. Based on the requirements of ASC 350-20-35-3C through ASC 350-20-35-3G, the Company evaluated all relevant factors, weighed all factors in their totality. For the year ended December 31, 2022, as the financial performance of Hitrans reporting unit was below original expectations, fair value of this reporting unit was indicated to be lower than its carrying value. For this reporting unit, where it was determined that it was more likely than not that its fair value was less than the units’ carrying amount after performing the qualitative assessment, as a result, the Company performed the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test for these two reporting units.

For the two-step goodwill impairment test, the Company estimated the fair value with either income approach or asset approach for specific reporting unit components. With the income approach, the Company estimates the fair value of the reporting units using discounted cash flows. Forecasts of future cash flows are based on the best estimate of future net sales and operating expenses, based primarily on expected expansion, pricing, market share, and general economic conditions. Certain estimates of discounted cash flows involve businesses with limited financial history and developing revenue models. Changes in these forecasts could significantly change the amount of impairment recorded, if any. Asset based approach is used in evaluating the fair value of some specific components which is deemed as the most prudent approach due to the unpredictability of future cash flows.

The result of step one impairment test for the Hitrans reporting unit failed, with its determined fair value lower than the book value. The Company performed step two impairment test, applying the income approach, resulting an impairment loss of goodwill of $1,556,078 for the year ended December 31, 2022. The impairment loss of goodwill was primarily attributable to the impairment related to Hitrans reporting unit as the financial performance of the reporting unit of Hitrans continued to fall below the Company’s original expectations.

13. Trade and Bills Payable

Trade and bills payable as of December 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023 consisted of the followings:

All the bills payable are of trading nature and will mature within one year from the issue date.

The bank acceptance bills were pledged by:

14. Loans

Bank loans:

Bank borrowings as of December 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023 consisted of the followings:

On November 16, 2021, the Company obtained banking facilities from Shaoxing Branch of Bank of Communications Co., Ltd with a maximum amount of RMB120.1 million (approximately $17.5 million) with the term from November 18, 2021 to November 18, 2026. The facility was secured by the Company’s land use rights and buildings. Under the facility, the Company has borrowed RMB59.0 million (approximately $8.5 million) and RMB74.0 million (approximately $10.8 million) as of December 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023, respectively, for varying terms ending between May 2023 to March 2024, bearing interest at 3.65% to 4.15% per annum.

On April 19, 2021, the Company obtained five-year acceptance bills facilities from Bank of Ningbo Co., Ltd with a maximum amount of RMB84.4 million (approximately $13.2 million). Any amount drawn under the facilities requires security in the form of cash or bank acceptance bills receivable of at least the same amount. Under the facilities, as of December 31, 2021, the Company borrowed a total of RMB10 million (approximately $1.6 million) from Bank of Ningbo Co., Ltd in the form of bills payable for a various term expiring from January to February 2022, which was secured by the Company’s cash totaled RMB10 million (approximately $1.6 million). The Company repaid the bills in January to February 2022.

On March 21, 2022, the Company renewed the above acceptance bills facilities from Bank of Ningbo Co., Ltd with a maximum amount of RMB71.6 million ($10.4 million) with other terms remain the same. Under the facilities, as of December 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023, the Company borrowed a total of RMB15.9 million (approximately $2.3 million) and RMB21.3 million (approximately $3.1 million), respectively, in the form of bills payable for various terms expiring from April to September 2023, which was secured by the Company’s cash totaling RMB15.9 million (approximately $2.3 million) and RMB21.3 million (approximately $3.1 million) (Note 2), respectively.

On January 17, 2022, the Company obtained a one-year term facility from Agricultural Bank of China with a maximum amount of RMB10 million (approximately $1.4 million) bearing interest at 105% of benchmark rate of the People’s Bank of China (“PBOC”) for short-term loans, which is 3.85% per annum. The facility was guaranteed by the Company’s CEO, Mr. Yunfei Li and Mr. Yunfei Li’s wife Ms. Qinghui Yuan and secured by an unrelated third party, Jiangsu Credits Financing Guarantee Co., Ltd. The Company borrowed RMB10 million (approximately $1.4 million) on January 20, 2022 for a term until January 16, 2023. The Company early repaid RMB10 million (approximately $1.5 million) on January 5, 2023. On January 5, 2023, the Company obtained a one-year term loan of RMB10 million (approximately $1.5 million) for a period of one year to January 4, 2023, bearing interest at 120% of benchmark rate of the PBOC for short-term loans, which is 3.85% per annum, while other terms and guarantee remain the same. The Company borrowed RMB10 million (approximately $1.5 million) on January 6, 2023.

