GD Culture Group Ltd - Quarter Report: 2023 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, 2023

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

For the transition period from __________ to __________

Commission File Number: 001-37513

GD CULTURE GROUP LIMITED

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: +852-95791074

Not applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Date 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, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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

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

As of March 15, 2023, there were 2,866,063 shares of the Company’s common stock issued and outstanding.

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains statements that may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements relate to anticipated future events, future results of operations and or future financial performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by their use of terminology such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “future,” “intend,” “may,” “ought to,” “plan,” “possible,” “potentially,” “predicts,” “project,” “should,” “will,” “would,” negatives of such terms or other similar terms. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q include, without limitation, statements relating to:

The preceding list is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all of our forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are based on assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties, including those described in Item 1A “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report of Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

You should not unduly rely on any forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee that future results, levels of activity, performance and events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or will occur. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason after the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, to conform these statements to actual results or to changes in our expectations.

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

GD CULTURE GROUP LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 

GD CULTURE GROUP LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF LOSS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(UNAUDITED)

GD CULTURE GROUP LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

GD CULTURE GROUP LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

GD CULTURE GROUP LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1 – Nature of business and organization

 GD Culture Group Limited (“GDC” or the “Company”), formerly known as Code Chain New Continent Limited, TMSR Holding Company Limited and JM Global Holding Company is a Nevada corporation and a holding company that has no material operation of its own. The Company’ subsidiaries, Citi Profit Investment Holding Limited (“Citi Profit”), TMSR Holdings Limited (“TMSR HK”), Highlights Culture Holding Co., Limited (“Highlight HK”), Shanghai Highlight Entertainment Co., Ltd. (“Highlight WFOE”) and Makesi IoT Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (“Makesi WFOE”) are also holding companies with material operations.

Highlight WFOE has a series of contractual arrangement with Shanghai Highlight Media Co., Ltd. (“Highlight Media”) that established a VIE structure. For accounting purposes, Highlight WFOE is the primary beneficiary of Highlight Media. Accordingly, under U.S. GAAP, CCNC treats Highlight Media as the consolidated affiliated entity and has consolidated Highlight Media’s financial results in CCNC’s financial statements. Highlight Media was founded in 2016. It is an integrated marketing service agency, focusing on enterprise brand management, crisis public relations, intelligent public opinion monitoring, media PR, financial and economic we-media operation, digital face application, large-scale exhibition services and other businesses. It is committed to becoming a modern science and technology media organization that fully empowers the development of customer enterprises in the era of artificial intelligence and big data.

Prior to September 28, 2022, we also conducted business through Sichuan Wuge Network Games Co., Ltd. (“Wuge”). Makesi WFOE had a series of contractual arrangement with Wuge that established a VIE structure. Wuge focused its business on research, development and application of Internet of Things (IoT) and electronic tokens Wuge digital door signs. On September 28, 2022, Makesi WFOE entered into a termination agreement with Wuge and the Wuge Shareholders to terminate the VIE Agreements and to cancel the Shares, based on the average closing price of $0.237 per share of the Company during the 30 trading days immediately prior to the date of the termination agreement. As a result of such termination, the Company no longer treats Wuge as a consolidated affiliated entity or consolidates the financial results and balance sheet of Wuge in the Company’s consolidated financial statements under U.S. GAAP.

Prior to March 30, 2021, CCNC had an indirect subsidiary, Tongrong Technology (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd. (“Tongrong WFOE”), which is a holding company with no material operations. Tongrong WFOE had a series of contractual arrangement with Jiangsu Rong Hai Electric Power Fuel Co., Ltd. (“Rong Hai”) that established a VIE structure. Rong Hai was primarily engaged in the coal wholesales and sales of coke, steel, construction materials, mechanical equipment and steel scrap. For accounting purposes, Tongrong WFOE was the primary beneficiary of Wuge. Accordingly, under U.S. GAAP, CCNC treated Rong Hai as the consolidated affiliated entity and has consolidated Rong Hai’s financial results in CCNC’s financial statements prior to March 30, 2021. On March 30, 2021, CCNC entered into a share purchase agreement with a buyer unaffiliated with the Company (the “Buyer”), and Qihai Wang, former director of the Company (the “Payee”). Pursuant to the agreement, on March 31, 2021, CCNC sold all the issued and outstanding ordinary shares of Tongrong WFOE to the Buyer at a purchase price of $2,464,411 and caused 426,369 shares of common stock of CCNC owned by the Payee to be cancelled. The sale of Tongrong Shares included disposition of Rong Hai. As a result, as of March 31, 2021, operations of Tongrong WFOE and Rong Hai have been designated as discontinued operations.

The VIE structure involves unique risks to investors. The VIE agreements have not been tested in a court of law and the Chinese regulatory authorities could disallow this VIE structure, which would likely result in a material change in our operations and the value of our securities, including that it could cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or become worthless.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect the activities of GDC and each of the following entities:

Contractual Arrangements

Rong Hai and Wuge were and Highlight Media is controlled through contractual agreements in lieu of direct equity ownership by the Company or any of its subsidiaries. Such contractual arrangements consist of a series of five agreements, consulting services agreement, equity pledge agreement, call option agreement, voting rights proxy agreement, and operating agreement (collectively the “Contractual Arrangements”).

Material terms of each of the Rong Hai VIE Agreements are described below. The Company disposed Tongrong WFOE and Rong Hai as of March 31, 2021. 

Consulting Services Agreement

Pursuant to the consulting services agreement between Rong Hai and Shengrong WFOE dated November 30, 2018 and the agreement to assign consulting services agreement among Rong Hai, Shengrong WFOE and Tongrong WFOE dated April 30, 2020, Tongrong WFOE has the exclusive right to provide consulting services to Rong Hai relating to Rong Hai’s business, including but not limited to business consulting services, human resources development, and business development. Tongrong WFOE exclusively owns any intellectual property rights arising from the performance of this agreement. Tongrong WFOE has the right to determine the service fees based on Rong Hai’s actual operation on a quarterly basis.

This consulting services agreement took effect upon execution and shall remain in full force and effective until Rong Hai’s valid operation term expires. Tongrong WFOE may, at its discretion, decide to renew or terminate this consulting services agreement.

Equity Pledge Agreement.

 Under the equity pledge agreement among Shengrong WFOE, Rong Hai and the shareholders of Rong Hai dated November 30, 2018, and the agreement to assign equity pledge agreement among Rong Hai, Shengrong WFOE and Tongrong WFOE dated April 30, 2020, the shareholders pledged all of their equity interests in Rong Hai to Tongrong WFOE to guarantee Rong Hai’s performance of relevant obligations and indebtedness under the consulting services agreement. In addition, the shareholders of Rong Hai have completed the registration of the equity pledge under the agreement with the competent local authority. If Rong Hai breaches its obligation under the consulting services agreement, Tongrong WFOE, as pledgee, will be entitled to certain rights, including the right to sell the pledged equity interests.

This equity pledge agreement took effect upon execution and shall remain in full force and effective until Rong Hai and Tongrong WFOE’s satisfaction of all contractual obligations and settlement of all secured indebtedness. Upon Tongrong WFOE’s request, Rong Hai shall extend its operation period to sustain the effectiveness of this equity pledge agreement.

Call Option Agreement 

Under the call option agreement among Shengrong WFOE, Rong Hai and the shareholders of Rong Hai dated November 30, 2018 and the agreement to assign call option agreement among Rong Hai, Shengrong WFOE and Tongrong WFOE dated April 30, 2020, each of the shareholders of Rong Hai irrevocably granted to WFOE or its designee an option to purchase at any time, to the extent permitted under PRC law, all or a portion of his equity interests in Rong Hai. Also, Tongrong WFOE or its designee has the right to acquire any and all of its assets of Rong Hai. Without Tongrong WFOE’s prior written consent, Rong Hai’s shareholders cannot transfer their equity interests in Rong Hai, and Rong Hai cannot transfer its assets. The acquisition price for the shares or assets will be the minimum amount of consideration permitted under the PRC law at the time of the exercise of the option.

This call option agreement shall took effect upon execution. Rong Hai and Tongrong WFOE shall not terminate this call option agreement under any circumstances for any reason unless it is early terminated by Tongrong WFOE or by the requirements under the applicable laws. This call option agreement shall be terminated provided that all equity interest or assets under this option is transferred to Tongrong WFOE or its designee.

Voting Rights Proxy Agreement 

Under the voting rights proxy agreement among Shengrong WFOE and the shareholders of Rong Hai dated November 30, 2018 and the agreement to assign voting rights proxy agreement among Rong Hai, Shengrong WFOE and Tongrong WFOE dated April 30, 2020, each shareholder of Rong Hai irrevocably appointed Shengrong WFOE as its attorney-in-fact to exercise on such shareholder’s behalf any and all rights that such shareholder has in respect of his equity interests in Rong Hai, including but limited to the power to vote on its behalf on all matters of Rong Hai requiring shareholder approval in accordance with the articles of association of Rong Hai.

The voting rights proxy agreement took effect upon execution of and shall remain in effect indefinitely for the maximum period of time permitted by law in consideration of Tongrong WFOE. 

Operating Agreement  

Pursuant to the operating agreement among Shengrong WFOE, Rong Hai and the shareholders of Rong Hai dated November 30, 2018 and the agreement to assign operating agreement among Rong Hai, Shengrong WFOE and Tongrong WFOE dated April 30, 2020, Rong Hai and the shareholders of Rong Hai agreed not to enter into any transaction that could materially affect Rong Hai’s assets, obligations, rights or operations without prior written consent from Tongrong WFOE, including but not limited to the amendment of the articles of association of Rong Hai. Rong Hai and its shareholders agree to accept and follow our corporate policies provided by Tongrong WFOE in connection with Rong Hai’s daily operations, financial management and the employment and dismissal of Rong Hai’s employees. Rong Hai agreed that it should seek guarantee from Tongrong WFOE first if any guarantee is needed for Rong Hai’s performance of any contract or loan in the course of its business operation.

