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Pingtan Marine Enterprise Ltd. - Quarter Report: 2016 March (Form 10-Q)

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

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

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2016

 

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

 

For the transition period from __________ to __________

 

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 001-35192

 

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Cayman Islands   N/A
(State or other jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation of organization)   Identification No.)

 

18/F, Zhongshan Building A,

No. 154 Hudong Road

Fuzhou, China 350001

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(86) 591-8727-1266

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

(Do not check if smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company

 

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

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of ordinary stock, as of the latest practicable date. As of May 10, 2016, the outstanding number of shares of the registrant’s ordinary stock, par value $0.001 per share, was 79,055,053.

 

 

 

 

 

 

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD.

FORM 10-Q

March 31, 2016

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

    Page No.
PART I. - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements  
  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2016 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2015 1
  Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 2
  Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 3
  Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 4
  Condensed Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements 5
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 26
Item 3 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 36
Item 4 Controls and Procedures 36
     
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
     
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 38
Item 1A. Risk Factors 38
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 39
Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities 39
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 39
Item 5. Other Information 39
Item 6. Exhibits 39

 

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This report contains forward-looking statements regarding our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates” and similar expressions or variations of such words are intended to identify forward-looking statements, but are not deemed to represent an all-inclusive means of identifying forward-looking statements as denoted in this report. Additionally, statements concerning future matters are forward-looking statements.

 

Although forward-looking statements in this report reflect the good faith judgment of our management, such statements can only be based on facts and factors currently known by us. Consequently, forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties and actual results and outcomes may differ materially from the results and outcomes discussed in or anticipated by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences in results and outcomes include, without limitation, those specifically addressed under the headings “Risks Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our annual report on Form 10-K, in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this Form 10-Q and information contained in other reports that we file with the SEC. You are urged not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report.

 

We file reports with the SEC. The SEC maintains a website (www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, including us. You can also read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. You can obtain additional information about the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.

 

We undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect any event or circumstance that may arise after the date of this report, except as required by law. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made throughout the entirety of this quarterly report, which are designed to advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

 

References in this report to “we,” “us” or “our company” refer to Pingtan Marine Enterprise Ltd.

 

 

 

 

PART 1 - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)

 

   March 31,
2016
   December 31, 2015 
ASSETS  (Unaudited)     
         
CURRENT ASSETS:        
Cash  $2,583,497   $11,448,684 
Restricted cash   2,208,471    1,577,642 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts   8,921,998    12,575,042 
Inventories, net of reserve for inventories   3,789,465    2,336,167 
Advances to suppliers   36,059,841    35,994,146 
Prepaid expenses   546    1,818 
Prepaid expenses - related parties   2,783,783    4,640,166 
Receivable from transferring equity method investment shares   -    15,406,659 
Other receivables   78,088    78,051 
Other receivables - related parties   6,412,506    7,887,527 
           
Total Current Assets   62,838,195    91,945,902 
           
OTHER ASSETS:          
Cost method investment   3,256,874    3,235,398 
Equity method investment   

30,678,214

    30,486,314 
Prepayment for long-term assets   21,425,085    11,654,645 
Property, plant and equipment, net   104,139,615    94,555,114 
           
Total Other Assets   

159,499,788

    139,931,471 
           
Total Assets  $

222,337,983

   $231,877,373 
           
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY          
           
CURRENT LIABILITIES:          
Accounts payable  $946,414   $978,353 
Accounts payable - related parties   1,076,728    408,631 
Short-term bank loans   18,002,118    21,971,438 
Long-term bank loans - current portion   12,763,846    12,679,680 
Accrued liabilities and other payables   4,563,261    5,044,049 
Dividend payable   790,551    - 
Due to related parties   24,644    1,384,644 
           
Total Current Liabilities   38,167,562    42,466,795 
           
OTHER LIABILITIES:          
Long-term bank loans - non-current portion   22,720,576    22,570,755 
           
Total Liabilities   60,888,138    65,037,550 
           
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES          
           
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:          
Equity attributable to owners of the company:          
Ordinary shares ($0.001 par value; 225,000,000 shares authorized; 79,055,053 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015)   79,055    79,055 
Additional paid-in capital   111,008,085    111,008,085 
Retained earnings   

28,427,110

    34,318,040 
Statutory reserve   9,391,827    9,391,827 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   

(3,515,951

)   (4,326,351)
Total equity attributable to owners of the company   

145,390,126

    150,470,656 
Non-controlling interest   

16,059,719

    16,369,167 
           
Total Shareholders' Equity   

161,449,845

    166,839,823 
           
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity  $

222,337,983

   $231,877,373 

  

See condensed notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements

 1 
 

 

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)

 

   For the Three Months Ended March 31, 
   2016   2015 
         
REVENUE  $4,115,098   $28,732,824 
           
COST OF REVENUE   7,427,810    17,266,289 
           
GROSS (LOSS) PROFIT   (3,312,712)   11,466,535 
           
OPERATING EXPENSES:          
Selling   343,020    705,520 
General and administrative   1,467,471    1,444,214 
           
Total Operating Expenses   1,810,491    2,149,734 
           
(LOSS) INCOME FROM OPERATIONS   (5,123,203)   9,316,801 
           
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):          
Interest income   2,367    19,232 
Interest expense   (522,265)   (953,644)
Foreign currency transaction gain   20,797    37,381 
Grant income   154,447    - 
Loss on equity method investment   

(10,316

)   (3,345)
Other expense   (264)   (163)
           
Total Other Expense, net   (355,234)   (900,539)
           
(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES   (5,478,437)   8,416,262 
           
INCOME TAXES   413    - 
           
NET (LOSS) INCOME  $(5,478,850)  $8,416,262 
           
LESS: NET (LOSS) INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST   (378,471)   193,015 
           
NET (LOSS) INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO OWNERS OF THE COMPANY  $(5,100,379)  $8,223,247 
           
COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME:          
NET (LOSS) INCOME   (5,478,850)   8,416,262 
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME          
Unrealized foreign currency translation gain   879,423    646,756 
COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME  $(4,599,427)  $9,063,018 
LESS: COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST   (309,448)   387,343 
COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO OWNERS OF THE COMPANY  $(4,289,979)  $8,675,675 
           
NET (LOSS) INCOME PER ORDINARY SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO OWNERS OF THE COMPANY          
 Basic and diluted  $(0.06)  $0.10 
           
WEIGHTED AVERAGE ORDINARY SHARES OUTSTANDING:          
Basic and diluted   79,055,053    79,055,053 

 

See condensed notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements

 

 2 
 

 

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2016

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)

 

   Equity Attributable To Owners of The Company         
   Ordinary Shares   Additional           Accumulated Other   Non-    Total 
   Number of       Paid-in   Retained   Statutory   Comprehensive   controlling   Shareholders' 
   Shares   Amount   Capital   Earnings   Reserve   Loss   Interest   Equity 
                                 
Balance, December 31, 2015   79,055,053    79,055    111,008,085    34,318,040    9,391,827    (4,326,351)   16,369,167    166,839,823 
                                         
Net loss   -    -    -    

(5,100,379

)   -    -    

(378,471

)   

(5,478,850

)
                                         
Dividend declared   -    -    -    (790,551)   -    -    -    (790,551)
                                         
Foreign currency translation adjustment   -    -    -    -    -    

810,400

    

69,023

    

879,423

 
                                         
Balance, March 31, 2016 (Unaudited)   79,055,053   $79,055   $111,008,085   $

28,427,110

   $9,391,827   $

(3,515,951

)  $

16,059,719

   $

161,449,845

 

 

See condensed notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements

 

 3 
 

 

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)

 

   For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   2016   2015 
         
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:        
Net (loss) income  $

(5,478,850

)  $8,416,262 
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income from operations to net cash provided by operating activities:          
Depreciation   1,682,985    1,528,756 
Increase in allowance for doubtful accounts   277,982    160,765 
Increase in reserve for inventories   1,550,335    - 
Loss on equity method investment   

10,316

    3,345 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:          
Accounts receivable   3,406,211    19,795,236 
Inventories   (2,967,993)   7,266,034 
Advances to suppliers   170,802    - 
Prepaid expenses   1,266    13,289 
Prepaid expenses - related parties   1,860,757    (10,140,274)
Deferred expenses - related parties   -    472,387 
Other receivables   (17)   164,836 
Other receivables - related parties   (97)   - 
Accounts payable   (37,895)   122,267 
Accounts payable - related parties   656,067    (2,307,645)
Advances from customers   -    (155,489)
Accrued liabilities and other payables   (507,011)   792,197 
Due to related parties   -    3 
           
