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China XD Plastics Co Ltd - Quarter Report: 2016 March (Form 10-Q)

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

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended March 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: 000-53131

CHINA XD PLASTICS COMPANY LIMITED
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
Nevada
04-3836208
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or
organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
No. 9 Dalian North Road, Haping Road Centralized Industrial Park,
Harbin Development Zone, Heilongjiang Province, PRC 150060
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

86-451-84346600
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
 
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes No

As of May 5, 2016, the registrant had 49,406,191 shares of common stock, par value US$0.0001 per share, outstanding.
 
 



TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
PAGE
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
2
 
 
 
Item 1. Financial Statements
2
 
 
 
 
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
2
 
 
 
 
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
3
 
 
 
 
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
4
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
5
 
 
 
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
18
 
 
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
27
 
 
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
28
 
 
 
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
28
 
 
 
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
28
 
 
 
Item 1A. Risk Factors
28
 
 
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
29
 
 
 
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
29
 
 
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
29
 
 
 
Item 5. Exhibits
29
 
 
 
Signatures
30
 
 
2


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements
 
CHINA XD PLASTICS COMPANY LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 
 
March 31,
2016
   
December 31,
2015
 
 
 
US$
   
US$
 
ASSETS
       
Current assets:
       
Cash and cash equivalents
   
43,055,238
     
119,928,485
 
Restricted cash
   
51,723,198
     
50,852,327
 
Time deposits
   
300,872,903
     
237,626,806
 
Accounts receivable, net
   
179,598,690
     
234,542,739
 
Amounts due from a related party
   
61,633
     
244,836
 
Inventories
   
391,548,948
     
294,665,195
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
   
50,661,076
     
15,675,848
 
    Total current assets
   
1,017,521,686
     
953,536,236
 
Property, plant and equipment, net
   
807,047,664
     
571,746,507
 
Land use rights, net
   
24,556,562
     
24,506,837
 
Prepayments to equipment and construction suppliers
   
31,611,141
     
183,226,006
 
Other non-current assets
   
19,096,297
     
18,966,622
 
    Total assets
   
1,899,833,350
     
1,751,982,208
 
 
               
 
               
LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
Current liabilities:
               
Short-term bank loans, including current portion of long-term bank loans
   
323,997,710
     
284,339,089
 
Bills payable
   
33,213,025
     
33,522,287
 
Accounts payable
   
258,142,758
     
257,417,000
 
                 
                 
Amounts due to a related party
   
10,041
     
8,439
 
Income taxes payable
   
3,816,130
     
6,881,946
 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
   
231,523,824
     
140,988,712
 
  Total current liabilities
   
850,703,488
     
723,157,473
 
Long-term bank loans, excluding current portion
   
104,812,604
     
107,481,709
 
Notes payable
   
145,926,833
     
145,634,996
 
Deferred income
   
66,514,797
     
62,039,050
 
Other non-current liabilities
   
39,747,011
     
38,046,917
 
    Total liabilities
   
1,207,704,733
     
1,076,360,145
 
 
               
Redeemable Series D convertible preferred stock (redemption amount of US$191,002,600 and US$184,461,800 as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015)
   
97,576,465
     
97,576,465
 
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Series B preferred stock
   
100
     
100
 
Common stock, US$0.0001 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 49,427,191 shares and 49,344,284 shares issued, 49,406,191 shares and 49,323,284 shares outstanding as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively
   
4,941
     
4,933
 
Treasury stock, 21,000 shares at cost
   
(92,694
)
   
(92,694
)
Additional paid-in capital
   
82,142,104
     
81,919,932
 
Retained earnings
   
526,913,335
     
515,555,985
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
(14,415,634
)
   
(19,342,658
)
    Total stockholders’ equity
   
594,552,152
     
578,045,598
 
Commitments and contingencies
   
-
     
-
 
    Total liabilities, redeemable convertible preferred stock and stockholders’ equity
   
1,899,833,350
     
1,751,982,208
 
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


3


CHINA XD PLASTICS COMPANY LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
 
 
 
Three-Month Period Ended March 31,
 
 
 
2016
   
2015
 
 
 
US$
   
US$
 
 
       
Revenues
   
215,030,158
     
221,926,395
 
Cost of revenues
   
(180,216,507
)
   
(173,284,119
)
    Gross profit
   
34,813,651
     
48,642,276
 
 
               
Selling expenses
   
(285,136
)
   
(296,820
)
General and administrative expenses
   
(5,069,674
)
   
(4,964,758
)
Research and development expenses
   
(4,909,567
)
   
(5,813,863
)
    Total operating expenses
   
(10,264,377
)
   
(11,075,441
)
 
               
    Operating income
   
24,549,274
     
37,566,835
 
 
               
Interest income
   
1,614,263
     
2,428,071
 
Interest expense
   
(10,904,659
)
   
(10,629,353
)
Foreign currency exchange losses
   
427,665
     
(90,415
)
Gains on foreign currency forward contracts
   
-
     
354,519
 
Government grant
   
208,433
     
-
 
    Total non-operating expense, net
   
(8,654,298
)
   
(7,937,178
)
 
               
    Income before income taxes
   
15,894,976
     
29,629,657
 
 
               
Income tax expense
   
(4,537,626
)
   
(4,225,631
)
 
               
    Net income
   
11,357,350
     
25,404,026
 
 
               
Earnings per common share:
               
Basic and diluted
   
0.17
     
0.39
 
 
               
Net Income
   
11,357,350
     
25,404,026
 
 
               
Other comprehensive income (loss)
               
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of nil income taxes
   
4,927,024
     
(164,760
)
 
               
Comprehensive income
   
16,284,374
     
25,239,266
 

 
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 


4


CHINA XD PLASTICS COMPANY LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 


   
Three-Month Period Ended March 31,
 
   
2016
   
2015
 
   
US$
   
US$
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
       
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
   
(25,403,676
)
   
37,529,772
 
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchase of time deposits
   
(155,330,882
)
   
(110,597,161
)
Proceeds from maturity of time deposits
   
94,362,745
     
80,026,889
 
Purchase of and deposits for property, plant and equipment
   
(27,399,896
)
   
(86,042,231
)
Purchases of land use rights
   
-
     
(5,522,219
)
Government grant related to the construction of Sichuan plant
   
2,060,355
     
-
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(86,307,678
)
   
(122,134,722
)
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Proceeds from bank borrowings
   
166,914,532
     
203,658,524
 
Repayment of bank borrowings
   
(131,602,645
)
   
(111,397,430
)
Release of restricted cash as collateral for bank borrowings
   
21,341,912
     
-
 
Placement of restricted cash as collateral for bank borrowings
   
(21,954,042
)
   
(22,298,692
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
34,699,757
     
69,962,402
 
                 
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
   
138,350
     
384,182
 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
   
(76,873,247
)
   
(14,258,366
)
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
119,928,485
     
45,456,612
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
   
43,055,238
     
31,198,246
 
                 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
               
Interest paid, net of capitalized interest
   
14,380,560
     
14,508,630
 
Income taxes paid
   
6,874,104
     
2,215,158
 
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
               
Accrual for purchase of equipment
   
93,422,837
     
14,224
 
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements
 
5


CHINA XD PLASTICS COMPANY LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Note 1 - Basis of presentation, significant concentrations and risks
 
(a) Basis of presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted as permitted by rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015 was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of China XD Plastics Company Limited (“China XD”) and subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”). The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of December 31, 2015, and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for the year then ended, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 15, 2016.

In the opinion of the management, all adjustments (which include normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present a fair statement of the financial position as of March 31, 2016, the results of operations and cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, have been made.

The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with 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 condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the recoverability of the carrying amounts of property, plant and equipment, the realizability of inventories, the useful lives of property, plant and equipment, the collectability of accounts receivable, the fair values of stock-based compensation awards, and the accruals for tax uncertainties and other contingencies. The current economic environment has increased the degree of uncertainty inherent in those estimates and assumptions.

(b) Significant concentrations and risks

Sales concentration

The Company sells its products primarily through approved distributors in the People’s Republic of China (the “PRC”). To a lesser extent, the Company also sells its products to two overseas customers in the Republic of Korea (the “ROK”). The Company’s sales are highly concentrated.  Sales to distributors and an end customer, which individually exceeded 10% of the Company’s revenues for the three month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, are as follows:
 
 
 
For the Three-Month Period Ended March 31,
 
 
 
2016
   
2015
 
 
 
US$
   
%
   
US$
   
%
 
Distributor A, located in PRC
   
35,809,554
     
16.7
%
   
32,811,834
     
14.8
%
Distributor B, located in PRC
   
35,105,615
     
16.3
%
   
35,012,896
     
15.8
%
Distributor C, located in PRC
   
28,460,900
     
13.2
%
   
26,205,294
     
11.8
%
Distributor D, located in PRC
   
25,485,848
     
11.9
%
   
22,287,867
     
10.0
%
Distributor E, located in PRC
   
22,202,126
     
10.3
%
   
22,658,046
     
10.2
%
Distributor F, located in PRC
   
21,908,999
     
10.2
%
   
16,199,648
     
7.3
%
Direct customer, located in the ROK
   
-
     
0.0
%
   
34,946,900
     
15.7
%
Total
   
168,973,042
     
78.6
%
   
190,122,485
     
85.6
%


The Company expects revenues from these distributors and the end customer to continue to represent a substantial portion of its revenue in the future. Any factor adversely affecting the automobile industry in the PRC, electronic application industry in the ROK or the business operations of these customers will have a material effect on the Company's business, financial position and results of operations.
 