This operating agreement took effect upon execution and shall remain in full force and effective until Rong Hai’s valid operation term expires. Either party of Tongrong WFOE and Rong Hai shall complete approval or registration procedures for the extension of its business term three months prior to the expiration of its business term, for the purpose of the maintenance of the effectiveness of this operating agreement.

Material terms of each of the VIE agreements with Wuge are described below. The VIE agreements with Wuge were terminated and the Company disposed Wuge as of September 28, 2022.

Technical Consultation and Services Agreement.

Pursuant to the technical consultation and services agreement between Wuge and Tongrong WFOE dated January 3, 2020, Tongrong WFOE has the exclusive right to provide consultation services to Wuge relating to Wuge’s business, including but not limited to business consultation services, human resources development, and business development. Tongrong WFOE exclusively owns any intellectual property rights arising from the performance of this agreement. Tongrong WFOE has the right to determine the service fees based on Wuge’s actual operation on a quarterly basis. This agreement will be effective as long as Wuge exists. Tongrong WFOE may terminate this agreement at any time by giving a 30 days’ prior written notice to Wuge.

Equity Pledge Agreement.

Under the equity pledge agreement among Tongrong WFOE, Wuge and Wuge Shareholders dated January 3, 2020, Wuge Shareholders pledged all of their equity interests in Wuge to Tongrong WFOE to guarantee Wuge’s performance of relevant obligations and indebtedness under the technical consultation and services agreement. In addition, Wuge Shareholders will complete the registration of the equity pledge under the agreement with the competent local authority. If Wuge breaches its obligation under the technical consultation and services agreement, Tongrong WFOE, as pledgee, will be entitled to certain rights, including the right to sell the pledged equity interests. This pledge will remain effective until all the guaranteed obligations are performed or the Wuge Shareholders cease to be shareholders of Wuge.

Equity Option Agreement.

Under the equity option agreement among Tongrong WFOE, Wuge and Wuge Shareholders dated January 3, 2020, each of Wuge Shareholders irrevocably granted to Tongrong WFOE or its designee an option to purchase at any time, to the extent permitted under PRC law, all or a portion of his equity interests in Wuge. Also, Tongrong WFOE or its designee has the right to acquire any and all of its assets of Wuge. Without Tongrong WFOE’s prior written consent, Wuge’s shareholders cannot transfer their equity interests in Wuge and Wuge cannot transfer its assets. The acquisition price for the shares or assets will be the minimum amount of consideration permitted under the PRC law at the time of the exercise of the option. This pledge will remain effective until all options have been exercised. 

Voting Rights Proxy and Financial Support Agreement.

Under the voting rights proxy and financial support agreement among Tongrong WFOE, Wuge and Wuge Shareholders dated January 3, 2020, each Wuge Shareholder irrevocably appointed Tongrong WFOE as its attorney-in-fact to exercise on such shareholder’s behalf any and all rights that such shareholder has in respect of his equity interests in Wuge, including but not limited to the power to vote on its behalf on all matters of Wuge requiring shareholder approval in accordance with the articles of association of Wuge. The proxy agreement is for a term of 20 years and can be extended by Tongrong WFOE unilaterally by prior written notice to the other parties.

On January 11, 2021, Makesi WFOE entered into a series of assignment agreements (the “Assignment Agreements”) with Tongrong WFOE, Wuge and Wuge Shareholders, pursuant to which Tongrong WFOE assign all its rights and obligations under the VIE Agreements to Makesi WFOE (the “Assignment”). The VIE Agreements and the Assignment Agreements grant Makesi WFOE with the power, rights and obligations equivalent in all material respects to those it would possess as the sole equity holder of Wuge, including absolute rights to control the management, operations, assets, property and revenue of Wuge. The Assignment does not have any impact on Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Material terms of each of the VIE agreements with Highlight Media are described below:

Technical Consultation and Services Agreement.

Pursuant to the technical consultation and services agreement between Highlight Media and Makesi WFOE dated September 16, 2022, Makesi WFOE has the exclusive right to provide consultation services to Wuge relating to Wuge’s business, including but not limited to business consultation services, human resources development, and business development. Makesi WFOE exclusively owns any intellectual property rights arising from the performance of this agreement. Makesi WFOE has the right to determine the service fees based on Wuge’s actual operation on a quarterly basis. This agreement will be effective as long as Wuge exists. Makesi WFOE may terminate this agreement at any time by giving a 30 days’ prior written notice to Wuge.

Equity Pledge Agreement.

Under the equity pledge agreement among Makesi WFOE, Wuge and Wuge Shareholders dated September 16, 2022, Wuge Shareholders pledged all of their equity interests in Wuge to Makesi WFOE to guarantee Wuge’s performance of relevant obligations and indebtedness under the technical consultation and services agreement. In addition, Wuge Shareholders will complete the registration of the equity pledge under the agreement with the competent local authority. If Wuge breaches its obligation under the technical consultation and services agreement, Makesi WFOE, as pledgee, will be entitled to certain rights, including the right to sell the pledged equity interests. This pledge will remain effective until all the guaranteed obligations are performed or the Wuge Shareholders cease to be shareholders of Wuge.

Equity Option Agreement.

Under the equity option agreement among Makesi WFOE, Wuge and Wuge Shareholders dated September 16, 2022, each of Wuge Shareholders irrevocably granted to Makesi WFOE or its designee an option to purchase at any time, to the extent permitted under PRC law, all or a portion of his equity interests in Wuge. Also, Makesi WFOE or its designee has the right to acquire any and all of its assets of Wuge. Without Makesi WFOE’s prior written consent, Wuge’s shareholders cannot transfer their equity interests in Wuge and Wuge cannot transfer its assets. The acquisition price for the shares or assets will be the minimum amount of consideration permitted under the PRC law at the time of the exercise of the option. This pledge will remain effective until all options have been exercised.

Voting Rights Proxy and Financial Support Agreement.

Under the voting rights proxy and financial support agreement among Makesi WFOE, Wuge and Wuge Shareholders dated September 16, 2022, each Wuge Shareholder irrevocably appointed Makesi WFOE as its attorney-in-fact to exercise on such shareholder’s behalf any and all rights that such shareholder has in respect of his equity interests in Wuge, including but not limited to the power to vote on its behalf on all matters of Wuge requiring shareholder approval in accordance with the articles of association of Wuge. The proxy agreement is for a term of 20 years and can be extended by Makesi WFOE unilaterally by prior written notice to the other parties.

On February 27, 2023, Highlight WFOE entered into a series of assignment agreements (the “Assignment Agreements”) with Makesi WFOE, Highlight Media and Highlight Shareholders, pursuant to which Makesi WFOE assign all its rights and obligations under the VIE Agreements to Highlight WFOE (the “Assignment”). The VIE Agreements and the Assignment Agreements grant Highlight WFOE with the power, rights and obligations equivalent in all material respects to those it would possess as the sole equity holder of Highlight Media, including absolute rights to control the management, operations, assets, property and revenue of Highlight Media. The Assignment does not have any impact on Company’s consolidated financial statements.

As of the date of this report, the Company primary operations are focused on the Highlight Media business that is in enterprise brand management service. All prior energy and Wuge digital door signs business have been disposed. Substantially all of the Company’s primary operations are conducted in the PRC.

Note 2 – Summary of significant accounting policies

Basis of presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for information pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

Principles of consolidation

The unaudited condensed financial statements of the Company include the accounts of CCNC and its wholly owned subsidiaries and VIE. All intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated upon consolidation.

Use of estimates and assumptions

The preparation of unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented. Significant accounting estimates reflected in the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the useful lives of intangible assets, deferred revenues and plant and equipment, impairment of long-lived assets, collectability of receivables, inventory valuation allowance, present value of lease liabilities and realization of deferred tax assets. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Foreign currency translation and transaction

The reporting currency of the Company is the U.S. dollar. The Company in China conducts its businesses in the local currency, Renminbi (RMB), as its functional currency. Assets and liabilities are translated at the unified exchange rate as quoted by the People’s Bank of China at the end of the period. The statement of income accounts are translated at the average translation rates and the equity accounts are translated at historical rates. Translation adjustments resulting from this process are included in accumulated other comprehensive income. Transaction gains and losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are included in the results of operations as incurred.

Translation adjustments included in accumulated other comprehensive loss amounted to $189,648 and $179,383 as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The balance sheet amounts, with the exception of shareholders’ equity at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 were translated at 6.87 RMB and 6.38 RMB to $1.00, respectively. The shareholders’ equity accounts were stated at their historical rate. The average translation rates applied to statement of income accounts for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 were 6.84 RMB and 6.35 RMB, respectively. Cash flows are also translated at average translation rates for the periods, therefore, amounts reported on the statement of cash flows will not necessarily agree with changes in the corresponding balances on the consolidated balance sheet.

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

Investments

The Company purchases certain liquid short term investments such as money market funds and or other short term debt securities marketed by financial institutions. These investments are not insured against loss of principal. These investments are accounted for as financial instruments that are marked to fair market value at the end of each reporting period. For investments that are held to maturity debt instruments, which have short maturities, and limited risk profiles, amortized cost may be the best approximation of their fair value and used for such investments.

Accounts receivable, net

Accounts receivable include trade accounts due from customers. An allowance for doubtful accounts may be established and recorded based on management’s assessment of potential losses based on the credit history and relationships with the customers. Management reviews its receivables on a regular basis to determine if the bad debt allowance is adequate, and adjusts the allowance when necessary. Delinquent account balances are written-off against allowance for doubtful accounts after management has determined that the likelihood of collection is not probable.

