KINGOLD JEWELRY, INC. - Quarter Report: 2018 March (Form 10-Q)

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

15 Huangpu Science and Technology Park

Jiang’an District

Wuhan, Hubei Province, PRC 430023

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(011) 86 27 65694977

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, 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. 

x Yes     ¨ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

x Yes     ¨ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company or 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       x  No  

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

As of May 8, 2018, there were 66,113,502 shares of common stock outstanding, par value $0.001. 

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT FOR PURPOSES OF THE “SAFE HARBOR” STATEMENT

UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

Statements in this quarterly report that are not historical facts or information are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “estimate,” “project,” “forecast,” “plan,” “believe,” “may,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “planned,” “potential,” “can,” “expectation” and similar expressions, or the negative of those expressions, may identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on management’s reasonable current assumptions and expectations. Such forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievement to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, and there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from management’s expectations. Such factors include, among others, the following:

Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in Item 2 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and the risks discussed in Part 2, Item 1A “Risk Factors.” We undertake no obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements

KINGOLD JEWELRY, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)

(UNAUDITED)

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

KINGOLD JEWELRY, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(IN US DOLLARS)

(UNAUDITED)

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

KINGOLD JEWELRY, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(IN US DOLLARS)

(UNAUDITED)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated Financial Statements

KINGOLD JEWELRY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 1 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Kingold Jewelry, Inc. (“Kingold” or the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary to make the financial statements not misleading have been included. Operating results for the interim period ended March 31, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018. The information included in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis, and the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, filed with the SEC on March 15, 2018 and subsequently amended on March 26, 2018.

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of Kingold, Dragon Lead, Wuhan Vogue-Show and Wuhan Kingold. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates required to be made by management include, but are not limited to, useful lives of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, the recoverability of long-lived assets, inventory valuation, allowance for doubtful accounts, deferred income tax, allowance for investments in gold. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash

Cash includes cash on hand and demand deposits in accounts maintained with commercial banks within the PRC. The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. The Company maintains most of the bank accounts in the PRC. Cash balances in bank accounts in PRC are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or other programs.

Restricted Cash

The Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-18, "Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash" during the first quarter of 2018. This ASU applies to all entities that have restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents to be presented in the statement of cash flows under Topic 230.

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company had restricted cash of $15,620,870 and $12,927,272, respectively. All restricted cash was related to the various loans with banks and financial institutions – see Note 5 – Loans.

KINGOLD JEWELRY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Accounts Receivable

The Company generally receives cash payment upon delivery of a product, but may extend unsecured credit to its customers in the ordinary course of business. The Company mitigates the associated risks by performing credit checks and actively pursuing past due accounts. An allowance for doubtful accounts is established and recorded based on management’s assessment of the credit history of the customers and current relationships with them. At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, there was no allowance recorded as the Company considers all of the accounts receivable fully collectible. 

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value, and cost is calculated on the weighted average basis. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, there was no lower of cost or market adjustment because the carrying value of the Company’s inventories was lower than the current and expected market price of gold. The cost of inventories comprises all costs of purchases, costs of fixed and variable production overhead and other costs incurred in bringing the inventories to their present condition.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Expenditures for additions, major renewals and betterments are capitalized, and expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life. 

Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis, less estimated residual value, over an asset’s estimated useful life. The estimated useful lives used in connection with the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:

Land Use Right

Under PRC law, all land in the PRC is owned by the government and cannot be sold to an individual or company. The government grants individuals and companies the right to use parcels of land for specified periods of time. These land use rights are sometimes referred to informally as “ownership.” Land use rights are stated at cost less accumulated amortization. Amortization is provided over the respective useful lives, using the straight-line method. Estimated useful life is 50 years, and is determined in connection with the term of the land use right. 

Long-Lived Assets

Certain assets such as property, plant and equipment and construction in progress, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets that are held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the asset. There were no events or changes in circumstances that triggered a review of impairment of long-lived assets as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. 

KINGOLD JEWELRY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company follows the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.” ASC 820 clarifies the definition of fair value, prescribes methods for measuring fair value, and establishes a fair value hierarchy to classify the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows: 

Level 1-Observable inputs such as unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities available at the measurement date.

Level 2-Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable, and inputs derived from or corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3-Inputs are unobservable inputs which reflect management’s assumptions based on the best available information.

The carrying value of accounts receivable, other current assets and prepaid expenses, short-term loans, other payables and accrued expenses approximate their fair values because of the short-term nature of these instruments. The Company determined that the carrying value of the long term loans approximated their fair value by comparing the stated loan interest rate to the rate charged by similar financial institutions. The Company uses quoted prices in active markets to measure the fair value of investments in gold.

Investments in Gold

The Company pledged the gold leased from related party and part of its own gold inventory to meet the requirements of bank loans. The pledged gold will be available for sale upon the repayment of the bank loans. The Company classified these pledged gold as investments in gold, and carried at fair market value, with the unrealized gains and losses, included in the determination of comprehensive income   and reported in equity. The fair market value of the investments in gold is determined by quoted market prices at Shanghai Gold Exchange.

Revenue Recognition

The Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 606 in the first quarter of 2018 using the modified retrospective approach. ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, establishes principles for reporting information about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from the entity's contracts to provide goods or services to customers. The core principle requires an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that it expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for those goods or services recognized as performance obligations are satisfied.

The Company has assessed the impact of the guidance by reviewing its existing customer contracts and current accounting policies and practices to identify differences that will result from applying the new requirements, including the evaluation of its performance obligations, transaction price, customer payments, transfer of control and principal versus agent considerations. Based on the assessment, the Company concluded that there was no change to the timing and pattern of revenue recognition for its current revenue streams in scope of Topic 606 and therefore there was no material changes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements upon adoption of ASC 606.

KINGOLD JEWELRY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Revenue Recognition (continued)

The Company’s revenues are primarily composed of sales proceeds collected from sales of branded products and customized product fees. Revenue is recognized when performance obligations under the terms of a contract with a customer are satisfied and promised services have transferred to the customers.

Revenue is recognized when obligations under the terms of a contract with the Company’s customers are satisfied. Satisfaction of contract terms occur with the transfer of title of the Company’s branded products and accessories to the customers. Net sale is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring the goods to the wholesaler and retailers. The amount of consideration the Company expects to receive consists of the sales price adjusted for any incentives if applicable. Incidental promotional items that are immaterial in the context of the contract are recognized as expense. Fees charged to customers for shipping and handling are included in net sales in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and the related costs incurred by the Company are included in cost of goods sold. In applying judgment, the Company considered customer expectations of performance, materiality and the core principles of ASC Topic 606. The Company's performance obligations are generally transferred to the customer at a point in time. The Company’s contracts with customers generally do not include any variable consideration.

Sαles of brαnded products

The Company offers a wide range of in-house designed products including but not limited to gold necklaces, rings, earrings, bracelets, and pendants. In our sales of branded products, the Company only sells on a wholesale basis to distributors and retailers. Pricing of the jewelry products is made at the time of sales contracts are made, based on prevailing market price of gold. These sales contracts are primarily based on a customer’s purchase order followed by the Company’s order acknowledgement, and may also include a master supply or distributor agreement. The performance obligations are generally satisfied at a point in time when the Company ships the product from the Company’s facility. Payment term is typically due within 30 days or less. 

Customized production fees

In the customized product arrangement, the Company receives orders from other jewelry companies who engage to the Company to design and produce 24-karat jewelry and Chinese ornaments using gold they supply to the Company. Although the Company assumes the responsibilities to design and manufacture the related Jewelry products, the Company does not assume inventory risk and does not determine the product design specification. As a result, the Company is considered the agent in this arrangement for revenue recognition purposes. All of the sales contracts in this customized product arrangements contain performance obligations satisfied at a point in time when we complete the design and ship the product from the Company’s facility. The Company recognizes services-based revenue (the processing fee) from such contracts for customized production when: (i) the contracted services have been performed and (ii) collectability is reasonably assured.

KINGOLD JEWELRY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Income Taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period including the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

The provisions of ASC 740-10-25, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,” prescribe a more-likely-than-not threshold for consolidated financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken (or expected to be taken) in a tax return. This interpretation also provides guidance on the recognition of income tax assets and liabilities, classification of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities, accounting for interest and penalties associated with tax positions, and related disclosures. The Company does not believe that there was any uncertain tax position at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

To the extent applicable, the Company records interest and penalties as a general and administrative expense. The statute of limitations for the Company’s U.S. federal income tax returns and certain state income tax returns remains open for tax years 2012 and after. As of March 31, 2018, the tax years ended December 31, 2012 through December 31, 2017 for the Company’s PRC subsidiaries remain open for statutory examination by PRC tax authorities.

Foreign Currency Translation

Kingold, as well as its wholly owned subsidiary, Dragon Lead, maintain accounting records in United States Dollars (“US$”), whereas Wuhan Vogue-Show and Wuhan Kingold maintain their accounting records in Renminbi (“RMB”), which is the primary currency of the economic environment in which their operations are conducted. The Company’s principal country of operations is the PRC. The financial position and results of its operations are determined using RMB, the local currency, as the functional currency. The results of operations and the statement of cash flows denominated in foreign currency are translated at the average rate of exchange during the reporting period. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are translated at the applicable rates of exchange in effect at that date. The equity denominated in the functional currency is translated at the historical rate of exchange at the time of capital contribution. Because cash flows are translated based on the average translation rate, amounts related to assets and liabilities reported on the statement of cash flows will not necessarily agree with changes in the corresponding balances on the balance sheet. Translation adjustments arising from the use of different exchange rates from period to period are included as a component of stockholders’ equity as “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Deficit). ” 

The value of RMB against US$ and other currencies may fluctuate and is affected by, among other things, changes in the PRC’s political and economic conditions. Any significant revaluation of RMB may materially affect the Company’s financial condition in terms of US$ reporting. The following table outlines the currency exchange rates that were used in creating the consolidated financial statements in this report: 

KINGOLD JEWELRY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Comprehensive income

Comprehensive income consists of two components, net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss). The unrealized gain or loss resulting from the change of the fair market value from the gold investments and the foreign currency translation gain or loss resulting from translation of the financial statements expressed in RMB to US$ are reported in other comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated statements of operations   and comprehensive income.

Earnings per Share (“EPS”)

Basic EPS is measured as net income divided by the weighted average common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is similar to basic EPS but presents the dilutive effect on a per share basis of potential common shares (i.e., options and warrants) as if they had been converted at the beginning of the periods presented, or issuance date, if later. Potential common shares that have an anti-dilutive effect (i.e., those that increase income per share or decrease loss per share) are excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS.

Share or Stock-Based compensation

The Company follows the provisions of ASC 718, “Compensation — Stock Compensation,” which establishes the accounting for employee stock-based awards. For employee stock-based awards, share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense with graded vesting on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. For the non-employee stock-based awards, the fair value of the awards to non-employees are measured every reporting period based on the value of the Company’s common stock. 

Debts Issuance Costs

Debt issuance cost related to a recognized debt liability are presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. Amortization of debt issuance costs is calculated using the effective interest method and is included as a component of interest expense.  

Risks and Uncertainties

The jewelry industry generally is affected by fluctuations in the price and supply of diamonds, gold, and, to a lesser extent, other precious and semi-precious metals and stones. The Company potentially has exposure to the fluctuation in gold commodity prices as part of its normal operations. In the past, the Company has not hedged its requirement for gold or other raw materials through the use of options, forward contracts or outright commodity purchasing. A significant increase in the price of gold could increase the Company’s production costs beyond the amount that it is able to pass on to its customers, which would adversely affect the Company’s sales and profitability. A significant disruption in the Company’s supply of gold, or other commodities, could decrease its production and shipping levels, materially increase its operating costs, and materially and adversely affect its profit margins. Shortages of gold, or other commodities, or interruptions in transportation systems, labor strikes, work stoppages, war, acts of terrorism, or other interruptions to or difficulties in the employment of labor or transportation in the markets in which the Company purchases its raw materials, may adversely affect its ability to maintain production of its products and sustain profitability. Although the Company generally attempts to pass on increased commodity prices to its customers, there may be circumstances in which it is not able to do so. In addition, if the Company were to experience a significant or prolonged shortage of gold, it would be unable to meet its production schedules and to ship products to its customers in a timely manner, which would adversely affect its sales, margins and customer relations.  

KINGOLD JEWELRY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Risks and Uncertainties (Continued)

Furthermore, the value of the Company’s inventory may be affected by commodity prices. The Company records the value of its inventory using the lower of cost and net realizable value, cost calculated on the weighted average method. As a result, decreases in the market value of precious metals such as gold would result in a lower stated value of the Company’s inventory, which may require it to take a charge for the decrease in the value of its inventory.

The Company also allocated significant portion of its inventories as investment in gold and pledged as collateral to secure loans from banks and financial institutions, so there is a risk that the Company is unable to utilize its inventories, and there could be a disruption in the Company’s supply of gold which could decrease its production and shipping levels. In addition, the investment in gold may be deficient if the fair market value of the pledged gold in connection with the loans declines, then the Company may need to increase the pledged gold inventory for the loan collateral or increase restricted cash. 

The Company’s operations are located in the PRC. Accordingly, the Company’s business, financial condition, and results of operations may be influenced by the political, economic, and legal environments in the PRC, as well as by the general state of the PRC economy. The Company’s operations in the PRC are subject to special considerations and significant risks not typically associated with companies in North America and Western Europe. These include risks associated with, among others, the political, economic and legal environment, and foreign currency exchange. The Company’s results may be adversely affected by changes in the political, regulatory and social conditions in the PRC, and by changes in governmental policies or interpretations with respect to laws and regulations, anti-inflationary measures, currency conversion, remittances abroad, and rates and methods of taxation, among other things. In addition, the Company only controls Wuhan Kingold through a series of agreements. Although the Company believes the contractual relationships through which it controls Wuhan Kingold comply with current licensing, registration and regulatory requirements of the PRC, it cannot assure you that the PRC government would agree, or that new and burdensome regulations will not be adopted in the future. If the PRC government determines that the Company’s structure or operating arrangements do not comply with applicable law, it could revoke the Company’s business and operating licenses, require it to discontinue or restrict its operations, restrict its right to collect revenues, require it to restructure its operations, impose additional conditions or requirements with which the Company may not be able to comply, impose restrictions on its business operations or on its customers, or take other regulatory or enforcement actions against the Company that could be harmful to its business. If such agreements were cancelled, modified or otherwise not complied with, the Company would not be able to retain control of this consolidated entity and the impact could be material to the Company’s operations. Although the Company has not experienced losses from these situations and believes that it is in compliance with existing laws and regulations, this may not be indicative of future results.