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES   624,858    26,131,969 
           
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:          
Refunds from commercial retail space prepayments   -    22,497,898 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment   (113,479)   (16,361)
Prepayments made for long-term assets   (20,108,663)   - 
Proceeds from transferring equity method investment share   15,291,759    - 
Payments for equity method investment   -    (40,744,483)
           
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES   (4,930,383)   (18,262,946)
           
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:          
Proceeds from short-term bank loans   3,156,505    7,153,729 
Repayments of short-term bank loans   (7,214,044)   (6,158,048)
Repayments of long-term bank loans   -    (6,506,894)
Increase in restricted cash   (611,670)   - 
Advances from related parties   200,000    1,100,000 
Payments made for dividend   -    (790,551)
Capital contribution from non-controlling interest   -    65,191,173 
Payments made to related parties in connection with the termination of VIE   -    (13,527,168)
           
NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES   (4,469,209)   46,462,241 
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS   (90,453)   296,407 
           
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS   (8,865,187)   54,627,671 
           
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - beginning of period   11,448,684    12,752,272 
           
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - end of period  $2,583,497   $67,379,943 
           
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:          
 Cash paid for:          
Interest  $556,138   $939,951 
Income taxes  $-   $- 
           
NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:          
Acquisition of property and equipment by decreasing prepayment for long-term assets  $10,551,314   $- 
Offset other receivables - related parties against due to related parties  $1,560,000   $- 

 

See condensed notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements

 4 
 

 

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2016

 

NOTE 1 – DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND ORGANIZATION

 

Pingtan Marine Enterprise Ltd. (“the Company” or “PME”), formerly China Growth Equity Investment Limited ("CGEI"), incorporated in the Cayman Islands as an exempted limited liability company, was incorporated as a blank check company on January 18, 2010 with the purpose of directly or indirectly acquiring, through a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, plan of arrangement, recapitalization, reorganization or similar business combination, an operating business, or control of such operating business through contractual arrangements, that has its principal business and/or material operations located in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”).  In connection with its initial business combination, in February 2013, CGEI changed its name to Pingtan Marine Enterprise Ltd.

 

On October 24, 2012, CGEI and China Dredging Group Co., Ltd (“CDGC” or “China Dredging”) entered into a Merger Agreement providing for the combination of CGEI and CDGC and on October 24, 2012, CGEI also acquired all of the outstanding capital shares and other equity interests of Merchant Supreme Co., Ltd. (“Merchant Supreme”), a company incorporated on June 25, 2012, in British Virgin Island (“BVI”), as per a Share Purchase Agreement.  On February 25, 2013, the merger between the Company, CDGC and Merchant Supreme became effective and has been accounted for as a “reverse merger” and recapitalization since the common shareholders of CDGC and Merchant Supreme (i) owned a majority of the outstanding ordinary shares of the Company immediately following the completion of the transaction, and (ii) have significant influence and the ability to elect or appoint or to remove a majority of the members of the governing body of the combined entity. In accordance with the provision of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805-40, CDGC and Merchant Supreme are deemed the accounting acquirers and the Company is the legal acquirer in the transaction and, consequently, the transaction is treated as a recapitalization of the Company. Accordingly, the assets and liabilities and the historical operations that are reflected in the consolidated financial statements are those of CDGC, Merchant Supreme and their subsidiaries and are recorded at the historical cost basis. The Company’s assets, liabilities and results of operations were consolidated with the assets, liabilities and results of operations of CDGC, Merchant Supreme and their subsidiaries subsequent to the acquisition date of February 25, 2013. Following the completion of the business combination which became effective on February 25, 2013, CDGC and Merchant Supreme became the wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company.  The ordinary shares, par value $0.001 per share are listed on The NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “PME”.

 

In order to place increased focus on fishing business and pursue more effective growth opportunities, the Company decided to exit and sell the specialized dredging services operated by China Dredging, and the Company completed the sale of CDGC and its subsidiaries on December 4, 2013.

 

On February 9, 2015, the Company terminated its existing Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”) agreements, pursuant to an Agreement of Termination dated February 9, 2015, entered into by and among Ms. Honghong Zhuo, Mr. Zhiyan Lin (each a shareholder of Fujian Provincial Pingtan County Ocean Fishing Group Co., Ltd (“Pingtan Fishing”), together the “Pingtan Fishing’s Shareholders”), Pingtan Fishing and Pingtan Guansheng Ocean Fishing Co., Ltd. ("Pingtan Guansheng"). On February 9, 2015, the Pingtan Fishing’s Shareholders transferred 100% of their equity interest in Pingtan Fishing to Fujian Heyue Marine Fishing Development Co., Ltd. (“Fujian Heyue”), pursuant to an Equity Transfer Agreement dated February 9, 2015, entered into by and among the Pingtan Fishing’s Shareholders, Pingtan Fishing and Fujian Heyue. On February 15, 2015, China Agriculture Industry Development Fund Co., Ltd. (“China Agriculture”) invested RMB 400 million (approximately $65 million) into Pingtan Fishing for an 8% equity interest in Pingtan Fishing. After the restructuring transactions described above, Pingtan Fishing and its entities became the 92% equity-owned subsidiaries of the company and was no longer a VIE. 

 

 5 
 

 

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2016

 

NOTE 1 – DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND ORGANIZATION (continued)

 

Details of the Company’s subsidiaries which are included in these consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2016 are as follows:

 

Name of subsidiaries  Place and date of incorporation  Percentage of ownership  Principal activities
Merchant Supreme Co., Ltd.

(Merchant Supreme”)

  BVI,
June 25, 2012
  100% held by PME  Intermediate holding company
          
Prime Cheer Corporation Ltd.

("Prime Cheer")

  Hong Kong,
May 3, 2012
  100% held by Merchant  Supreme  Intermediate holding company
          
Pingtan Guansheng Ocean Fishing Co., Ltd.

("Pingtan Guansheng")

  PRC,
October 12, 2012
  100% held by Prime
 Cheer
  Intermediate holding company
          
Fujian Heyue Marine Fishing Development Co., Ltd. (“Fujian Heyue”)  PRC,
January 27, 2015
  100% held by Pingtan Guansheng  Intermediate holding company
          
Fujian Provincial Pingtan County Fishing Group Co., Ltd. (“Pingtan Fishing”)  PRC,
February 27, 1998
  92% held by Fujian Heyue  Oceanic fishing
          
Pingtan Dingxin Fishing Information Consulting Co., Ltd. (“Pingtan Dingxin”)  PRC,
October 23, 2012
  100% held by Pingtan Fishing  Dormant
          
Pingtan Duoying Fishing Information Consulting Co., Ltd. (“Pingtan Duoying”)  PRC,
October 23, 2012
  100% held by Pingtan Fishing  Dormant
          
Pingtan Ruiying Fishing Information Consulting Co., Ltd. (“Pingtan Ruiying”)  PRC,
October 23, 2012
  100% held by Pingtan Fishing  Dormant

 

Fujian Heyue, through its PRC subsidiary, Pingtan Fishing, engages in ocean fishing with its owned and licensed vessels within the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone and Arafura Sea of Indonesia and the Western and Central Pacific Ocean of the international waters.

 

The Company meets its day-to-day working capital requirements through cash flow provided by operations, bank loans and related parties’ advances. The Indonesian government's moratorium on fishing licenses renewals creates uncertainty over fishing operations in Indonesian waters. The Company’s forecasts and projections, taking accounts of on-going operations in Indian waters and consideration of opportunities in new fishing territories, such as acquisition of 6 licensed vessels to operate in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean, shows that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. 

 

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of presentation

 

These interim consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries are unaudited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) and disclosures necessary for a fair presentation of these interim consolidated financial statements have been included. The results reported in the unaudited consolidated financial statements for any interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be reported for the entire year. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and do not include all information and footnotes necessary for a complete presentation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”).

 

The unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

 

 6 
 

 

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2016

 

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

Basis of presentation (continued)

 

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the annual consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted. These unaudited financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 9, 2016.