Inventories

Inventories are comprised of raw materials and work in progress and are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value using the weighted average method in Highlight Media. Management reviews inventories for obsolescence and cost in excess of net realizable value at least annually and recognize an impairment charge against the inventory when the carrying value exceeds net realizable value. As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, no obsolescence and cost in excess of net realizable value were recognized.

Prepayments

Prepayments are funds deposited or advanced to outside vendors for future inventory or services purchases. As a standard practice in China, many of the Company’s vendors require a certain amount to be deposited with them as a guarantee that the Company will complete its purchases on a timely basis. This amount is refundable and bears no interest. The Company has legally binding contracts with its vendors, which require any outstanding prepayments to be returned to the Company when the contract ends.

Plant and equipment

Plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method after consideration of the estimated useful lives of the assets and estimated residual value. The estimated useful lives and residual value are as follows:

The cost and related accumulated depreciation and amortization of assets sold or otherwise retired are eliminated from the accounts and any gain or loss is included in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to earnings as incurred, while additions, renewals and betterments, which are expected to extend the useful life of assets, are capitalized. The Company also re-evaluates the periods of depreciation and amortization to determine whether subsequent events and circumstances warrant revised estimates of useful lives.

Intangible assets

Intangible assets represent land use rights and patents, and they are stated at cost, less accumulated amortization. Research and development costs associated with internally developed patents are expensed when incurred. Amortization expense is recognized on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. All land in the PRC is owned by the government; however, the government grants “land use rights.” The Company has obtained the rights to use various parcels of land. The patents have finite useful lives and are amortized using a straight-line method that reflects the estimated pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible asset are to be consumed. The Company amortizes the cost of the land use rights and patents, over their useful life using the straight-line method. The Company also re-evaluates the periods of amortization to determine whether subsequent events and circumstances warrant revised estimates of useful lives. The estimated useful lives are as follows:

Lease

The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Leases that transfer substantially all of the benefits and risks incidental to the ownership of assets are accounted for as finance leases as if there was an acquisition of an asset and incurrence of an obligation at the inception of the lease. All other leases are accounted for as operating leases. The Company has no significant finance leases.

The Company recognizes lease liabilities and corresponding right-of-use assets on the balance sheet for leases. Operating lease right-of-use assets are included in non-current prepayments, receivables and other assets and operating lease liabilities are included in current accrued expenses, accounts payable and other liabilities and other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Operating lease right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities are initially recognized based on the present value of future lease payments at lease commencement. The operating lease right-of-use asset also includes any lease payments made prior to lease commencement and the initial direct costs incurred by the lessee and is recorded net of any lease incentives received. As the interest rates implicit in most of the leases are not readily determinable, the Company uses the incremental borrowing rates based on the information available at lease commencement to determine the present value of the future lease payments. Operating lease expenses are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the consideration paid of an acquisition over the fair value of the net identifiable assets of the acquired subsidiary at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is not amortized and is tested for impairment at least annually, more often when circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred. Goodwill is carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. In accordance with ASC 350, the Company may first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. In the qualitative assessment, the Company considers factors such as macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, overall financial performance of the reporting unit, and other specific information related to the operations, business plans and strategies of the reporting unit, including consideration of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the qualitative assessment, if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is performed. The Company may also bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to perform the quantitative impairment test. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill is not considered to be impaired. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value is recognized as impairment. Application of a goodwill impairment test requires significant management judgment, including the identification of reporting units, allocation of assets, liabilities and goodwill to reporting units, and determination of the fair value of each reporting unit. 

Impairment for long-lived assets

Long-lived assets, including plant, equipment and intangible assets with finite lives are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances (such as a significant adverse change to market conditions that will impact the future use of the assets) indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company assesses the recoverability of the assets based on the undiscounted future cash flows the assets are expected to generate and recognize an impairment loss when estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset plus net proceeds expected from disposition of the asset, if any, are less than the carrying value of the asset. If an impairment is identified, the Company would reduce the carrying amount of the asset to its estimated fair value based on a discounted cash flows approach or, when available and appropriate, to comparable market values.

Fair value measurement

The accounting standard regarding fair value of financial instruments and related fair value measurements defines financial instruments and requires disclosure of the fair value of financial instruments held by the Company. The Company considers the carrying amount of cash, notes receivable, accounts receivable, other receivables, prepayments, accounts payable, other payables and accrued liabilities, customer deposits, short term loans and taxes payable to approximate their fair values because of their short term nature.

The accounting standards define fair value, establish a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosures of fair value measurement and enhance disclosure requirements for fair value measures. The three levels are defined as follow:

Financial instruments included in current assets and current liabilities are reported in the consolidated balance sheets at face value or cost, which approximate fair value because of the short period of time between the origination of such instruments and their expected realization and their current market rates of interest.

Customer deposits

Highlight Media typically receives customer deposits for services to be rendered from its customers. As Highlight Media delivers the services, it will recognize these deposits to results of operations in accordance to its revenue recognition policy.

Revenue recognition

On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC 606) using the modified retrospective method for contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018. This did not result in an adjustment to retained earnings upon adoption of this new guidance as the Company’s revenue, other than retainage revenues, was recognized based on the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for satisfying the performance obligations. However, the impact of the Company’s retainage revenue was not material as of the date of adoption, and as a result, did not result in an adjustment.

The core principle underlying the revenue recognition ASU is that the Company will recognize revenue to represent the transfer of goods and services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in such exchange. This will require the Company to identify contractual performance obligations and determine whether revenue should be recognized at a point in time or over time, based on when control of goods and services transfers to a customer. The Company’s revenue streams are primarily recognized at a point in time.

The ASU requires the use of a new five-step model to recognize revenue from customer contracts. The five-step model requires that the Company (i) identify the contract with the customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, including variable consideration to the extent that it is probable that a significant future reversal will not occur, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the respective performance obligations in the contract, and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies the performance obligation. The application of the five-step model to the revenue streams compared to the prior guidance did not result in significant changes in the way the Company records its revenue. Upon adoption, the Company evaluated its revenue recognition policy for all revenue streams within the scope of the ASU under previous standards and using the five-step model under the new guidance and confirmed that there were no differences in the pattern of revenue recognition except its retainage revenues.

An entity will also be required to determine if it controls the goods or services prior to the transfer to the customer in order to determine if it should account for the arrangement as a principal or agent. Principal arrangements, where the entity controls the goods or services provided, will result in the recognition of the gross amount of consideration expected in the exchange. Agent arrangements, where the entity simply arranges but does not control the goods or services being transferred to the customer, will result in the recognition of the net amount the entity is entitled to retain in the exchange.

Revenues from the goods are recognized at a point in time when legal title and control over the sign is transferred to the customer. Management has determined that for the sales of the goods there is a single performance obligation that is met when the aforementioned control is transferred. Typically, customers make payment for the product in advance; the Company will record the payment as contract liabilities under the liability account customer deposits until the Company delivers the product by transferring control. Such revenues are recognized at a point in time after all performance obligations are satisfied under the new five-step model.

Payments received prior to the relevant criteria for revenue recognition are met, are recorded as customer deposits.

The Company’s disaggregate revenue streams are summarized as follows:

Research and Development (“R&D”) Expenses

Research and development expenses include salaries and other compensation-related expenses paid to the Company’s research and product development personnel while they are working on R&D projects, as well as raw materials used for the R&D projects. R&D expenses incurred by the Company are included in the selling, general and administrative expenses.

Income taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with U.S. GAAP for income taxes. The charge for taxation is based on the results for the fiscal year as adjusted for items, which are non-assessable or disallowed. It is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.

Deferred taxes is accounted for using the asset and liability method in respect of temporary differences arising from differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements and the corresponding tax basis used in the computation of assessable tax profit. In principle, deferred tax liabilities are recognized for all taxable temporary differences. Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilized. Deferred tax is calculated using tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realized or the liability is settled. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the income statement, except when it is related to items credited or charged directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Current income taxes are provided for in accordance with the laws of the relevant taxing authorities.

An uncertain tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded. Penalties and interest incurred related to underpayment of income tax are classified as income tax expense in the period incurred. The Company incurred no such penalties and interest for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022. As of March 31, 2023, the Company’s PRC tax returns filed for 2020, 2021 and 2022 remain subject to examination by any applicable tax authorities.

Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing income available to common shareholders of the Company by the weighted average common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share takes into account the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common shares were exercised and converted into common shares. 9,079,348 and 10,500,000 of outstanding warrants which is equivalent to convertible of 4,539,674 and 5,250,000 common shares were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation due to its antidilutive effect for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. 824,000 of outstanding options were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation due to its antidilutive effect for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022.

Recently issued accounting pronouncements

In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers (ASU 2021-08), which clarifies that an acquirer of a business should recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities in a business combination in accordance with Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The new amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments should be applied prospectively to business combinations occurring on or after the effective date of the amendments, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on the consolidated financial statements.

In November 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-10, “Government Assistance (Topic 832): Disclosures by Business Entities about Government Assistance”, which provides guidance on the disclosure of transactions with a government that are accounted for by applying a grant or contribution accounting model by analogy. The new guidance is required to be applied either prospectively to all transactions within the scope of ASU 2021-10 that are reflected in financial statements at the date of adoption and new transactions that are entered into after the date of adoption or retrospectively to those transactions. This guidance is effective for the Company for the year ending March 31, 2023. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on the financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In June 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-03, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions”, which clarifies that a contractual restriction on the sale of an equity security is not considered part of the unit of account of the equity security and, therefore, is not considered in measuring fair value. The amendments also clarify that an entity cannot, as a separate unit of account, recognize and measure a contractual sale restriction. This guidance also requires certain disclosures for equity securities subject to contractual sale restrictions. The new guidance is required to be applied prospectively with any adjustments from the adoption of the amendments recognized in earnings and disclosed on the date of adoption. This guidance is effective for the Company for the year ending March 31, 2025 and interim reporting periods during the year ending March 31, 2025. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on the financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

The Company does not believe other recently issued but not yet effective accounting standards, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets, statements of income and comprehensive income and statements of cash flows.