KINGOLD JEWELRY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (ASU 2014-09), which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, including most industry-specific revenue recognition guidance throughout the Industry Topics of the Codification. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is to recognize revenues when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that is expected to be received for those goods or services. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, which deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09 to fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Subsequently, the FASB issued ASUs in 2016 containing implementation guidance related to ASU 2014-09, including: ASU 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net), which is intended to improve the operability and understandability of the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations; ASU 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, which is intended to clarify two aspects of Topic 606: identifying performance obligations and the licensing implementation guidance; ASU 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients, which contains certain provisions and practical expedients in response to identified implementation issues; and ASU 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which is intended to clarify the Codification or to correct unintended application of guidance. ASU 2014-09 allows for either full retrospective or modified retrospective adoption. The Company adopted ASU 2014-09 and the related ASUs on January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method, which will not result in a cumulative catch-up adjustment to the opening balance sheet of retained earnings at the effective date.

In March 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-05 — Income Taxes (Topic 740): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“ASU 2018-05”), which amends the FASB Accounting Standards Codification and XBRL Taxonomy based on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) that was signed into law on December 22, 2017 and Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) that was released by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Act changes numerous provisions that impact U.S. corporate tax rates, business-related exclusions, and deductions and credits and may additionally have international tax consequences for many companies that operate internationally. The Company does not believe this guidance will have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

Except for the above-mentioned pronouncements, there are no new recent issued accounting standards that will have material impact on the unaudited condensed consolidated financial position, statements of operations and cash flows.

KINGOLD JEWELRY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 3 – INVENTORIES

Inventories as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 consisted of the following:

No lower of cost or net realizable value adjustment was recorded at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

NOTE 4 – PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET

The following is a summary of property and equipment as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:

Depreciation and amortization for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 was $426,494 and $400,282, respectively.

KINGOLD JEWELRY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 5 – LOANS

Short term loans consist of the following: 

(a) Loan payable to Aijian Trust

On April 28, 2016, Wuhan Kingold and Shanghai Aijian Trust Co., Ltd. (“Aijian Trust”) entered into a gold income right transfer and repurchase agreement. According to the agreement, Aijian Trust acquired the income rights from Wuhan Kingold for Wuhan Kingold’s Au9999 gold worth at least RMB 412.5 million based on the closing price of gold on the most recent trading day at the Shanghai Gold Exchange (the “Gold Income Right”). Aijian Trust’s acquisition price for the Gold Income Right was approximately $47.8 million (RMB 300 million) (the “Acquisition Price”). Wuhan Kingold is required to repurchase the Gold Income Right back from Aijian Trust with installments and the last installment shall be within the 24 months. The repurchase price is equal to the Acquisition Price with annual return of 10% for the period from the agreement date and the last repayment date. The repurchase obligation may be accelerated under certain conditions, including upon breach of representations or warranties, certain cross-defaults, upon the occurrence of certain material events affecting the financial viability of Wuhan Kingold, and other customary conditions. Wuhan Kingold pledged the 1,542 kilograms of related Au9999 gold under the Gold Income Right to Aijian Trust with carrying value of approximately $57.1 million (RMB 358.5 million) as collateral. The agreement is also personally guaranteed by the CEO and Chairman. The Company also made a restricted deposit of $0.5 million (RMB 3 million) to secure these loans. The deposit will be refunded when the loan is repaid upon maturity. Since Wuhan Kingold has a right to repurchase the Gold Income Right in 12 months, the loan is treated as a short-term loan. The loan was subsequently repaid on May 4, 2018. The pledged gold and restricted deposit were released and returned upon the repayment.

KINGOLD JEWELRY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 5 – LOANS (Continued)

(b) Loans payable to Evergrowing Bank – Qixia Branch

The Company fully repaid loan to Evergrowing Bank – Qixia Branch upon maturity and the pledged gold was subsequent returned to the Company.

(c) Loans payable to Evergrowing Bank – Yantai Huanshan Road Branch

From February 24, 2016 to March 24, 2016, Wuhan Kingold signed ten Loan Agreements with the Yantai Huangshan Road Branch of Evergrowing Bank for loans of approximately $159.2 million (RMB 1 billion) in the aggregate. The purpose of the loans was for purchasing gold. The terms of loans are two years and bear fixed interest of 4.75% per year. Based on the loan repayment plan as specified in the loan agreements, approximately $159,218 (RMB 1 million) was repaid in August 2016, approximately $159,218 (RMB 1 million) was repaid on February 23, 2017 and another $159,218 (RMB 1 million) was repaid in August 23, 2017. The Company repaid $79.1 million (RMB 497 million) to Evergrowing bank Yantai Huangshan Road Branch upon maturity.

For the remaining balance of $79.6 million (RMB 500 million), the Company entered into a loan extension agreement with the bank to extend the loan borrowing period for additional seven months until October 2018, with the new interest rate of 6.5% per year. The loans are secured by 2,735   kilograms of Au9999 gold in aggregate with carrying value of approximately $101.2 million (RMB 635.9 million) and are guaranteed by the CEO and Chairman of the Company. 

(d) Loans payable to Sichuan Trust

On September 7, 2016, the Company entered into two trust loan agreements with the Sichuan Trust Ltd. (“Sichuan Trust”) to borrow a maximum of approximately $318.4 million (RMB 2 billion) as working capital loan. The Company paid the first interest payment equal to 1.21% of the principle received as loan origination fee on annual basis, then the rest of interest payments are calculated based on a fixed interest rate of 7.25%. The Company pledged 7,258 kilograms of Au9999 gold with carrying value of approximately $268.7 million (RMB 1.7 billion) as collateral to secure this loan. The loan is guaranteed by the CEO and Chairman of the Company. The Company also made a restricted deposit of approximately $2.4 million (RMB 15 million) to secure these loans. The deposit will be refunded when the loan is repaid upon maturity. As of March 31, 2018, the Company received an aggregate of approximately $238.8 million (RMB 1.5 billion) from the loan.

The Company paid approximately $5.8 million (RMB 36.3 million) as loan origination fee in 2017 and 2016 for obtaining the loan. The loan origination fee was recorded as deferred financing cost against the loan balance. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, approximately $0.7 million (RMB 4.5 million) and $0.3 million (RMB 2.2 million) deferred financing cost was amortized, respectively.

(e) Loans payable to China Aviation Capital

On September 7, 2016, the Company entered into a trust loan agreement with China Aviation Capital Investment Management (Shenzhen) ("China Aviation Capital") to borrow a maximum of approximately $95.5 million (RMB 600 million) as working capital loan. The first installment of the loan was approximately $46.2 million (RMB 290 million) to mature on September 7, 2018. The Company is required to make interest payments calculated based on a fixed annual interest rate of 7.5% and a one-time consulting fee of 3% based on the principal amount received as loan origination fee. The Company pledged 1,473 kilograms of Au9999 gold with carrying value of approximately $54.5 million (RMB 342.5 million) as collateral to secure this loan. The loan is guaranteed by the CEO and Chairman of the Company. As of March 31, 2018, the Company received an aggregate of approximately $46.2 million (RMB 290 million) from the loan.

KINGOLD JEWELRY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 5 – LOANS (Continued)

(e) Loans payable to China Aviation Capital (continued)

The Company paid approximately $1.4 million (RMB 8.7 million) as loan origination fee for obtaining the loan. The loan origination fee was recorded as deferred financing cost against the loan balance.

For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, approximately $0.2 million (RMB 1.1 million) and $0.1 million (RMB 1.1 million) deferred financing cost was amortized, respectively.

(f) Loans payable to Huarong Trust

On July 28, 2017, the Company entered into a loan agreement with Huarong International Trust Co. Ltd. (“Huarong Trust”) to borrow a maximum of approximately $159.2 million (RMB 1 billion) as working capital loan. The loan has a 12-month term starting from the date of releasing the loan and 2.5% of the principal amount is required to be repaid after 6 months from releasing date. The Company paid a loan origination fee equivalent to 1.5% of the principal amount received which bears interest at a fixed rate of 7% per annum. The loan is also guaranteed by the CEO and Chairman of the Company. The Company pledged 4,975 kilograms of Au9999 gold with carrying value of approximately $187.3 million (RMB 1.2 billion  ) as collateral to secure this loan. The Company pledged approximately $1.5 million (RMB 9.5 million) restricted cash with Huarong Trust as collateral.

The Company paid approximately $2.3 million (RMB 14.3 million) as loan origination fee for obtaining the loan. The loan origination fee was recorded as deferred financing cost against the loan balance. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, approximately $0.6 million (RMB 3.5 million) and $Nil deferred financing cost was amortized, respectively.

(g) Loans payable to China Construction Investment Trust

On August 29, 2016, the Company entered into a trust loan agreement with China Construction Investment Trust to borrow a maximum of approximately $47.8 million (RMB 300 million) as working capital loan for the purpose of purchasing of gold solely with a period of 24 months from October 9, 2016 to October 9, 2018. For the loan obtained the Company is required to make interest payments are calculated based on a fixed annual interest rate. The interest payment is divided into two parts: (1) 1% of the principal amount received need to be paid before December 25, 2016 as loan origination fee; (2) the rest of interest payments are calculated based on a fixed interest rate of 7.5% and due on quarterly basis. The Company pledged 1,447 kilograms of Au9999 gold with carrying value of approximately $53.6 million (RMB 336.4 million) as collateral to secure this loan. The loan is guaranteed by the CEO and Chairman of the Company. The Company also made a restricted deposit of approximately $0.5 million (RMB 3 million) to secure the loan.

The Company paid approximately $0.5 million (RMB 3 million) as loan origination fee for obtaining the loan. The loan origination fee was recorded as deferred financing cost against the loan balance. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, approximately $0.06 million (RMB 0.4 million) deferred financing cost was amortized, respectively.

KINGOLD JEWELRY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 5 – LOANS (Continued)

(h) Loans payable to Zheshang Jinhui Trust

On November 7, 2016, the Company entered into a trust loan agreement with Zheshang Jinhui Trust to borrow a maximum of approximately $87.6 million (RMB 550 million) for purchasing gold with a period of 24 months from principle receiving date November 15, 2018. The Company is required to make interest payments calculated based on a fixed annual interest rate of 7.8%. The Company pledged 2,708 kilograms of Au9999 gold with carrying value of approximately $100.2 million (RMB 629.6 million) as collateral to secure this loan. The loan is guaranteed by the CEO and Chairman of the Company. The Company also made a restricted deposit of approximately $0.9 million (RMB 5.5 million) to secure these loans. The deposit will be refunded when the loan is repaid upon maturity.

(i) Loans payable to Zhongjiang International Trust

On December 23, 2016, the Company entered into a trust loan agreement with Zhongjiang International Trust to borrow a maximum of approximately $63.7 million (RMB 400 million) for purchasing gold with a period of 24 months from December 23, 2016 to December 22, 2018. The Company is required to make interest payments calculated based on a fixed annual interest rate of 8.75%. The Company pledged 2,104 kilograms of Au9999 gold with carrying value of approximately $77.9 million (RMB 489.2 million) as collateral to secure this loan. The loan is guaranteed by the CEO and Chairman of the Company.

The Company paid approximately $0.3   million (RMB 1.9 million) as loan origination fee for obtaining the loan. The loan origination fee was recorded as deferred financing cost against the loan balance. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, approximately $0.04 million (RMB 0.2 million) and $0.04 million (RMB 0.3 million) deferred financing cost was amortized, respectively.

(j) Loans payable to China Aviation Trust

On January 25, 2017, Wuhan Kingold entered into a trust loan agreement with China Aviation Trust Ltd. to borrow a maximum of approximately $49.4 million (RMB 310 million) for working capital with a period of 24 months from the date of releasing the loan. The Company is required to make interest payments that are calculated based on a fixed annual interest rate of 8%. The Company pledged 1,647 kilograms of Au9999 gold with carrying value of approximately $60.2 million (RMB 378.4 million) as collateral to secure this loan. The loan is guaranteed by the CEO and Chairman of the Company. The Company also made a restricted deposit of approximately $0.5 million (RMB 3.1 million) to secure these loans. The deposit will be refunded when the loan is repaid upon maturity.

The Company paid approximately $1.5 million (RMB 9.3 million) as loan origination fee for obtaining the loan. The loan origination fee was recorded as deferred financing cost against the loan balance. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, approximately $0.2 million (RMB 1.2 million) and $0.1 million (RMB 0.8 million) deferred financing cost was amortized, respectively.

KINGOLD JEWELRY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 5 – LOANS (Continued)

(k) Loans payable to National Trust

On February 28, 2017, Wuhan Kingold entered into a trust loan agreement with National Trust Ltd. (“National Trust”) to borrow a maximum of approximately $55.7 million (RMB 350 million) for working capital with a period of 24 months from the date of releasing the loan. The Company is required to make interest payments that are calculated based on a fixed annual interest rate of 8.617%. The Company pledged 1,745 kilograms of Au9999 gold with carrying value of approximately $65 million (RMB 408.1 million) as collateral to secure this loan. The loan is guaranteed by the CEO and Chairman of the Company.

The Company paid approximately $0.4   million (RMB 2.6 million) as loan origination fee for obtaining the loan. The loan origination fee was recorded as deferred financing cost against the loan balance. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, approximately $0.05 million (RMB 0.3 million) and $0.01 million (RMB 0.1 million) deferred financing cost was amortized, respectively.

(l) Loans payable to Anxin Trust Co., Ltd

In January 2016, Wuhan Kingold signed a Collective Trust Loan Agreement with Anxin Trust Co., Ltd. (“Anxin Trust”). The agreement allowed the Company to access of approximately $477.7 million (RMB 3 billion) within 60 months. Each individual loan will bear a fixed annual interest of 14.8% or 11% with various maturity dates from February 19, 2019 to October 12, 2019. The purpose of this trust loan was to provide working capital for the Company to purchase gold. The loan is secured by 15,450 kilograms of Au9999 gold in aggregate with carrying value of approximately $572 million (RMB 3.6 billion). The loan is also guaranteed by the CEO and Chairman of the Company. As of March 31, 2018, the Company received full amount from the loan. The Company also made a restricted deposit of approximately $4.8 million (RMB 30 million) to secure these loans. The deposit will be refunded when the loan is repaid upon maturity.

Interest expense for all of the short term loans for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 was $18.5 million and $8.2 million  , respectively. The weighted average interest rate for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 was 7.5% and 6.5%  , respectively.

KINGOLD JEWELRY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 5 – LOANS (Continued)

Long-term loans consist of the following: 

(m) Loan payable to Minsheng Trust

On December 26, 2017, the Company entered into a Trust Loan Contract in the amount of no more than RMB 1.5 billion (equivalent to approximately $ 238.9 million) with China Minsheng Trust Co., Ltd. (“Minsheng Trust”). The purpose of the trust loan is to supplement liquidity needs. The Trust Loan will be issued in installments. Each installment of the Trust Loan has a 24-month term, and the period from issuance date of the first installment to the expiration date of the last installment shall not exceed 30 months. The Trust Loan bears interest at a fixed annual rate of 9.2%. The loan is secured by 7,887 kilograms of Au9999 gold in aggregate with carrying value of approximately $295.9 million (RMB 1.9 billion). The loan is also guaranteed by the CEO and Chairman of the Company. The Company made a restricted deposit of approximately $2.2 million (RMB 14 million) to secure these loans. The deposit will be refunded when the loan is repaid upon maturity. As of March 31, 2018, the Company received an aggregate of approximately $222.9 million (RMB 1.4 billion) from the loan.