 
6


 
Purchase concentration of raw materials and equipment

The principal raw materials used for the Company’s production of modified plastics products are plastic resins, such as polypropylene, ABS and nylon. During the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company purchased its raw materials through a limited number of distributors, which individually exceeded 10% of the Company’s total raw material purchases, accounted for approximately 76.9% (five distributors) and 73.8% (six distributors), respectively.  Management believes that other suppliers could provide similar raw materials on comparable terms. A change in suppliers, however, could cause a delay in manufacturing and a possible loss of sales, which would adversely affect the Company’s business, financial position and results of operations.
 
The Company purchased equipment from two equipment distributors, which accounted for 99.9% and 99.8% of the Company’s total equipment purchases for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Management believes that other suppliers could provide similar equipment on comparable terms. A change of the supplier could cause a delay in manufacturing and a possible loss of sales, which could adversely affect the Company’s business, financial position and results of operations.  The majority owner of one of the major equipment distributors, is also the majority owner of Distributor D presented above.
 
Cash concentration

Cash and cash equivalents, short-term restricted cash, time deposits and long-term restricted cash included in other non-current assets mentioned below maintained at banks consist of the following:

   
March 31, 2016,
   
December 31, 2015
 
   
US$
   
US$
 
RMB denominated bank deposits with:
       
Financial Institutions in the PRC
   
411,357,298
     
417,430,412
 
Financial Institutions in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region ("Hong Kong SAR")
   
13,692
     
13,778
 
Financial Institution in Dubai, United Arab Emirates ("UAE")
   
28,649
     
3,023
 
U.S. dollar denominated bank deposits with:
               
Financial Institution in the U.S.
   
259,127
     
226,010
 
Financial Institutions in the PRC
   
222,413
     
17,109
 
Financial Institution in Hong Kong SAR
   
241,765
     
63,854
 
Financial Institution in Macau Special Administrative Region ("Macau SAR")
   
95,654
     
37,120
 
Financial Institution in Dubai, UAE
   
296,009
     
7,474,960
 
Euro denominated bank deposits with:
               
Financial institution in Dubai, UAE
   
3,156
     
3,011
 
HK dollar denominated bank deposits with:
               
Financial institution in Hong Kong SAR
   
259
     
336
 
Dirham denominated bank deposits with:
               
Financial institution in Dubai, UAE
   
140,527
     
37,278
 
 

The bank deposits with financial institutions in the PRC are insured by the government authority for up to RMB500,000. The bank deposits with financial institutions in the HK SAR are insured by the government authority for up to HK$500,000. The bank deposits with financial institutions in the Macau SAR are insured by the government authority for up to MOP$500,000. Total bank deposits amounted to $1,669,556 and $1,690,764 are insured as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. The Company has not experienced any losses in uninsured bank deposits and does not believe that it is exposed to any significant risks on cash held in bank accounts. To limit exposure to credit risk, the Company primarily places bank deposits with large financial institutions in the PRC, HK SAR, Macau SAR and Dubai, UAE with acceptable credit rating.

Cash deposits in bank that are restricted as to withdrawal or usage for up to 12 months are reported as restricted cash in the condensed consolidated balance sheets and excluded from cash in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. Cash deposits of US$17,024,701 and US$16,907,470 as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 that are restricted for period beyond 12 months from the balance sheet date are included in other non-current assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Short-term bank deposits that are pledged as collateral for bills payable relating to purchases of raw materials are reported as restricted cash and amounted to US$8,017,087 and US$8,069,475 as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. Upon maturity and repayment of the bills payable, which is generally within 6 months, the cash becomes available for use by the Company. The cash will be available for use by the Company 90 days from the issuance of the letter of credit. The cash flows from the pledged bank deposits, which relate to purchases of raw materials, are reported within cash flows from operating activities in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.
 
 
7

 
Short-term bank deposits that are pledged as collateral for short-term and long-term bank borrowings are reported as restricted cash and amounted to US$32,850,861 and US$32,010,452 as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.  Long-term bank deposits that are pledged as collateral for issuance of letter of guarantee are reported as other non-current assets and amounted to US$17,024,701 and US$16,907,470 as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. The cash flows from such bank deposits are reported within cash flows from financing activities in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.
 
Short-term bank deposits that are related to government grant are reported as restricted cash and amounted to U$10,855,250 and US$10,772,400 as March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.  The amount is reported as non-cash investing and financing activities in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.
 
Note 2 - Accounts receivable

Accounts receivable consists of the following:

 
 
March 31, 2016
   
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
US$
   
US$
 
 
   
Accounts receivable
   
179,639,603
     
234,583,370
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
   
(40,913
)
   
(40,631
)
Accounts receivable, net
   
179,598,690
     
234,542,739
 
 
As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the accounts receivable balances also include notes receivable in the amount of US$1,382,383 and US$2,048,186, respectively. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, US$12,157,403 and US$54,664,219 of accounts receivable are pledged for the short-term bank loans, respectively.
 
There was no accrual of additional provision or write-off of accounts receivable for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015.
The following table provides an analysis of the aging of accounts receivable as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:
   
March 31, 2016
   
December 31, 2015
 
   
US$
   
US$
 
Aging:
       
– current
   
179,598,670
     
234,396,244
 
– 1-3 months past due
   
20
     
146,495
 
– 4-6 months past due
   
-
     
-
 
– 7-12 months past due
   
-
     
-
 
– greater than one year past due
   
40,913
     
40,631
 
Total accounts receivable
   
179,639,603
     
234,583,370
 

8


Note 3 - Inventories

Inventories consist of the following:
 
 
 
March 31, 2016
   
December 31, 2015
 
 
US$
 
US$
 
 
   
Raw materials
   
366,536,552
     
287,995,933
 
Work in progress
   
193,778
     
164,034
 
Finished goods
   
24,818,618
     
6,505,228
 
Total inventories
   
391,548,948
     
294,665,195
 
 
There were no write down of inventories for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015.
 
Note 4 – Prepaid expenses and other current assets

Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following:

   
March 31, 2016
   
December 31, 2015
 
   
US$
   
US$
 
         
Receivables due from a customer in the ROK (i)
   
8,171,130
     
9,471,222
 
Interest receivable (ii)
   
3,188,363
     
3,306,974
 
Value added taxes receivables
   
34,425,876
     
698,286
 
Advances to suppliers
   
1,854,417
     
68,354
 
Others (iii)
   
3,021,290
     
2,131,012
 
    Total prepaid expenses and other current assets
   
50,661,076
     
15,675,848
 
(i) As of March 31, 2016, receivables due from a customer in the ROK represent the amount the Company paid to purchase raw materials on behalf of the customer in the ROK.
(ii) Interest receivable mainly represents interest income accrued from time deposits and restricted cash.
(iii) Others mainly include prepaid miscellaneous service fees, staff advances and prepaid rental fee.
 
 
9


 
Note 5 – Property, plant and equipment, net

Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:
 
 
 
March 31, 2016
   
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
US$
   
US$
 
 
       
Machinery, equipment and furniture
   
259,528,017
     
258,173,175
 
Motor vehicles
   
2,157,932
     
2,009,440
 
Workshops and buildings
   
77,316,839
     
76,924,199
 
Construction in progress
   
564,945,155
     
323,955,531
 
    Total property, plant and equipment
   
903,947,943
     
661,062,345
 
Less accumulated depreciation
   
(96,900,279
)
   
(89,315,838
)
    Property, plant and equipment, net
   
807,047,664
     
571,746,507
 

All of the property, plant and equipment, net as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 were located in the PRC, except for US$347.4 million and US$83.8  million of property, plant and equipment, net were located in Dubai, UAE. 
For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company capitalized US$601,107, and US$168,306 of interest costs as a component of the cost of construction in progress. Depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment was allocated to the following expense items:
 
   
Three-Month Period Ended March 31,
 
   
2016
US$
   
2015
US$
 
         
Cost of revenues
   
5,680,494
     
4,779,588
 
General and administrative expenses
   
403,184
     
375,128
 
Research and development expenses
   
945,817
     
795,719
 
Selling expenses
   
384
     
-
 
    Total depreciation expense
   
7,029,879
     
5,950,435
 
 
Note 6 - Prepayments to equipment suppliers

 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
US$
 
US$
 
     
Jiamu (i)
   
11,841,901
     
11,712,843
 
Peaceful (ii)
   
-
     
170,009,200
 
Huayuan Zhiye (iii)
   
18,323,996
     
-
 
Others
   
1,445,244
     
1,503,963
 
Total Prepayments to equipment and construction suppliers
   
31,611,141
     
183,226,006
 
 
 
10


 


(i) In December 2013, the Company entered into an equipment purchase contract with Harbin Jiamu Import & Export Trading Co., Ltd ("Jiamu Trading") for a consideration of RMB1,629.3 million to purchase 70 production lines and for a consideration of RMB89.7 million to purchase testing equipment. In August 2015, the Company signed a supplemental contract with Harbin Jiamu Science and Technology Co., Ltd. (together with Jiamu Trading as "Jiamu") to purchase testing equipment for a consideration of RMB16.3 million (equivalent to US$2.5 million). The balance of Jiamu as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 mainly represents the prepayment for testing equipment.
 
(ii) On January 5, 2015, AL Composites Materials FZE ("AL Composites") entered into an equipment purchase contract with Peaceful Treasure Limited ("Peaceful") for a total consideration of US$271.2 million to purchase certain production and testing equipment. As of March 31, 2016, all production equipment for a total amount of US$264.7 were delivered to the Company.
 