Note 3 – Business combination and restructuring

Highlight Media

On September 16, 2022, the Company entered into a share purchase agreement with Shanghai Highlight Media Co., Ltd. (“Highlight Media”) and all the shareholders of Highlight Media (“Highlight Media Shareholders”). Pursuant to the share purchase agreement, the Company agreed to issue an aggregate of 9,000,000 shares of CCNC’s common stock to the Highlight Media Shareholders, in exchange for Highlight Media Shareholders’ agreement to enter into, and their agreement to cause Highlight Media to enter into, certain VIE agreements (“VIE Agreements”) with Makesi WFOE the Company’s indirectly owned subsidiary, through which Makesi WFOE shall have the right to control, manage and operate Highlight Media in return for a service fee equal to 100% of Highlight Media’s net income (the “Acquisition”). On September 16, 2022 Makesi WFOE entered into a series of VIE Agreements with Highlight Media and the Highlight Media Shareholders. The VIE Agreements are designed to provide Makesi WFOE with the power, rights and obligations equivalent in all material respects to those it would possess as the sole equity holder of Highlight Media, including absolute rights to control the management, operations, assets, property and revenue of Highlight Media. Highlight Media, founded in 2016, is an integrated marketing service agency, focusing on enterprise brand management, crisis public relations, intelligent public opinion monitoring, media PR, financial and economic we-media operation, digital face application, large-scale exhibition services and other businesses. It is committed to becoming a modern science and technology media organization that fully empowers the development of customer enterprises in the era of artificial intelligence and big data. The Acquisition closed on September 29, 2022.

On February 27, 2023, Highlight WFOE entered into a series of assignment agreements (the “Assignment Agreements”) with Makesi WFOE, Highlight Media and Highlight Shareholders, pursuant to which Makesi WFOE assign all its rights and obligations under the VIE Agreements to Highlight WFOE (the “Assignment”). The VIE Agreements and the Assignment Agreements grant Highlight WFOE with the power, rights and obligations equivalent in all material respects to those it would possess as the sole equity holder of Highlight Media, including absolute rights to control the management, operations, assets, property and revenue of Highlight Media. The Assignment does not have any impact on Company’s consolidated financial statements.

The Company’s acquisition of Highlight Media was accounted for as a business combination in accordance with ASC 805. The Company has allocated the purchase price of Highlight Media based upon the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the acquisition date. Other current assets and current liabilities were valued using the cost approach. Management of the Company is responsible for determining the fair value of assets acquired, liabilities assumed, plant and equipment, and intangible assets identified as of the acquisition date and considered a number of factors including valuations from independent appraisers. Acquisition-related costs incurred for the acquisitions are not material and have been expensed as incurred in general and administrative expense.

The following table summarizes the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date, which represents the net purchase price allocation at the date of the acquisition of Highlight Media based on a valuation performed by an independent valuation firm engaged by the Company: 

Approximately $2.1 million of goodwill arising from the acquisition consists largely of synergies expected from combining the operations of the Company and Highlight Media. None of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

Note 4 – Variable interest entity

On November 30, 2018, Tongrong WFOE entered into Contractual Arrangements with Rong Hai and its shareholders upon executing of the “Purchase Agreement”. The significant terms of these Contractual Arrangements are summarized in “Note 1 - Nature of business and organization” above. As a result, the Company classifies Rong Hai as VIE.

On January 3, 2020, Tongrong WFOE entered into Contractual Arrangements with Wuge and its shareholders upon executing of the “Purchase Agreement”. The significant terms of these Contractual Arrangements are summarized in “Note 1 - Nature of business and organization” above. As a result, the Company classifies Wuge as VIE.

On January 11, 2021, Makesi WFOE entered into a series of assignment agreements (the “Assignment Agreements”) with Tongrong WFOE, Wuge and Wuge Shareholders, pursuant to which Tongrong WFOE assign all its rights and obligations under the VIE Agreements to Makesi WFOE (the “Assignment”). The VIE Agreements and the Assignment Agreements grant Makesi WFOE with the power, rights and obligations equivalent in all material respects to those it would possess as the sole equity holder of Wuge, including absolute rights to control the management, operations, assets, property and revenue of Wuge. The Assignment does not have any impact on Company’s consolidated financial statements.

On March 30, 2021, the Company entered into a share purchase agreement with a buyer unaffiliated with the Company (the “Buyer”), and Qihai Wang, former director of the Company (the “Payee”). Pursuant to the agreement, the Company agreed to sell and the Buyer agreed to purchase all the issued and outstanding ordinary shares (the “Tongrong Shares”) of Tongrong WFOE. The Payee agreed to be responsible for the payment of the purchase price on behalf of Buyer. The purchase price for the Tongrong Shares shall be $2,464,411, payable in the form of cancelling 426,369 shares of common stock of the Company owned by the Payee (the “CCNC Shares”). The CCNC Shares are valued at $5.78 per share, based on the average closing price of the Company’s common stock during the 30 trading days immediately prior to the date of the agreement from February 12, 2021 to March 26, 2021. On March 31, 2021, the Company closed the sale of the Tongrong Shares and caused the CCNC Shares to be cancelled. Tongrong WFOE contractually controls Jaingsu Rong Hai Electric Power Fuel Co., Ltd. (“Rong Hai”), a variable interest entity of the Company. The disposition of Tongrong WFOE included disposition of Rong Hai.

On September 16, 2022, Makesi WFOE entered into Contractual Arrangements with Highlight Media and its shareholders upon executing of the “Purchase Agreement”. The significant terms of these Contractual Arrangements are summarized in “Note 1 - Nature of business and organization” above. As a result, the Company classifies Rong Hai as VIE.

In January, 2021, Tongrong Technology (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd., a then indirect subsidiary of the Company (“Tongrong WFOE”), Sichuan Wuge Network Games Co., Ltd. (“Wuge”), and shareholders of Wuge (the “Wuge Shareholders”) entered into a share purchase agreement, pursuant to which the Company issued a total of 4,000,000 shares of common stock of the Company (the “Shares”) to the Wuge Shareholders in exchange for Tongrong WFOE, Wuge and the Wuge Shareholders entering into certain Technical Consultation and Services Agreement., Equity Pledge Agreement, Equity Option Agreement, Voting Rights Proxy and Financial Support Agreement, which was assigned by Tongrong WFOE to Makesi IoT Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., an indirect subsidiary of the Company (“Makesi WFOE”) in January 2021 (such agreements, as assigned, the “VIE Agreements”) . The VIE Agreements established a “Variable Interest Entity” (VIE) structure, and pursuant to which the Company treated Wuge as a consolidated affiliated entity and consolidated the financial results and balance sheet of Wuge in the Company’s consolidated financial statements under U.S. GAAP.

On September 28, 2022, Makesi WFOE entered into a termination agreement (the “Termination Agreement”) with Wuge and the Wuge Shareholders to terminate the VIE Agreements and to cancel the Shares, based on the average closing price of $0.237 per share of the Company during the 30 trading days immediately prior to the date of the Termination Agreement. As a result of such termination, the Company no longer treats Wuge as a consolidated affiliated entity or consolidates the financial results and balance sheet of Wuge in the Company’s consolidated financial statements under U.S. GAAP.

On February 27, 2023, Highlight WFOE entered into a series of assignment agreements (the “Assignment Agreements”) with Makesi WFOE, Highlight Media and Highlight Shareholders, pursuant to which Makesi WFOE assign all its rights and obligations under the VIE Agreements to Highlight WFOE (the “Assignment”). The VIE Agreements and the Assignment Agreements grant Highlight WFOE with the power, rights and obligations equivalent in all material respects to those it would possess as the sole equity holder of Highlight Media, including absolute rights to control the management, operations, assets, property and revenue of Highlight Media. The Assignment does not have any impact on Company’s consolidated financial statements.

A VIE is an entity that has either a total equity investment that is insufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support, or whose equity investors lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest, such as through voting rights, right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity or obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity. The variable interest holder, if any, that has a controlling financial interest in a VIE is deemed to be the primary beneficiary and must consolidate the VIE. Makesi WFOE is deemed to have a controlling financial interest and be the primary beneficiary of Highlight Media because it has both of the following characteristics:

Accordingly, the accounts of Highlight Media are consolidated in the accompanying financial statements pursuant to ASC 810-10, Consolidation. In addition, Its financial positions and results of operations are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements beginning on March 31, 2023.

The carrying amount of the VIE’s assets and liabilities are as follows:

The summarized operating results of the VIE’s are as follows:

Note 5 – Accounts receivable

Accounts receivable consist of the following:

Movement of allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows:

Note 6 – Other receivables

The balance of $948,000 on December 31, 2022 is the consideration required to be received upon disposal of Wuge, the shares that have cancelled their corresponding value on March 9, 2023.

Note 7 – Plant and equipment, net

Plant and equipment consist of the following:

Depreciation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 amounted to $0 and $14,497, respectively.

Note 8 – Goodwill

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by business units are as follows:

Note 9 – Related party balances and transactions

Related party balances

Other payables – related parties:

The above payables represent interest free loans and advances. These loans and advances are unsecured and due on demand.

Note 10 – Taxes

Income tax

United States

GDC was organized in the state of Delaware in April 2015 and the three months ended March 31, 2023 amounted to nil. As of March 31, 2023, GDC’s net operating loss carry forward for United States income taxes was approximately $0. The net operating loss carry forwards are available to reduce future years’ taxable income through year 2038. Management believes that the realization of the benefits from these losses appears uncertain due to the Company’s operating history and continued losses in the United States. Accordingly, the Company has provided a 100% valuation allowance on the deferred tax asset to reduce the asset to zero. Management reviews this valuation allowance periodically and makes changes accordingly.