(n) Loans payable to Anxin Trust (see Note 5 (l) above)

(o) Loans payable to Chang’An Trust

In September 2017, Wuhan Kingold entered into a new Trust Loan Contract with Chang’An Trust. The agreement allows the Company to access a total of approximately $159.2 million (RMB 1 billion) for the purpose of working capital needs. The loan bears a fixed annual interest of 10% with a term of 24 months and is secured by 4,784 kilograms of Au9999 gold in aggregate with carrying value of approximately $179 million (RMB 1.1 billion). The loan is also guaranteed by the CEO and Chairman of the Company. As of March 31, 2018  , the Company received full amount from the loan. The Company also made a restricted deposit of approximately $1.6 million (RMB 10 million) to secure these loans. The deposit will be refunded when the loan is repaid upon maturity.

The Company paid approximately $1.7 million (RMB 11 million) as loan origination fee for obtaining the new loan. The loan origination fee was recorded as deferred financing cost against the loan balance. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, approximately $0.2 million (RMB 1.4 million) and $Nil deferred financing cost was amortized, respectively.

(p) Loans payable to China Aviation Trust (see Note 5 (j) above)

KINGOLD JEWELRY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 5 – LOANS (Continued)

(q) Loans payable to National Trust (see Note 5 (k) above)

(r) Loans payable to Zheshang Jinhui Trust (new)  

In November 2017, Wuhan Kingold entered into a new Trust Loan Contract with Zheshang Jinhui Trust. The agreement allows the Company to access a total of approximately $159.2 million (RMB 1 billion) for the purpose of working capital needs. The loan bears a fixed annual interest of 7.7% with a term of 24 months and is secured by 2,540 kilograms of Au9999 gold in aggregate with carrying value of approximately $93.9 million (RMB 589.8 million). The loan is also guaranteed by the CEO and Chairman of the Company. As of March 31, 2018, the Company received an aggregate of approximately $79.6 million (RMB 500 million  ) from the loan. The Company also made a restricted deposit of approximately $0.8 million (RMB 5 million) to secure these loans. The deposit will be refunded when the loan is repaid upon maturity.

The Company paid approximately $1.2   million (RMB 7.5 million) as loan origination fee for obtaining the new loan. The loan origination fee was recorded as deferred financing cost against the loan balance. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, approximately $0.3 million (RMB 1.8 million) and $Nil deferred financing cost was amortized, respectively.

Total Interest for the long term loans was $21.4 million and $24 million   for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The weighted average interest rate for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 was 9.9% and 9.5%, respectively.

NOTE 6 – INVESTMENTS IN GOLD

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company allocated a total of 58,295 and 59,523 kilograms of Au9999 gold in its inventories with carrying value of approximately $2,166.6 million and $2,131.6 million, respectively, as investments in gold for obtaining various loans from banks and financial institutions. (See Note 5)

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company pledged a total of 2,655 and 10,225 kilograms of gold, respectively, as guarantee for Wuhan Kangbo Biotech Limited (“Kangbo”), a related party which is controlled by the CEO and Chairman of the Company, for obtaining total amount of RMB 500 million and 2 billion loan from Evergrowing Bank Huanshan Road Branch, respectively. (See Note 7)

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company pledged a total of 523 kilograms of gold and pledged as collateral for obtaining total amount of RMB 100 million loan from Wuhan Huayuan Technology Development Limited (“Huayuan”), a related party which is controlled by the CEO and Chairman of the Company. (See Note 7)   

As of March 31, 2018, a total of 29,484 kilograms of Au9999 gold with fair market value of approximately $1,085.6 million was pledged for long term loans, and therefore classified as non-current investments in gold. The remaining investments in gold of 31,989 kilograms of Au9999 gold with fair market value of approximately $1,177.8 million was classified as current assets as of March 31, 2018.

As of December 31, 2017, the total of 26,689 kilograms of Au9999 gold with fair market value of approximately $957.1 million was pledged for long-term bank loans, and therefore classified as non-current investments in gold. The remaining investments in gold of 43,582 kilograms of Au9999 gold with fair market value of approximately $1,562.9 million was classified as current assets as of December 31, 2017. 

As of March 31, 2018, a total of 61,473 kilograms of Au9999 gold investments with a change of fair market value of $26.2 million, which resulted in net unrealized loss of $18.7 million, net of tax, as of March 31, 2018. The Company recorded the change in unrealized gain as other comprehensive income, net of tax.

KINGOLD JEWELRY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 7 – RELATED PARTIES LOANS 

On January 13, 2017, Wuhan Kingold entered into a loan agreement with Wuhan Kangbo Biotech Limited (“Kangbo”), a related party which is controlled by the CEO and Chairman of the Company, for a loan of approximately $159.2 million (RMB 1 billion  ). The loan has one-year term from January 12, 2017 to January 10, 2018, and bears fixed interest of 4.75%. In order for Kangbo to obtain the loan from the bank, Wuhan Kingold signed the guarantee agreement with Evergrowing Bank - Yantai Huangshan Road Branch on January 11, 2017. As a guarantor of the bank loan, Wuhan Kingold pledged 5,470 kilograms of gold in aggregate with carrying value of approximately $200   million (RMB 1.3 billion) as collateral.

On February 20, 2017, Wuhan Kingold entered into a second loan agreement with Kangbo for a loan of approximately $159.2 million (RMB 1 billion  ). The loan has one-year term from February 20, 2017 to February 20, 2018, and bears fixed interest of 4.75%. In order for Kangbo to obtain the loan from the bank, Wuhan Kingold signed the guarantee agreement with Evergrowing Bank - Yantai Huangshan Road Branch on February 16, 2017. As a guarantor of the bank loan, Wuhan Kingold pledged 4,755 kilograms of gold in aggregate with carrying value of approximately $179.2 million   (RMB 1.1 billion) as collateral.

The Company repaid $235.9 million   (RMB 1.5 billion  ) loans to Kangbo upon maturity in January 2018 and February 2018, respectively. 7,870 kilograms of pledged gold in Evergrowing Bank - Yantai Huanshan Road Branch were released to the Company accordingly with 2,355 kilograms are still pledged as guarantee. For the remaining $79.6 million (RMB 500 million) loan that matured on March 2, 2018, the Company entered into a loan extension agreement with Kangbo to extend the loan borrowing period for additional seven months until October 2, 2018 with additional 300 kilograms of gold pledged.

Between November 23, 2016 and November 29, 2016, the Company entered into multiple loan agreements of RMB 3.2 billion in aggregate with Wuhan Kingold Industrial Group, a related party which is controlled by the CEO and Chairman of the Company, as working capital loans in order to subsequently purchase raw material of gold.

On February 22, 2017, the Company signed a non-interest bearing credit line agreement with Wuhan Kingold Industrial Group for additional loan of RMB 800 million with a 5 year maturity to February 21, 2022.

In April 2017, the Company signed three additional non-interest bearing credit line agreements with Wuhan Kingold Industrial Group for additional loans totaling RMB 1.35 billion with 5 year maturity to April 2022.

In January 2018, the Company signed an agreement and borrowed additional $334.4 million (RMB 2.1 billion) non-interest bearing loan from Wuhan Kingold Industrial Group as working capital with 5 year maturity to January 2023.

During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company repaid loans totaling RMB 1.8 billion and obtained loans totaling RMB 2.1 billion. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company repaid loans totaling RMB 5.05 billion and obtained loans totaling RMB 5.45 billion.

As of March 31, 2018, the aggregate borrowing amount from Wuhan Kingold Industrial Group was $618.6 million (RMB 3.9 billion). The Company classified these loans as non-current liabilities.

As of December 31, 2017, the aggregate borrowing amount from Wuhan Kingold Industrial Group was $553.3   million (RMB 3.6 billion). 

KINGOLD JEWELRY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 7 – RELATED PARTIES LOANS (Continued)

(c)   Loans payable to Wuhan Huayuan Technology Development Limited

On June 8, 2017, Wuhan Kingold signed a loan agreement with Wuhan Huayuan Technology Development Limited (“Wuhan Huayuan”), a related party which is controlled by the CEO and Chairman of the Company, for a loan of $15.9 million (RMB 100 million). The purpose for the loans is for working capital and purchasing gold. The loan has four years term from June 8, 2017 to June 8, 2021 and bears fixed interest of 7.8%. The Company also pledged 523 kilograms of Au9999 gold with carrying value of approximately $19.1 million   (RMB 124.4 million) as collateral to secure this loan.

During three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company repaid RMB 5.5 million, results in the outstanding balance of $14.2 million (RMB 89.1 million) as of March 31, 2018. Interest expense of $291,569 was recorded for this loan for the three months ended March 31, 2018  .

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company repaid RMB 5.4 million, results in the outstanding balance of $14.5 million (RMB 94.6 million) as of December 31, 2017.

NOTE 8 – OTHER RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and for the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company received working capital proceeds from the CEO and Chairman of the Company, to pay certain expense to various service providers on behalf of the Company. Such amount is unsecured and repayable on demand with no interest. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the amount due to CEO and Chairman was $3,102,653 and $2,630,301, respectively.

KINGOLD JEWELRY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 9 – INCOME TAXES 

The Company is subject to income taxes on an entity basis on income arising in or derived from the tax jurisdiction in which each entity is domiciled.

Kingold is incorporated in the United States and has incurred net operating loss for income tax purposes through March 31, 2018 resulting in loss carry forwards of $18,667,008 for U.S. income tax purposes available for offsetting against future taxable U.S. income, expiring in 2037. Management believes that the realization of the benefits from these losses is uncertain due to its history of continuing losses in the United States. Accordingly, a full deferred tax asset valuation allowance has been provided and no deferred tax asset benefit has been recorded. The valuation allowance as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 was $6,346,783 and $6,151,702  , respectively.

Dragon Lead is incorporated in the British Virgin Islands (the “BVI”), and under current laws of the BVI, income earned is not subject to income tax.

Wuhan Vogue-Show and Wuhan Kingold are incorporated in the PRC and are subject to PRC income tax, which is computed according to the relevant laws and regulations in the PRC. The applicable tax rate is 25% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and for the year ended December 31, 2017. The Company recorded $6,405,437 and $6,677,675 deferred income tax assets as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Act”) was signed into law making significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code. Changes include, but are not limited to, a U.S. corporate tax rate decrease from 35% to 21% effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, the transition of U.S international taxation from a worldwide tax system to a territorial system, and a one-time transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of cumulative foreign earnings as of December 31, 2017. The Company has determined that the Company’s VIE in PRC does not qualify as a reportable controlled foreign corporation (“CFC”) in accordance with its understanding of the Act and guidance available as of the date of this filing and as a result the Company assessed there was no significant income tax impact during the period in which the legislation was enacted. On December 22, 2017, Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 ("SAB 118") was issued to address the application of US GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Act. In accordance with SAB 118, the Company has determined that the Company’s VIE in PRC does not qualify as a reportable CFC, therefore it is not necessary to record any income tax provision in connection with the transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of foreign earnings at December 31, 2017. Additional work is necessary to do a more detailed analysis of the Act as well as potential correlative adjustments. Any subsequent adjustment to these amounts will be recorded to current tax expense in fiscal 2018 when the analysis is complete.

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes was allocated between the U.S. and foreign components for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017:

KINGOLD JEWELRY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 9 – INCOME TAXES (Continued)

Significant components of the income tax provision (benefit) were as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017: 

The components of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 consist of the following:

KINGOLD JEWELRY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 10 – EARNINGS (LOSSES) PER SHARE

For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the effect of potential shares of common stock was dilutive since the exercise prices for the warrant and options were lower than the average market price for the three months ended March 31, 2018. As a result, total of 427,849 unexercised warrants and options are dilutive, and were included in the computation of diluted EPS.

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, the basic average shares outstanding and diluted average shares outstanding were the same because the effect of potential shares of common stock was anti-dilutive since the Company had a net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2017. As a result, warrants to purchase 150,000 shares and 94,000 shares of common stock at weighted average exercise price of $1.50 and $1.20 per shares, respectively, and options to purchase 3,220,000 shares of common stock at weighted average exercise price of $1.90 per share, were not included in the computation of diluted EPS.

NOTE 11 – OPTIONS

The Company recorded $5,364 and $11,143 stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

The following table summarized the Company’s stock option activity:

KINGOLD JEWELRY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 12 – WARRANTS

On August 12, 2015, the Company signed a consulting agreement to engage Bespoke Independent Partners (“BIP”), a wholly owned subsidiary of FPIA Partners LLC to operate as a strategic advisor to Kingold in matters relating to investor relations, capital markets and shareholder value creation strategy. As the part of the agreement with BIP, an aggregate of 900,000 shares of warrants with exercise price ranging from $1.20 to $1.80 will be directly issued at no cost to BIP if certain stock performance targets are met within a three-year period. As of December 31, 2017, no warrants were issued to BIP because the performance target has not been met.

On March 29, 2016, pursuant to the consulting agreement, the Company’s obligation to issue BIP warrants to purchase 150,000 shares of the Company’s common stock for $1.20 per share (the “First Tranche Warrants”) was triggered as a result of certain milestone accomplishments. The warrants were exercised on June 28, 2017, and the Company is in the process of issuing the shares. Accordingly, the Company recorded $64,204 consulting expense and included in the general administrative expense. The fair value of the warrants was calculated using the Black-Scholes options pricing model using the following assumptions: volatility of 81%, risk free interest rate of 0.84%, and expected term of 1.25 years. The fair value of the warrants was $64,204.

On April 18, 2016, pursuant to the consulting agreement, the Company’s obligation to issue BIP warrants to purchase 150,000 shares of the Company’s common stock for $1.50 per share (the “Second Tranche Warrants”) was triggered as a result of certain milestone accomplishments. The warrants were scheduled to expire on July 17, 2017. Accordingly, the Company recorded $65,091 consulting expense and included in the general administrative expense. The fair value of the warrants was calculated using the Black-Scholes options pricing model using the following assumptions: volatility of 79.7%, risk free interest rate of 0.63%, and expected term of 1.25 years. The fair value of the warrants was $65,091.