 

Use of estimates

 

The preparation of the unaudited consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and the related disclosures at the date of the financial statements and during the reporting period. Actual results could materially differ from these estimates. Significant estimates in the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 include allowance for doubtful accounts, reserve for inventories, the useful life of property, plant and equipment, assumptions used in assessing impairment of long-term assets and valuation of deferred tax assets and accruals for taxes due. 

 

Cash

 

Cash consists of cash on hand and cash in banks. The Company maintains cash with various financial institutions in China and Hong Kong and none of these deposits are covered by insurance. At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, cash balances in China are $2,569,564 and $11,276,429, respectively, and cash balances in Hong Kong are $13,933 and $172,255, respectively, and are uninsured. The Company has not experienced any losses in bank accounts and believes it is not exposed to any risks on its cash in bank accounts.

 

Restricted cash

 

Restricted cash consists of cash deposits held by China Development Bank to secure short term bank loans from China Development Bank. At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, restricted cash amounted $2,208,471 and $1,577,642, respectively.

 

Fair value of financial instruments

 

The Company adopted the guidance of ASC Topic 820 for fair value measurements which clarifies the definition of fair value, prescribes methods for measuring fair value, and establishes a fair value hierarchy to classify the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:

 

Level 1-Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities available at the measurement date.

 

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

 

Level 3-Inputs are unobservable inputs which reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions on what assumptions the market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best available information.

 

The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for cash, restricted cash, accounts receivable, inventories, advances to suppliers, prepaid expenses, prepaid expenses – related parties, other receivables, other receivables – related parties, accounts payable, accounts payable – related parties, bank loans, accrued liabilities and other payables, dividend payable, and due to related parties approximate their fair market value based on the short-term maturity of these instruments. As of March 31, 2016, the Company does not have any assets or liabilities that are measured on a recurring basis at fair value. The Company’s short-term bank borrowings that are considered Level 2 financial instruments measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of March 31, 2016. The Company does not have any level 3 financial instruments.

 

 7 
 

 

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2016

 

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

Fair value of financial instruments (continued)

 

ASC Topic 825-10 “Financial Instruments” allows entities to voluntarily choose to measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value (fair value option). The fair value option may be elected on an instrument-by-instrument basis and is irrevocable, unless a new election date occurs. If the fair value option is elected for an instrument, unrealized gains and losses for that instrument should be reported in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. The Company did not elect to apply the fair value option to any outstanding instruments.

 

Accounts receivable

 

Accounts receivable are presented net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company maintains allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses. The Company reviews the accounts receivable on a periodic basis and makes general and specific allowance when there is doubt as to the collectability of individual balances. In evaluating the collectability of individual receivable balance, the Company considers many factors, including the age of the balance, a customer’s historical payment history, its current credit-worthiness and current economic trends. Accounts are written off after exhaustive efforts at collection. The Company only grants credit terms to established customers who are deemed to be financially responsible. Credit periods to customers are within 180 days after customers received the purchased goods. At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company has established, based on a review of its outstanding balances, an allowance for doubtful accounts in the amounts of $657,037 and $372,634, respectively.  

 

Inventories

 

Inventories, consisting of frozen fish and marine catches, are stated at the lower of cost or market utilizing the weighted average method. The Cost of inventories comprises of fuel, freight, depreciation, direct labor, consumables, and government levied charges and taxes. Consumables include fishing nets and metal containers used by fishing vessels. The Company’s fishing fleets in Indian and Indonesian waters and Western and Central Pacific Ocean of the international waters operate throughout the year, although the May to July period demonstrates lower catch quantities compared to the October to January period, which is the peak season.

 

An allowance is established when management determines that certain inventories may not be saleable. If inventory costs exceed expected market value due to obsolescence or quantities in excess of expected demand, the Company will record reserve for the difference between the cost and the market value. These reserves are recorded based on estimates. At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company recorded reserve for inventories in the amount of $1,792,037 and $218,236, respectively.

 

Advances to suppliers

 

Advances to suppliers represent the cash paid in advance for the purchase of raw material from suppliers. The advance payments are intended to ensure preferential pricing and delivery. The amounts advanced under such arrangements totaled $36,059,841 and $35,994,146 at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

 

Receivable from transferring equity method investment shares

 

In order to improve and focus on fishing business, the Company transferred 15% (RMB 150 million, approximately $23.3 million) of the total ownership in Global Deep Ocean Fishing (Pingtan) Industrial Limited (the “Global Deep Ocean”) to another shareholder of Global Deep Ocean in December 2015 (See note 7). In the second half of December 2015, the Company received RMB 50 million (approximately $7.8 million) from the transferee. As of December 31, 2015, the receivable resulting from the 15% ownership transfer amounted to $15,406,659 (RMB 100 million). The receivable was collected in full in January and February 2016.

 

 8 
 

 

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2016

 

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

Fishing licenses

 

Each of the Company’s fishing vessels requires an approval from Ministry of Agriculture of the People's Republic of China to carry out ocean fishing projects in foreign territories. These approvals are valid for a period from three to twelve months, and are awarded to the Company at no cost. The Company applies for the renewal of the approval prior to expiration to avoid interruptions of fishing vessels’ operations.

 

Each of the Company’s fishing vessels operated in Indonesian waters requires a fishing license granted by the authority in Indonesia. Indonesian fishing licenses remain effective for a period of twelve months and the Company applies for renewal prior to expiration. The Company records the cost of Indonesian fishing licenses in deferred expenses on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and amortizes over the effective periods of the licenses.

 

Investment in unconsolidated company – Global Deep Ocean

 

The Company use the equity method of accounting for its investment in, and earning or loss of, company that it does not control but over which it does exert significant influence. The Company considers whether the fair value of its equity method investment has declined below its carrying value whenever adverse events or changes in circumstances indicate that recorded value may not be recoverable. If the Company considers any decline to be other than temporary (based on various factors, including historical financial results and the overall health of the investee), then a write-down would be recorded to estimated fair value. See Note 7 for discussion of equity method investment.

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

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

 

Included in property, plant and equipment are fishing vessels under construction which includes the costs of construction and any interest charges arising from borrowings used to finance these assets during the period of construction of the assets. No provision for depreciation is made on fishing vessels under construction until such time as the relevant assets are completed and ready for their intended use.

 

The estimated useful lives of the assets are as follows:

 

   Estimated useful life
Fishing vessels  10 - 20 Years
Vehicles  5 Years
Office and other equipment  3 - 5 Years

 

Expenditures for repairs and maintenance, which do not extend the useful life of the assets, are expensed as incurred.

 

Capitalized interest

 

Interest associated with the construction of fishing vessels is capitalized and included in the cost of the fishing vessels. When no debt is incurred specifically for the construction of a fishing vessel, interest is capitalized on amounts expended on the construction using weighted-average cost of the Company’s outstanding borrowings. Capitalization of interest ceases when the construction is substantially complete or the construction activity is suspended for more than a brief period. The Company capitalized interest of $113,479 and $0 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, in the fishing vessels under construction.

 

 9 
 

 

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2016

 

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

Impairment of long-lived assets

 

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

 

Revenue recognition

 

Pursuant to the guidance of ASC Topic 605 and ASC Topic 360, the Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the purchase price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. With respect to the sale of frozen fish and other marine catches to third party customers, most of which are sole proprietor regional wholesalers in China, the Company recognizes revenue when customers pick up purchased goods at the Company’s cold storage warehouse, after payment is received by the Company or credit sale is approved by the Company for recurring customers who have a history of financial responsibility. The Company does not offer promotional payments, customer coupons, rebates or other cash redemption offers to its customers. The Company does not accept returns from customers.

 

Government grant

 

Government grants are recognized when there is reasonable assurance that the grant will be received and all attaching conditions will be complied with. When the grant relates to an expense item, it is recognized as income over the periods necessary to match the grant on a systematic basis to the costs that it is intended to compensate. Where the grant relates to an asset, the fair value is credited to the cost of the asset and is released to the income statement over the expected useful life in a consistent manner with the depreciation method for the relevant asset.

 

Income taxes

 

Under the current laws of the Cayman Islands and British Virgin Islands, the Company and Merchant Supreme are not subject to any income or capital gains tax, and dividend payments that the Company may make are not subject to any withholding tax in the Cayman Islands or British Virgin Islands. Under the current laws of Hong Kong, Prime Cheer is not subject to any capital gains tax and dividend payments are not subject to any withholding tax in Hong Kong.