On December 22, 2017, the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” (“The 2017 Tax Act”) was enacted in the United States. Under the provisions of the Act, the U.S. corporate tax rate decreased from 34% to 21%. The 2017 Tax Act imposed a global intangible low-taxed income tax (“GILTI”), which is a new tax on certain off-shore earnings at an effective rate of 10.5% for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017 (increasing to 13.125% for tax years beginning after December 31, 2025) with a partial offset for foreign tax credits. The Company determined that there are no impact of GILTI for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, which the Company believes that it will be imposed a minimum tax rate of 10.5% and to the extent foreign tax credits are available to reduce its US corporate tax, which may result in no additional US federal income tax being due.

Cayman Islands

China Sunlong is incorporated in the Cayman Islands and are not subject to tax on income or capital gains under current Cayman Islands law. In addition, upon payments of dividends by China Sunlong to its shareholders, no Cayman Islands withholding tax will be imposed.

British Virgin Islands

Citi Profit BVI is incorporated in the British Virgin Islands and are not subject to tax on income or capital gains under current British Virgin Islands law. In addition, upon payments of dividends by these entities to their shareholders, no British Virgin Islands withholding tax will be imposed.

Hong Kong

TMSR HK is incorporated in Hong Kong and are subject to Hong Kong Profits Tax on the taxable income as reported in its statutory financial statements adjusted in accordance with relevant Hong Kong tax laws. The applicable tax rate is 16.5% in Hong Kong. The Company did not make any provisions for Hong Kong profit tax as there were no assessable profits derived from or earned in Hong Kong since inception. Under Hong Kong tax law, TMSR HK is exempted from income tax on its foreign-derived income and there are no withholding taxes in Hong Kong on remittance of dividends.

PRC

Makesi WFOE, Highlight WFOE and Highlight Media are governed by the income tax laws of the PRC and the income tax provision in respect to operations in the PRC is calculated at the applicable tax rates on the taxable income for the periods based on existing legislation, interpretations and practices in respect thereof. Under the Enterprise Income Tax Laws of the PRC (the “EIT Laws”), Chinese enterprises are subject to income tax at a rate of 25% after appropriate tax adjustments. 

Deferred tax assets

Bad debt allowances must be approved by the Chinese tax authority prior to being deducted as an expense item on the tax return.

Significant components of deferred tax assets were as follows:

Value added tax

Enterprises or individuals who sell commodities, engage in repair and maintenance or import and export goods in the PRC are subject to a value added tax in accordance with PRC laws. The value added tax (“VAT”) standard rates are 6% to 17% of the gross sales price and changed to 6% to 16% of gross sales starting in May 2018. The VAT standard rates changed to 6% to 13% of the gross sales prices starting in April 2019. A credit is available whereby VAT paid on the purchases of semi-finished products or raw materials used in the production of the Company’s finished products can be used to offset the VAT due on sales of the finished products and services.

Taxes payable consisted of the following:

Note 11 – Concentration of risk

Credit risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and accounts receivable. As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, $9,973 and $215,880 and were deposited with various financial institutions located in the PRC, respectively. As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, $196 and $173,228 were deposited with one financial institution located in the U.S., respectively. While management believes that these financial institutions are of high credit quality, it also continually monitors their credit worthiness.

Accounts receivable are typically unsecured and derived from revenue earned from customers, thereby exposed to credit risk. The risk is mitigated by the Company’s assessment of its customers’ creditworthiness and its ongoing monitoring of outstanding balances.

Note 12 – Equity

Restricted net assets

The Company’s ability to pay dividends is primarily dependent on the Company receiving distributions of funds from its subsidiaries. Relevant PRC statutory laws and regulations permit payments of dividends by Makesi WFOE and Highlight WFOE only out of its retained earnings, if any, as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. The results of operations reflected in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP differ from those reflected in the statutory financial statements of Makesi WFOE and Highlight WFOE.

Makesi WFOE, Highlight WFOE and Highlight Media are required to set aside at least 10% of their after-tax profits each year, if any, to fund certain statutory reserve funds until such reserve funds reach 50% of its registered capital. In addition, Makesi WFOE and Highlight WFOE may allocate a portion of its after-tax profits based on PRC accounting standards to enterprise expansion fund and staff bonus and welfare fund at its discretion. Highlight Media may allocate a portion of its after-tax profits based on PRC accounting standards to a discretionary surplus fund at its discretion. The statutory reserve funds and the discretionary funds are not distributable as cash dividends. Remittance of dividends by a wholly foreign-owned company out of China is subject to examination by the banks designated by State Administration of Foreign Exchange.

As a result of the foregoing restrictions, Makesi WFOE, Highlight WFOE and Highlight Media are restricted in their ability to transfer their net assets to the Company. Foreign exchange and other regulation in the PRC may further restrict Makesi WFOE, Highlight WFOE and Highlight Media from transferring funds to TMSR HK in the form of dividends, loans and advances. As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, amounts restricted are the net assets of Makesi WFOE, Highlight WFOE and Highlight Media which amounted to $134,851 and $492,315, respectively.

Common stock

On February 22, 2021, pursuant to a securities purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with two institutional investors, the Company , closed (a) a registered direct offering (the “Registered Direct Offering”) for the sale of (i) 4,166,666 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 of the Company (the “Shares”) and (ii) registered investor warrants, with a term of five years, exercisable immediately upon issuance, to purchase an aggregate of up to 1,639,362 shares of common stock (the “Registered Investor Warrant Shares”) at an exercise price of $6.72 per share, subject to adjustments thereunder, including a reduction in the exercise price, in the event of a subsequent offering at a price less than the then current exercise price, to the same price as the price in such offering (a “Price Protection Adjustment”) (the “Registered Investor Warrants”), and (b) a concurrent private placement (the “Private Placement” and collectively with the Registered Direct Offering, the “Offering”) for the sale of unregistered investor warrants, with a term of five and one-half years, first exercisable on the date that is the earlier of (i) six months after the date of issuance or (ii) the date on which the Company obtains stockholder approval approving the sale of all of the securities offered and sold under the Purchase Agreement (the “Stockholder Approval”) to purchase an aggregate of up to 2,527,304 shares of common stock (the “Unregistered Investor Warrant Shares”) at an exercise price of $6.72 per share, subject to adjustments thereunder, including (x) a Price Protection Adjustment and (y) in the event the exercise price is more than $6.10, a reduction of the exercise price to $6.10, upon obtaining the Stockholder Approval (the “Unregistered Investor Warrants”). The Shares, the Registered Investor Warrants, the Unregistered Investor Warrants, the Registered Investor Warrant Shares and the Unregistered Investor Warrant Shares are collectively referred to as the “Securities.” The Company received gross proceeds from the sale of the Securities of $24,999,996, before deducting placement agent fees and other Offering expenses. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from this Offering for working capital and general business purposes.

On February 23, 2021, the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement with Sichuan RiZhanYun Jisuan Co., Ltd. (the “Seller”), which was amended and restated on April 16, 2021, and further amended on May 28, 2021. Pursuant to the asset purchase agreement, the Company purchased a total of 10,000 Bitcoin mining machines (the “Assets”) for a total purchase price of RMB 40,000,000 or US$6,160,000 based on the exchange rate as of April 8, 2021 (the “Purchase Price”), payable in the form of 1,587,800 shares of common stock of the Company, valued at US$3.88 per share, which is the closing bid price of the common stock of the Company on the Nasdaq Stock Market on April 8, 2021. The Seller shall cause revenue and any other source of income from the operation of the Assets to be paid to the Company, payable in cryptocurrency to be deposited into a cryptocurrency wallet held by the Company on a daily basis. The Company shall issue to the Seller or its designees RMB 5,000,000 or US$770,000 worth of common stock of the Company (the “Bonus Shares”) if the Assets generate an average net profit per day/10,000 machines (the “Daily Profit”) on behalf of the Company during the one-year period from March 19, 2021 to March 19, 2022 (the “Valuation Period”) equals to RMB 200,000 or US$30,800 and if the Assets generate an average net profit per month/10,000 machines (the “Monthly Profit”) on behalf of the Company during the Valuation Period equals to RMB 6,000,000 or US$924,000. If the Daily Profit is more than RMB 200,000 or US$30,800 and the Monthly Profit is more than RMB 6,000,000 or US$924,000, the Company shall issue to the Seller or its designees additional shares of common stock in proportion to the amount that is in excess. If the Daily Profit is less than RMB 200,000 or US$30,800 or the Monthly Profit is less than RMB 6,000,000 or US$924,000, the Company shall not issue to the Seller or its designees any Bonus Shares and such month is deemed a “Re-evaluated Month”. At the end of the Valuation Period, the Monthly Profit of such Re-evaluated Month(s) shall be aggregated (the “Aggregate Profit”), and the Company shall issue RMB5,000,000 or US$770,000 worth of common stock of the Company for every RMB6,000,000 or US$924,000 in Aggregate Profit on a pro rata basis. Such Daily Profit and Monthly Profit shall be determined on a monthly basis on the first day of the next month. Such Bonus Shares and additional shares, when applicable, shall be issued on the fifteenth day of the next month.  For any month that has 28 days or 31 days, the Monthly Profit is calculated based on the actual number of days in the month. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no share pursuant to this Agreement shall be issued earlier than May 24, 2021 in any event. The total number of shares of common stock, including the Bonus Shares, issuable to the Seller or its designees pursuant to the Agreement shall in no event be more than 19.99% of the total shares issued and outstanding of Company as of the February 23, 2021, the date of the asset purchase agreement.