On May 10, 2016, the Company terminated the consulting agreement. On June 27, 2016, the Company and BIP signed a settlement agreement (the “Settlement Agreement”). In connection with the Settlement Agreement, the Company and BIP agreed that (1) the First Tranche Warrants and the Second Tranche Warrants would remain vested and outstanding, (2) the third, fourth and fifth tranches of success fee warrants would be cancelled; and (3) crediting of $66,439 in outstanding but unpaid fees against the exercise price of the First Tranche Warrants would be the only payment made or required under the Service Agreement. As a result, BIP received (a) 55,365 shares, (b) warrants to purchase 94,635 shares for $1.2 per share, which expired June 28, 2017, and (c) warrants to purchase 150,000 shares for $1.50 per share, which may be exercised until July 17, 2017. As a result of the Settlement Agreement, the Company does not have any liability for future warrants issuance to BIP. During the year ended December 31, 2017, 94,635 warrants were exercised   and these shares were issued in August 2017. On July 17, 2017, the Company received notice from BIP not to exercise the remaining 150,000 warrants. As of December 31, 2017, there were no warrants outstanding.

For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, there were no warrants recorded in the general administrative expenses of the Company, respectively.

KINGOLD JEWELRY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 13 – CONCENTRATIONS AND RISKS

The Company maintains certain bank accounts in the PRC and BVI, which are not insured by Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance or other insurance. The cash and restricted cash balance held in the PRC bank accounts was $16,483,867 and $17,632,270 as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The cash balance held in the BVI bank accounts was $Nil as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. As of March 31, 2018, the Company held $117,483 of cash balances within the United States. As of December 31, 2017, the Company held $266,012 of cash balances within the United States, which was $16,012 in excess of FDIC insurance limits of $250,000.

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, almost 100% of the Company's assets were located in the PRC and 100% of the Company's revenues were derived from its subsidiaries located in the PRC.

The Company’s principal raw material used during the year was gold, which accounted for almost 100% of its total purchases for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017. The gold purchased by the Company was solely from the Shanghai Gold Exchange, the largest gold trading platform in the PRC.

No customer accounted for more than 10% of annual sales for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.

NOTE 14 – GOLD LEASE TRANSACTIONS

The Company leased gold as a way to finance its growth and will return the same amount of gold to China Construction Bank (“CCB”), Shanghai Pudong Development Bank (“SPD Bank”) and CITIC Bank at the end of the respective lease agreements. Under these gold lease arrangements, each of CCB, SPD Bank and CITIC Bank retains beneficial ownership of the gold leased to the Company and treats it as if the gold is placed on consignment to the Company. All three banks have their own representatives on the Company’s premises to monitor on a daily basis the use and security of the gold leased to the Company. Accordingly, the Company records these gold lease transactions as operating leases because the Company does not have ownership nor has it assumed the risk of loss for the leased gold. 

As of December 31, 2016, the Company pledged restricted cash of approximately $14.4 million (RMB 100 million) as collateral to safeguard the gold lease from CCB, which was returned to the Company in early 2017 as the leased gold was returned at the end of December 2016.

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, no leased gold was outstanding and no restricted cash was pledged as collateral to safeguard the gold lease from CCB. 

KINGOLD JEWELRY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 14 – GOLD LEASE TRANSACTIONS (Continued)

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company entered into gold lease agreements with Shanghai Pudong Development Bank and leased an aggregate of 345 kilograms of gold, which amounted to approximately $13.4 million (RMB 93.3 million). The leases had initial terms of six months to one year and provided an interest rate from 3.0% to 3.3% per annum. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company returned 1,077 kilograms of gold, which amounted to approximately $37.2 million (RMB 258.6 million) back to SPD Bank upon lease maturity.

The remaining leased gold of 185 kilograms which amounted to approximately $7.2 million (RMB 49.8 million) was returned to the SPD Bank upon lease maturity in September 2017.  The pledged restricted cash of approximately $8.1 million (RMB 55.6 million) as collateral to safeguard the gold lease from SPD Bank was also fully refunded to the Company upon lease maturity.

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, no leased gold was outstanding and no restricted cash was pledged as collateral to safeguard the gold lease from SPD. 

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company entered into additional gold lease agreements with ICBC and leased an aggregated amount of 527 kilograms of gold, which amounted to approximately $20.1 million (RMB 139.7 million). The leases have initial terms of half year and provide an interest rate of 2.75% per annum. As of December 31, 2016, 527 kilograms of leased gold were all returned to ICBC.

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, no leased gold was outstanding and no restricted cash was pledged as collateral to safeguard the gold lease from ICBC.  

On January 3, 2017, Wuhan Kingold entered into a gold lease agreement with Shuntianyi to lease a total of 4,000 kilograms of Au9999 gold in aggregate with carrying value of approximately $131.1 million for a period from January 3, 2017 to February 28, 2017. The leased gold was fully returned by the Company to Shuntianyi on February 28, 2017.

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company had no leased gold outstanding, respectively. Interest expense for all gold lease arrangements for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 was Nil and approximately $0.06 million, respectively, which was included in the cost of sales.

KINGOLD JEWELRY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 15 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Operating Leases

On June 27, 2016, Wuhan Kingold signed certain 5 years lease agreements with Wuhan Huayuan, a related party which is controlled by the CEO and Chairman of the Company, to rent office and store space at the Jewelry Park, commencing in July 2016 and October 2016, with aggregate annual rent of approximately $0.3 million (RMB 2.3 million). On July 1, 2017, Wuhan Kingold signed another 5 years lease agreement with Wuhan Huayuan to rent additional office space at the Jewelry Park commencing in July 2017 with aggregate annual rent of approximately $90,592   (RMB 576,000). The lease agreement with Wuhan Huayuan has been amended on November 16, 2017, pursuant to which two office spaces and a dormitory were no longer leased.

For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company recorded $0.07 million and $0.08 million rent expenses, respectively. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company had lease payable to Wuhan Huayuan of approximately $0.34 million and $0.26 million, respectively, which included in other payables and accrued expenses. 

KINGOLD JEWELRY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 16 – COMPARATIVE INFORMATION

The Company adopted ASU No. 2016-18, "Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash" on January 1, 2018. As a result, the Company retroactively applied the new standard on the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2017 to conform to the current period presentation.

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and restricted cash reported within the consolidated statement of balance sheets that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the period ended March 31, 2018 and 2017:

NOTE 17 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS 

In April, 2018, the Company received approximately $20.7 million (RMB 130.1 million) from Zheshang Jinhui Trust pursuant to the original Trust Loan Contract signed with Zheshang Jinhui Trust in November 2017 for an aggregated loan amount of RMB 1 billion – see Note 5(r). The Company is required to pledge additional 690 kilograms of Au999 gold for the loans obtained in April. As a result, the Company received an aggregate of approximately $100.3 million (RMB 630.1 million) from the loan as of the reporting date.

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

The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with the financial statements and related notes included in this report and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. See also the “Cautionary Statement for Purposes of the “Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995” appearing elsewhere in this report. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in those forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including, but not limited to, those contained in the “Risk Factors” section of this report and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Our Business

Through a variable interest entity (“VIE”) relationship with Wuhan Kingold Jewelry Company Limited (“Wuhan Kingold”), a corporation incorporated in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”), we believe that we are one of the leading professional designers and manufacturers of high quality 24-karat gold jewelry and Chinese ornaments. We develop, promote and sell a broad range of products to the rapidly expanding jewelry market across China. We offer a wide range of in-house designed products including, but not limited to, gold necklaces, rings, earrings, bracelets, and pendants. We have built a partnership with the Jewelry Institute of China University of Geosciences to help us design new products.

We have historically sold our products directly to distributors, retailers and other wholesalers, who then sell our products to consumers through retail counters located in both department stores and other traditional stand-alone jewelry stores. We sell our products to our customers at a price that reflects the market price of the base material, plus a mark-up reflecting our design fees and processing fees. This mark-up typically ranges from 3% – 6% of the price of the base material.

We aim to become an increasingly important participant in the PRC’s gold jewelry design and manufacturing sector. In addition to expanding our design and manufacturing capabilities, our goal is to provide a large variety of gold products in unique styles and superior quality under our brand, Kingold.

Beginning in 2016, we allocated some of our capital to gold investment inventories. We borrowed money to finance the purchase of gold, which gold was then pledged to secure the loans. In some cases, the unrestricted gold available for production was insufficient to provide adequate security for such loans, which in turn required us to lease gold from a related party to satisfy the loan conditions and conduct the operations.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth our condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 in U.S. dollars: 

KINGOLD JEWELRY, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(IN US DOLLARS)

(UNAUDITED)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2017

Net Sales

Net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2018 amounted to $539.5 million, an increase of $247.3 million, or 85%, from net sales of $292.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, our branded production sales accounted for 97.9% of the total sales and customized production sales accounted for 2.1% of the total sales. When compared with the three months ended March 31, 2017, our branded production sales increased by $241 million, or 84%, and our customized production sales increased by $6.1 million, or 124%. 

The overall increase in our revenue in the three months ended March 31, 2018 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2017 was mainly the result of the higher sales volume for our branded production sales and our customized production sales. In addition, the average selling price for our branded production increased from RMB 245.70 per gram for the three months ended March 31, 2017 to RMB 258.32 per gram for three months ended March 31, 2018.

In the first quarter of 2018, we processed a total of 23.3 metric tons of gold, of which branded production accounted for 13 metric tons (55.8%) and customized production accounted for 10.3 metric tons (44.2%). In the first quarter of 2017, we processed a total of 16 metric tons of gold, of which branded production accounted for 8.1 metric tons (50.3%) and customized production accounted for 7.9 metric tons (49.7%).

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales for the three months ended March 31, 2018 amounted to $475.3 million, an increase of $200 million, or 73%, from $275.2 million for the same period in 2017.  The increase was primarily due to the higher volume of sales.

Gross Profit

Gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was $64.2 million, an increase of $47.1 million, or 277%, from $17.1million for the same period in 2017. Accordingly, gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was 12%, compared to 6% for the same period in 2017.

The primary reason for the increase in gross margin was due to the increased average selling price of our branded production with a slight decrease of the unit cost. The average selling price of our branded production was RMB 258.32 per gram for the three months ended March 31, 2018, increased by RMB 12.62, or 5%, from RMB 245.70 per gram for the same period in 2017. Meanwhile, the unit cost of branded production sales was RMB 232.12 per gram for the three months ended March 31, 2018, decreased by RMB 2.8, or 1%, from RMB 234.92 per gram for the same period in 2017. The decrease of unit cost of branded production was mainly due to the fact that the investment in gold released to the inventory for production during the three months ended March 31, 2018 was purchased at lower prices in the past periods.

Expenses

Total operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2018 were $2.7 million, compared with $3.8 million for the same period in 2017. The decrease was mainly due to a decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses because of less insurance and custody fees in connection with the less investment in gold.

Interest expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2018 were $44.1 million, compared with $37.6 million for the same period in 2017. The significant increase of interest expense was mainly due to higher balances for interest bearing loans resulted from additional loans obtained and recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2018.

The income tax expense was approximately $4.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to income tax benefit of approximately $2.3 million for the same period in 2017. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company recorded an expense due to increased revenue, gross profit and taxable income. No tax provision was recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2017 due to net loss, and the deferred income tax recovery resulting from the deferred financing costs on the loans, accrued interest and other temporary differences for the three months ended March 31, 2017.

Net Income

For the foregoing reasons, our net income was $13.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, increased by $34.5 million, or 162%, from a net loss of $21.3 million for three months end March 31, 2017.

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Other comprehensive loss was approximately $4.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to other comprehensive income of $99.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, mainly due to the change in market value of gold investment resulting in an unrealized loss of $18.7 million, net of tax, and the appreciation of the Chinese RMB against the U.S. Dollar.

Cash Flows

Operating activities

We had $211.4 million of net cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared with $54.7 million of net cash used in operating activities for the same period in 2017. The increase of net cash provided by operating activities was mainly due to the decrease in inventory purchases of 155.3 million because $319.9 million of gold for investment was released to inventory during the three months ended March 31, 2018, a decrease in value added tax receivable of $37 million and an increase in income taxable of $2.0 million.

Our net cash from operating activities can fluctuate significantly due to changes in our inventories. Other factors that may vary significantly include our accounts payable, purchases of gold and income taxes. Looking forward, we expect the net cash that we generate from operating activities to continue to fluctuate as our inventories, receivables, accounts payables and the other factors described above change with increased production and the purchase of larger or smaller quantities of raw materials. These fluctuations could cause net cash from operating activities to decrease, even if our net income grows as we continue to expand. Although we expect that net cash from operating activities will increase over the long term, we cannot predict how these fluctuations will affect our cash flow in any particular quarter.

Investing activities

Net cash used in investing activities was $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared with net cash used in investing activities of $422.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017.  The decrease of net cash provided by investing activities was mainly because we purchased gold for investment of $422.1 million in connection with our significant borrowings during the three months ended March 31, 2017. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, we released gold investment of $319.9 million to inventory for production.

While our net cash used in investing activities did not fluctuate much historically, we expect that cash used in investing activities will continue to fluctuate significantly in the short-term as we continue to obtain financings from the banks which may require us to purchase more gold as collateral. 

Financing activities 

Net cash used in financing activities was $209.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared with net cash provided by financing activities of $477 for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The decrease of net cash provided by the financing activities was mainly due to the fact that we repaid a greater aggregate amount of loans than that of new borrowings during the three months ended March 31, 2018.

During the three months ended March 31, 2018, we borrowed additional $220.2 million bank loans and $335 million from related parties, and repaid $239.2 million bank loans and $526.1 million related party loans. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, we borrowed additional $124.8 million bank loans and $763.5 million from related parties, and repaid $29.2 million bank loans and $374.5 million related party loans.  

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements 

During the three months ended March 31, 2018, we guaranteed payments for a related party of approximately $79.6 million (RMB 500 million) for bank loan. 

As of March 31, 2018, we had no gold lease outstanding. The Company may sign new gold lease agreements with the banks when necessary.

Obligations and Commitments

The following table sets forth our contractual obligations as of March 31, 2018:

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of March 31, 2018, we had approximately $1.0 million in cash and cash equivalents. We have financed our operations with cash flow generated from operations and primarily through bank borrowings as well as through private borrowing.

As of March 31, 2018, we had total outstanding loans of $2,509.9 million (including $906.9 million short-term loans, $890.6 million long-term loans, and $712.4 million related party loans). For additional information regarding our loans, please see Notes 5 and 7 to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report.

We have maintained a close relationship with the banks from where we leased gold in the past. Therefore we expect that we are able to obtain additional gold leases from the banks, if necessary. We are expecting to generate additional cash flows in the coming period of time from developing new customers and an increase in our revenue in the following years due to the higher interest in investing in gold against the currency depreciation.   