 

The Company is not incorporated nor does it engage in any trade or business in the United States and is not subject to United States federal income taxes. The Company did not derive any significant amount of income subject to such taxes after completion of the Share Exchange and accordingly, no relevant tax provision is made in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

 

The Company's subsidiary, Pingtan Fishing, is a qualified ocean fishing enterprise certified by the Ministry of Agriculture of the PRC. The qualification is renewed on April 1 each year. Pingtan Fishing is exempt from income tax derived from its ocean fishing operations in the periods it processes a valid Ocean Fishing Enterprise Qualification Certificate issued by the Ministry of Agriculture of the PRC.

 

 10 
 

 

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2016

 

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

Income taxes (continued)

 

The new China’s Enterprise Income Tax Law (“EIT Law”) also provides that an enterprise established under the laws of foreign countries or regions but whose “de facto management body” is located in the PRC be treated as a resident enterprise for PRC tax purposes and consequently be subject to the PRC income tax at the rate of 25% for its worldwide income. The Implementing Rules of the new EIT Law merely defines the location of the “de facto management body” as “the place where the exercising, in substance, of the overall management and control of the production and business operation, personnel, accounting, properties, etc., of a non-PRC company is located.” On April 22, 2009, the PRC State Administration of Taxation further issued a notice entitled “Notice Regarding Recognizing Offshore-Established Enterprises Controlled by PRC Shareholders as Resident Enterprises Based on Their Place of Effective Management.” Under this notice, a foreign company controlled by a PRC company or a group of PRC companies shall be deemed as a PRC resident enterprise if (i) the senior management and the core management departments in charge of its daily operations mainly function in the PRC; (ii) its financial decisions and human resource decisions are subject to decisions or approvals of persons or institutions in the PRC; (iii) its major assets, accounting books, company seals, minutes and files of board meetings and shareholders’ meetings are located or kept in the PRC; and (iv) more than half of the directors or senior management personnel with voting rights reside in the PRC. Based on a review of surrounding facts and circumstances, the company does not believe that it is likely that its operations outside of the PRC should be considered a resident enterprise for PRC tax purposes. However, due to limited guidance and implementation history of the new EIT Law, should the Company be treated as a resident enterprise for PRC tax purposes, the Company will be subject to PRC tax on worldwide income at a uniform tax rate of 25% retroactive to May 3, 2012.

 

In addition, Pingtan Fishing is not subject to foreign income taxes for its operations in either India and Indonesia Exclusive Economic Zones or the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission areas.

 

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based upon differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be effective when the differences are expected to reverse.

 

Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance to the extent that management concludes it is more likely than not that the assets will not be realized. 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 the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income in the period that includes the enactment date.

 

The Company has not recorded deferred income taxes applicable to undistributed earnings of the subsidiaries located in the PRC because it is the present intention of management to reinvest the undistributed earnings indefinitely in PRC. The cumulative undistributed earnings from PRC subsidiaries amounted to approximately $186.1 million and $190.5 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, which are included in consolidated retained earnings. Generally, such earnings become subject to the PRC tax upon the remittance of dividends and under certain other circumstances. It is not practicable to estimate the amount of deferred tax liability on such undistributed earnings. 

 

The Company prescribes a more-likely-than-not threshold for financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken in the tax return. This interpretation also provides guidance on de-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, accounting for income taxes in interim periods and income tax disclosures. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, there were no amounts that had been accrued with respect to uncertain tax positions.

 

Shipping and handling costs

 

Shipping and handling costs are included in selling expense and totaled $76,547 and $159,341 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

 11 
 

 

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2016

 

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

Employee benefits

 

The Company makes mandatory contributions to the PRC government’s health, retirement benefit and unemployment funds in accordance with the relevant Chinese social security laws. The costs of these payments are charged to the same accounts as the related salary costs in the same period as the related salary costs incurred. Employee benefit costs totaled $94,159 and $254,317 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

Advertising

 

Advertising is expensed as incurred and is included in selling expense on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and totaled $0 and $65,191 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

Research and development

 

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and are included in general and administrative expense. The Company did not incur any research and development costs during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015.

 

Foreign currency translation

 

The reporting currency of the Company is the U.S. dollar. The functional currency of the parent company and subsidiaries of Merchant Supreme and Prime Cheer is the U.S. dollar and the functional currency of the Company’s subsidiaries of Pingtan Guansheng, Fujian Heyue and Pingtan Fishing is the Chinese Renminbi (“RMB”). For the subsidiaries of Pingtan Guansheng, Fujian Heyue and Pingtan Fishing, whose functional currencies are the RMB, results of operations and cash flows are translated at average exchange rates during the period, assets and liabilities are translated at the unified exchange rate at the end of the period, and equity is translated at historical exchange rates. As a result, amounts relating to assets and liabilities reported on the statements of cash flows may not necessarily agree with the changes in the corresponding balances on the balance sheets. Translation adjustments resulting from the process of translating the local currency financial statements into U.S. dollars are included in determining comprehensive income. The cumulative translation adjustment and effect of exchange rate changes on cash for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 was $(90,453) and $296,407, respectively. Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rates prevailing on the transaction dates. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet date with any transaction gains and losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are included in the results of operations as incurred.

 

All of the Company’s revenue transactions are transacted in the functional currency of the operating subsidiaries. The Company does not enter into any material transaction in foreign currencies. Transaction gains or losses have not had, and are not expected to have, a material effect on the results of operations of the Company.

 

The foreign currency exchange rates were obtained from www.oanda.com. Asset and liability accounts at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 were translated at 6.4479 RMB to $1.00 and at 6.4907 RMB to $1.00, respectively, which were the exchange rates on the balance sheet dates. Equity accounts were stated at their historical rate. The average translation rates applied to the statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 were 6.53947 RMB and 6.1358 RMB to $1.00, respectively. Cash flows from the Company’s operations are calculated based upon the local currencies using the average translation rate.

 

 12 
 

 

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2016

 

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

Earnings per share

 

ASC Topic 260 “Earnings per Share,” requires presentation of both basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) with a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of the basic EPS computation to the numerator and denominator of the diluted EPS computation. Basic EPS excludes dilution. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the entity.

 

Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing net (loss) income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net (loss) income per share is computed by dividing net (loss) income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock, common stock equivalents and potentially dilutive securities outstanding during each period. Potentially dilutive common shares consist of the common shares issuable upon the exercise of common stock warrants (using the treasury stock method). Common stock equivalents are not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share if their effect would be anti-dilutive. In period where the Company has a net loss, all potentially dilutive securities are excluded from the computation of diluted shares outstanding as they would have had an anti-dilutive impact. The following table presents a reconciliation of basic and diluted net (loss) income per share:

 

   Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   2016   2015 
Net (loss) income available to owners of the Company for basic and diluted net (loss) income per share of ordinary stock  $(5,100,379)  $8,223,247 
Weighted average ordinary stock outstanding - basic and diluted   79,055,053    79,055,053 
Net (loss) income per ordinary share attributable to owners of the Company - basic and diluted  $(0.06)  $0.10 

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, the warrants to purchase 8,966,667 shares of ordinary stock have not been included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share in order to avoid any anti-dilutive effect.

 

Non-controlling interest

 

On February 15, 2015, China Agriculture invested RMB 400 million (approximately $65 million) into Pingtan Fishing and acquired an 8% equity interest in Pingtan Fishing. As of March 31, 2016, China Agriculture owned 8% of the equity interest of Pingtan Fishing, which was not under the Company’s control.

 

Related parties

 

Parties are considered to be related to the Company if the parties, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, control, are controlled by, or are under common control with the Company. Related parties also include principal owners of the Company, its management, members of the immediate families of principal owners of the Company and its management and other parties with which the Company may deal with if one party controls or can significantly influence the management or operating policies of the other to an extent that one of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests. The Company discloses all significant related party transactions.

  

Comprehensive (loss) income

 

Comprehensive (loss) income is comprised of net (loss) income and all changes to the statements of stockholders’ equity, except those due to investments by stockholders, changes in paid-in capital and distributions to stockholders. For the Company, comprehensive (loss) income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 included net (loss) income and unrealized gain from foreign currency translation adjustments.

 

Segment information

 

ASC 280 “Segment reporting” establishes standards for reporting information on operating segments in interim and annual financial statements. All of the Company's operations are considered by the chief operating decision maker to be aggregated in one reportable operating segment. All of the Company’s customers are in the PRC and all income is derived from ocean fishery.