On February 9, 2022, the Company obtained a one-year term facility from Jiangsu Gaochun Rural Commercial Bank with a maximum amount of RMB10 million (approximately $1.4 million) bearing interest at 124% of benchmark rate of the People’s Bank of China (“PBOC”) for short-term loans, which is 4.94% per annum. The facility was guaranteed by the Company’s CEO, Mr. Yunfei Li and Mr. Yunfei Li’s wife Ms. Qinghui Yuan. The Company borrowed RMB10 million (approximately $1.5 million) on February 17, 2022 for a term until January 28, 2023. The Company repaid RMB10 million (approximately $1.4 million) on January 16, 2023. On January 14, 2023 , the Company obtained a one-year loan of RMB10 million (approximately $1.5 million) bearing interest at 129% of benchmark rate of PBOC for short-term loans, which is 4.70% per annum. The Company borrowed RMB10 million (approximately $1.5 million) on January 17, 2023 for a term until January 13, 2024..

On March 8, 2022, the Company obtained a one-year term facility from China Zheshang Bank Co., Ltd. Shangyu Branch with a maximum amount of RMB10 million (approximately $1.5 million) bearing interest at 5.5% per annum. The facility was guaranteed by 100% equity in CBAK Power held by BAK Asia and the Company’s CEO, Mr. Yunfei Li. The Company borrowed RMB10 million (approximately $1.5 million) on the same date. On May 17, 2022, the Company early repaid the loan principal and related loan interests.

On April 28, 2022, the Company obtained a three-year term facility from Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Nanjing Gaochun branch, with a maximum amount of RMB12 million (approximately $1.7 million) with the term from April 21, 2022 to April 21, 2025. The facility was guaranteed by the Company’s CEO, Mr. Yunfei Li and Mr. Yunfei Li’s wife Ms. Qinghui Yuan. Under the facility, the Company borrowed RMB10 million (approximately $1.5 million) on April 29, 2022, bearing interest at 3.95% per annum for a term until April 29, 2023. The Company repaid RMB10 million (approximately $1.5 million) on April 19, 2023. On April 19, 2023, the Company obtained an other one-year loan of RMB10 million (approximately $1.5 million) bearing interest at 102.5% of benchmark rate of PBOC for short-term loans, which is 3.90% per annum. The Company borrowed RMB10 million (approximately $1.5 million) on April 20, 2023 for a term until April 19, 2024.

On June 22, 2022, the Company obtained another one-year term facility from China Zheshang Bank Co., Ltd. Shangyu Branch with a maximum amount of RMB10 million (approximately $1.5 million) bearing interest at 4.5% per annum. The facility was guaranteed by 100% equity in CBAK Power held by BAK Asia and the Company’s CEO, Mr. Yunfei Li. The Company borrowed RMB10 million (approximately $1.5 million) on the same date for a term until June 21, 2023. On November 10, 2022, the Company early repaid the loan principal and the related loan interests.

On September 25, 2022, the Company entered into another one-year term facility with Jiangsu Gaochun Rural Commercial Bank with a maximum amount of RMB9 million (approximately $1.3 million) bearing interest rate at 4.81% per annum. The facility was guaranteed by 100% equity in CBAK Nanjing held by BAK Investment and the Company’s CEO, Mr. Yunfei Li and Mr. Yunfei Li’s wife Ms. Qinghui Yuan. The Company borrowed RMB9 million (approximately $1.3 million) on September 27, 2022 for a term until September 24, 2023.

On November 8, 2022, the Company entered into a short-term loan agreement with China CITIC Bank Shaoxing Branch to August 9, 2023 with a maximum amount of RMB10 million (approximately $1.5 million) bearing interest rate at 4.35% per annum. The Company borrowed RMB10 million (approximately $1.5 million) on the same date. The Company has repaid RMB5 million (approximately $0.7 million) and RMB0.2 million (approximately $0.1 million) on November 16, 2022 and December 27, 2022, respectively. Subsequent to the repayment, the Company entered into another short-term loan agreement with China CITIC Bank Shaoxing Branch for a one-year short-term loan agreement with a maximum amount of RMB0.2 million (approximately $0.1 million) for December 27, 2022 to December 27, 2023, bearing interest rate at 4.20% per annum.

On December 9, 2022, the Company obtained a RMB5 million (approximately $0.7 million) letter of credit from China CITIC Bank for a period to October 30, 2024 for settlement of Hitrans purchase. The Company utilized RMB1.5 million (approximately $0.2 million) letter of credit at an interest rate of 2.7% for a period of one year to January 5, 2024.

On January 7, 2023, the Company obtained a two-year term facility from Postal Savings Bank of China, Nanjing Gaochun Branch with a maximum amount of RMB10 million (approximately $1.5 million) for a period from January 7, 2023 to January 6, 2025. The facility was guaranteed by the Company’s CEO, Mr. Yunfei Li, Mr. Yunfei Li’s wife Ms. Qinghui Yuan and CBAK New Energy (Nanjing) Co., Ltd. The Company borrowed RMB5 million (approximately $0.7 million) on January 12, 2023 for a term of one year until January 11, 2024, bearing interest at 3.65% per annum.

On March 29, 2023, the Company and Bank of China Limited entered into a short-term loan agreement for one year from March 29, 2023 to March 28, 2024 for a maximum loan amount to RMB5 million (approximately $0.7 million) bearing interest rate at 3.65% per annum. The Company borrowed RMB5 million (approximately $0.7 million) on the same date. The loan was secured by the Company’s land use rights and buildings in Dalian.