(iii) On February 4, 2016, Xinda CI (Beijing) Investment Holding Company Limited (“Xinda Beijing Investment”) (the "Buyer")  entered into a contract with Beijing Xiaoyun Huayuan Property Co., Ltd. ("the Seller")  to purchase the two-floor office space (2,331.90 square meters) and 5-parking-lot spaces (288.17 square meters)  for a total consideration of RMB118.40 million (equivalent to US$18.32 million).  The titles transfer of such office space and parking spaces are still pending as of March 31, 2016.
Note 7 – Fair value measurement
Short-term financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, time deposits, accounts receivable, amounts due from a related party, short-term bank loans, bills payable, accounts payable, amounts due to a related party, income taxes payable and accrued expenses and other current liabilities - carrying amounts approximate fair values because of the short maturity of these instruments.

Long-term bank loans-fair value is based on the amount of future cash flows associated with each loan discounted at the Company's current borrowing rate for similar debt instruments of comparable terms. The carrying value of the long-term bank loans approximate their fair values as the long-term bank loans carry interest rates which approximate rates currently offered by the Company's banks for similar debt instruments of comparable maturities.

Notes payable - fair values of the Company’s notes payable are estimated based on quoted market prices which are categorized as Level 1 measurement in the fair value hierarchy. As of March 31, 2016, the carrying amount and estimated fair value of the notes payable were US$ 145,926,833 and US$ 118,425,000, respectively.
 
Note 8 – Borrowings

(a)  Current
   
March 31, 2016
   
December 31, 2015
 
   
US$
   
US$
 
Unsecured loans
   
117,962,608
     
64,555,795
 
Loans secured by accounts receivable
   
9,286,200
     
43,037,196
 
Loans secured by restricted cash
   
39,100,000
     
27,100,000
 
Current portion of long-term bank loans (note b)
   
157,648,902
     
149,646,098
 
                 
    Total short-term loans, including current portion of long-term bank loans
   
323,997,710
     
284,339,089
 
As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company's short-term bank loans (including the current portion of long-term bank loans) bear a weighted average interest rate of 4.5% and 4.2% per annum, respectively. All short-term bank loans mature at various times within one year and contain no renewal terms.
In January 2016, the Company obtained a one-year secured loan of US$12.0 million from HSBC Middle East at an annual interest rate of one-month LIBOR (0.4340% as of March 31, 2016) plus 1.8%. These loans were secured by restricted cash of RMB17.8 million (equivalent to US$2.8 million) by the HSBC Bank in Harbin, China.
 
11

 
In February 2015, the Company obtained a one-year secured loan of US$16.6 million from HSBC Middle East at an annual interest rate of one-month LIBOR (0.4340% as of March 31, 2016) plus 1.8%. These loans were secured by restricted cash of RMB25.5 million (equivalent to US$3.9 million) by the HSBC Bank in Harbin, China.
In June 2015, the Company obtained a one-year secured loan of US$7.0 million from Bank of China Luxemburg Branch at an annual interest rate of one-year LIBOR (1.2142% as of March 31, 2016) plus 0.8%. These loans were secured by restricted cash of RMB45.9 million (equivalent to US$7.1 million) by the Bank of China in Harbin, China.
In July 2015, the Company obtained a one-year secured loan of US$3.5 million from Bank of China Luxemburg Branch at an annual interest rate of one-year LIBOR (1.2142% as of March 31, 2016) plus 0.75%. These loans were secured by restricted cash of RMB23.0 million (equivalent to US$3.5 million) by the Bank of China in Harbin, China.
On December 7, 2015, the Company obtained a six-month secured loan of RMB30 million (equivalent to US$4.6 million) by accounts receivables of RMB39.4 million (equivalent to US$6.1 million) at an annual interest rate of 4.79% from ICBC in Harbin. ICBC in Harbin. On February 18, 2016, the Company obtained a six-month secured loan of RMB30 million (equivalent to US$4.6 million) by accounts receivables of RMB39.2 million (equivalent to US$6.1 million) at an annual interest rate of 4.300% from ICBC in Harbin.
 
(b) Non-current
   
March 31,2016
   
December 31, 2015
 
   
US$
   
US$
 
Secured loans
   
81,164,800
     
81,164,800
 
Unsecured loans
   
181,296,706
     
175,963,007
 
Less: current portion
   
157,648,902
     
149,646,098
 
Total long-term bank loans, excluding current portion
   
104,812,604
     
107,481,709
 
 
On December 11, 2014, the Company obtained a two-year unsecured loan of RMB199 million (equivalent to US$30.5 million) from Bank of Communications at an annual interest rate of 6.60%.
On December 16, 2014, the Company obtained a one and a half-year unsecured loan of US$76.4 million from Bank of China Macau Branch at an interest rate of three-month LIBOR (0.6251% as of March 31, 2016) plus 1.7%.  The interest rate is reset every three months.
 
On June 12, 2014, the Company obtained a three-year secured loan of US$70 million from Bank of China Paris Branch at an interest rate of three-month LIBOR (0.6251% as of March 31, 2016). The loan is secured by restricted cash of RMB 110 million (equivalent to US$16.9 million, which was recorded in other non-current assets). The Company has repaid US$2 million on June 9, 2015 and US$2 million December 9, 2015. 
On January 23, 2015, the Company obtained a two-year unsecured loan of RMB100 million (equivalent to US$15.5 million) at an annual interest rate of 6.0% from Agriculture Bank of China.
On January 27, 2015, the Company obtained a one and half year secured loan of US$15.2 million from Bank of China Macau Branch, at an interest rate of three-month LIBOR (0.6251% as of March 31, 2016) plus 1.5%. The interest rate is reset every three months. The loan is secured by restricted cash of RMB100 million (equivalent to US$15.4 million).
On April 22, 2015, the Company obtained a two-year unsecured loan of RMB40 million (equivalent to US$6.2 million) at an annual interest rate of 5.75% from Agriculture Bank of China.
In October and November, 2015, the Company obtained three five-year unsecured loans of RMB260 million (equivalent to US$40.0 million) at an annual interest rate of 4.75% from Bank of China. In January 2016, the Company obtained one four-year unsecured loans of RMB80 million (equivalent to US$12.6 million) at an annual interest rate of 4.75% from Bank of China.
As of March 31, 2016, the Company had total lines of credit of RMB5,005.7 million (US$774.9 million) including unused lines of credit of RMB2,009.9 million (US$311.0 million) with remaining terms less than 12 months and RMB325.2 million (US$50.3 million) with remaining terms beyond 12 months.
Certain lines of credit contain financial covenants such as total stockholders' equity, debt asset ratio, current ratio, contingent liability ratio and net profit. As of March 31, 2016, the Company has met these financial covenants.
 
12

 
 Note 9 - Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following:
   
March 31, 2016
   
December 31, 2015
 
   
US$
   
US$
 
Payables for purchase of property, plant and equipment
   
136,633,861
     
42,524,903
 
Accrued freight expenses
   
2,557,056
     
1,579,936
 
Accrued interest expenses
   
3,461,380
     
7,800,481
 
Advance from customers (i)
   
82,875,638
     
82,009,002
 
Non income tax payables
   
3,897,566
     
4,353,730
 
Others(ii)
   
2,098,323
     
2,720,660
 
Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities
   
231,523,824
     
140,988,712
 
(i) Advance from customers mainly represent the advance received from two customers in the PRC for the raw material purchases during the 4th quarter of 2015.
(ii) Others mainly represent accrued payroll and employee benefits and other accrued miscellaneous operating expenses.
Note 10 – Related party transactions
 
The Company entered into related party transactions with Harbin Xinda High-Tech Co., Ltd. ("Xinda High-Tech"), an entity controlled by the wife of Mr. Han, the chief executive officer and controlling stockholder of the Company and Mr. Han's son.  The significant related party transactions are summarized as follows:
 
 
Three-Month Period Ended March 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
US$
 
US$
 
Costs and expenses resulting from transactions with  related parties:
   
Rental expenses for plant and office spaces
   
184,536
     
195,213
 
 
The related party balances are summarized as follows:

 
 
March 31, 2016
   
December 31, 2015
 
 
US$
 
US$
 
Amounts due from a related party:
   
Prepaid rent expenses to Xinda High-Tech
   
61,633
     
244,836
 
Total
   
61,633
     
244,836
 
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
US$
 
US$
 
Amounts due to a related party
       
Rental payable to Mr Han's son
   
10,041
     
8,439
 
 
 
 
13


 
The Company rents the following plant and office buildings in Harbin, Heilongjiang province from Xinda High-Tech:
Premise Leased
Area (M2)
 
Annual Rental Fee (US$)
 
Period of Lease
Office building
   
23,894
     
732,032
 
Between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2018

The Company rents the following facility in Harbin, Heilongjiang province from Mr. Han's son:
Premise Leased
Area (M2)
 
Annual Rental Fee (US$)
 
Period of Lease
Facility
   
200
     
6,127
 
Between August 17, 2014 and August 16, 2016

Note 11– Income tax

Pursuant to an approval from the local tax authority in July 2013, Sichuan Xinda Enterprise Group Co., Ltd. ("Sichuan Xinda Group"), a subsidiary of China XD, became a qualified enterprise located in the western region of the PRC, which entitled it to a preferential income tax rate of 15% from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2020. Under the current laws of Dubai, AL Composites Materials FZE ("Al Composites"), a subsidiary of China XD, is exempted from income taxes.