As of March 31, 2018, the Company had working capital of $806.7 million. We believe that our current cash and cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs, including our cash needs for working capital for the next 12 months. We may, however, require additional cash resources due to changing business conditions or other future developments, including any investments or acquisitions we may decide to pursue. Our ability to maintain sufficient liquidity depends partially on our ability to achieve anticipated levels of revenue, while continuing to control costs. We continue to seek favorable additional financings to meet our capital requirements to fund our operations and growth plans in the ordinary course of business.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures in the financial statements. Critical accounting policies are those accounting policies that may be material due to the levels of subjectivity and judgment necessary to account for highly uncertain matters or the susceptibility of such matters to change, and that have a material impact on financial condition or operating performance. While we base our estimates and judgments on our experience and on various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We believe the following critical accounting policies used in the preparation of our financial statements require significant judgments and estimates. For additional information relating to these and other accounting policies, see Note 2 to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.

Inventories

Inventory is stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost is determined using the weighted average method. We continually evaluate the composition of our inventory, turnover of our products, the price of gold, and the ability of our customers to pay for their products. We write down slow-moving and obsolete inventory based on an assessment of these factors, but principally customer demand. Such assessments require the exercise of significant judgment by management. Additionally, the value of our inventory may be affected by commodity prices. Decreases in the market value of gold would result in a lower stated value of our inventory, which may require us to take a charge for the decrease in the value. In addition, if the price of gold changes substantially in a very short period, it might trigger customer defaults, which could result in inventory obsolescence. If any of these factors were to become less favorable than those projected, inventory write-downs could be required, which would have a negative effect on our earnings and working capital.

Investments in Gold

We pledged the gold leased from related party and part of its own gold inventory to meet the requirements of bank loans. The pledged gold will be available for sale upon the repayment of the bank loans. We classified these pledged gold as investment in gold, and carried at fair market value, with the unrealized gains and losses, included in the determination of comprehensive income and reported in shareholders’ equity. The fair market value of the investments in gold is determined by quoted market prices at Shanghai Gold Exchange. Any fluctuation in gold price may significantly impact the investments in gold and other comprehensive income.

Revenue Recognition

The Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 606 in the first quarter of 2018 using the modified retrospective approach. ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, establishes principles for reporting information about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from the entity's contracts to provide goods or services to customers. The core principle requires an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that it expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for those goods or services recognized as performance obligations are satisfied.

The Company has assessed the impact of the guidance by reviewing its existing customer contracts and current accounting policies and practices to identify differences that will result from applying the new requirements, including the evaluation of its performance obligations, transaction price, customer payments, transfer of control and principal versus agent considerations. Based on the assessment, the Company concluded that there was no change to the timing and pattern of revenue recognition for its current revenue streams in scope of Topic 606 and therefore there was no material changes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements upon adoption of ASC 606.

The Company’s revenues are primarily composed of sales proceeds collected from sales of branded products and customized product fees. Revenue is recognized when performance obligations under the terms of a contract with a customer are satisfied and promised services have transferred to the customers.

Revenue is recognized when obligations under the terms of a contract with the Company’s customers are satisfied. Satisfaction of contract terms occur with the transfer of title of the Company’s branded products and accessories to the customers. Net sale is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring the goods to the wholesaler and retailers. The amount of consideration the Company expects to receive consists of the sales price adjusted for any incentives if applicable. Incidental promotional items that are immaterial in the context of the contract are recognized as expense. Fees charged to customers for shipping and handling are included in net sales in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and the related costs incurred by the Company are included in cost of goods sold. In applying judgment, the Company considered customer expectations of performance, materiality and the core principles of ASC Topic 606. The Company's performance obligations are generally transferred to the customer at a point in time. The Company’s contracts with customers generally do not include any variable consideration.

Sαles of brαnded products

The Company offers a wide range of in-house designed products including but not limited to gold necklaces, rings, earrings, bracelets, and pendants. In our sales of branded products, the Company only sells on a wholesale basis to distributors and retailers. Pricing of the jewelry products is made at the time of sales contracts are made, based on prevailing market price of gold. These sales contracts are primarily based on a customer’s purchase order followed by the Company’s order acknowledgement, and may also include a master supply or distributor agreement. The performance obligations are generally satisfied at a point in time when the Company ships the product from the Company’s facility. Payment term is typically due within 30 days or less. 

Customized production fees

In the customized product arrangement, the Company receives orders from other jewelry companies who engage to the Company to design and produce 24-karat jewelry and Chinese ornaments using gold they supply to the Company. Although the Company assumes the responsibilities to design and manufacture the related Jewelry products, the Company does not assume inventory risk and does not determine the product design specification. As a result, the Company is considered the agent in this arrangement for revenue recognition purposes. All of the sales contracts in this customized product arrangements contain performance obligations satisfied at a point in time when we complete the design and ship the product from the Company’s facility. The Company recognizes services-based revenue (the processing fee) from such contracts for customized production when: (i) the contracted services have been performed and (ii) collectability is reasonably assured.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

We are exposed to market risk from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, precious metal prices and interest rates, which could affect its consolidated financial position, earnings and cash flows. We manage our exposure to market risk through its regular operating and financing activities.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

Given that all of our revenues are generated in RMB, while our results are reported in U.S. dollars, devaluation of the RMB could negatively impact our results of operations. The value of the RMB is subject to changes in the PRC’s governmental policies and to international economic and political developments. In January 1994, the PRC government implemented a unitary managed floating rate system. Under this system, the People’s Bank of China, or PBOC, began publishing a daily base exchange rate with reference primarily to the supply and demand of RMB against the U.S. dollar and other foreign currencies in the market during the previous day. Authorized banks and financial institutions are allowed to quote buy and sell rates for RMB within a specified band around the central bank’s daily exchange rate. On July 21, 2005, the PBOC announced an adjustment of the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar to RMB from 1:8.27 to 1:8.11 and modified the system by which the exchange rates are determined. Over the past eleven years, RMB has appreciated 7% against the U.S. dollar (from USD1 = RMB 7.2946 on January 1, 2008 to USD1 = RMB 6.2807 on March 31, 2018). While the international reaction to the RMB revaluation has generally been positive, there remains significant international pressure on the PRC government to adopt an even more flexible currency policy, which could result in further fluctuations of the exchange rate of RMB against the U.S. dollar, including possible devaluations. As all of our net revenues are recorded in RMB, any future devaluation of RMB against the U.S. dollar could negatively impact our results of operations.

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

Interest Rate Risk

Our borrowings from banks and other financial institutions as of March 31, 2018, were approximately $1,797.5 million, and interest expense paid for these loans was $41 million   for the three months ended March 31, 2018.

At the end of March 31, 2018, our weighted average interest rate was 8.6%. We do not expect the interest expense will be changed dramatically and we currently have no interest rate hedging positions in place to reduce our exposure to interest rates.

Commodity Price Risk

Most of our sales are of products that include gold, precious metals and other commodities, and fluctuations in the availability and pricing of commodities would adversely impact our ability to obtain and make products at favorable prices. The jewelry industry generally is affected by fluctuations in the price and supply of diamonds, gold, and, to a lesser extent, other precious and semi-precious metals and stones. In the past, we have not hedged our requirement for gold or other raw materials through the use of options, forward contracts or outright commodity purchasing, although we may do so in the future. A significant increase in the price of gold could increase our production costs beyond the amount that we are able to pass on to our customers, which would adversely affect our sales and profitability. A significant disruption in our supply of gold or other commodities could decrease our production and shipping levels, materially increase our operating costs, and materially and adversely affect our profit margins. Shortages of gold, or other commodities, or interruptions in transportation systems, labor strikes, work stoppages, war, acts of terrorism, or other interruptions to or difficulties in the employment of labor or transportation in the markets in which we purchase our raw materials, may adversely affect our ability to maintain production of our products and sustain profitability. If we were to experience a significant or prolonged shortage of gold, we would be unable to meet our production schedules and to ship products to our customers in a timely manner, which would adversely affect our sales, margins and customer relations.

A dramatic increase in the price of gold could increase our production costs beyond the amount that we may be able to pass on to our customers, which could adversely affect our gross profit margin and profitability. Furthermore, the carrying value of our inventory may be affected. Slight decreases in the market price of gold following the end of a reporting period could impact the carrying amount of the inventory at the balance sheet date and/or the following reporting period’s gross profit margin and profitability.

Inflation Risk

We do not believe inflation has had a material impact on our net sales, income from continuing operations, plans for expansion or other capital expenditures for any year during the three-year period ended March 31, 2018. However, we cannot be sure inflation will not have an adverse impact on our operating results, financial condition, plans for operations or other capital expenditures in future periods.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that material information required to be disclosed by us in the reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and that the information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on our review, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective at the reasonable assurance level as of the end of the period covered by this report due to the continued existence of material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting.

In connection with the preparation of this report, management determined that, as of March 31, 2018, we did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting due to the existence of the following material weaknesses: 

In order to remedy the material weakness of inadequate controls over cash management, our Board adopted resolutions requiring management to seek Board approval prior to entering into any transactions including gold leases and loans with a value in excess of $250,000. Notwithstanding this requirement, our Board determined in the course of preparing this quarterly report that management did not consistently seek Board approval prior to causing Wuhan Kingold to enter into transactions covered by these resolutions. In addition to failing to approve such transactions as anticipated, this absence of prior approval resulted in our failure to disclose such transactions at the time they occurred. Further, we intend to explore implementing additional policies and procedures, which may include: 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The following changes in our internal controls over financial reporting occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2018, which are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting:

We believe these efforts are likely to improve our internal controls. We recognize that we must continue to implement policies and procedures to further enhance our internal controls. 

Except for the actions taken to remedy the material weaknesses described above, there have been no other changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting during our three months ended March 31, 2018.  Because of its inherent limitations, a system of internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance and may not prevent or detect misstatements. Further, because of changes in conditions, effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting may vary over time. Our system contains self-monitoring mechanisms, and actions are taken to correct deficiencies as they are identified. These mechanisms may not always be effective at alerting our Board of important transactions.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we may be subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of business. We are not currently a party to any litigation the outcome of which, if determined adversely to us, would individually or in the aggregate be reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, cash flows or financial condition. Our business may also be adversely affected by risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial. If any of the events contemplated by the following discussion of risks should occur, our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations may suffer.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

Investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks described below together with all of the other information included in this report before making an investment decision. The risks and uncertainties described below represent our known material risks to our business. If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition or results of operations could suffer. In that case, you may lose all or part of your investment. You should not invest in our securities unless you can afford to lose your entire investment.

Risks Related to our Business

Significant decreases in the price and availability of gold and other precious metal commodities could adversely impact our earnings, cash flows and results of operation.

The jewelry industry generally is affected by fluctuations in the price and supply of diamonds, gold, and, to a lesser extent, other precious and semi-precious metals and stones. In the past, we have not hedged our needs for gold or other raw materials through commodity purchasing or other common methods such as the use of options or forward contracts. Prior to 2016, we purchased gold in order to produce jewelry and gold products. While jewelry and gold product manufacturing is still our core business, starting in 2016, we began to purchase gold for the purposes of investment and hedging against the risks in gold and other commodity price fluctuations.

Our investment objective is to purchase gold in response to the rising price trend of gold for the recent years. By doing so, we have been able to use bank loans or other third party borrowings to finance our gold investment and repay the debts with the gold purchased upon due. The upward increases in the gold price in the last few years have enabled us to use a lesser amount of gold than originally purchased to repay the same debts. However, gold investment has exposed us to a greater degree of risks associated with any future decreases in the price of gold. When gold price decreases, we would have to use or sell a larger amount of gold to repay the outstanding borrowings when they become due. The more investment we make in gold and more loans we borrow to finance such purchases, the greater the risks we would be subject to in any future decreases in the price of gold. Any significant decreases in the price and availability of gold could weaken our cash flow position and adversely affect our costs for conducting our business and results of operation.

On the other hand, a sudden significant increase in the price of gold could increase our immediate costs for gold investment as well as production costs beyond the amount that we are able to pass on to our customers, which would adversely affect our sales and profitability. A significant disruption in our supply of gold or other commodities could decrease our production and shipping levels, materially increase our operating costs and materially and adversely affect our profit margins. Shortages of gold or other commodities, or interruptions in transportation systems, labor strikes, work stoppages, war, acts of terrorism, or other interruptions to or difficulties in the employment of labor or transportation in the markets in which we purchase our raw materials, may adversely affect our ability to maintain production of our products and sustain profitability. Although we generally attempt to pass increased commodity prices to our customers, there may be circumstances in which we are not able to do so. In addition, if we were to experience a significant or prolonged shortage of gold, we would be unable to meet our production schedules and to ship products to our customers in a timely manner, which would adversely affect our sales, margins and customer relations.

If we are unable to accurately manage our inventory, our reputation, earnings and results of operations could suffer.

We are faced with the increased challenge of balancing our gold inventory levels to meet gold investment needs with our ability to meet our jewelry manufacturing demands. We purchase gold based on internally generated projections, and the projections are based on many unknown assumptions around the price and price trend of gold, consumer demands, and product pricing, among other things. If these inventory projections are too high, our inventory may be too high, which may result in overstock of the amount of gold we purchase, lower sales prices and gross margins and cause harm to our financial results. Conversely, if these projections are too low, and we underestimate our inventory needs and the consumer demand for our products, we would be exposed to lost business opportunities and experience shortage in our gold inventory to meet our production, financing and investment needs. Either situation could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

We may be unable to repay our debts as they become due.

Over the last two years, we have dramatically increased the amount of debts we borrowed. The borrowings were used to purchase gold, and because the price of gold has increased over the last year, we have profited by such increases. However, in the event the gold market experiences a downturn, we will find that the assets on hand (i.e., gold purchased with loans) are insufficient to repay those loans. Moreover, if the price of gold decreases, banks may be unwilling to refinance our debts as they become due. In addition, a price drop could result in a default under the terms of such loans, regardless of whether we are current in our payment under such loans. If this were to happen, our business could be materially harmed.

We may need to implement additional accounting systems, procedures and controls as we grow our business and organization to satisfy the new reporting requirements.

As a public reporting company, we are required to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the related rules and regulations of the SEC, including expanded disclosures and accelerated reporting requirements and more complex accounting rules. Compliance with these new requirements may increase our costs and require additional management time and resources. In the prior two fiscal years, our management assessed and found our internal control over financial reporting to be ineffective. To remedy the material weakness of inadequate controls over cash management, our Board adopted resolutions requiring management to seek the Board’s approval prior to entering into any transactions with a value in excess of a certain threshold, and we are in the process of implementing additional policies and procedures to enhance our internal controls. Notwithstanding these additional measures, we may still need to implement additional or enhance finance and accounting systems, procedures and controls to satisfy new accounting and reporting requirements. If our internal control over financial reporting continues to be determined to be ineffective, investors could lose confidence in the reliability of our internal controls, which could adversely affect our stock price.

Jewelry purchases are discretionary, may be particularly affected by adverse trends in the general economy, and an economic decline will make it more difficult to generate revenue.