The Company borrowed a series of acceptance bills from Agricultural Bank of China totaled RMB9.8 million (approximately $1.4 million) for various terms expiring in September 2023, which was secured by the Company’s cash totaled RMB9.8 million (approximately $1.4 million) (Note 2).

The Company borrowed a series of acceptance bills from China Zheshang Bank Co. Ltd Shenyang Branch totaled RMB78.4 million (approximately $11.4 million) for various terms through April to September 2023, which was secured by the Company’s cash totaled RMB50.5 million (approximately $7.4 million) (Note 2) and the Company’s bills receivable totaled RMB33.5 million (approximately $4.9 million) (Note 3).

The Company borrowed a series of acceptance bills from Shaoxing Branch of Bank of Communications Co., Ltd totaling RMB32.4 million (approximately $4.7 million) for various terms ending through May to September 2023, which was secured by the Company’s cash totaling RMB17.4 million (approximately $2.5 million) (Note 2) and the Company’s land use rights and buildings in Zhejiang.

The Company borrowed a series of acceptance bills from China Merchants Bank Dalian Branch totaling RMB102.6 million (approximately $14.9 million) for various terms through April to September 2023, which was secured by the Company’s cash totaling RMB102.6 million (approximately $14.9 million) (Note 2).

The Company borrowed a series of acceptance bills from Bank of China Limited totaling RMB20.7 million (approximately $3.0 million) for various terms through September 2023, which was secured by the Company’s cash totaling RMB20.7 million (approximately $3.0 million) (Note 2).

The Company borrowed a series of acceptance bills from Jiangsu Gaochun Rural Commercial Bank totaling RMB22.2 million (approximately $3.2 million) for various terms through April to August 2023, which was secured by the Company’s cash totaling RMB22.2 million (approximately $3.2 million) (Note 2).

The facilities were also secured by the Company’s assets with the following carrying amounts:

As of March 31, 2023, the Company had unutilized committed banking facilities totaled $3.6 million.

During the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2023, interest of $122,973 and $171,412 were incurred on the Company’s bank borrowings, respectively. 

Other short-term loans:

Other short-term loans as of December 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023 consisted of the following:

During the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2023, interest of $2,363 and $2,192 were incurred on the Company’s borrowings from unrelated parties, respectively.

15. Accrued Expenses and Other Payables

Accrued expenses and other payables as of December 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023 consisted of the following:

On November 9, 2007, the Company completed a private placement for the gross proceeds to the Company of $13,650,000 by selling 3,500,000 shares of common stock at the price of $3.90 per share. Roth Capital Partners, LLC acted as the Company’s exclusive financial advisor and placement agent in connection with the private placement and received a cash fee of $819,000. The Company may have become liable for liquidated damages to certain shareholders whose shares were included in a resale registration statement on Form S-3 that the Company filed pursuant to a registration rights agreement that the Company entered into with such shareholders in November 2007. Under the registration rights agreement, among other things, if a registration statement filed pursuant thereto was not declared effective by the SEC by the 100th calendar day after the closing of the Company’s private placement on November 9, 2007, or the “Effectiveness Deadline”, then the Company would be liable to pay partial liquidated damages to each such investor of (a) 1.5% of the aggregate purchase price paid by such investor for the shares it purchased on the one month anniversary of the Effectiveness Deadline; (b) an additional 1.5% of the aggregate purchase price paid by such investor every thirtieth day thereafter (pro rated for periods totaling less than thirty days) until the earliest of the effectiveness of the registration statement, the ten-month anniversary of the Effectiveness Deadline and the time that the Company is no longer required to keep such resale registration statement effective because either such shareholders have sold all of their shares or such shareholders may sell their shares pursuant to Rule 144 without volume limitations; and (c) 0.5% of the aggregate purchase price paid by such investor for the shares it purchased in the Company’s November 2007 private placement on each of the following dates: the ten-month anniversary of the Effectiveness Deadline and every thirtieth day thereafter (prorated for periods totaling less than thirty days), until the earlier of the effectiveness of the registration statement and the time that the Company no longer is required to keep such resale registration statement effective because either such shareholders have sold all of their shares or such shareholders may sell their shares pursuant to Rule 144 without volume limitations. Such liquidated damages would bear interest at the rate of 1% per month (prorated for partial months) until paid in full.

On December 21, 2007, pursuant to the registration rights agreement, the Company filed a registration statement on Form S-3, which was declared effective by the SEC on May 7, 2008. As a result, the Company estimated liquidated damages amounting to $561,174 for the November 2007 registration rights agreement. As of December 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023, the Company had settled the liquidated damages with all the investors and the remaining provision of approximately $159,000 was included in other payables and accruals.

16. Balances and Transactions With Related Parties

The principal related parties with which the Company had transactions during the years presented are as follows:

Related party transactions:

The Company entered into the following significant related party transactions:

Related party balances:

Apart from the above, the Company recorded the following significant related party balances as of December 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023:

Receivables from a former subsidiary, net