 

 13 
 

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2016

 

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to contingencies, including legal proceedings and environmental claims arising out of the normal course of businesses that relate to a wide range of matters, including among others, contracts breach liability. The Company records accruals for such contingencies based upon the assessment of the probability of occurrence and, where determinable, an estimate of the liability. Management may consider many factors in making these assessments including past history, scientific evidence and the specifics of each matter.

 

The Company’s management has evaluated all such proceedings and claims that existed as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, liquidity or results of operations.

  

Concentrations of credit, economic and political risks

 

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

 

Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and trade accounts receivable. All of the Company’s cash is maintained with state-owned banks within the PRC and Hong Kong, and none of these deposits are covered by insurance. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any risks on its cash in bank accounts. A portion of the Company’s sales are credit sales which are primarily to customers whose abilities to pay are dependent upon the industry economics prevailing in these areas; however, concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivables is limited due to generally short payment terms. The Company also performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers to help further reduce credit risk.

 

According to the sale agreement signed on December 4, 2013, the Company does not own 20 fishing vessels but has the leased operating rights to operate these vessels which are owned by a related company, Fuzhou Honglong Ocean Fishery Co., Ltd (“Hong Long”) and the Company is entitled to 100% of net profit (loss) of the vessels. The Company has latitude in establishing price and discretion in supplier selection. There were no economic risks associated with the leased operating rights but the Company may need to bear the operation risks and credit risks as aforementioned.

 

117 of the Company’s 135 vessels were operating in Indonesian waters and significant portion of revenue was derived from them. Suspension of fishing operation in Indonesian waters has had and will continue to have a significant negative impact on the Company.

 

Recent accounting pronouncements

  

In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements — Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties About an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern (“ASU 2014-15”).  The guidance in ASU 2014-15 sets forth management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern as well as the related required disclosures. ASU 2014-15 indicates that, when preparing interim and annual financial statements, management should evaluate whether conditions or events, in the aggregate, raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern for one year from the date the financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. This evaluation should include consideration of conditions and events that are either known or are reasonably knowable at the date the financial statements are issued or are available to be issued, and, if applicable, whether it is probable that management’s plans to address the substantial doubt will be implemented and, if so, whether it is probable that the plans will alleviate the substantial doubt. ASU 2014-15 is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and interim periods and annual periods thereafter. Early application is permitted.  The Company anticipates adopting this update in the quarter ending March 31, 2017 and does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, “Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory” (“ASU 2015-11”). The amendments in this update require an entity to measure inventory within the scope of ASU 2015-11 (the amendments in ASU 2015-11 do not apply to inventory that is measured using last-in, first-out or the retail inventory method. The amendments apply to all other inventory, which includes inventory that is measured using first-in, first-out or average cost) at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. Subsequent measurement is uncharged for inventory measured using last-in, first-out or the retail inventory method. The amendments in ASU 2015-11 more closely align the measurement of inventory in U.S. GAAP with the measurement of inventory in International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). ASU 2015-11 is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments in ASU 2015-11 should be applied prospectively with earlier application permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 14 
 

 

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2016

 

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) 

Recent accounting pronouncements (continued) 

In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date”, which defers the effective date of ASU 2014-09 for all entities by one year. Public business entities, certain not-for-profit entities, and certain employee benefit plans should apply the guidance in ASU 2014-09 to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. Earlier application is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. 

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, “Business Combination (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments” (“ASU 2015-16”). The amendments in this update require that the acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The acquirer is required to also record, in the same period’s financial statements, the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, if any, as a result of the change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. In addition an entity is required to present separately on the face of the income statement or disclose in the notes to the financial statements the portion of the amount recorded in current-period earnings by line item that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date. ASU 2015-16 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments in ASU 2015-16 should be applied prospectively to adjustments to provisional amounts that occur after the effective date of ASU 2015-16 with earlier application permitted for financial statements that have not been issued. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2015-16 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. 

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes” (“ASU 2015-17”). Topic 740, Income Taxes, requires an entity to separate deferred income tax liabilities and assets into current and noncurrent amounts in a classified statement of financial position. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. Deferred tax liabilities and assets that are not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting are classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference. To simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes, the amendments in ASU 2015-17 require that deferred income tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. For public business entities, the amendments in this update are effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2015-17 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. 

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, “Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“ASU 2016-01”). The amendments in this update require all equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income (other than those accounted for under equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee). The amendments in this update also require an entity to present separately in other comprehensive income the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk when the entity has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments. In addition the amendments in this update eliminate the requirement for to disclose the method(s) and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet for public entities. For public business entities, the amendments in ASU 2016-01 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Except for the early application guidance discussed in ASU 2016-01, early adoption of the amendments in this update is not permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2016-01 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic ASC 842) (“ASU 2016-02”). The guidance in ASU 2016-02 supersedes the lease recognition requirements in ASC Topic 840, Leases. ASU 2016-02 sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both parties to a contract (i.e. lessees and lessors). This update requires lessees to apply a dual approach, classifying leases as either finance or operating leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase by the lessee. This classification will determine whether lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method or on a straight line basis over the term of the lease, respectively. A lessee is also required to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term of greater than 12 months regardless of their classification. Leases with a term of 12 months or less will be accounted for similar to existing guidance for operating leases today. This update requires lessors to account for leases using an approach that is substantially equivalent to existing guidance for sales-type leases, direct financing leases and operating leases. The standard is effective on January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of this new guidance. 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-07, "Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting." ASU 2016-07 eliminates the requirement to apply the equity method of accounting, upon obtaining significant influence, as if it was applied to the investment from inception. Instead, at the date significant influence is obtained, companies should add the cost of the additional interest acquired to the current basis of the investment and apply the equity method prospectively. If an available-for-sale security becomes eligible for the equity method of accounting, any unrealized gains or losses within accumulated other comprehensive income should be recognized within earnings on the date the investment becomes qualified for use of the equity method. ASU 2016-07 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect that ASU 2016-07 will have a material impact on its financial statements.

 

 15 
 

 

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2016

 

NOTE 3 – ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

 

At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, accounts receivable consisted of the following:

 

   March 31,
2016
   December 31, 2015 
Accounts receivable  $9,579,035   $12,947,676 
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts   (657,037)   (372,634)
   $8,921,998   $12,575,042 

 

The Company reviews the accounts receivable on a periodic basis and makes general and specific allowance when there is doubt as to the collectability of individual balance.

 

NOTE 4 - INVENTORIES

 

At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, inventories consisted of the following:

 

   March 31,
2016
   December 31, 2015 
Frozen fish and marine catches in warehouse  $5,581,502   $2,463,135 
Frozen fish and marine catches in transit   -    91,268 
    5,581,502    2,554,403 
Less: reserve for inventories   (1,792,037)   (218,236)
   $3,789,465   $2,336,167 

 

An allowance is established when management determines that certain inventories may not be saleable. If inventory costs exceed expected market value due to obsolescence or quantities in excess of expected demand, the Company will record reserve for the difference between the cost and the market value. These reserves are recorded based on estimates.

 

NOTE 5 – ADVANCES TO SUPPLIERS

 

At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, advances to suppliers consisted of the following:

 

   March 31,
2016
   December 31, 2015 
Prepayments made for fishing nets and spare parts  $3,947,542   $4,093,597 
Prepayments made for fish goods (1)   32,112,299    31,900,549 
   $36,059,841   $35,994,146 

 

(1)According to related signed agreement, the Company has the right to receive refund for these prepayments if the situation of demands and supplies changes.