On June 1, 2021, the Company issued to a designee of the Seller 2,513,294 shares of common stock, consisted of (i) the Purchase Price in the form of 1,587,800 shares of common stock and (ii) 925,494 Bonus Shares, valued at US$2.51 per share, which is the closing bid price of the common stock of the Company on the Nasdaq Stock Market on May 12, 2021, for meeting and exceeding the Daily Profit and Monthly Profit benchmark.

Because the Assets were never delivered to the Company and the Company has not received and is not able to accept cryptocurrency from the operation of the Assets, the Company and the Seller agreed to rescind the Agreement and cancel the Shares on September 26, 2022.

On July 28, 2021, the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement with certain seller(the “Seller”) pursuant to which the Company agreed to purchase from the Seller digital currency mining machines for a total purchase price of RMB 106,388,672.43, or US$ 16,442,109.95 (based on the exchange rate between RMB and USD of 1: 6.4705 as of July 8, 2021), payable in the form of 7,647,493 shares of common stock of the Company(“CCNC Shares”). The CCNC Shares are valued at $2.15 per share. The Company plans to use the assets to further develop its digital currency mining operation. On February 23, 2022, the Company entered into a termination agreement (the “Termination Agreement) with the Seller to terminate the Asset Purchase Agreement and forfeit the transaction. The parties agreed that the CCNC Shares shall be cancelled within 15 business days from the date of the Termination Agreement.

On February 23, 2022, the Company entered into a termination agreement (the “Termination Agreement) with the Seller to terminate the Asset Purchase Agreement and forfeit the transaction. The parties agreed that the CCNC Shares shall be cancelled within 15 business days from the date of the Termination Agreement.

On April 14, 2022, the Company entered into a Share Purchase Agreement (“SPA”) with Shanghai Yuanma Food and Beverage Management Co., Ltd., a PRC company (“Yuan Ma”), and all the shareholders of Yuan Ma (“Yuanma Shareholders”). Yuanma Shareholders are Wei Xu, the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of the Company, and Jiangsu Lingkong Network Joint Stock Co., Ltd., which is controlled by Wei Xu. Pursuant to the SPA, the Company agreed to issue an aggregate of 7,680,000 shares of common stock of the Company, valued at $1.00 per share, to the Yuanma Shareholders, in exchange for Yuanma Shareholders’ agreement to enter into and to cause Yuan Ma to enter into certain agreements (“VIE Agreements”) with Makesi IoT Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (“Makesi WFOE”), the Company’s indirectly owned subsidiary, to establish a VIE (variable interest entity) structure (the “Acquisition”). On June 13, 2022, the Company held a special meeting of stockholders and approved the issuance of the 7,680,000 shares of common stock to Wei Xu. On June 21, 2022, pursuant to the SPA, Makesi WFOE entered into a series of VIE Agreements with Yuan Ma and Yuanma Shareholders, and the 7,680,000 shares of common stock were issued to Wei Xu. The transaction contemplated in the SPA was completed.

On September 16, 2022, the Company entered into a Share Purchase Agreement (“SPA”) with Shanghai Highlight Media Co., Ltd., a PRC company (“Highlight Media”), and all the shareholders of Highlight Media (“Highlight Media Shareholders”).

Pursuant to the SPA, the Company agreed to issue an aggregate of 9,000,000 shares of common stock of the Company (the “Shares”), valued at $0.25 per share, to the Highlight Media Shareholders, in exchange for Highlight Media’s and Highlight Media Shareholders’ agreement to enter into certain agreements (the “VIE Agreements”) with Makesi IoT Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (“WFOE”), the Company’s indirectly owned subsidiary, to establish a VIE (variable interest entity) structure (the “Acquisition”). A “Variable Interest Entity” does not describe a legal relationship; it is an accounting concept. Under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (U.S. GAAP), if through contractual arrangements, Entity A will absorb the losses or receive potentially significant benefits from the operations of Entity B, then the financial results and balance sheet of Entity B should be consolidated with the financial results and balance sheet in Entity A’s consolidated financial statements. We have evaluated the guidance in FASB ASC 810 and determined that, after the VIE Agreements are signed, WFOE will be the primary beneficiary of Highlight Media for accounting purposes, because, pursuant to the VIE Agreements, once signed, Highlight Media shall pay service fees to WFOE in the amount of 100% of Highlight Media’s after-tax net income, while WFOE shall be obligated to absorb all of losses of Highlight Media. Accordingly, under U.S. GAAP, WFOE will treat Highlight Media as a consolidated affiliated entity and will consolidate the financial results and balance sheet of Highlight Media in the consolidated financial statements under U.S. GAAP.

On September 29, 2022. the Shares were issued to the Highlight Media Shareholders. The Acquisition was completed.

On November 4, 2022, the Company filed a Certificate of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation (the “Certificate of Amendment”) with the Nevada Secretary of State to effect a reverse stock split of the outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per shares, of the Company at a ratio of one-for-thirty (30), which became effective at 12:01 a.m. on November 9, 2022 (the “Reverse Stock Split”). Upon effectiveness of the Reverse Stock Split, every thirty (30) outstanding shares of common stock were combined into and automatically become one share of common stock. No fractional shares will be issued in connection with the Reverse Stock Split and all such fractional interests will be rounded up to the nearest whole number of shares of common stock. The authorized shares prior to and following the Reverse Stock Split will remain the same at 200,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per shares, and 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per shares. The Reverse Stock Split does not alter the par value of the Company’s common stock or modify any voting rights or other terms of the common stock.

As previously disclosed on the current report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 30, 2022, on September 28, 2022, Makesi IoT Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (“Makesi WFOE”), a indirect subsidiary of GD Culture Group Limited (the “Company”), entered into a termination agreement with Sichuan Wuge Network Games Co., Ltd. (“Wuge”) and shareholders of Wuge (the “Wuge Shareholders”) to cancel 133,333 shares of common stock, after giving effect to the reverse stock split which became effective on November 9, 2022 (the “Shares”), that were issued to the Wuge Shareholders, and to terminate certain technical consultation and services agreement., equity pledge agreement, equity option agreement, voting rights proxy and financial support agreement, by and among Tongrong Technology (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd., a then indirect subsidiary of the Company (“Tongrong WFOE”), Wuge and the Wuge Shareholders, which were assigned by Tongrong WFOE to Makesi WFOE. On March 9, 2023, the Shares were cancelled.

Warrants and options

On July 29, 2015, the Company sold 10,000,000 units at a purchase price of $5.00 per unit (“Public Units”) in its initial public offering. Each Public Unit consists of one share of the Company’s common stock, $0.0001 par value, and one warrant. Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one-half of one share of common stock at an exercise price of $2.88 per half share ($5.75 per whole share). Warrants may be exercised only for a whole number of shares of common stock. No fractional shares will be issued upon exercise of the warrants. The warrants will become exercisable on 30 days after the consummation of its initial Business Combination with China Sunlong on February 6, 2018. The warrants will expire February 5, 2023. The warrants will be redeemable by the Company at a price of $0.01 per warrant upon 30 days prior written notice after the warrants become exercisable, only in the event that the last sale price of the common stock equals or exceeds $12.00 per share for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading day period ending on the third business day prior to the date on which notice of redemption is given.

The sponsor of the Company purchased, simultaneously with the closing of the Public Offering on July 29, 2015, 500,000 units at $5.00 per unit in a private placement for an aggregate price of $2,500,000. Each unit purchased is substantially identical to the units sold in the Public Offering.

The Company sold to the underwriter (and/or its designees), for $100, as additional compensation, an option to purchase up to a total of 800,000 units exercisable at $5.00 per unit (or an aggregate exercise price of $4,000,000) upon the closing of the Public Offering. Since the option is not exercisable until the earliest on the closing the initial Business Combination, the option will effectively represent the right to purchase up to 800,000 shares of common stock and 800,000 warrants to purchase 400,000 shares at $5.75 per full share for an aggregate maximum amount of $6,300,000. The units issuable upon exercise of this option are identical to those issued in the Public Offering.

In July 2016, the board of directors of the Company appointed two new directors. In August 2016, the sponsor of the Company granted an option to each of the two new directors to acquire 12,000 shares of common stock at a price of $4.90 per share vested immediately and exercisable commencing six months after closing of the initial Business Combination and expiring five years from the closing of the initial Business Combination.

The aforementioned warrants and options are deemed to be effective on February 6, 2018, the date of the consummation of its initial business combination with China Sunlong, as the Company was deemed to be the accounting acquiree in the transaction and the transaction was treated as a recapitalization of China Sunlong.

After the 1-for-30 reverse stock split effective on November 9, 2022, all options, warrants and other convertible securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior to the reverse stock split were adjusted by dividing the number of shares of common stock into which the options, warrants and other convertible securities are exercisable or convertible by thirty (30) and multiplying the exercise or conversion price thereof by thirty (30), all in accordance with the terms of the plans, agreements or arrangements governing such options, warrants and other convertible securities and subject to rounding to the nearest whole share.

The summary of warrant activity is as follows:

The summary of option activity is as follows:

Note 13 – Commitments and contingencies

Contingencies

From time to time, the Company may be subject to certain legal proceedings, claims and disputes that arise in the ordinary course of business. Although the outcomes of these legal proceedings cannot be predicted, the Company does not believe these actions, in the aggregate, will have a material adverse impact on its financial position, results of operations or liquidity. 

Note 14 – Segment reporting

The Company follows ASC 280, Segment Reporting, which requires that companies disclose segment data based on how management makes decision about allocating resources to segments and evaluating their performance. The Company’s chief operating decision maker evaluates performance and determines resource allocations based on a number of factors, the primary measure being income from operations.

The Company’s remain business segment and operations is Highlight Media. The Company’s consolidated results of operations and consolidated financial position from continuing operations are almost all attributable to Highlight Media; accordingly, management believes that the consolidated balance sheets and statement of operations provide the relevant information to assess Highlight Media’s performance.