The effective income tax rates for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 were 28.5% and 14.3%, respectively.  The effective income tax rate increased from 14.3% as of March 31, 2015 to 28.5% as of March 31, 2016, primarily due to less profit generated by Dubai Composites for the three-month period ended March 31, 2016, which was exempted from income taxes. The effective income tax rate for the three-month period ended March 31, 2016 differs from the PRC statutory income tax rate of 25% primarily due to the effect of tax rate differential on entities not subject to PRC income tax and the effect of non-deductible expenses.
 
As of March 31, 2016, the unrecognized tax benefits were US$22,655,464 and the interest relating to unrecognized tax benefits was US$3,695,917.  No penalties expense related to unrecognized tax benefits were recorded. The Company is currently unable to provide an estimate of a range of the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that is reasonably possible to change significantly within the next twelve months.

Note 12 – Deferred Income

On January 26, 2015, the Company entered into a memorandum and a fund support agreement (the "Agreement") with the People's Government of Shunqing District, Nanchong City, Sichuan Province ("Shunqing Government") pursuant to which Shunqing Government, through its investment vehicle, will extend to the Company RMB350 million (equivalent to US$54.2 million) to support the construction of the Sichuan plant. As of March 31, 2016, the Company has received RMB280 million (equivalent to US$43.4 million) in total from Shunqing Government in the form of government repayment of bank loans on behalf of the Company. The Company also received RMB70 million (equivalent to US$10.8 million) pursuant to the Agreement for which the amount was restricted to use subject to the progress of the construction, which has been recorded as restricted cash as of March 31, 2016.
 
In addition, the Company has received RMB45.9 million (equivalent to US$7.1 million) from Shunqing Government and RMB6.4 million (equivalent to US$1.0 million) from Ministry of Finance of the People's Republic of China to support the construction as of March 31, 2016.
 
Since the funding is related to construction of long-term assets, the amounts were recognized as government grant, which is included in deferred income on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, and to be recognized as other income in the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income over the periods and in the proportions in which depreciation expense on the long-term assets is recognized.
In addition, the Company also received RMB36 million (equivalent to US$5.6 million) from Shunqing Government as of March 31, 2016, among which RMB8.5 million (equivalent to US$ 1.4 million) have been recognized as other income when related interest expense was recognized as of March 31, 2016.
 
14

 
Note 13 – Other non-current liabilities
     
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
US$
 
US$
 
     
Income tax payable-noncurrent (i)
   
26,351,381
     
24,172,693
 
Deferred income tax liabilities
   
13,395,630
     
13,874,224
 
Total other non-current liabilities
   
39,747,011
     
38,046,917
 
 (i) Income tax payable-noncurrent represents the accumulative balance of unrecognized tax benefits and related accrued interest.
 Note 14 – Stockholders’ equity

The changes of each caption of stockholders’ equity for the three-month period ended March 31, 2016 are as follows:
 
 
 
Series B Preferred Stock
   
Common Stock
       
Additional
       
Accumulated
Other
   
Total
 
 
 
Number
of Shares
   
Amount
   
Number
of Shares
   
Amount
   
Treasury Stock
   
Paid-in
Capital
   
Retained
Earnings
   
Comprehensive
Income
   
Stockholders’
Equity
 
 
     
US$
       
US$
                     
Balance as of January 1, 2016
   
1,000,000
     
100
     
49,323,284
     
4,933
     
(92,694
)
   
81,919,932
     
515,555,985
     
(19,342,658
)
   
578,045,598
 
Net income
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
11,357,350
     
-
     
11,357,350
 
Other comprehensive loss
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
4,927,024
     
4,927,024
 
Stock based compensation
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
222,180
     
-
     
-
     
222,180
 
Vesting of nonvested shares
   
-
     
-
     
82,907
     
8
     
-
     
(8
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Balance as of March 31, 2016
   
1,000,000
     
100
     
49,406,191
     
4,941
     
(92,694
)
   
82,142,104
     
526,913,335
     
(14,415,634
)
   
594,552,152
 

 Note 15 – Stock based compensation
Nonvested shares
A summary of the nonvested shares activity for the three-month ended March 31, 2016 is as follows:
 
 
 
Number of Nonvested
Shares
   
Weighted Average
Grant date Fair Value
 
 
     
US$
 
Outstanding as of December 31, 2015
   
614,727
     
5.54
 
Vested
   
(10,907
)
   
3.08
 
Forfeited
   
(22,210
)
   
4.93
 
Outstanding as of March 31, 2016
   
581,610
     
5.60
 

The Company recognized US$243,123 and US$255,726 of compensation expense in general and administrative expenses relating to nonvested shares for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. As of March 31, 2016, there was US$1,566,746 of total unrecognized compensation cost relating to nonvested shares, which is to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.42 years.
 
 
15

 
Note 16 - Earnings per share

Basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated as follows:

 
 
Three-Month Period Ended March 31,
 
 
 
2016
   
2015
 
 
 
US$
   
US$
 
 
       
Numerator:
       
Net income
   
11,357,350
     
25,404,026
 
 
               
Less:
               
Earnings allocated to participating Series D convertible preferred stock
   
(2,754,663
)
   
(6,177,505
)
Earnings allocated to participating nonvested shares
   
(101,584
)
   
(247,148
)
Net income for basic and dilutive earnings per share
   
8,501,103
     
18,979,373
 
 
               
Denominator:
               
Denominator for basic and diluted earnings per share
   
49,377,229
     
49,157,383
 
 
               
Earnings per share:
               
Basic and diluted
   
0.17
     
0.39
 
 

The following table summarizes potentially dilutive securities excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 because their effects are anti-dilutive:
 
 
Three-Month Period Ended March 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
   
Shares issuable upon conversion of Series D convertible preferred stock
   
16,000,000
     
16,000,000
 
 

Note 17 - Commitments and contingencies

(1)    Lease commitments
 
Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases agreements as of March 31, 2016 were as follows. 

 
 
US$
 
Period from April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016
   
847,460
 
Years ending December 31,
       
2017
   
1,216,626
 
2018
   
936,080
 
2019
   
113,978
 
2020
   
113,978
 
2021 and thereafter
   
1,044,800
 
 
Rental expenses incurred for operating leases of plant and equipment and office spaces were US$214,789 and US$229,149 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. There are no step rent provisions, escalation clauses, capital improvement funding requirements, other lease concessions or contingent rent in the lease agreements. The Company has no legal or contractual asset retirement obligations at the end of leases. The company’s leases do not contain any contingent rent payments terms.
 
(2)   Sichuan plant construction and equipment
On March 8, 2013, Xinda Holding (HK) Company Limited ("Xinda Holding (HK)") entered into an investment agreement with Shunqing Government, pursuant to which Xinda Holding (HK) will invest RMB1.8 billion in property, plant and equipment and approximately RMB0.6 billion in working capital, for the construction of Sichuan plant.  As of March 31, 2016, the Company has a remaining commitment of RMB100.9 million (equivalent to US$15.6 million) mainly for facility construction, and RMB17.9 million (equivalent to US$2.8 million) for the acquisition of equipment.
 
 
16


 
(3)    Dubai plant construction and equipment

On January 5, 2015, AL Composites entered into an equipment purchase contract with Peaceful for a total consideration of US$271.2 million to purchase certain production and testing equipment.  As of March 31, 2016, the Company has a remaining commitment of US$5.9 million for the remaining equipment acquisition. On April 28, 2015, AL Composites entered into a warehouse construction contract with Falcon Red Eye Contracting Co. L.L.C. for a total consideration of AED6.7 million (equivalent to US$1.8 million). As of March 31, 2016, the Company has a remaining commitment of US$0.9 million.
(4)  Xinda Group equipment
As of March 31, 2016, Xinda Group has a remaining commitment of RMB8.7 million (equivalent to US$1.3 million) for the acquisition of equipment.
(5)    Contingencies
The Company and certain of its officers were named as defendants in two putative securities class action lawsuits filed on July 15, 2014 and July 16, 2014 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. On March 23, 2016, the Court issued an Opinion and Order dismissing the Complaint without prejudice. On May 6, 2016, plaintiffs moved the Court for leave to amend the Complaint.  The Company, after consultation with its legal counsel, continues to believe that the lawsuits are without merit and will continue to vigorously defend against them. Nevertheless, there is a possibility that a loss may have been incurred. In accordance with ASC Topic 450, no loss contingency was accrued as of March 31, 2016 since the possible loss or range of loss cannot be reasonably estimated.
 