 

NOTE 6 – COST METHOD INVESTMENT

 

At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, cost method investment amounted to $3,256,874 and $3,235,398, respectively. The investment represents the Company’s subsidiary, Pingtan Fishing’s minority interest in Fujian Pingtan Rural-Commercial Bank Joint-Stock Co., Ltd. (“Pingtan Rural-Commercial Bank’’), a private financial institution. Pingtan Fishing completed its registration as a shareholder on October 17, 2012 and paid RMB 21 million (approximately $3.3 million) to subscribe 5% of the common stock of Pingtan Rural-Commercial Bank. Pingtan Fishing held 15,113,250 shares and accounted for 4.8 % investment in the total equity investment of the bank as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

 

In according to ASC 325, the Company uses the cost method of accounting to record its investment since Pingtan Fishing does not have the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financing activities of Pingtan Rural-Commercial Bank. Long-term investment for which there are no quoted market prices, a reasonable estimate of fair value could not be made without incurring excessive costs. The Company monitors its investment in the non-marketable security and will recognize, if ever existing, a loss in value which is deemed to be other than temporary. The Company determined that there was no impairment on this investment as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

 

 16 
 

 

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2016

 

NOTE 7 – EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENT

 

At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, equity method investment amounted to $30,678,214 and $30,486,314, respectively. The investment represents the Company’s subsidiary, Pingtan Fishing’s interest in Global Deep Ocean. On June 12, 2014, Pingtan Fishing incorporated Global Deep Ocean with other two unrelated companies in PRC. Pingtan Fishing and the other two investing companies accounted for 35%, 29% and 36% of the total ownership, respectively. Total registered capital of Global Deep Ocean is RMB 1 billion (approximately $155.1 million) and Pingtan Fishing needs to contribute RMB 350 million (approximately $54.3 million). As of September 30, 2015, Pingtan Fishing has contributed RMB 348 million (approximately $54.0 million). No company holds 50% or more of the total shares. Global Deep Ocean will process, cold storage, and transport deep ocean fishing products.

 

The Company transferred 15% (RMB 150 million, approximately $23.3 million) of the total ownership in Global Deep Ocean to one of the other shareholders of Global Deep Ocean in December 2015. In the second half of December 2015, the Company received RMB 50 million (approximately $7.8 million) from the transferee. As of December 31, 2015, the receivable resulting from the 15% ownership transfer amounted to $15,406,659 (RMB 100 million) which is included in receivable from transferring equity method investment shares on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. In January and February 2016, the Company received RMB 100 million (approximately $15.5 million) from the transferee. As a result of this transfer, the Company and the other two investing companies accounted for 20%, 44% and 36% of the total ownership, respectively. All of the three investing companies hold less than 50% of the total shares. The Company needs to contribute RMB 200 million (approximately $31.0 million), and as of March 31, 2016, the Company has contributed RMB 198 million (approximately $30.7 million).

 

The Company treats the equity investment in the consolidated financial statements under the equity method. Under the equity method, the investment is initially recorded at cost, adjusted for any excess of the Company’s share of the incorporated-date fair values of the investee’s identifiable net assets over the cost of the investment (if any). Thereafter, the investment is adjusted for the post incorporation change in the Company’s share of the investee’s net assets and any impairment loss relating to the investment. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company’s share of Global Deep Ocean’s net loss was $10,316 and $3,345, respectively, which was included in loss on equity method investment in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income.

 

The tables below present the summarized financial information, as provided to the Company by the investee, for the unconsolidated company:

 

   March 31, 2016   December 31, 2015 
Current assets  $52,508,824   $52,216,844 
Noncurrent assets   4,434,894    4,404,656 
Current liabilities   13,732    14,945 
Noncurrent liabilities   -    - 
Equity   56,929,986    56,606,555 

 

   Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   2016   2015 
Net revenue  $-   $- 
Gross profit   -    - 
Loss from operation   51,581    9,557 
Net loss   51,581    9,557 

 

 17 
 

 

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2016

 

NOTE 8 – PREPAYMENT FOR LONG-TERM ASSETS

 

At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, prepayment for long-term assets consisted of the following:

 

   March 31,
2016
   December 31, 2015 
Prepayment for fishing vessels’ construction  $21,425,085   $11,654,645 
   $21,425,085   $11,654,645 

 

In March 2016, the Company entered two fishing vessels building agreements for 6 fishing vessels construction. During the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company made prepayments of approximately $20,109,000 for the 6 fishing vessels construction, which are recorded as prepayment for long-term assets on the accompanying balance sheets. The Company reclassifies the prepayment for fishing vessels’ construction to construction-in-progress using the percentage of completion method. During the first quarter of 2016, the Company reclassified approximately $10,551,000 from prepayment for long-term assets to construction-in-progress. 

 

NOTE 9 – PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, property, plant and equipment consisted of the following:

 

   Useful life  March 31,
2016
   December 31, 2015 
Fishing vessels  10 - 20 Years  $108,725,001   $108,182,380 
Vehicles  5 Years   130,686    129,824 
Office and other equipment  3 – 5 Years   1,223,762    1,215,692 
Construction-in-progress      10,816,249    - 
       120,895,698    109,527,896 
Less: accumulated depreciation      (16,756,083)   (14,972,782)
      $104,139,615   $94,555,114 

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, depreciation expense amounted to $1,682,985 and $1,528,756, respectively, of which $1,483,452 and $1,521,738, respectively, was included in cost of revenue and inventories, and the remainder was included in general and administrative expense, respectively.

 

At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company had 28 fishing vessels with net carrying amount of approximately $22.1 million and $22.3 million, respectively, pledged as collateral for its bank loans.

 

Included in construction-in-progress are fishing vessels under construction which includes the costs of construction and any interest charges arising from borrowings used to finance these assets during the period of construction of the assets. No provision for depreciation is made on fishing vessels under construction until such time as the relevant assets are completed and ready for their intended use.

 

NOTE 10 – RELATED PARTIES TRANSACTIONS

 

Prepaid expenses – related parties

 

At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, prepaid expenses – related parties consisted of the following:

 

   March 31,
2016
   December 31, 2015 
Prepaid miscellaneous items to PT. Avona Mina Lestari (1)  $1,129,077   $1,127,257 
Prepaid fuel cost to Hai Yi Shipping Limited (2)   784,635    783,370 
Prepaid fuel cost to Haifeng Dafu Enterprise Company Limited (3)   870,071    868,668 
Prepaid fuel cost to Hong Fa Shipping Limited (4)   -    1,860,871 
   $2,783,783   $4,640,166 

 

(1)PT. Avona Mina Lestari is an affiliate company controlled by Xinrong Zhuo family.
(2)Hai Yi Shipping Limited is an affiliate company ultimately controlled by Xinrong Zhuo, CEO of the Company.
(3)Haifeng Dafu Enterprise Company Limited is an affiliate company ultimately controlled by Xinrong Zhuo, CEO of the Company.
(4)Hong Fa Shipping Limited is an affiliate company owned by Xinrong Zhuo, CEO of the Company.

 

 18 
 

 

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2016

 

NOTE 10 – RELATED PARTIES TRANSACTIONS (continued)

 

Other receivable – related parties

 

At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, other receivable – related parties consisted of the following:

 

   March 31,
2016
   December 31, 2015 
Advance to Zhiyan Lin (1)  $3,861,722   $3,836,258 
Advance to Honghong Zhuo (2)   2,550,685    4,051,269 
Xiaomei Yang (3)   99    - 
   $6,412,506   $7,887,527 

 

(1)Zhiyan Lin is a shareholder and legal representative of Pingtan Fishing.
(2)Honghong Zhuo is daughter of Xinrong Zhuo.
(3)Xiaomei Yang is a niece of Xinrong Zhuo.

 

In connection with the termination of VIE structure and to comply with PRC regulation, the Company paid RMB 83 million in total, which is Pingtan Fishing’s registered capital, to Pingtan Fishing’s Shareholders to transfer their 100% of equity interest of Pingtan Fishing to Fujian Heyue, the Company’s subsidiary pursuant to the Equity Transfer Agreement dated February 9, 2015. Those payments will be returned in full to the Company within one year.

 

Accounts payable - related parties

 

At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, accounts payable - related parties consisted of the following:

 

Name of related party  March 31,
2016
   December 31, 2015 
Hong Long  $202,729   $408,631 
Hong Fa Shipping Limited   873,999    - 
   $1,076,728   $408,631 

 

These accounts payable – related parties’ amounts are short-term in nature, non-interest bearing, unsecured and payable on demand.

 

Due to related parties

 

At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the due to related parties amount consisted of the following:

 

   March 31,
2016
   December 31, 2015 
Advance from Xinrong Zhuo, Chief Executive Officer  $1,290   $1,361,290 
Accrued compensation for Xinrong Zhuo   3,354    3,354 
Accrued compensation for Roy Yu, Chief Financial Officer   20,000    20,000 
   $24,644   $1,384,644 

 

The advance from Xinrong Zhuo, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, is for working capital purpose and short-term in nature, non-interest bearing, unsecured and payable on demand.