The following represents assets by division as of:

Note 15 – Discontinued Operations

The following depicts the financial position for the discounted operations of Tongrong WOFE, Rong Hai and Wuge as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, and the result of operations for the discounted operations of Tongrong WOFE, Rong Hai and Wuge for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022.

Note 16 – Subsequent events

On April 21, 2023, Mr. Hongxiang Yu tendered his resignation as the Chief Executive Officer, President, Chairman of the Board and a director of GD Culture Group Limited (the “Company”), effective April 21, 2023. The resignation of Mr. Hongxiang Yu was not a result of any disagreement with the Company’s operations, policies or procedures.

On April 21, 2023, Ms. Yi Li tendered her resignation as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, effective April 21, 2023. The resignation of Ms. Yi Li Yu was not a result of any disagreement with the Company’s operations, policies or procedures.

On April 21, 2023, approved by the Board of Directors, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Compensation Committee, Mr. Xiao Jian Wang was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer, President, Chairman of the Board and a director of the Company, effective April 21, 2023, and Mr. Zihao Zhao was appointed as the Chief Financial officer of the Company, effective April 21, 2023. 

On May 1, 2023, the Company entered into a placement agency agreement (the “Placement Agency Agreement”), with Univest Securities, LLC (the “Placement Agent” or “Univest”). Pursuant to the Placement Agency Agreement, the Placement Agent agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to sell the Company’s common stock (the “Common Stock”) in a registered direct offering (the “RD Offering”), and a concurrent private placement (the “PIPE Offering”, together with the RD Offering, collectively the “Offering”). The Placement Agent has no obligation to buy any of the securities from us or to arrange for the purchase or sale of any specific number or dollar amount of securities.

In the RD Offering, an aggregate of 310,168 shares of common stock (the “Common Shares”) of the Company, par value $0.0001 per share, and pre-funded warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 844,351 shares of common stock (the “Pre-Funded Warrants”, and the common stock underlying such warrants, the “Pre-Funded Warrant Shares”) are sold to certain purchasers (the “Purchasers”), pursuant to a securities purchase agreement, dated May 1, 2023 (the “RD Securities Purchase Agreement”). The purchase price of each Common Share is $8.27. The purchase price of each Pre-funded Warrant is $8.269, which equals the price per Common Share being sold to the public in this offering, minus $0.001. The RD Offering is being made pursuant to a shelf registration statement (No. 333-254366) on Form S-3, which was declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 26, 2021, and related prospectus supplement.

In the concurrent PIPE Offering, warrants to purchase up to 1,154,519 shares of common stock (the “Unregistered Warrants”, and the common stock underlying such warrants, the “Unregistered Warrant Shares”) are also sold to the Purchasers, pursuant to a private warrant securities purchase agreement, dated May 1, 2023 (the “PIPE Securities Purchase Agreement”).

The net proceeds from the Offering, after deducting placement agent discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by the Company, are approximately $8.53 million (assuming the Unregistered Warrants are not exercised). The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for working capital and general corporate purposes

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis of the results of our operations and financial condition should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed financial statements, and the notes to those unaudited condensed financial statements that are included elsewhere in this Report. All monetary figures are presented in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated.

Our Management’s Discussion and Analysis contains not only statements that are historical facts, but also statements that are forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are, by their very nature, uncertain and risky. These risks and uncertainties include international, national, and local general economic and market conditions; our ability to sustain, manage, or forecast growth; our ability to successfully make and integrate acquisitions; new product development and introduction; existing government regulations and changes in, or the failure to comply with, government regulations; adverse publicity; competition; the loss of significant customers or suppliers; fluctuations and difficulty in forecasting operating results; change in business strategy or development plans; business disruptions; the ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; the ability to protect technology; the risk of foreign currency exchange rate; and other risks that might be detailed from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Although the forward-looking statements in this Report reflect the good faith judgment of our management, such statements can only be based on facts and factors currently known by them. Consequently, and because forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, the actual results and outcomes may differ materially from the results and outcomes discussed in the forward-looking statements. You are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by us in this report as we attempt to advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations and prospects.

Overview

GD Culture Group Limited (“GDC”, formerly known as JM Global Holding Company, TMSR Holding Company Limited and Code Chain New Continent Limited) is a holding company incorporated in the State of Nevada with no material operations of its own. We currently conduct business through Shanghai Highlight Media Co., Ltd. (“Highlight Media”). Highlight WFOE is the primary beneficiary of Highlight Media for accounting purposes, because, pursuant to the VIE agreements, Highlight Media shall pay Highlight WFOE service fees in the amount of 100% of Highlight Media’s net income, while Highlight WFOE is obligated to absorb all of losses of Highlight Media. As a result, we consolidate the financial results of Highlight Media in our consolidated financial statements under U.S. GAAP. Such VIE structure involves unique risks to investors. The VIE agreements have not been tested in a court of law and the Chinese regulatory authorities could disallow this VIE structure, which would likely result in a material change in our operations and the value of our securities, including that it could cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or become worthless. For more details on the VIE structure, please see “Item 1. Business – Corporate Structure - Contractual Arrangements between Highlight Media And Highlight WFOE” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors – Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure”.

Prior to September 28, 2022, we were also engaged in research, development and application of Internet of Things (IoT) and electronic tokens Wuge digital door signs through Wuge Network Games Co., Ltd. (“Wuge”), a then VIE of the Company. On September 28, 2022, the Company entered into a share purchase agreement with a buyer unaffiliated with the Company (the “Buyer”), and Wei Xu, former Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the Board of the Company (the “Payee”). Pursuant to the agreement, the Company agreed to sell and the Buyer agreed to purchase all the issued and outstanding ordinary shares of Wuge, a PRC company and an indirect subsidiary of the Company. The Payee agreed to be responsible for the payment of the purchase price on behalf of the Buyer. On September 30, 2022, the Company closed the sale of the Wuge and caused the GDC Shares to be cancelled. As a result, as of September 30, 2022, operations of Wuge have been designated as discontinued operations.

Book Publishing Planning

Since 2018, Highlight Media has cooperated with authors and publishing houses in China in corporate history and entrepreneur biographies planning and publishing in the lens of the finance industry. Highlight Media published “New Industrial Era - Chinese Industrialist Zhang Yuqiang and His New Stone Story”, “Endless Realm – the Growth if China Ping’An”, “Unfinished Beauty – Fifteen Years of H World Group”, “All Things Are Born – TCL’s Forty Years”, “From Connection to Activation - Digitalization and China’s New Industrial Cycle” and other best-selling books in corporate history, finance and economics and has sold more than 200,000 copies. Highlight Media also plans and organizes online and offline activities with the publishing houses such as new book launches and book sharing sessions for customers, to promote new books and build influence and reputation for the corporate clients.

Financial Self-Media

In 2016, Highlight Media founded the financial self-media “Guangdian 2049”, which was renamed as “Guangdian Finance” in 2019, focusing on new ideas, new businesses, technologies, characters, investments, management, etc. in finance and economics. Since 2019, Highlight Media has posted 195 original articles and has cumulated more than 10,000 followers. Some of the top articles have more than 27,000 views. In 2021, Highlight Media created an account “Highlight Finance” on Tou Tiao, a Chinese news and information content platform. The “Highlight Finance” account has posted 70 original articles. Some of the top articles on Highlight Finance has more than 60,000 views. Highlight Finance has been trusted by various high-quality enterprises, and has directed more than 100 original articles on finance and economics. Highlight Finance’s contracted authors have also been invited to create than 10 manuscripts for the well-known financial self-media “Qin Shuo Moments”. Some of the top articles have more than 20,000 views.

Public Relations

Highlight Media also offer corporate clients with serviced regarding marketing materials, press releases, seminars, exhibitions, conferences, and public relations management. Highlight Media has established stable and long-term cooperative relations with many companies in the financial industry, such as Deshijia Ophthalmology, Haitong Hengxin, Shanshan Co., Ltd. etc., and has gained rich experience, resources and connections and strong Internet communication service capabilities.

Prior to September 28, 2022, we also conducted business through Wuge Network Games Co., Ltd. (“Wuge”). Wuge focused its business on research, development and application of Internet of Things (IoT) and electronic tokens Wuge digital door signs. On September 28, 2022, Makesi WFOE entered into a termination agreement with Wuge and the Wuge Shareholders to terminate the VIE Agreements and to cancel the Shares, based on the average closing price of $0.237 per share of the Company during the 30 trading days immediately prior to the date of the termination agreement. As a result of such termination, the Company no longer treats Wuge as a consolidated affiliated entity or consolidates the financial results and balance sheet of Wuge in the Company’s consolidated financial statements under U.S. GAAP.

Prior to March 30, 2021, we were also engaged in coal wholesales and sales of coke, steels, construction materials, mechanical equipment and steel scrap through Jiangsu Rong Hai Electric Power Fuel Co., Ltd. (“Rong Hai”), a then VIE of the Company. On March 30, 2021, the Company entered into a share purchase agreement with a buyer unaffiliated with the Company (the “Buyer”), and Qihai Wang, former director of the Company (the “Payee”). Pursuant to the agreement, the Company agreed to sell and the Buyer agreed to purchase all the issued and outstanding ordinary shares (the “Tongrong Shares”) of Tongrong Technology (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd. (“Tongrong WFOE”), a PRC company and an indirect subsidiary of the Company. The Payee agreed to be responsible for the payment of the purchase price on behalf of Buyer. On March 31, 2021, the Company closed the sale of the Tongrong Shares and caused the CCNC Shares to be cancelled. Tongrong WFOE had a series of VIE agreements with Rong Hai and the shareholders of Rong Hai. The sale of Tongrong Shares included disposition of Rong Hai. As a result, as of March 31, 2021, operations of Tongrong WFOE and Rong Hai have been designated as discontinued operations. 