 
17


 

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

We make forward-looking statements in this report, in other materials we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) or otherwise release to the public, and on our website. In addition, our senior management might make forward-looking statements orally to analysts, investors, the media and others. Statements concerning our future operations, prospects, strategies, financial condition, future economic performance (including growth and earnings) and demand for our products and services, and other statements of our plans, beliefs, or expectations, including the statements contained in this Item 2 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation,” regarding our future plans, strategies and expectations are forward-looking statements. In some cases these statements are identifiable through the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “target,” “can,” “could,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements because these forward-looking statements we make are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to various assumptions, risks, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by these forward-looking statements. Thus, our ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Factors which could have a material adverse effect on our operations and future prospects include, but are not limited to, changes in: economic conditions generally and the automotive modified plastics market specifically, legislative or regulatory changes that affect our business, including changes in regulation, the availability of working capital, the introduction of competing products, and other risk factors described herein. These risks and uncertainties, together with the other risks described from time-to-time in reports and documents that we filed with the SEC should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Indeed, it is likely that some of our assumptions will prove to be incorrect. Our actual results and financial position will vary from those projected or implied in the forward-looking statements and the variances may be material. We expressly disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Overview
China XD Plastics Company Limited ("China XD", "we", and the "Company", and "us" or "our" shall be interpreted accordingly) is one of the leading specialty chemical companies engaged in the research, development, manufacture and sale of modified plastics primarily for automotive applications in China, and to a lesser extent, in Dubai, UAE. Through our wholly-owned operating subsidiaries in China and UAE we develop modified plastics using our proprietary technology, manufacture and sell our products primarily for use in the fabrication of automobile parts and components. We have 369 certifications from manufacturers in the automobile industry as of March 31, 2016. We are the only company certified as a National Enterprise Technology Center in modified plastics industry in Heilongjiang province. Our Research and Development (the "R&D") team consists of 342 professionals and 11 consultants, including one consultant who is a member of Chinese Academy of Engineering, and one consultant who is the former chief scientist of Specialty Plastics Engineering Institute of Jilin University. As a result of the integration of our academic and technological expertise, we have a portfolio of 315 patents, eighteen of which we have obtained the patent rights and the remaining 297 of which we have applications pending in China as of March 31, 2016.
Our products include eleven categories: Modified Polypropylene (PP), Modified Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Modified Polyamide 66 (PA66), Modified Polyamide 6 (PA6), Modified Polyoxymethylenes (POM), Modified Polyphenylene Oxide (PPO), Plastic Alloy, Modified Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS), Modified Polyimide (PI), Modified Polylactic acid (PLA) and Poly Ether Ether Ketone (PEEK).
The Company's products are primarily used in the production of exterior and interior trim and functional components of more than 28 automobile brands and 80 automobile models manufactured in China, including Audi, Mercedes Benz, BMW, Buick, Chevrolet, VW Passat, Golf and Jetta, Mazda, and Toyota. Our research center is dedicated to the research and development of modified plastics, and benefits from its cooperation with well-known scientists from prestigious universities in China. We operate three manufacturing bases in Harbin, Heilongjiang in the PRC, with the construction of Sichuan plant underway. In addition, we completed the trial production in the plant in Dubai, UAE with additional 2,500 metric tons of production capacity ("Phase 1") targeting high-end products for the overseas markets.  As of March 31, 2016, in domestic market, we had approximately 390,000 metric tons of production capacity across 84 automatic production lines utilizing German twin-screw extruding systems, automatic weighing systems and Taiwanese conveyer systems. In December 2013, we broke ground on the construction of our fourth production base in Nanchong City, Sichuan Province, with additional 300,000 metric tons of annual production capacity, expecting to bring total domestic installed production capacity to 690,000 metric tons with additional 70 new production lines at the completion of the construction of our fourth production base. Sichuan Xinda has supplied to its customers since 2013, backed by production capacity in our Harbin production base. To streamline the management in Sichuan, the Company completed a restructuring in July 2015 by merging its subsidiary in Nanchong City, the entire registered capital (US$99.99 million) of which was owned by Xinda (Heilongjiang) Investment Co., Ltd, into Sichuan Xinda.  The Company expects Sichuan facility to be completed around the middle of 2016. In order to meet the increasing demand from our customer in the ROK and to develop potential overseas markets, on January 25, 2015, AL Composites Materials FZE obtained a leased property of approximately 10,000 square meters from Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority ("JAFZA") in Dubai, UAE with constructed building comprising a warehouse, office and service block with a lease term of 15 years. The Company is planning to complete installing 75 production lines with additional 14,000 metric tons ("Phase 2") of annual production capacity in that property around the end of 2016, bringing total production capacity in Dubai to 16,500 metric tons.

 
18

 

 
Highlights for the three months ended March 31, 2016 include:
 
● Revenues were $215.0 million, a decrease of 3.1% from $221.9 million in the first quarter of 2015
● Gross profit was $34.8 million, a decrease of 28.4% from $48.6 million in the first quarter of 2015
● Gross profit margin was 16.2%, compared to 21.9% in the first quarter of 2015
● Net income was $11.4 million, compared to $25.4 million in the first quarter of 2015
● Total volume shipped was 76,755 metric tons, up 10.7% from 69,355metric tons in the first quarter of 2015
 
Results of Operations
 
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, statements of income data in thousands of USD:
 
 
Three-Month Period Ended March 31,
 
(in thousands, except percentages)
 
2016
   
2015
 
  
 
Amount
   
%
   
Amount
   
%
 
Revenues
 
$
215,030
     
100
%
 
$
221,926
     
100
%
Cost of revenues
 
$
180,217
     
84
%
 
$
173,284
     
78
%
Gross profit
 
$
34,813
     
16
%
 
$
48,642
     
22
%
Total operating expenses
 
$
10,264
     
5
%
 
$
11,075
     
5
%
Operating income
 
$
24,549
     
11
%
 
$
37,567
     
17
%
Income before income taxes
 
$
15,895
     
7
%
 
$
29,630
     
13
%
Income tax expenses
 
$
4,538
 
   
2
%
 
$
4,226
     
2
%
Net income
 
$
11,357
     
5
%
 
$
25,404
     
11
%
 
Three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to three months ended March 31, 2015

Revenues

Revenues were US$215.0 million in the first quarter ended March 31, 2016, a decrease of US6.9 million, or 3.1%, compared to US$221.9 million in the same period of last year, due to 8.5% decrease in the average RMB selling price of our products and 4.5% negative impact from exchange rate due to weakening RMB against US dollars, offsetting by approximately 10.7% increase in sales volume.

Vehicle sales in China grew by 4.7% in 2015, the slowest rate in approximately 25 years, missing the State-backed auto association's revised forecast amid the economy slowdown in the world's largest car market.  The Chinese government's anti-monopoly probe against luxury automobile manufacturers and dealers by the state backlashed against automakers and contributed to the lower-than-expected growth rate. Further, both automakers and parts manufacturers in China experienced pricing pressure from 2014 to the present. The unusual volatility of the Chinese stock market since June 2015 also seemed to have certain negative impact on consumer sentiments. As a result, plastic fabricators have been seeking newer products utilizing lower cost raw materials and more cost-efficient formulations. The pricing of our products is determined with reference to the relatively lower average selling price in response to customer demand in China.
 
In order to stimulate the growth of the auto industry, on September 29, 2015, the Chinese government implemented a tax incentive policy of 50% reduction of the sales tax for eligible purchase of vehicles with engines of 1.6 liters and less.  This helped the recovery of vehicle sales in China since the fourth quarter of 2015.  Passenger vehicles production increased by 7.3% in the first quarter of 2016 compared to the same period of the prior year.
 
Driven by accelerating growth of 128.9% in Central China and 80.3% in Southwest China, domestic sales during the first quarter of 2015 increased by 15.0% as compared to the same period of the prior year.

 
 
19


 


Oversea sales was US$23,600 in the first quarter of 2016  compared to US$35.0 million in the same period of the prior year due to the ongoing suspension of supply to a ROK customer in the first quarter of 2016. We expect the supply to the ROK customer to resume after its payment obligations arising from the raw material purchase transaction is completely fulfilled in the second quarter of 2016. The customer has made payment of US$1.3 million in the first quarter of 2016 with unpaid balance of US$8.2. 

 
The following table summarizes the breakdown of revenues by categories in millions of US$: 
 
 (in millions, except percentage)
 
Revenues
For the Three-Month Period Ended March 31,
         
   
2016
   
2015
   
Change in
   
Change in
 
   
Amount
   
%
   
Amount
   
%
   
Amount
   
%
 
Modified Polyamide 66 (PA66)
   
50.8
     
23.6
%
   
36.0
     
16.2
%
   
14.8
     
41.1
%
                                                 
Modified Polyamide 6 (PA6)
   
51.2
     
23.8
%
   
42.4
     
19.1
%
   
8.8
     
20.8
%
                                                 
Plastic Alloy
   
60.0
     
27.9
%
   
92.2
     
41.6
%
   
(32.2
)
   
(34.9
)%
                                                 
Modified Polypropylene (PP)
   
39.9
     
18.6
%
   
39.5
     
17.8
%
   
0.4
     
1.0
%
                                                 
Modified Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)
   
8.6
     
4.0
%
   
8.4
     
3.8
%
   
0.2
     
2.4
%
                                                 
Polyoxymethylenes (POM)
   
0.8
     
0.4
%
   
0.5
     
0.2
%
   
0.3
     
60.0
%
                                                 
Polyphenylene Oxide (PPO)
   
3.4
     
1.6
%
   
2.9
     
1.3
%
   
0.5
     
17.2
%
                                                 
Raw Materials
   
0.3
     
0.1
%
   
-
     
-
%
   
0.3
     
-
%
                                                 
Others
   
0
     
0.0
%
   
-
     
-
%
   
0
     
N/
A
Total Revenues
   
215.0
     
100
%
   
221.9
     
100
%
   
(6.9
)
   
(3.1
)%

The following table summarizes the breakdown of metric tons (MT) by product mix:
 
(in MTs, except percentage)
 
Sales Volume
For the Three-Month Period Ended March 31,
         
   
2016
   
2015
   
Change in
   
Change in
 
   
MT
   
%
   
MT
   
%
   
MT
   
%
 
Modified Polyamide 66 (PA66)
   
12,240
     
15.9
%
   
8,447
     
12.2
%
   
3,793
     
44.9
%
                                                 
Modified Polyamide 6 (PA6)
   