 

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PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2016

 

NOTE 10 – RELATED PARTIES TRANSACTIONS (continued)

 

Purchases from related parties

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, purchases from related parties were as follows:

 

   Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   2016   2015 
Purchase of fuel, fishing nets and other on-board consumables        
from Hong Fa Shipping Limited  $2,723,153   $3,055,897 
from Haifeng Dafu Enterprise Co., Ltd.   12,003    - 
from Hai Yi Shipping Ltd.   3,133,860    - 
    5,869,016    3,055,897 
Purchase of transportation service          
from Fuzhou Honglong Ocean Fishery Co., Ltd.  $-   $168,520 

 

Operating lease

 

On July 31, 2012, the Company entered into a lease for office space with Ping Lin, spouse of the Company’s CEO, (the “Office Lease”). Pursuant to the Office Lease, annual payments of RMB 84,000 (approximately $13,000) were due for each year of the term. The term of the Office Lease was 3 years and expired on August 1, 2015. On August 1, 2015, the Company renewed the Office Lease. Pursuant to the renewed Office Lease, the annual rent is RMB 84,000 (approximately $13,000). The term of the renewed Office Lease is 1 year and expires on August 1, 2016.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, rent expense related to the Office Lease amounted $3,211 and $3,423, respectively.

 

Future minimum rental payment required under the Office Lease is as follows:

 

Twelve-month period Ending March 31:  Amount 
2017  $4,282 

 

Rental and related administrative service agreement

 

On July 1, 2013, the Company entered into a service agreement with Hai Yi Shipping Limited that provided the Company a portion of use of premises located in Hong Kong as office and provided related administrative service (the “Service Agreement”). Pursuant to the Service Agreement, monthly payments of Hong Kong Dollar (“HK$”) HK$298,500 (approximately $38,000) were due for each month of the term. The term of the Service Agreement was 1.5 years and expired on December 31, 2014. The Company renewed the Service Agreement. Pursuant to the renewed Service Agreement, the monthly payments are HK$298,500 (approximately $38,000) and the renewed Service Agreement expires on December 31, 2016. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, rent expense and corresponding administrative service charge related to the Service Agreement amounted to $115,340 and $115,602, respectively.

 

Future minimum rental and related administrative service charge payment required under the Service Agreement is as follows:

 

Twelve-month period ending March 31:  Amount 
2017  $345,602 

 

 20 
 

 

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2016

 

NOTE 11 – BANK LOANS

 

Short-term bank loans

 

Short-term bank loans represent the amounts due to various banks that are due within one year. These loans can be renewed with the banks upon maturities. At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, short-term bank loans consisted of the following:

 

   March 31,
2016
   December 31, 2015 
Loan from China Development Bank, due on February 11, 2016 with variable annual interest rate based on London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”)(1) plus 245 basis points (3.395% at December 31, 2015), guaranteed by Xinrong Zhuo, Honghong Zhuo, Zhiyan Lin and Shuhui Ke and repaid on due date  $-   $7,000,000 
           
Loan from China Development Bank, due on November 25, 2016 with variable annual interest rate based on LIBOR(1) plus 230 basis points (2.941% at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015), secured by the Company’s restricted cash which is a deposit with the lender of approximately $0.8 million  (RMB 5.12 million) and collateralized by a related party’s land use right   4,000,000    4,000,000 
           
Loan from China Development Bank, due on December 9, 2016 with variable annual interest rate based on LIBOR(1) plus 230 basis points (3.049% at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015), secured by the Company’s restricted cash which is a deposit with the lender of approximately $0.8 million (RMB 5.12 million) and collateralized by a related party’s land use right   4,000,000    4,000,000 
           
 Loan from Fujian Haixia Bank, due on September 7, 2016 with annual interest rate of 7.360% at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, collateralized by Pingtan Fishing's 17 fishing vessels   4,652,678    4,621,998 
           
 Loan from Fujian Haixia Bank, due on September 20, 2016 with annual interest rate of 1.621% at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, collateralized by Pingtan Fishing’s 17 fishing vessels   2,349,440    2,349,440 
           

Loan from China Development Bank, due on March 21, 2017 with variable annual interest rate based on LIBOR(1) plus 230 basis points (3.211% at March 31, 2016), secured by the Company’s restricted cash which is a deposit with the lender of approximately $0.6 million (RMB 4 million) and collateralized by a related party’s land use right

   3,000,000    - 
   $18,002,118   $21,971,438 

 

(1)Represents six-month LIBOR rate on the loan commencement date.

 

 21 
 

 

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2016

 

NOTE 11 – BANK LOANS (continued)

 

Long-term bank loans

 

Long-term bank loans represent the amounts due to various banks lasting over one year. Usually, the long-term bank loans cannot be renewed with these banks upon maturities. At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, long-term bank loans consisted of the following:

 

   March 31,
2016
   December 31, 2015 
 Loan from The Export-Import Bank of China, due on various dates until December 10, 2017 with annual interest rate of 4.750% and 4.750% at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, collateralized by Hong Long's investment in equity interest of a China local bank  $11,910,855   $11,832,314 
           
 Loan from The Export-Import Bank of China, due on various dates until December 10, 2017 with annual interest rate of 4.750% and 4.750% at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, collateralized by Fujian International Trading and Transportation Co., Ltd.'s investment in equity interest of a China local bank   2,326,339    2,310,999 
           
 Loan from The Export-Import Bank of China, due on various dates until December 10, 2017 with annual interest rate of 4.750% and 4.750% at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, guaranteed by Hong Long   10,003,257    9,937,295 
           
 Loan from China Development Bank, due on various dates until November 27, 2023 with annual interest rate of 5.145% at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, guaranteed by Xinrong Zhuo, Honghong Zhuo, Mr. and Mrs. Zhiyan Lin and 6 fishing vessels   11,243,971    11,169,827 
           
Total long-term bank loans  $35,484,422   $35,250,435 
Less: current portion   (12,763,846)   (12,679,680)
Long-term bank loans, non-current portion  $22,720,576   $22,570,755 

 

The future maturities of long-term bank loans are as follows:

 

Due in twelve-month periods ending March 31,  Principal 
2017  $12,763,846 
2018   13,958,033 
2019   1,395,803 
2020   1,473,348 
2021   1,550,893 
Thereafter   4,342,499 
   $35,484,422 
Less: current portion   (12,763,846)
Long-term liability  $22,720,576 

 

The weighted average interest rate for short-term bank loans was approximately 5.6% and 2.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

The weighted average interest rate for long-term bank loans was approximately 5.0% and 6.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, interest expense related to bank loans amounted to $635,745 and $953,644, respectively, of which, $113,479 and $0 was capitalized to construction-in-progress, respectively.

 

 22 
 

 

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2016

 

NOTE 12 – ACCRUED LIABILITIES AND OTHER PAYABLES

 

At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, accrued liabilities and other payables consisted of the following:

 

   March 31,
2016
   December 31, 2015 
Accrued salaries and related benefits  $4,336,774   $4,935,942 
Accrued interest due   87,416    6,635 
Other   139,071    101,472 
   $4,563,261   $5,044,049 

 

NOTE 13 – SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

Warrants

 

An aggregate of 30,329,883 ordinary shares and 3,966,667 warrants were originally issued by CGEI to Chum Capital Group Limited, in connection with a private placement prior to CGEI’s initial public offering, and that became exercisable for the Company’s ordinary shares beginning on March 27, 2013 (the “Sponsor Warrants”). The Sponsor Warrants have been registered for resale by the selling security-holders under Form S-3 filed on June 17, 2013 and declared effective on June 19, 2013. On June 2, 2011, the Company sold 5,000,000 units, at an offering price of $10.00 per unit, generating gross proceeds of $50,000,000. Each unit consists of one ordinary share, $0.001 par value, of the Company and one purchase warrant. Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase from the Company one ordinary share at an exercise price of $12.00 commencing upon the completion of a business combination and expiring five years from the consummation of a business combination. The Company also registered an aggregate of 8,966,667 ordinary shares that are issuable by the Company upon exercise of the 3,966,667 Sponsor Warrants and 5,000,000 warrants that were issued in the CGEI’s initial public offering (the “Public Warrants”) and that became exercisable upon the consummation of the transactions contemplated by that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 24, 2012, between CGEI, CDGC, China Growth Dredging Sub Ltd. and Xinrong Zhuo and by that certain Share Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 24, 2012, between CGEI and Merchant Supreme.