Recent Development

Corporate Name Change

Effective as of January 10, 2023, GD Culture Group Limited (the “Company”) changed its corporate name from “Code Chain New Continent Limited” to “GD Culture Group Limited”, pursuant to a Certificate of Amendment to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation (the “Certificate of Amendment”) filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada (the “Name Change”). The foregoing description of the Certificate of Amendment is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Certificate of Amendment, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 3.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated by reference herein.

In addition, effective as of January 10, 2023, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) approved an amendment and restatement of the Company’s Bylaws (as amended and restated, the “Second Amended and Restated Bylaws”) to reflect the Name Change. The foregoing description of the Second Amended and Restated Bylaws does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Second Amended and Restated Bylaws, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 3.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated by reference herein.

Symbol Change

In connection with the Name Change, effective as of the opening of trading on January 10, 2023, the Company’s common stock is trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol “GDC” and the Company’s warrants (the “Warrants”) to purchase one-thirtieth of one shares of Common Stock at a price of $172.50 per whole share is quoting on the OTC Pink Market under the ticker symbol “CCNCW”. The CUSIP numbers for the Company’s common stock and Warrants remain the same.

Outstanding certificates for the Company’s common stock and Warrants are not affected by the Name Change and will continue to be valid and need not be exchanged.

The Name Change and Symbol Change have been approved by the Board and the majority stockholders by written consent on November 29, 2022.

Change of Directors and Officers

On February 9, 2023, approved by the Board of Directors of GD Culture Group Limited (the “Company”), Ms. Lu Cai was appointed as the Chief Operating Officer of the Company, effective February 9, 2023.

On February 17, 2023, Ms. Junhe Hong tendered her resignation as a director and a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the Compensation Committee, and the Audit Committee of the Company, effective February 17, 2023. The resignation of Ms. Junhe Hong was not a result of any disagreement with the Company’s operations, policies or procedures.

On February 17, 2023, approved by the Board of Directors, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Compensation Committee, Mr. Yi Zhong was appointed as a director and a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the Compensation Committee, and the Audit Committee of the Company, effective February 17, 2023.

On April 21, 2023, Mr. Hongxiang Yu tendered his resignation as the Chief Executive Officer, President, Chairman of the Board and a director of GD Culture Group Limited (the “Company”), effective April 21, 2023. The resignation of Mr. Hongxiang Yu was not a result of any disagreement with the Company’s operations, policies or procedures.

On April 21, 2023, Ms. Yi Li tendered her resignation as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, effective April 21, 2023. The resignation of Ms. Yi Li Yu was not a result of any disagreement with the Company’s operations, policies or procedures.

On April 21, 2023, approved by the Board of Directors, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Compensation Committee, Mr. Xiao Jian Wang was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer, President, Chairman of the Board and a director of the Company, effective April 21, 2023, and Mr. Zihao Zhao was appointed as the Chief Financial officer of the Company, effective April 21, 2023

May 2023 Registered Direct Offering

On May 1, 2023, the Company entered into a placement agency agreement (the “Placement Agency Agreement”), with Univest Securities, LLC (the “Placement Agent”). Pursuant to the Placement Agency Agreement, the Placement Agent agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to sell the Company’s common stock in a registered direct offering (the “RD Offering”), and a concurrent private placement (the “PIPE Offering”, together with the RD Offering, collectively the “Offering”). The Placement Agent has no obligation to buy any of the securities from us or to arrange for the purchase or sale of any specific number or dollar amount of securities.

In the RD Offering, an aggregate of 310,168 shares of common stock (the “Common Shares”) of the Company, par value $0.0001 per share, and pre-funded warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 844,351 shares of common stock (the “Pre-Funded Warrants”, and the common stock underlying such warrants, the “Pre-Funded Warrant Shares”) are sold to certain purchasers (the “Purchasers”), pursuant to a securities purchase agreement, dated May 1, 2023 (the “RD Securities Purchase Agreement”). The purchase price of each Common Share is $8.27. The purchase price of each Pre-funded Warrant is $8.269, which equals the price per Common Share being sold to the public in the Offering, minus $0.001. The RD Offering is being made pursuant to a shelf registration statement (No. 333-254366) on Form S-3, which was declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on March 26, 2021, and related prospectus supplement.

In connection with the Pre-Funded Warrant Shares, “Pre-funded” refers to the fact that the purchase price of the warrants in the offering includes almost the entire exercise price that will be paid under the Pre-funded Warrants, except for a nominal remaining exercise price of $0.001. The purpose of the Pre-funded Warrants is to enable Purchasers that may have restrictions on their ability to beneficially own more than 4.99% (or, upon election of the holder, 9.99%) of the Company’s outstanding common stock following the consummation of the offering the opportunity to make an investment in the Company without triggering their ownership restrictions, by receiving Pre-funded Warrants in lieu of the Company’s common stock which would result in such ownership of more than 4.99% (or 9.99%), and receive the ability to exercise their option to purchase the shares underlying the Pre-funded Warrants at such nominal price at a later date. In the RD Offering, each Pre-funded Warrant is exercisable for one share of our common stock, with an exercise price equal to $0.001 per share, at any time that the Pre-funded Warrant is outstanding. The Pre-funded Warrants will be exercisable immediately after issuance and will expire five (5) years from the date of issuance. The holder of a Pre-funded Warrant will not be deemed a holder of our underlying common stock until the Pre-funded Warrant is exercised.

In the concurrent PIPE Offering, warrants to purchase up to 1,154,519 shares of common stock (the “Unregistered Warrants”, and the common stock underlying such warrants, the “Unregistered Warrant Shares”) are also sold to the Purchasers, pursuant to a private warrant securities purchase agreement, dated May 1, 2023. The Unregistered Warrants are exercisable immediately after issuance and will expire five (5) years from the date of issuance. The Exercise Price of the Unregistered Warrants is $8.27, subject to adjustment as provided in the form of Unregistered Warrants.

The Company also paid the Placement Agent a total cash fee equal to 7.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds received in the Offering and a non-accountable expense allowance equal to 1% of the aggregate gross proceeds. The Placement Agent were also reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket accountable expenses incurred in this offering up to $150,000. The Placement Agent also received warrants to purchase up to 115,452 shares of common stock (equal to 5.0% of the aggregate number of Common Shares, Pre-Funded Warrant Shares, and the Unregistered Warrant Shares) at an exercise price of $9.924 per share, which represents 120% of the offering price of each Common Share. The Placement Agent’s warrants will have substantially the same terms as the Unregistered Warrants.

The net proceeds from the Offering, after deducting placement agent discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by the Company, are approximately $8.53 million (assuming the Unregistered Warrants are not exercised). The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for working capital and general corporate purposes.

Key Factors that Affect Operating Results

Highlight Media, founded in 2016, is an integrated marketing service agency, focusing on enterprise brand management, crisis public relations, intelligent public opinion monitoring, media PR, financial and economic we-media operation, digital face application, large-scale exhibition services and other businesses. It is committed to becoming a modern science and technology media organization that fully empowers the development of customer enterprises in the era of artificial intelligence and big data. Its growth strategy is substantially dependent upon our ability to market our intended products and services successfully to prospective clients in China. This requires that we heavily rely upon our sales and marketing team and marketing partners. Failure to reach potential clients will significantly affect our results of operation and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial conditions and the results of our operations.

The threats to network and data security are increasingly diverse and sophisticated. Despite the efforts and processes to prevent breaches, the social media platforms, systems and services of third parties that Highlight Media uses in its operations are vulnerable to cyber security risks, including cyber-attacks such as viruses and worms, phishing attacks, denial-of-service attacks, physical or electronic break-ins, employee theft or misuse, and similar disruptions from unauthorized tampering with the servers and computer systems or those of third parties that Highlight Media use in its operations, which could lead to interruptions, delays, loss of critical data, and loss of consumer confidence.

In addition, Highlight Media may be the target of email scams that attempt to acquire sensitive information or company assets. Despite the efforts to create security barriers to such threats, Highlight Media may not be able to entirely mitigate these risks. Any cyber-attack that attempts to obtain our data and assets, disrupt Highlight Media’s service, or otherwise access the social media platforms, systems and services of third parties that Highlight Media uses, if successful, could adversely affect the business, operating results, and financial condition, be expensive to remedy, and damage the reputation of Highlight Media.

The media industries involving IoT devices, software and services are characterized by the existence of a large number of patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets and by frequent litigation based on allegations of infringement or other violations of intellectual property rights. Much of this litigation involves patent holding companies or other adverse patent owners who have no relevant product revenues of their own, and against whom our own patent portfolio may provide little or no deterrence.

The nature of Highlight Media’s business and its publications involves copy rights. We cannot assure you that we, our subsidiaries or the variable interest entities will prevail in any future copyright infringement litigations. Defending such claims, regardless of their merit, could be time-consuming and distracting to management, result in costly litigation or settlement, cause delays, or require us, our subsidiaries or the variable interest to enter into royalty or licensing agreements. In addition, we, our subsidiaries or the variable interest entities could be obligated to indemnify our customers against third parties’ claims of intellectual property infringement based on publications. If our products or solutions violate any third-party intellectual property rights, we could be required to withdraw them from the market, re-edit and re-publish them or seek to obtain licenses from third parties, which might not be available on reasonable terms or at all. Any efforts re-edit and re-publish our publications, obtain licenses from third parties on favorable terms might not be successful and, in any case, might substantially increase our costs and harm our business, financial condition and operating results. Withdrawal of any of our publications from the market could harm our business, financial condition and operating results.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic did not have a material impact on our business or results of operation during the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022. However, the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic may negatively impact the general economy and our business is highly uncertain and cannot be accurately predicted. These uncertainties may impede our ability to conduct our operations and could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, and as a result could adversely affect our stock price and create more volatility.

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 vs. March 31, 2022