14,820
     
19.3
%
   
11,981
     
17.3
%
   
2,839
     
23.7
%
                                                 
Plastic Alloy
   
22,784
     
29.7
%
   
24,143
     
34.7
%
   
(1,359
)
   
(5.6
)%
                                                 
Modified Polypropylene (PP)
   
22,177
     
28.9
%
   
20,943
     
30.2
%
   
1,234
     
5.9
%
                                                 
Modified Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)
   
3,535
     
4.6
%
   
3,307
     
4.8
%
   
228
     
6.9
%
                                                 
Polyoxymethylenes (POM)
   
270
     
0.4
%
   
138
     
0.2
%
   
132
     
95.7
%
                                                 
Polyphenylene Oxide (PPO)
   
510
     
0.7
%
   
396
     
0.6
%
   
114
     
28.8
%
                                                 
PLA
   
1
     
0.0
%
   
-
     
0.0
%
   
1
     
N/A
%
Raw Materials
   
418
     
0.5
%
   
-
     
-
     
418
     
N/A
%
                                                 
Total Sales Volume
   
76,755
     
100
%
   
69,355
     
100
%
   
7,400
     
10.7
%

 
 
 
20

The Company continued to shift production mix from traditional Modified Polypropylene (PP) to higher-end products such as PA66, PA6, POM and PPO, primarily due to (i) the greater growth potential of advanced modified plastics in luxury automobile models in China, (ii) the stronger demand as a result of promotion by the Chinese government for clean energy vehicles and (iii) better quality from end consumer recognition of higher-end cars made by automotive manufacturers from Chinese and Germany joint ventures, and U.S. and Japanese joint ventures, which manufacturers tend to use more and higher-end modified plastics in quantity per vehicle in China
 
Gross Profit and Gross Profit Margin

 
Three-Month Period Ended March 31,
 
Change
 
(in millions, except percentage)
2016
 
2015
 
Amount
 
%
 
Gross Profit
 
$
34.8
 
 
$
48.6
 
$
(13.8)
 
(28.4
)%
Gross Profit Margin
 
 
16.2
%
 
 
21.9
%
 
 
 
(5.7)
%
 
Gross profit was US$34.8 million in the quarter ended March 31, 2016 compared to US$48.6 million in the same period of 2015, representing a decrease of 28.4%. Our gross margin decreased to 16.2% during the quarter ended March 31, 2016 from 21.9% during the same quarter of 2015 primarily due to  lower gross margin of higher-end products in oversea market for the first quarter ended March 31, 2016 as compared to that of the prior year.
 
General and Administrative Expenses
 
 
Three-Month Period Ended March 31,
 
Change
 
(in millions, except percentage)
2016
 
2015
 
Amount
 
%
 
General and Administrative Expenses
 
$
5.1
 
 
$
5.0
 
$
0.1
 
2.0
%
as a percentage of revenues
 
 
2.4
%
 
 
2.3
%
 
 
 
0.1
%

General and administrative (G&A) expenses were US$5.1 million in the quarter ended March 31, 2016 compared to US$5.0 million in the same period in 2015, representing an increase of 2.0%, or US$0.1 million. This increase is primarily due to the increase of US$0.5 million professional fee and offset by the decrease of US$0.4 million taxation.
 
Research and Development Expenses

 
 
Three–Month Period Ended March 31,
 
Change
 
(in millions, except percentage)
 
2016
 
2015
 
Amount
 
%
 
Research and Development Expenses
 
 
$
4.9
 
 
$
5.8
 
 
$
(0.9
)
 
 
(15.5
)%
as a percentage of revenues
 
 
 
2.3
%
 
 
2.6
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
(0.3
)%

R&D expenses were US$4.9 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2016 compared with US5.8 million during the same period in 2015, a decrease of US$0.9 million, or 15.5%, reflecting the Company's efforts to adjust research and development activities on new products primarily for industrialized applications from automotive to other advanced fields such as ships, airplanes, high-speed rail, 3D printing materials, biodegradable plastics, and medical devices, etc.
 
As of March 31, 2016, the number of ongoing research and development projects was 169. We expect to complete and commence to realize economic benefits on approximately 25% of the projects in the near term. The remaining projects are expected to be carried out for a longer period.
 
 
21


 
Operating Income

Total operating income was US$24.5 million in the first quarter ended March 31, 2016 compared to $37.6 million in the same period of 2015, representing a decrease of 34.8% or US$13.1 million. This decrease is primarily due to lower gross profit, partially offset by lower research and development expenses.
 
Interest Income (Expenses)
 
 
 
Three-Month Period Ended March 31,
   
Change
 
(in millions, except percentage)
 
2016
   
2015
   
Amount
   
%
 
Interest Income
 
$
1.6
   
$
2.4
   
$
(0.8
)
   
(33.3
%)
Interest Expenses
   
(10.9
)
   
(10.6
)
   
(0.3
)
   
2.8
%
Net Interest Expenses
 
$
(9.3
)
 
$
(8.2
)
 
$
(1.1
)
   
13.4
%
as a percentage of revenues
   
(4.3
)%
   
(3.7
)%
           
(0.6
)%


Net interest expenses were US$9.3 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2016, compared to net interest expenses of US$8.2 million in the same period of 2015, primarily due to (i) US$0.3 million interest expenses increase resulting from the average loan balance of  US$415.9 million bearing a weighted interest rate of  5.77% for the three month ended March 31, 2016  as compared to US$383.7 million bearing a weighted interest rate of 5.64% for the three months ended March 31, 2015, leading to more interest expenses;  and  (ii) an decrease of US$0.8 million interest income due to the decrease of average deposit balance in the amount of US$360.8 million bearing a weighted average interest rate of 1.72% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to US$316.6 million bearing a weighted average interest rate of 2.99% in 2015, leading to the decrease of interest income.
 
Income Taxes

 
Three–Month Period Ended March 31
 
Change
 
(in millions, except percentage)
2016
 
2015
 
Amount
 
%
 
Income before Income Taxes
 
$
15.9
 
 
$
29.6
 
 
$
(13.7
(46.3
)%
Income Tax Expense
 
 
(4.5
)
 
 
(4.2
)
 
 
(0.3
7.1
%
Effective income tax rate
 
 
28.5
%
 
 
14.3
%
 
 
 
 
14.2
%
 
The effective income tax rates for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 were 28.5% and 14.3%, respectively. The effective income tax rate for the three-month period ended March 31, 2016 differs from the PRC statutory income tax rate of 25% primarily due to (i) operating losses of entities not subject to income tax decreased the consolidated income before income taxes for the three-month ended March 31, 2016; (ii) non-deductible expenses incurred in the PRC operating entities; partially offset by (iii) R&D bonus deduction of the major PRC operating entities; and (iv) Sichuan Xinda Group’s preferential income tax rate.
 
Our PRC and Dubai subsidiaries have US$395.1 million of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and time deposits as of March 31, 2016, which are planned to be indefinitely reinvested in the PRC and Dubai. The distributions from our PRC and Dubai subsidiaries are subject to the U.S. federal income tax at 34%, less any applicable foreign tax credits. Due to our policy of indefinitely reinvesting our earnings in our PRC business, we have not provided for deferred income tax liabilities related to PRC withholding income tax on undistributed earnings of our PRC subsidiaries. In addition, due to our policy of indefinitely reinvesting our earnings in Dubai, UAE, we have not provided for deferred income tax liabilities related to Dubai Composites in Dubai, UAE, on undistributed earnings.
 
Net Income
 
As a result of the above factors, we had a net income of US$11.4 million in the first quarter of 2016 compared to a net income of US$$25.4 million in the same quarter of 2015.
 
 
22

 
Selected Balance Sheet Data as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
Change
 
(in millions, except percentage)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amount
 
 
%
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
 
43.1
 
 
 
119.9
 
 
 
(76.8
)
 
 
(64.1
)%
Restricted cash
 
 
51.7
 
 
 
50.9
 
 
 
0.8
 
 
 
1.6
%
Time deposits
 
 
300.9
 
 
 
237.6
 
 
 
63.3
 
 
 
26.6
%
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts
 
 
179.6
 
 
 
234.5
 
 
 
(54.9
)
 
 
(23.4
)%
Inventories
 
 
391.5
 
 
 
294.7
 
 
 
96.8
 
 
 
32.8
%
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
   
50.7
     
15.7
     
35.0
     
222.9
%
Property, plant and equipment, net
 
 
807.0
 
 
 
571.7
 
 
 
235.3
 
 
 
41.
2%
Land use rights, net
 
 
24.6
 
 
 
24.5
 
 
 
0.1
 
 
 
0.4
%
Prepayments to equipment and construction suppliers
 
 
31.6
 
 
 
183.2
 
 
 
(151.6)
 
 
 
(82.8
)%
Other non-current assets
 
 
19.1
 
 
 
19.0
 
 
 
0.1
 
 
 
0.5
%
Total assets
 
 
1,899.8
 
 
 
1752.0
 
 
 
147.8
 
 
 
8.
4%
Short-term  bank loans, including current portion of long-term bank loans
 
 
324.0
 
 
 
284.3
 
 
 
39.7
 
 
 
14.0
%
Bills payable
 
 
33.2
 
 
 
33.5
 
 
 
(0.3
)
 
 
(0.9
)%
Accounts payable
 
 
258.1
 
 
 
257.4
 
 
 
0.7
 
 
 
0.3
%
Income taxes payable, including noncurrent portion
 
 
26.5
 
 
 
28.0
 
 
 
(1.5)
 
 
 
(5.4
%)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
 
 
231.5
 
 
 
141.0
 
 
 