The success of our operations depends, to a significant extent, upon a number of factors relating to discretionary consumer spending in China. These factors include economic conditions and perceptions of such conditions by consumers, employment rates, the level of consumers’ disposable income, business conditions, interest rates, consumer debt levels, availability of credit and levels of taxation in regional and local markets in China where we manufacture and sell our products. There can be no assurance that consumer spending on jewelry will not be adversely affected by changes in general economic conditions in China and globally.

While the Chinese economy has experienced rapid growth in the past decade, such growth has been uneven among various sectors of the economy and in different geographical areas of the country. Rapid economic growth can lead to growth in the money supply and rising inflation. During the past two decades, the rate of inflation in China has been as high as approximately 20%. If prices for our products rise at a rate that is insufficient to compensate for the rise in the costs of supplies such as raw materials, it may have an adverse effect on our profitability. In the recent years, Chinese economic growth had been slowing down, and for example, GDP growth was only 6.7% in 2016. While the China economic growth showed a considerable improvement in 2017, should it experience another slow growth for a sustained period of time, it could substantially affect consumer demand and confidence, which could adversely impact our business, results of operation and financial condition.

Competition in the jewelry industry could cause us to lose market share, thereby materially and adversely affecting our business, results of operations and financial condition.

The jewelry industry in China is highly fragmented and very competitive. We believe that the market may become even more competitive as the industry grows and/or consolidates. We compete with local jewelry manufacturers and large foreign multinational companies that offer products that are similar to ours. Some of these competitors have larger local or regional customer bases, more locations, more brand equity, and substantially greater financial, marketing and other resources than we have. As a result of this increasing competition, we could lose market share, thereby materially and adversely affecting our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We may need to raise additional funds in the future. These funds may not be available on acceptable terms or at all, and, without additional funds, we may not be able to maintain or expand our business. The sale of additional shares or equity or debt securities could result in additional dilution to our shareholders.

Our operations require substantial funds to finance our operating expenses, to maintain and expand our manufacturing, marketing and sales capabilities and to cover public company costs. Without these funds, we may not be able to meet our goals. We believe that our current cash and cash equivalents and anticipated cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs for the foreseeable future. We may, however, require additional cash resources due to changed business conditions or other future developments, including any investments or acquisitions we may decide to pursue. If these resources are insufficient to satisfy our cash requirements, we may seek to sell additional equity or debt securities or obtain one or more additional credit facilities. If we cannot raise additional funds when needed, or on acceptable terms, we may not be able to effectively execute our growth strategy take advantage of future opportunities, or respond to competitive pressures or unanticipated requirements. In addition, we may be required to scale back or discontinue expansion plans, or obtain funds through strategic alliances that may require us to relinquish certain rights.

We may seek additional funding through public or private financing or through collaborative arrangements with strategic partners. However, you should also be aware that in the future:

In addition, the incurrence of indebtedness would result in increased debt service obligations and could result in operating and financing covenants that would restrict our operations.

Our ability to maintain or increase our revenue could be harmed if we are unable to strengthen and maintain our brand image.

We believe that the primary factors in facilitating customer buying decisions in China’s jewelry sector include price, confidence in the merchandise sold, and the level and quality of customer service. The ability to differentiate our products from competitors’ by our brand-based marketing strategies is a key factor in attracting consumers, and if our strategies and efforts to promote our brand, such as television and magazine advertising and beauty contest sponsorships fail to garner brand recognition, our ability to generate revenue may suffer. If we are unable to differentiate our products, our ability to sell our products wholesale and our planned sale of products retail will be adversely affected. If we fail to identify or react appropriately or timely to customer buying decisions, we could experience a reduction in consumer recognition of our products, a diminished brand image, higher markdowns, and costs to recast overstocked jewelry. These factors could result in lowering selling prices and sales volumes for our products, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

There is only one source in China for us to obtain the precious metals used in our jewelry products; accordingly, any interruptions of our arrangement with this source would disrupt our ability to fulfill customer orders and substantially affect our ability to continue our business operations.

Under PRC law, the supply of precious metals such as platinum, gold, and silver is highly regulated by PRC government agencies. The Shanghai Gold Exchange (“the Exchange”) is the only supplier in China for gold used for our jewelry products (including the gold we lease from leading PRC banks). We are required to obtain and maintain several membership and approval certificates from government agencies in order to do business involving precious metals. The loss of our relationship or failure to renew our membership with the Exchange, or its inability to furnish precious metals to us (or the banks we lease from) as anticipated in terms of cost, quality, and timeliness, would adversely affect our ability to fulfill customer orders in accordance with our required delivery, quality, and performance requirements. If this situation were to occur, we would not have any alternative suppliers in China to obtain our raw materials from, which would result in a decline in revenue and revenue potential, and ultimately risk the overall continuation of our business operations.

If we are not able to adapt to changing jewelry trends in China, our inventory may be overstocked and we may be forced to reduce the price of our overstocked jewelry or incur the cost to recast it into new jewelry.

Our jewelry sales depend on consumer fashions, preferences for jewelry and the demand for particular products in China. Jewelry design trends in China can and do change rapidly. The ability to accurately predict future changes in taste, respond to changes in consumer preferences, carry the inventory demanded by customers, deliver the appropriate quality, price products correctly, and implement effective purchasing procedures all have an important influence on determining sales performance and maximizing gross margin. If we fail to anticipate, identify or react appropriately to changes in styles and trends, we could experience excess inventories, higher than normal markdowns or an inability to sell our products. If such a situation were to exist, we would need to incur additional costs to recast our products to fit the demand, and the labor and manufacturing costs previously invested in the recast products would be lost.

Our failure to manage growth effectively could have an adverse effect on our employee efficiency, product quality, working capital levels, and results of operations.

We intend to develop the retail distribution of our products, which we believe will result in rapid growth, but will also place significant demands on our managerial, operational and financial resources. Any significant growth in the market for our current wholesale business and our planned retail distribution would require us to expand our managerial, operational, financial, and other resources. During any period of growth, we may face problems related to our operational and financial systems and controls, including quality control and delivery and service capabilities. We also will need to continue to expand, train and manage our employee base. If we are unable to successfully build these skills and expand our number of skilled management and staff, we may be unsuccessful in achieving our intended level of growth.

Aside from increased difficulties in the management of human resources, we may also encounter working capital issues, as we will need increased liquidity to finance the purchases of raw materials and supplies, development of new products and the hiring of additional employees. Our failure to manage growth effectively may lead to operational and financial inefficiencies that will have a negative effect on our profitability. We cannot assure you that we will be able to timely and effectively meet that demand and maintain the quality standards required by our existing and potential customers.

We maintain a relatively large inventory of our raw materials and jewelry products to support customer delivery requirements, and if this inventory is lost due to theft, our results of operations would be negatively impacted.

We purchase large volumes of precious metals and store significant quantities of raw materials and jewelry products at our warehouse and show room in Wuhan, China. Although we have an inventory security system in place, we may be subject to future significant inventory losses due to third-party or employee theft from our warehouses or other forms of theft. The implementation of enhanced security measures beyond those that we already utilize, which include onsite police station with direct deployment of officers and instant access to Wuhan city police department, security cameras, and alarm systems in our warehouse, would increase our operating costs. Also, any such losses of inventory could exceed the limits of, or be subject to an exclusion from, coverage under our insurance policies. Claims filed by us under our insurance policies could lead to increases in the insurance premiums payable by us or the termination of coverage under the relevant policy. In addition, loss of gold inventory may cause violation of our pledge agreements of loans.

We have outstanding borrowings, and if our ability to obtain new loans or to renew current loans from financial institutions or other third parties is substantially diminished, our business may be severely disrupted and the results of operations could suffer.

In the recent years, we have substantially increased our borrowings as we grew our business and expanded our operations. Almost all of our loans from financial institutions and other unrelated third-parties are secured by restricted cash on deposit at various banks, or gold we own or have leased, as we may agree from time to time with the respective lenders.

In addition, many of our loans are borrowed conditioned upon personal guarantees provided by our Chairman and CEO because of his personal credit worthiness and his reputation and expertise in the China gold industry. Thus our ability to obtain loans or credits, to a great extent, depends on the continued services of our founder, Chairman and CEO, Mr. Zhihong Jia. If Mr. Jia is unable or unwilling to continue his service with us or to provide personal guarantees for our loans, we may not be able to obtain new loans or renew existing loans, or our existing loans may be deemed in default or called for immediate repayment acceleration by the lenders.

Although we have been able to receive sufficient funding in the past, we cannot assure you that we will be able to renew our loans at maturity or obtain alternative funding on reasonable terms from banks or other parties. If we fail to do so, we would have to repay the existing borrowings with our cash or other assets, including our gold inventory, and our business may be severely disrupted and the results of operations could suffer.

Our business could be materially adversely affected if we cannot protect our intellectual property rights.

We have developed trademarks, patents, know-how, trade-names and other intellectual property rights that are of significant value to us. In particular, we have applied for patents on a limited number of designs of our jewelry products and trademarks as well. However, the legal regime governing intellectual property in the PRC is still evolving and the level of protection of intellectual property rights in the PRC may differ from those in other jurisdictions. Thus, it may be difficult to enforce our rights relating to these designs as well as our trademarks. Any unauthorized use of, or other infringement upon our designs or trademarks, could result in potential sales being diverted to such unauthorized sellers, and dilute the value of our brand.

While we are not aware of any data breach in the past, any future failure to adequately maintain security and prevent unauthorized access to electronic and other confidential information could result in a data breach which could materially adversely affect our reputation, financial condition and operating results.

The protection of our customer, business partner, Company and employee data is critically important to us. Our customers, business partners, and employees expect we will adequately safeguard and protect their sensitive personal and business information. We have become increasingly dependent upon automated information technology processes. Improper activities by third parties, exploitation of encryption technology, data-hacking tools and discoveries and other events or developments may result in a future compromise or breach of our networks, payment terminals or other settlement systems. In particular, the techniques used by criminals to obtain unauthorized access to sensitive data change frequently and often are not recognized until launched against a target; accordingly, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or implement adequate preventative measures. Any failure to maintain the security of our customers’ sensitive information, or data belonging to ourselves, our business partners or other relationship third parties, could put us at a competitive disadvantage, result in deterioration of our customers’ confidence in us, and subject us to potential litigation, liability, fines and penalties, resulting in a possible material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations. There can be no assurance that we will not suffer a criminal cyber-attack in the future, that unauthorized parties will not gain access to personal or business information or sensitive data, or that any such incident will be discovered in a timely manner.

We are dependent on certain key personnel, and the loss of these key personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial conditions and results of operations.

Our success, to a great extent, has been attributable to the management, sales and marketing, and operational and technical expertise of certain key personnel. Moreover, our daily operation and performance rely heavily upon our senior management. There can be no assurance that we will be able to retain these officers or that such personnel may not receive and/or accept competing offers of employment. The loss of a significant number of these employees could have a material adverse effect upon our business, financial condition, and results of operations. We do not maintain key-man life insurance for any of our senior management.

We rely on our distribution network for virtually all of our sales revenues. Failure to maintain good distributor relations, or our inability to successfully execute our planned expansion of our customer base, may affect our revenues and earnings.

Our business depends directly on the performance of roughly 300 of our major distributors, which we also refer to as our customers. No customer accounted for more than 10% of annual sales for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 or 2017. As all purchases of our products by customers are made through purchase orders and we do not have long-term contracts with any of our customers, it is critical that we maintain good relationships with them. However, maintaining good relationships with existing distributors requires time and efforts by our management, and replacing any existing distributor would be difficult and time consuming. Our failure to maintain good relationships with our distributors could materially disrupt our product distributions and harm our net sales.

We may not maintain sufficient insurance coverage for the risks associated with our business operations. As a result, we may incur uninsured losses.

Except for property, accident and automobile insurance, we do not have other insurance of such as business liability or disruption insurance coverage for our operations in the PRC. As a result, we may incur uninsured liabilities and losses as a result of the conduct of our business. There can be no guarantee that we will be able to obtain additional insurance coverage in the future, and even if we are able to obtain additional coverage, we may not carry sufficient insurance coverage to satisfy potential claims. Should uninsured losses occur, it could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Global financial crises and economic downturns may have an adverse effect on our businesses, results of operation and financial condition.

Global economic conditions can have an effect on our business. If there is an additional global financial crisis or economic downturn, such as that which occurred in 2008, it may adversely affect economies and businesses around the world, including in China, which in turn will have an adverse impact on our business and operations.

Potential environmental liability could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial condition.

As a manufacturer, we are subject to various Chinese environmental laws and regulations on air emission, waste water discharge, solid wastes and noise. Although we believe that our operations are in substantial compliance with current environmental laws and regulations, we may not be able to comply with these regulations at all times as the Chinese environmental legal regime is evolving and becoming more stringent. Therefore, if the Chinese government imposes more stringent regulations in the future, we may have to incur additional and potentially substantial costs and expenses in order to comply with new regulations, which may negatively affect our results of operations. Further, no assurance can be given that all potential environmental liabilities have been identified or properly quantified or that any prior owner, operator, or tenant has not created an environmental condition unknown to us. If we fail to comply with any of the present or future environmental regulations in any material aspects, we may suffer from negative publicity and be subject to claims for damages that may require us to pay substantial fines or force us to suspend or cease operations.

Compliance with changing regulation of corporate governance and public disclosure will result in additional expenses.

Changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related Commission regulations, have created uncertainty for public companies and significantly increased the costs and risks associated with accessing the public markets and public reporting. Our management team will need to invest significant management time and financial resources to more fully comply with both existing and evolving standards for public companies, which will lead to increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management time and attention from revenue generating activities to compliance activities.

We may have additional tax liabilities.

We are subject to income and other taxes in the U.S. and China. Tax laws are complex and subject to constant changes as new laws are passed and new interpretations of the law are issued or applied. The U.S. has recently enacted significant tax reform which may impact our tax liabilities. Significant judgment is required in estimating our provision for income taxes. In our business operations and corporate structure, there are contractual arrangements, transactions or calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. Although we believe our tax estimates are reasonable, any final determination pursuant to tax audits could be materially different from what is reflected in our consolidated financial statements. Should any tax authority disagree with our estimates and determine any additional tax liabilities, including interest and penalties for us, this could adversely impact our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

Uncertainty in the interpretation and application of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act could materially affect our tax obligations and effective tax rate

The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was signed into law on December 22, 2017, introduces significant changes to U.S. income tax law, including how the U.S. imposes income tax on multinational corporations. Accounting for the income tax effects of the Act requires significant judgments and estimates in the interpretation of the provisions of the Act. The U.S. Department of Treasury has authority to issue regulations and interpretative guidance that may impact how we apply the law and impact our results of operations in the period issued and subsequently. The Act requires complex computations not previously required under U.S. tax law. Further, compliance with the Act and the accounting for such provisions require the accumulation of information not previously required or regularly produced. The Treasury, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), and other standard-setting bodies may issue new guidance on how the provisions of the Act will be applied or otherwise administered that is different from our interpretation. As additional regulatory guidance is issued, and as we perform additional analysis on the application of the law and any additional guidance issued, our final analysis may be different from our current reported amounts, and we may make adjustments that could materially affect our financial position and results of operations as well as our effective tax rate in the period in which the adjustments are made.