90.5
 
 
 
64.2
%
Long-term bank loans, excluding current portion
 
 
104.8
 
 
 
107.5
 
 
 
(2.7
 
 
(2.5
)%
Notes payable
 
 
145.9
 
 
 
145.6
 
 
 
0.3
 
 
 
0.2
Deferred income
 
 
66.5
 
 
 
62.0
 
 
 
4.5
 
 
 
7.3
%
Redeemable Series D convertible preferred stock
 
 
97.6
 
 
 
97.6
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
Stockholders' equity
 
 
594.6
 
 
 
578.0
 
 
 
16.6
 
 
 
2.9
%
 
Our financial condition continued to improve as measured by an increase of 2.9% in stockholders' equity as of March 31, 2016 as compared to that of December 31, 2015. Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and time deposits decreased by 3.1% or US$12.7 million due to the operating cash outflows. Inventories increased by 32.8% as a result of more purchases made by the Company to take advantage of the lower purchase price of the raw materials and the Company's strategy to stock up the inventory and prepare for the opening of Sichuan plant. Prepayment to equipment suppliers decreased by 82.8% mainly because the equipment was delivered to Dubai, UAE. The aggregate short-term and long-term bank loans increased by 9.4% due to the utilization of existing lines of credit. We believe our current debt level is manageable. We define the manageable debt level as the sum of aggregate short-term and long-term loans, and notes payable over total assets.  As of March 31, 2016, notes payable was US$145.9 million under the 11.75% guaranteed senior notes due in 2019, net of discount.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 
Historically, our primary uses of cash have been to finance working capital needs and capital expenditures for new production lines. We have financed these requirements primarily from cash generated from operations, bank borrowings and the issuance of our convertible preferred stocks and debt financings. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we had US$43.1 million and US$119.9 million, respectively, in cash and cash equivalents, which were primarily deposited with banks in China (including Hong Kong and Macau). As of March 31, 2016, we had US$ 324.0 million outstanding short-term bank loans (including the current portion of long-term bank loans), including US$118.0 million unsecured loan and US$9.3 million loans secured by accounts receivable, US$39.1 million loans secured by restricted cash, and US$157.6 long-term bank loans that due in one year. We also had US$104.8 million long-term bank loans (excluding the current portion), including US$46 million loans secured by long-term deposits and US$58.8 million unsecured loan. Short-term and long-term bank loans in total bear a weighted average interest rate of 4.33% per annum and do not contain any renewal terms. We have historically been able to make repayments when due.  In addition, the Company has US$145.9 million of 11.75% guaranteed senior notes due in 2019.
 
23


 
A summary of lines of credit for the three-month period ended March 31, 2016 and the remaining line of credit as of March 31, 2016 is as below: 
 
(in millions)
March 31, 2016
 
 
Lines of Credit, Obtained
   
Remaining Available
 
Name of Financial Institution
Date of Approval
 
RMB
   
USD
   
USD
 
Bank of Communications
December 09, 2014
   
200.0
     
31.0
     
0.3
 
Bank of Longjiang, Heilongjiang
June 29, 2015
   
300.0
     
46.4
     
46.4
 
Bank of China
April 28, 2015
   
1,389.5
     
215.1
     
76.0
 
HSBC
September 2, 2014
   
613.8
     
95.0
     
59.4
 
Agriculture Bank of China
November 25, 2015
   
260.0
     
40.2
     
14.5
 
China Construction Bank
January 8, 2016
   
540.0
     
83.6
     
60.4
 
ICBC
October 28, 2015
   
500.0
     
77.4
     
54.0
 
Export-Import Bank of China
March 30, 2016
   
200.0
     
31.0
     
-
 
Subtotal (credit term<=1 year)
     
4,003.3
     
619.7
     
311.0
 
Bank of China
April 28, 2015
   
962.4
     
149.0
     
50.3
 
Agriculture Bank of China
November 25, 2015
   
40.0
     
6.2
     
-
 
Subtotal (credit term>1 year)
     
1,002.4
     
155.2
     
50.3
 
Total
     
5,005.7
     
774.9
     
361.3
 
 
We have historically been able to make repayments when due. As of March 31, 2016, we have contractual obligations to pay (i) lease commitments in the amount of US$4.3 million, including US$1.2 million due in one year; (ii) equipment acquisition and facility construction in the amount of US$26.5 million; (iii) long-term bank loan in the amount of US$278.9 million (including principals and interests); and (iv) notes payable in the amount of US$202.9 million (including principals and interests).
We expect that we will be able to meet our needs to fund operations, capital expenditures and other commitments in the next 12 months primarily with our cash and cash equivalents, operating cash flows and bank borrowings. 
We may, however, require additional cash resources due to changes in business conditions or other future developments. If these sources are insufficient to satisfy our cash requirements, we may seek to sell additional equity or debt securities or obtain a credit facility. The sale of additional equity or equity-linked securities could result in additional dilution to stockholders. The incurrence of indebtedness would result in increased debt service obligations and could result in operating and financial covenants that would restrict operations. Financing may not be available in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, or at all.
The following table sets forth a summary of our cash flows for the periods indicated.

   
Three-Month Period Ended March 31,
 
(in millions US$)
 
2016
   
2015
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
   
(25.4
)
   
37.5
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(86.3
)
   
(122.1
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
34.7
     
69.9
 
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
   
0.2
     
0.4
 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
   
(76.8
)
   
(14.3
)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period
   
119.9
     
45.5
 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period
   
43.1
     
31.2
 

Operating Activities

Net cash used in operating activities decreased to US$25.4 million cash outflow for the three-month period ended March 31, 2016 from net cash provided by operating activities of US$37.5 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015, primarily due to (i) the increase of approximately US$56.6 million in cash operating payments, including raw material purchases, rental and personnel costs, (ii) the decrease of approximately US$41.5 million released from restricted cash, (iii) the increase of US$4.7 million in income tax payments, (iv) the decrease of US$0.5 million in Interest income received, and (v) the increase of US$0.1 million interest payments and partially offset by (vi) the increase of approximately US$38.3 million in cash collected from our customers for the three-month period ended March 31, 2016, and (vii) the increase of US$2.2 million received from government grant  for the three-month period ended March 31, 2016.
 
 
 
24


 
Investing Activities

Net cash used in the investing activities was US$86.3 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2016 as compared to US$122.1 million for the same period of last year, mainly due to (i) the decrease of US$58.6 million purchase of property, plant and equipment, (ii) the increase of US$14.3 million proceeds from maturity of time deposits, (iii) the decrease of US$5.5 million acquisition of land use right,  and (iv) the increase of US$2.1 million government grant related to the construction of Sichuan plant, partially offset by (v) the increase of US$44.7 million purchase of time deposits.
 
Financing Activities

Net cash provided by the financing activities was US$34.7 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2016, as compared to US$69.9 million for the same period of last year, primarily as a result of (i) the decrease of US$36.7 million borrowings of bank loans, and (ii) the increase of US$20.2 million repayments of bank borrowings for the three-month period ended March 31, 2016, partially offset by (iii) the decrease of US$0.3 million of placement of restricted cash as collateral for bank borrowings and (iv) the increase of US$21.3 million release from restricted cash as collateral for bank borrowings.
 
As of March 31, 2016, our cash and cash equivalents balance was US$43.1 million, compared to US$119.9 million at December 31, 2015.

Days Sales Outstanding ("DSO") has increased from 78 days for the year ended December 31, 2015 to 86 days for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 as a result of overall slowdown in the Chinese economy, automobile industry, and its impact to our industry. 

It takes longer to collect from our customers. We believe that our DSO is still well below industry average Industry Standard Customer and Supplier Payment Terms (days) as below:
 
 
 Three-month period ended March 31, 2016 
 Year ended December 31, 2015
Customer Payment Term 
 Payment in advance/up to 90 days  
 Payment in advance/up to 90 days
Supplier Payment Term
 Payment in advance/up to 60 days
 Payment in advance/up to 60 days
 
Inventory turnover days has increased from 120 days for the year ended December 31, 2015 to 171 days for the quarter ended March 31, 2016. The Company has the credit terms with major suppliers for 90 days in 2016, in order to better manage its operating cash flows.  Turnover days of payables have increased from 90 days for the year ended December 31, 2015 to 129 days for the quarter ended March 31, 2016. 
Based on past performance and current expectations, we believe our cash and cash equivalents provided by operating activities and financing activities will satisfy our working capital needs, capital expenditures and other liquidity requirements associated with our operations for at least the next 12 months.

The majority of the Company's revenues and expenses were denominated primarily in Renminbi ("RMB"), the currency of the People's Republic of China. There is no assurance that exchange rates between the RMB and the U.S. Dollar will remain stable.  Inflation has not had a material impact on the Company's business.
 
 
25


 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Contractual Obligations

Our contractual obligations as of March 31, 2016 are as follows:
 
Contractual obligations
 
Total
   
Payment due
less than 1 year
   
1 – 3 years
   
3-5 years
   
More than 5
years
 
Lease commitments
   
4,272,922
     
1,151,616
     
1,877,044
     
227,956
     
1,016,306
 
Purchase of land use rights, plant equipment, and construction in progress (3)
   
26,523,912
     
26,523,912
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Long-term bank loans (1)
   
278,886,038
     
164,902,389
     
57,437,872
     
56,545,777
     
-
 
Notes payable (2)
   
202,875,000
     
17,625,000
     
26,437,500
     
158,812,500
     
-
 
Total
   
512,557,872
     
210,202,917
     
85,752,416
     
215,586,233
     
1,016,306
 

(1)  Includes interest of US$ 16.4 million accrued at the interest rate under the loan agreements. For borrowings with a floating rate, the most recent rate as of March 31, 2016 was applied.