Risks Related to Doing Business in the PRC

Substantially all of our assets are located in China and substantially all of our revenues are currently derived from our operations in China, and changes in the political and economic policies of the PRC government could have a significant impact upon what business we may be able to conduct in the PRC and accordingly on the results of our operations and financial condition.

Our business operations may be adversely affected by the current and future political environment in the PRC. The Chinese government exerts substantial influence and control over the manner in which we must conduct our business activities. Our ability to operate in China may be adversely affected by changes in Chinese laws and regulations, including those relating to taxation, import and export tariffs, raw materials, environmental regulations, land use rights, property and other matters. Under the current government leadership, the government of the PRC has been pursuing economic reform policies that encourage private economic activity and greater economic decentralization. There is no assurance, however, that the government of the PRC will continue to pursue these policies, or that it will not significantly alter these policies from time to time without notice.

Our operations are subject to PRC laws and regulations that are sometimes vague and uncertain. Any changes in such PRC laws and regulations, or the interpretations thereof, may have a material and adverse effect on our business.

The PRC’s legal system is a civil law system based on written statutes. Unlike the common law system prevalent in the United States, decided legal cases have little value as precedent in China. There are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of PRC laws and regulations including, but not limited to, the laws and regulations governing our business, or the enforcement and performance of our arrangements with customers in the event of the imposition of statutory liens, death, bankruptcy or criminal proceedings. The Chinese government has been developing a comprehensive system of commercial laws, and considerable progress has been made in introducing laws and regulations dealing with economic matters such as foreign investment, corporate organization and governance, commerce, taxation and trade. However, because these laws and regulations are relatively new, and because of the limited volume of published cases and judicial interpretation and their lack of force as precedents, interpretation and enforcement of these laws and regulations involve significant uncertainties. New laws and regulations that affect existing and proposed future businesses may also be applied retroactively.

One of our principal operating subsidiaries, Vogue-Show, is considered a foreign invested enterprise under PRC laws, and as a result is required to comply with PRC laws and regulations, including laws and regulations specifically governing the activities and conduct of foreign invested enterprises. We cannot predict what effect the interpretation of existing or new PRC laws or regulations may have on our businesses. If the relevant authorities find us in violation of PRC laws or regulations, they would have broad discretion in dealing with such a violation, including, without limitation:

The scope of our business license in China is limited, and we may not expand or continue our business without government approval and renewal, respectively.

Our operating affiliate, Wuhan Kingold, can only conduct business within its business scope, as detailed on its business license. Our license permits us to design, manufacture, sell and market jewelry products to department stores throughout the PRC and to engage in the retail distribution of our products. Any amendment to the scope of our business requires further application and government approval. In order for us to expand our business beyond the scope of our license, we will be required to enter into a negotiation with the authorities for the approval to expand the scope of our business. We cannot assure you that Wuhan Kingold will be able to obtain the necessary government approval for any change or expansion of our business scope.

Our PRC stockholders are required to register with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange and their failure to do so could cause us to lose our ability to remit profits out of the PRC as dividends.

The SAFE promulgated the Circular on Relevant Issues Relating to Domestic Resident’s Investment and Financing and Roundtrip Investment through Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular 37, in July 2014 that requires PRC residents or entities to register with SAFE or its local branch in connection with their establishment or control of an offshore entity established for the purpose of overseas investment or financing. In addition, such PRC residents or entities must update their SAFE registrations when the offshore special purpose vehicle undergoes material events relating to any change of basic information (including change of such PRC citizens or residents, name and operation term), increases or decreases in investment amount, transfers or exchanges of shares, or mergers or divisions. 

SAFE Circular 37 was issued to replace the Notice on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Administration for PRC Residents Engaging in Financing and Roundtrip Investments via Overseas Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular 75.

If our shareholders who are PRC residents or entities do not complete their registration with the local SAFE branches, our PRC subsidiary may be prohibited from distributing their profits and proceeds from any reduction in capital, share transfer or liquidation to us, and we may be restricted in our ability to contribute additional capital to our PRC subsidiary. Moreover, failure to comply with the SAFE registration described above could result in liability under PRC laws for evasion of applicable foreign exchange restrictions.

These regulations apply to our stockholders who are PRC residents. As of the date of this registration statement, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Zhihong Jia, has obtained his registration under Circular 75, and the other PRC residents are in the process of obtaining registrations under Circular 37. However, there is no assurance that such persons can successfully complete such registrations, and there is no assurance that all of the PRC resident stockholders and beneficiary stockholders have complied with and will comply with the SAFE registration requirements currently or in the future. In the event that these or other of our PRC-resident stockholders do not follow the procedures required by SAFE, we could (i) be exposed to fines and legal sanctions, (ii) lose the ability to contribute additional capital into our PRC subsidiaries or distribute dividends to our company, (iii) face liability for evasion of foreign-exchange regulations, and/or (iv) lose the ability to consolidate the financial statements of our PRC subsidiaries under applicable accounting principles.

PRC regulations relating to acquisitions of PRC companies by foreign entities may create regulatory uncertainties that could restrict or limit our ability to operate. Our failure to obtain the prior approval of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, or CSRC for the listing and trading of our common stock could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, reputation and trading price of our common stock.

On August 8, 2006, the PRC Ministry of Commerce, or MOFCOM, joined by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, the State Administration of Taxation, the State Administration for Industry and Commerce, the China Securities Regulatory Commission, or CSRC, and SAFE, released a substantially amended version of the Provisions for Foreign Investors to Merge with or Acquire Domestic Enterprises, or the Revised M&A Regulations, which took effect September 8, 2006. These rules significantly revised China’s regulatory framework governing onshore-to-offshore restructurings and foreign acquisitions of domestic enterprises. These rules signify greater PRC government attention to cross-border merger, acquisition and other investment activities, by confirming MOFCOM as a key regulator for issues related to mergers and acquisitions in China and requiring MOFCOM approval of a broad range of merger, acquisition and investment transactions. Further, these rules establish reporting requirements for acquisition of control by foreigners of companies in key industries, and reinforce the ability of the Chinese government to monitor and prohibit foreign control transactions in key industries. 

In addition, the Revised M&A Regulations include new provisions that purport to require that an offshore special purpose vehicle, or SPV, formed for listing purposes and controlled directly or indirectly by PRC companies or individuals must obtain the approval of the CSRC prior to the listing and trading of such SPV’s securities on any non-PRC stock exchange. On September 21, 2006, the CSRC published on its official website procedures specifying documents and materials required to be submitted to it by SPVs seeking CSRC approval of their overseas listings. However, the application of this PRC regulation remains unclear with no consensus currently existing among the leading PRC law firms regarding the scope and applicability of the CSRC approval requirement.

Our wholly-owned BVI subsidiary, Dragon Lead, was formerly owned by eight BVI companies whose shareholders are non-PRC individuals. We understand that some of these non-PRC individuals are nominee shareholders holding shares on behalf of and for the interest of some PRC individuals and PRC companies who are also Wuhan Kingold minority shareholders. These minority Wuhan Kingold shareholders do not have experience in conducting or managing businesses outside the PRC, and therefore believe that to engage nominee shareholders to hold shares on their behalf are in their best commercial interest, and could provide them with guidance when they evaluate whether to purchase, sell or dispose of our shares after the closing.

Also, on December 23, 2009, immediately before the reverse acquisition of Vogue Show, Fok Wing Lam Winnie (whose Mandarin name is Huo Yong Lin), the sole shareholder of Famous Grow and the majority shareholder of Dragon Lead prior to the closing of the reverse acquisition, entered into the call option with Zhihong Jia and Bin Zhao (our former general manager and former director) to comply with PRC regulations that restrict PRC residents from owning offshore entities like us in direct exchange for their shares in the PRC operating company and as an inducement to encourage them to provide services to Wuhan Kingold and our company. The call option does not include a vesting schedule and continued employment is not a condition to the call option. Under the call option, as amended and restated, Fok Wing Lam Winnie granted to Zhihong Jia certain call options to acquire up to 100% of the shares of Famous Grow at an exercise price of $1.00, which is par value per share, or $0.001 per Famous Grow share, subject to any exercise notice, or Call Option which was determined in an arm's length negotiation with the parties.

The PRC regulatory authorities may take the view that entry into the VIE Agreements by Vogue-Show and Wuhan Kingold and entry into the call option agreement by Zhihong Jia and Fok Wing Lam Winnie may collectively constitute an onshore to offshore restructuring and a related party acquisition under the M&A Regulations, because upon the consummation of these transactions and after the Call Option is fully exercised, PRC individuals would become majority owners and effective controlling parties of a foreign entity that acquired ownership of Wuhan Kingold. The PRC regulatory authorities may also take the view that the relevant parties should fully disclose to the Wuhan SAFE or MOFCOM the overall restructuring arrangements, the existence of the reverse acquisition and its connection with the VIE Agreement. Our PRC counsel has opined among other things that: (i) each of our VIE agreements with Wuhan Kingold are valid and enforceable under relevant PRC laws, (ii) all government authorizations for the execution, delivery, performance and enforcement of our VIE agreements have been obtained as required by PRC laws, (iii) the ownership structure of Vogue Show and Wuhan Kingold created by our VIE agreements and the call options in favor of Zhihong Jia do not violate any provisions of applicable PRC laws, and (iv) no PRC governmental approvals were required under the Revised M&A Regulations in connection with our acquisition of our current ownership interests in any of our PRC subsidiaries or in connection with the VIE agreements. Our PRC counsel has reviewed and approved of these statements.

We, however, cannot assure you that the PRC regulatory authorities, MOFCOM and CSRC will take the same view as our PRC counsel. If the PRC regulatory authorities take the view that the reverse acquisition and VIE arrangement constitute a related party acquisition under the revised M&A Regulations, we cannot assure you we will be able to obtain any approal required from the national offices of MOFCOM or otherwise.

If the PRC regulatory authorities take the view that the call options or the VIE arrangement constitutes a related party acquisition without the approval of the national offices of MOFCOM, they could invalidate the call options and VIE arrangement. We may also face regulatory actions or other sanctions from the MOFCOM or other PRC regulatory agencies. These regulatory agencies may impose fines and penalties on our operations in the PRC, limit our operating privileges in the PRC, or take other actions that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, reputation and prospects, as well as the trading price of our shares.

If we make equity compensation grants to persons who are PRC citizens, they may be required to register with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange of the PRC, or SAFE. We may also face regulatory uncertainties that could restrict our ability to adopt additional equity compensation plans for our directors and employees and other parties under PRC law.

On April 6, 2007, SAFE issued the “Operating Procedures for Administration of Domestic Individuals Participating in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan or Stock Option Plan of An Overseas Listed Company,” also known as “Circular 78.” It is not clear whether Circular 78 covers all forms of equity compensation plans or only those that provide for the granting of stock options. For any plans that are so covered and are adopted by a non-PRC listed company, such as our company, after April 6, 2007, Circular 78 requires all participants who are PRC citizens to register with and obtain approvals from SAFE prior to their participation in the plan. In addition, Circular 78 also requires PRC citizens to register with SAFE and make the necessary applications and filings if they participated in an overseas listed company’s covered equity compensation plan prior to April 6, 2007. We believe that the registration and approval requirements contemplated in Circular 78 will be burdensome and time consuming. 

Failure to comply with the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act could subject us to penalties and other adverse consequences.

As we are a Delaware corporation and a U.S. publicly listed company, we are subject to the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which generally prohibits U.S. companies from engaging in bribery or other prohibited payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Some foreign companies, including some that may compete with our company, may not be subject to these prohibitions. Corruption, extortion, bribery, pay-offs, theft and other fraudulent practices may occur from time-to-time in the PRC. We can make no assurance, however, that our employees or other agents will not engage in conduct for which we might be held responsible. If our employees or other agents are found to have engaged in such practices, we could suffer severe penalties and other consequences that may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Under the Enterprise Income Tax Law, we may be classified as a “resident enterprise” of China. Such classification will likely result in unfavorable tax consequences to us and our non-PRC stockholders.

Under the Enterprise Income Tax Law, or EIT Law, an enterprise established outside the PRC with its “de facto management body” within the PRC is considered a resident enterprise and will be subject to the enterprise income tax at the rate of 25% on its worldwide income. The “de facto management body” is defined as the organizational body that effectively exercises overall management and control over production and business operations, personnel, finance and accounting, and properties of the enterprise. It remains unclear how the PRC tax authorities will interpret such a broad definition. If the PRC tax authorities determine that we should be classified as a resident enterprise, then our worldwide income will be subject to income tax at a uniform rate of 25%, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. However, it remains unclear how the PRC tax authorities will interpret the PRC tax resident treatment of an offshore company, like us, having indirect ownership interests in PRC enterprises through intermediary holding vehicles.

Moreover, under the EIT Law, foreign shareholders of an entity that is classified as a PRC resident enterprise may be subject to a 10% withholding tax upon dividends payable by such entity, unless the jurisdiction of incorporation of the foreign shareholder of such entity has a tax treaty with the PRC that provides for a reduced rate of withholding tax, and gains realized on the sale or other disposition of shares, if such income is sourced from within the PRC. It remains unclear whether the dividends payable by our PRC subsidiary or the gains our foreign shareholders may realize will be regarded as income from sources within the PRC if we are classified as a PRC resident enterprise. Any such tax will reduce the returns on your investment in our Shares.

Because our business is located in the PRC, we may have difficulty establishing adequate management, legal and financial controls, which we are required to do in order to comply with U.S. securities laws.

PRC companies have historically not adopted a Western style of management and financial reporting concepts and practices, which includes strong corporate governance, internal controls and, computer, financial and other control systems. Most of our middle and top management staff are not educated and trained in the Western system, and we may have difficulty hiring new employees in the PRC with such training. In addition, we may need to rely on a new and developing communication infrastructure to efficiently transfer our information from retail outlets to our headquarters. As a result of these factors, we may experience difficulty in establishing management, legal and financial controls, collecting financial data and preparing financial statements, books of account and corporate records and instituting business practices that meet Western standards. Therefore, we may, in turn, experience difficulties in implementing and maintaining adequate internal controls as required under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. This may result in significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in our internal controls, which could impact the reliability of our financial statements and prevent us from complying with Commission rules and regulations and the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Any such deficiencies, weaknesses or lack of compliance could have a materially adverse effect on our business.

If we continue to be unable to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting or effective disclosure controls and procedures, the price of our common stock may be adversely affected.

We are required to establish and maintain appropriate internal control over financial reporting and put in place appropriate disclosure controls and procedures to allow our management to make timely decisions regarding required disclosures. Failure to establish those controls, or any failure of those controls once established, could adversely impact our public disclosures regarding our business, financial condition or results of operations. Any failure of our internal control over financial reporting could also prevent us from maintaining accurate accounting records and discovering accounting errors and financial fraud.