(2)  On February 4, 2014, Favor Sea (BVI), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, issued US$150,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 11.75% Guaranteed Senior Notes due 2019 with issuance price of 99.080% (the "Notes"). The Notes bear interest at a rate of 11.75% per annum, payable on February 4 and August 4 of each year, commencing August 4, 2014. The Notes will mature on February 4, 2019.
 
(3)  Sichuan plant construction and equipment
On March 8, 2013, Xinda Holding (HK) Company Limited ("Xinda Holding (HK)") entered into an investment agreement with Shunqing Government, pursuant to which Xinda Holding (HK) will invest RMB1.8 billion in property, plant and equipment and approximately RMB0.6 billion in working capital, for the construction of Sichuan plant.  As of March 31, 2016, the Company has a remaining commitment of RMB100.9 million (equivalent to US$15.6 million) mainly for facility construction, and RMB17.9 million (equivalent to US$2.8 million) for the acquisition of equipment.
(4)    Dubai plant equipment

On January 5, 2015, AL Composites entered into an equipment purchase contract with Peaceful for a total consideration of US$271.2 million to purchase certain production and testing equipment.  As of March 31, 2016, the Company has a remaining commitment of US$5.9 million for the remaining equipment acquisition. On April 28, 2015, AL Composites entered into a warehouse construction contract with Falcon Red Eye Contracting Co. L.L.C. for a total consideration of AED6.7 million (equivalent to US$1.8 million). As of March 31, 2016, the Company has a remaining commitment of US$0.9 million.
(5)  Xinda Group construction and equipment
As of March 31, 2016, Xinda Group has a remaining commitment of RMB8.7 million (equivalent to US$1.3 million) for the acquisition of equipment.


26



Legal Proceedings
 

The Company and certain of its officers and directors have been named as defendants in two putative securities class action lawsuits filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.  These actions, which allege violations of Section 10(b) and Section 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, were filed on July 15, 2014 and July 16, 2014 and are captioned Yang v. Han, et al., No. 14-cv-5308 (GBD) and Tompkins v. China XD Plastics Company Ltd., et al., No. 14-cv-5359 (GBD), respectively.  On November 21, 2014, the Court consolidated the actions and appointed lead plaintiffs.  On February 17, 2015, the lead plaintiffs filed a Consolidated Class Action Complaint on behalf of a class of all persons other than the defendants who purchased the common stock of China XD Plastics Company Limited between March 25, 2014 and July 10, 2014, both dates inclusive.  Specifically, the lead plaintiffs allege that the Company and two of its officers made false or misleading statements and/or omitted material facts in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 and the Company's Form 10-Q for the first quarter ended March 31, 2014. They also assert that the individual defendants are liable because they allegedly controlled the Company during the time the allegedly false and misleading statements and omissions were made.  The lead plaintiffs seek damages in unspecified amounts. On April 3, 2015, the Company moved to dismiss the Consolidated Class Action Complaint. On March 23, 2016, the Court entered an Opinion and Order dismissing the Consolidated Class Action Complaint without prejudice.  On May 6, 2016, plaintiffs moved the Court for leave to amend the Complaint.  Management believes the proposed amendment is without merit and intends to vigorously defend against it.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have not engaged in any off-balance sheet transactions.
 
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risks
 
Interest Rate Risk
 
We are exposed to interest rate risk primarily with respect to our short-term loans, long-term bank loans, notes payable, cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and time deposits. Although the interest rates, which are based on the banks' prime rates are fixed for the terms of the loans and deposits, increase in interest rates will increase our interest expense.
 
A hypothetical 1.0% increase in the annual interest rate for all of our credit facilities under which we had outstanding borrowings as of March 31, 2016 would decrease income before income taxes by approximately US$1.4 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2016. Management monitors the banks' prime rates in conjunction with our cash requirements to determine the appropriate level of debt balances relative to other sources of funds. We have not entered into any hedging transactions in an effort to reduce our exposure to interest rate risk.
 
Foreign Currency Exchange Rates
 
The majority of our revenues are collected in and our expenses are paid in RMB. We face foreign currency rate translation risks when our results are translated to U.S. dollars.

The RMB was relatively stable against the U.S. dollar at approximately 8.28 RMB to the US$1.00 until July 21, 2005 when the Chinese currency regime was altered resulting in a 2.1% revaluation versus the U.S. dollar. From July 21, 2005 to June 30, 2010, the RMB exchange rate was no longer linked to the U.S. dollar but rather to a basket of currencies with a 0.3% margin of fluctuation resulting in further appreciation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar. Since June 30, 2009, the exchange rate had remained stable at 6.8307 RMB to 1.00 U.S. dollar until June 30, 2010 when the People's Bank of China allowed a further appreciation of the RMB by 0.43% to 6.798 RMB to 1.00 U.S. dollar. The People's Bank of China allowed the RMB and U.S. dollar exchange rate to fluctuate within 1% on April 16, 2012 and 2% on March 17, 2014, respectively. On March 31, 2016, the RMB traded at 6.4612 RMB to 1.00 U.S. dollar.

There remains international pressure on the Chinese government to adopt an even more flexible currency policy and the exchange rate of RMB is subject to changes in China's government policies which are, to a large extent, dependent on the economic and political development both internationally and locally and the demand and supply of RMB in the domestic market. There can be no assurance that such exchange rate will continue to remain stable in the future amongst the volatility of currencies, globalization and the unstable economies in recent years. Since (i) our revenues and net income of our PRC operating entities are denominated in RMB, and (ii) the payment of dividends, if any, will be in U.S. dollars, any decrease in the value of RMB against U.S. dollars would adversely affect the value of the shares and dividends payable to shareholders, in U.S. dollars.
 

 
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Item 4. Controls and Procedures

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
The Company’s management has evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the design and operations of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)), as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective because of material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting as disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.
 
Notwithstanding management’s assessment that our internal control over financial reporting was ineffective as of December 31, 2015 due to one material weakness as identified in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, we believe that our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report present fairly our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2016 in all material respects.
 
(b) Changes in internal controls.
 
During the three-month ended March 31, 2016, our efforts to improve our internal controls over financial reporting include (1) recruiting qualified accounting staff in Xinda Beijing Investment with requisite expertise and knowledge to help improve our internal control procedures, (2) adopting procedures to evaluate and assess performance of directors, officers and employees of the Company, (3) internal meetings, discussions, trainings and seminars periodically to review and improve our internal control procedures. We plan to improve on the above-referenced weakness by the end of the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016.
 
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1. Legal Proceedings

The Company and certain of its officers and directors have been named as defendants in two putative securities class action lawsuits filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.  These actions, which allege violations of Section 10(b) and Section 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, were filed on July 15, 2014 and July 16, 2014 and are captioned Yang v. Han, et al., No. 14-cv-5308 (GBD) and Tompkins v. China XD Plastics Company Ltd., et al., No. 14-cv-5359 (GBD), respectively.  On November 21, 2014, the Court consolidated the actions and appointed lead plaintiffs.  On February 17, 2015, the lead plaintiffs filed a Consolidated Class Action Complaint on behalf of a class of all persons other than the defendants who purchased the common stock of China XD Plastics Company Limited between March 25, 2014 and July 10, 2014, both dates inclusive.  Specifically, the lead plaintiffs allege that the Company and two of its officers made false or misleading statements and/or omitted material facts in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 and the Company's Form 10-Q for the first quarter ended March 31, 2014. They also assert that the individual defendants are liable because they allegedly controlled the Company during the time the allegedly false and misleading statements and omissions were made.  The lead plaintiffs seek damages in unspecified amounts. On April 3, 2015, the Company moved to dismiss the Consolidated Class Action Complaint. On March 23, 2016, the Court entered an Opinion and Order dismissing the Consolidated Class Action Complaint without prejudice.  On May 6, 2016, plaintiffs moved the Court for leave to amend the Complaint.  Management believes the proposed amendment is without merit and intends to vigorously defend against it.
 
Item 1A. Risk Factors
 
During the three months ended March 31, 2016, there have been no material changes to the Risk Factors disclosed in "Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.  We operate in a changing environment that involves numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could materially affect our operations. The risks, uncertainties and other factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K may cause our actual results, performances and achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements. If any of these risks or events occurs, our business, financial condition or results of operations may be adversely affected.
 
 
28

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

None.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

None.

Item 5.  Other Information
 
None.
 
Item 6.  Exhibits
Exhibit
No.
  
Document Description
 
 
 
31.1
 
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13A-14(A)/15D-14(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2
 
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13A-14(A)/15D-14(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1
 
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350 (Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002).
32.2
 
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350 (Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002).
101
 
Interactive Data Files Pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T.
 

 
29

 
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
China XD Plastics Company Limited
 
 
 
Date: May 10, 2016
By:  
 /s/ Jie Han
 
Name: Jie Han
 
Title: Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

 
 
 
Date: May 10, 2016
By:  
 /s/ Taylor Zhang
 
Name: Taylor Zhang
 
Title: Chief Financial Officer
 
 
  

30

 
Exhibit Index

Exhibit
No.
  
Document Description
 
 
 
31.1
 
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13A-14(A)/15D-14(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2
 
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13A-14(A)/15D-14(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1
 
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350 (Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002).
32.2
 
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350 (Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002).
101
 
Interactive Data Files Pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T.
 
 
 

 
31