Since we became public, our management has continually determined that we had a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting due to some problems with cash management, as well as continued ineffective disclosure controls and procedures, and other significant deficiencies due to inadequate controls over the appropriate approval procedures for certain material transactions, inadequate controls over certain material cash transactions, and lack of technical competency in review and recording of non-routine or complex transactions. Moreover, our management concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures continued to be ineffective this period because we continued to fail to disclose the entry into certain material agreements within the time periods required by the Commission.

Although we are evaluating how to improve the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and are evaluating additional remedial measures, such efforts may not be successful. In addition, management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting may identify additional material weaknesses or significant deficiencies that need to be addressed or other potential matters that may raise concerns for investors. Any actual or perceived material weaknesses or significant deficiencies that need to be addressed in our internal control over financial reporting, or the actual or perceived ineffectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures could have an adverse impact on the price of our common stock.

You may experience difficulties in effecting service of legal process, enforcing foreign judgments or bringing original actions in China based upon U.S. laws, including the federal securities laws, or other foreign laws against us or our management.

All of our current operations, including the manufacturing and distribution of jewelry, are conducted in China. Most of our directors and officers are nationals and residents of China. All or substantially all of the assets of these persons are located outside the United States. As a result, it may not be possible to effect service of process within the United States or elsewhere outside China upon these persons. In addition, uncertainty exists as to whether the courts of China would recognize or enforce judgments of U.S. courts obtained against us or such officers and/or directors predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state thereof, or be competent to hear original actions brought in China against us or such persons predicated upon the securities laws of the United States or any state thereof.

Inflation in China may inhibit our ability to conduct business in China.

In recent years, the Chinese economy has experienced periods of rapid expansion and high rates of inflation. Rapid economic growth can lead to growth in the money supply and rising inflation. If prices for our products rise at a rate that is insufficient to compensate for the rise in the costs of supplies, it may have an adverse effect on profitability. These factors have led to the adoption by Chinese government, from time to time, of various corrective measures designed to restrict the availability of credit or regulate growth and contain inflation. High inflation may, in the future, cause Chinese government to impose controls on credit and/or prices, or to take other action, which could inhibit economic activity in China, and thereby harm the market for our products.

Governmental control of currency conversions could prevent us from paying dividends.

Shortages in the availability of foreign currency may restrict the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to remit sufficient foreign currency to pay dividends or other payments to us, or otherwise satisfy their foreign currency denominated obligations. Under existing PRC foreign exchange regulations, payments of current account items, including profit distributions, interest payments and expenditures from trade-related transactions can be made in foreign currencies without prior approval from SAFE by complying with certain procedural requirements. However, approval from appropriate government authorities is required where RMB is to be converted into foreign currency and remitted out of China to pay capital expenses such as the repayment of loans denominated in foreign currencies. The PRC government may also at its discretion restrict access in the future to foreign currencies for current account transactions. If the foreign exchange control system prevents us from obtaining sufficient foreign currency to satisfy our currency demands, we may not be able to pay dividends in foreign currencies to our security-holders.

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

Our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar and our operations in China use their local currency, the Renminbi, as their functional currency. Substantially all of our revenue and expenses are in Chinese Renminbi. We are subject to the effects of exchange rate fluctuations with respect to any of these currencies. For example, the value of the Renminbi depends to a large extent on Chinese government policies and China’s domestic and international economic and political developments, as well as supply and demand in the local market. Since July 2005, the RMB is no longer pegged to the U.S. dollar. Although the People’s Bank of China regularly intervenes in the foreign exchange market to prevent significant short-term fluctuations in the exchange rate, the RMB may appreciate or depreciate significantly in value against the U.S. dollar in the medium to long term. Moreover, it is possible that in the future PRC authorities may lift restrictions on fluctuations in the RMB exchange rate and lessen intervention in the foreign exchange market. We can offer no assurance that Chinese Renminbi will be stable against the U.S. dollar or any other foreign currency.

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

Risks Related to the VIE Agreements

If the PRC government determines that the contractual arrangements through which we control Wuhan Kingold do not comply with applicable regulations, our business could be adversely affected.

Although we believe our contractual relationships through which we control Wuhan Kingold comply with current licensing, registration and regulatory requirements of the PRC, we cannot assure you that the PRC government would agree, or that new and burdensome regulations will not be adopted in the future. If the PRC government determines that our structure or operating arrangements do not comply with applicable law, it could revoke our business and operating licenses, require us to discontinue or restrict our operations, restrict our right to collect revenues, require us to restructure our operations, impose additional conditions or requirements with which we may not be able to comply, impose restrictions on our business operations or on our customers, or take other regulatory or enforcement actions against us that could be harmful to our business.

The PRC government may determine that the VIE Agreements are not in compliance with applicable PRC laws, rules and regulations.

Vogue-Show manages and operates our gold jewelry business through Wuhan Kingold pursuant to the rights it holds under the VIE Agreements. Almost all economic benefits and risks arising from Wuhan Kingold’s operations are transferred to Vogue-Show under these agreements.

There are risks involved with the operation of our business in reliance on the VIE Agreements, including the risk that the VIE Agreements may be determined by PRC regulators or courts to be unenforceable. Our PRC counsel has provided a legal opinion that the VIE Agreements are binding and enforceable under PRC law, but has further advised that if the VIE Agreements were for any reason determined to be in breach of any existing or future PRC laws or regulations, the relevant regulatory authorities would have broad discretion in dealing with such breach, including:

Any of these actions could adversely affect our ability to manage, operate and gain the financial benefits of Wuhan Kingold, which would have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our ability to manage and operate Wuhan Kingold under the VIE Agreements may not be as effective as direct ownership.

We conduct our jewelry processing and sales businesses in the PRC and generate virtually all of our revenues through the VIE Agreements. Our plans for future growth are based substantially on growing the operations of Wuhan Kingold. However, the VIE Agreements may not be as effective in providing us with control over Wuhan Kingold as direct ownership. Under the current VIE arrangements, as a legal matter, if Wuhan Kingold fails to perform its obligations under these contractual arrangements, we may have to (i) incur substantial costs and resources to enforce such arrangements, and (ii) reply on legal remedies under PRC law, which we cannot be sure would be effective. Therefore, if we are unable to effectively control Wuhan Kingold, it may have an adverse effect on our ability to achieve our business objectives and grow our revenues.

As the VIE agreements are governed by PRC law, we would be required to rely on PRC law to enforce our rights and remedies under them; PRC law may not provide us with the same rights and remedies as are available in contractual disputes governed by the law of other jurisdictions.

The VIE Agreements are governed by the PRC law and provide for the resolution of disputes through court proceedings pursuant to PRC law. If Wuhan Kingold or its shareholders fail to perform the obligations under the VIE Agreements, we would be required to resort to legal remedies available under PRC law, including seeking specific performance or injunctive relief, or claiming damages. We cannot be sure that such remedies would provide us with effective means of causing Wuhan Kingold to meet its obligations, or recovering any losses or damages as a result of non-performance. Further, the legal environment in China is not as developed as in other jurisdictions. Uncertainties in the application of various laws, rules, regulations or policies in PRC legal system could limit our liability to enforce the VIE Agreements and protect our interests.

The VIE Agreements may be subject to audit or challenge by PRC tax authorities. A finding that we owe additional taxes could substantially reduce our net earnings and the value of your investment

Under PRC laws and regulations, arrangements and transactions among affiliated parties may be subject to audit or challenge by the PRC tax authorities. We could face material and adverse tax and financial consequences if the PRC tax authorities determine that the VIE Agreements do not represent arm’s-length prices. As a result of such a determination, the PRC tax authorities could adjust any of the income in the form of a transfer pricing adjustment. A transfer pricing adjustment could, among other things, result in a reduction of expense deductions for PRC tax purposes recorded by us or Wuhan Kingold or an increase in taxable income, all of which could increase our tax liabilities. In addition, the PRC tax authorities may impose late payment fees and other penalties on us or Wuhan Kingold for under-paid taxes.

Our shareholders have potential conflicts of interest with us which may adversely affect our business.

Zhihong Jia is our Chief Executive Officer and our Chairman, and is also the largest shareholder of Wuhan Kingold. There could be conflicts that arise from time to time between our interests and the interests of Mr. Jia. There could also be conflicts that arise between us and Wuhan Kingold that would require our shareholders and Wuhan Kingold’s shareholders to vote on corporate actions necessary to resolve the conflict. There can be no assurance in any such circumstances that Mr. Jia will vote his shares in our best interest or otherwise act in the best interests of our company. If Mr. Jia fails to act in our best interests, our operating performance and future growth could be adversely affected. In addition, some or all of our shareholders could violate the non-competition agreements they have signed with our company by diverting business opportunities from our company to others. In such event, our business, financial condition and results of operation could be adversely affected. 

We rely on the approval certificates and business license held by Vogue-Show and any deterioration of the relationship between Vogue-Show and Wuhan Kingold could materially and adversely affect our business operations.

We operate our jewelry processing and sales businesses in China on the basis of the approval certificates, business license and other requisite licenses held by Vogue-Show. There is no assurance that Vogue-Show will be able to renew its license or certificates when their terms expire with substantially similar terms as the ones they currently hold.

Further, our relationship with Wuhan Kingold is governed by the VIE Agreements that are intended to provide us with effective control over the business operations of Wuhan Kingold. However, the VIE Agreements may not be effective in providing control over the application for and maintenance of the licenses required for our business operations. Wuhan Kingold could violate the VIE Agreements, go bankrupt, suffer from difficulties in its business or otherwise become unable to perform its obligations under the VIE Agreements and, as a result, our operations, reputations and business could be severely harmed.

If Vogue-Show exercises the purchase options it holds over Wuhan Kingold’s share capital and assets pursuant to the VIE Agreements, the payment of the purchase price could materially and adversely affect our financial position.

Under the VIE Agreements, Wuhan Kingold’s shareholders have granted Vogue-Show a ten-year option to purchase 100% of the share capital in Wuhan Kingold at a price determined by appraisal by an asset evaluation institution to be jointly appointed by Vogue-Show and Wuhan Kingold’s shareholders. Concurrently, Wuhan Kingold granted Vogue-Show a ten-year option to purchase Wuhan Kingold’s assets at a price determined by appraisal by such asset evaluation institution. As Wuhan Kingold is already our contractually controlled affiliate, Vogue-Show’s exercising of the above two options would not bring immediate benefits to our company, and payment of the purchase prices could adversely affect our financial position.

Risks Related to Our Common Stock

Following the exercise of his Call Option, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer would exercise significant influence over us.

Our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Zhihong Jia, will beneficially own or control approximately 25.6% of our outstanding shares if he chooses to fully exercise his Call Option to purchase shares of Famous Grow. Mr. Jia thereafter could possibly have a controlling influence in determining the outcome of any corporate transaction or other matters submitted to our stockholders for approval, including mergers, consolidations and the sale of all or substantially all of our assets, election of directors, and other significant corporate actions. Mr. Jia may also have the power to prevent or cause a change in control. In addition, without the consent of Mr. Jia, we could be prevented from entering into transactions that could be beneficial to us. The interests of Mr. Jia may differ from the interests of our other stockholders.

We do not foresee paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future and, as a result, our investors’ sole source of gain, if any, will depend on capital appreciation, if any.

We do not plan to declare or pay any cash dividends on our shares of common stock in the foreseeable future and currently intend to retain any future earnings for funding growth. As a result, investors should not rely on an investment in our securities if they require the investment to produce dividend income. Capital appreciation, if any, of our shares may be investors’ sole source of gain for the foreseeable future. Moreover, investors may not be able to resell their shares of our company at or above the price they paid for them.

Because we do not intend to pay dividends on our shares, stockholders will benefit from an investment in our shares only if those shares appreciate in value. 

We currently intend to retain all future earnings, if any, for use in the operations and expansion of the business. As a result, we do not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Any future determination as to the declaration and payment of cash dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on factors our board of directors deems relevant, including among others, our results of operations, financial condition and cash requirements, business prospects, and the terms of our credit facilities, if any, and any other financing arrangements. Accordingly, realization of a gain on stockholders’ investments.

The market price for our shares may be volatile.

The market price for our shares is likely to be highly volatile and subject to wide fluctuations in response to factors including the following:

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the range of quarterly high and low closing sales prices for our common stock in U.S. dollars. Prior to our listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market, these quotations reflect inter- dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission, involving our common stock during each calendar quarter, and may not represent actual transactions.

Volatility in the price of our shares may result in shareholder litigation that could in turn result in substantial costs and a diversion of our management’s attention and resources.

The financial markets in the United States and other countries have experienced significant price and volume fluctuations, and market prices have been and continue to be extremely volatile. Volatility in the price of our shares may be caused by factors outside of our control and may be unrelated or disproportionate to our results of operations. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a public company’s securities, shareholders have frequently instituted securities class action litigation against that company. Litigation of this kind could result in substantial costs and a diversion of our management’s attention and resources.

SEC regulations concerning conflict minerals could negatively impact our business.

In response to provisions in the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, in August 2013, the Securities and Exchange Commission adopted annual disclosure and reporting requirements regarding the use of certain minerals, known as “conflict minerals,” mined from the Democratic Republic of Congo and adjoining countries. Conflict minerals include gold.

These requirements and the changes we may adopt as a result of compliance with them may prove both costly and time-consuming. The disclosure requirements, which began in 2014, necessitated due diligence efforts to identify the sources of conflict minerals contained in our products. Because we currently acquire our gold directly from the Exchange or leading Chinese banks, or lease it from leading Chinese banks, there is uncertainty as to the amount of diligence we may be able to do on our supply chain.

Implementation of these regulations will require us to divert management attention and resources away from our business operations. In addition, as conflict-free minerals may only be available from a limited pool of suppliers, it may or may not include the Exchange, our primary source of gold. In addition, if we are unable to sufficiently verify the origin of all conflict minerals used in our products, we may face reputational challenges with customers, stockholders, or other stakeholders.

Our quarterly results may fluctuate because of many factors and, as a result, investors should not rely on quarterly operating results as indicative of future results.

Fluctuations in operating results or the failure of operating results to meet the expectations of public market analysts and investors may negatively impact the value of our securities. Quarterly operating results may fluctuate in the future due to a variety of factors that could affect revenues or expenses in any particular quarter. Fluctuations in quarterly operating results could cause the value of our securities to decline. Investors should not rely on quarter-to-quarter comparisons of results of operations as an indication of future performance. As a result of the factors listed below, it is possible that in future periods the results of operations may be below the expectations of public market analysts and investors. This could cause the market price of our securities to decline. Factors that may affect our quarterly results include:

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

None.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information.

None. 

Item 6. Exhibits

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Date: May 10, 2018