 

Each Public Warrants and Sponsor Warrant (the “Warrants”) entitles the registered holder thereof to purchase one of the Company’s ordinary shares upon payment of the exercise price of $12.00 per share.

 

The Sponsor Warrants are identical to the Public Warrants except that the Sponsor Warrants will be exercisable for cash or on a cashless basis, at the holder’s option, and will not be redeemable by the Company, in each case so long as they are still held by these purchases or their transferees.

 

In accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company accounted for the Warrants as equity instruments.

 

There were no stock warrants issued, expired/terminated/forfeited, exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2016.

 

The following table summarizes the shares of the Company’s ordinary stock issuable upon exercise of warrants outstanding and exercisable at March 31, 2016:

 

Warrants outstanding   Warrants exercisable 
Exercise price   Number outstanding at March 31, 2016   Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)   Weighted average exercise price   number exercisable at March 31, 2016   Weighted average exercise price 
$12.00    8,966,667    1.9   $12.00    8,966,667   $12.00 

 

 23 
 

 

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2016

 

NOTE 13 – SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (continued)

 

Statutory reserve

 

Pingtan Guansheng, Fujian Heyue, Pingtan Fishing, Pingtan Dingxin, Pingtan Duoying and Pingtan Ruiying operate in the PRC, are required to reserve 10% of their net profits after income tax, as determined in accordance with the PRC accounting rules and regulations. Appropriation to the statutory reserve by the Company is based on profit arrived at under PRC accounting standards for business enterprises for each year. The statutory reserves of the Company represent the statutory reserves of the above-mentioned companies as required under the PRC law

 

The profit arrived at must be set off against any accumulated losses sustained by the Company in prior years, before allocation is made to the statutory reserve. Appropriation to the statutory reserve must be made before distribution of dividends to shareholders. The appropriation is required until the statutory reserve reaches 50% of the registered capital. This statutory reserve is not distributable in the form of cash dividends. As of December 31, 2015, the Company appropriated the required 50% of its registered capital to statutory reserve for Heyue. Accordingly, no additional statutory reserve for Heyue is required for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The Company did not make any appropriation to statutory reserve for Pingtan Fishing during the three months ended March 31, 2016 as it incurred a net loss in the period.

 

Pingtan Guansheng, Pingtan Dingxin, Pingtan Duoying and Pingtan Ruiying had sustained losses since their establishments. No appropriation to statutory reserves for them was required as they incurred recurring net losses.

 

NOTE 14 – CERTAIN RISKS AND CONCENTRATIONS

 

Credit risk

 

At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company’s cash included bank deposits in accounts maintained within the PRC and Hong Kong where there are currently no rules or regulations in place for obligatory insurance to cover bank deposits in event of bank failure. However, the Company does not experience any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant risks on its cash in bank accounts.

 

Major customers

 

The following table sets forth information as to each customer that accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s sales for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015.

 

   Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
Customer  2016   2015 
A   *    10%

 

*less than 10%

 

Major suppliers

 

The following table sets forth information as to each supplier that accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s inventories purchases for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015.

 

   Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
Supplier  2016   2015 
A (Hai Yi Shipping Ltd., a related party)   42%   * 
B (Hong Fa Shipping Limited, a related party)   36%   56%
C (PT Avona Mina Lestari, a related party)   17%   17%

 

*less than 10%

 

 24 
 

 

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2016

 

NOTE 15 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Severance payments

 

The Company has employment agreements with certain employees that provided severance payments upon termination of employment under certain circumstances, as defined in the applicable agreements. The Company has estimated its possible severance payments of approximately $10,000 as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, which have not been reflected in its consolidated financial statements

 

Class action

 

On January 14, 2015, a purported class action was filed by Paul Fila, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, against the Company and certain of its executive officers and directors in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. As with any litigation proceeding, the Company cannot predict with certainty the eventual outcome of any outstanding legal actions. The Company expects to incur expenses in connection with the defense of this lawsuit, and it may have to pay damages or settlement costs in connection with any resolution thereof.

 

Operating lease

 

See note 10 for related party operating lease commitment.

 

Rental payment and related administrative service charge

 

See note 10 for related party rental and related administrative service agreement commitment.

 

Equity investment commitment

 

On June 12, 2014, Pingtan Fishing incorporated an equity investment with two companies for the fishery processing purpose. Total registered capital of the equity investment is approximately $155.1 million (RMB 1 billion) and Pingtan Fishing accounted for 35% of the total ownership. Accordingly, Pingtan Fishing has the obligation to contribute RMB 350 million as the equity investment’s registered capital. In the fourth quarter of 2015, Pingtan fishing transferred 15% of the total ownership to another shareholder of the fishery processing company. Therefore, Pingtan Fishing has the obligation to contribute approximately $31.0 million (RMB 200 million) as the equity investment’s registered capital. As of March 31, 2016, the Pingtan Fishing has contributed approximately RMB 198 million (approximately $30.7 million) as registered capital that was recorded as equity method investment on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Pingtan Fishing intends to use its present working capital together with bank loans to fund the project cost

 

Fishing vessels construction agreements

 

In December 2015, Hong Long entered into an agreement with Fujian Xinchang Ship Construction Co., Ltd. (“Xinchang”) related to the construction of 4 fishing vessels (“Xinchang Construction Agreement”). The agreement expires in October 2016. In March 2016, Pingtan Fishing and Hong Long and Xinchang entered into a Three-party Agreement. According to the Three-party Agreement, Hong Long assigned all of its rights and obligations related to the Xinchang Construction Agreement to Pingtan Fishing. The project requires a total investment of RMB 140 million (approximately $21.7 million). The funds are required to be invested over the construction period of the project. As of March 31, 2016, Pingtan Fishing has paid RMB 77.5 million (approximately $12.0 million) of the total investment that was recorded as property, plant and equipment (construction-in-progress) and prepayment for long-term assets on the accompanying balance sheets.

 

In December 2015, Hong Long entered into an agreement with Huanghai Ship Construction Co., Ltd. (“Huanghai”) related to the construction of 2 fishing vessels (“Huanghai Construction Agreement”). The agreement expires in October 2016. In March 2016, Pingtan Fishing and Hong Long and Huanghai entered into a Three-party Agreement. According to the Three-party Agreement, Hong Long assigned all of its rights and obligations related to the Huanghai Construction Agreement to Pingtan Fishing. The project requires a total investment of RMB 90 million (approximately $14.0 million). The funds are required to be invested over the construction period of the project. As of March 31, 2016, Pingtan Fishing has paid RMB 54 million (approximately $8.4 million) of the total investment that was recorded as property, plant and equipment (construction-in-progress) and prepayment for long-term assets on the accompanying balance sheets.

 

NOTE 16 – SUBSEQUENT EVENT

 

On April 19, 2016, the Company signed a loan agreement with China Development Bank and borrowed $4.5 million from the bank. The loan is due on April 18, 2017 with variable annual interest rate based on six-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 230 basis points, secured by the Company’s restricted cash which is a deposit with the lender of RMB 6 million (approximately $0.9 million) and collateralized by a related party’s land use right. 

 

 25 
 

 

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

 

The following discussion and analysis of the results of operations and financial condition of Pingtan Marine Enterprise Ltd. for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 should be read in conjunction with the Pingtan Marine Enterprise Ltd. unaudited financial statements and the notes thereto contained elsewhere in this report. Our discussion includes forward-looking statements based upon current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties, such as our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those set forth under the Risk Factors, Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Business sections in our Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 9, 2016. We use words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “continuing,” “ongoing,” “expect,” “believe,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements.

 

References to the “Company,” “us” or “we” refer to Pingtan Marine Enterprise Ltd. All amounts expressed below are in US dollars.

 

Overview

 

We are a marine enterprises group primarily engaging in ocean fishing through our PRC operating subsidiary, Fujian Provincial Pingtan County Ocean Fishing Group Co., Ltd., or Pingtan Fishing. We harvest a variety of fish species with many of our-owned or licensed vessels operating within the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone, the Arafura Sea of Indonesia and the Western and Central Pacific Ocean of the international waters. We provide high quality seafood to a diverse group of customers including distributors, restaurant owners and exporters in the PRC.

 

In June 2013, we expanded our fleet from 40 to 86 vessels through a purchase of 46 fishing trawlers for a total consideration of $410.1 million. We began operating these vessels in the third quarter of 2013 and have been entitled to net profits from their operation. Each vessel carries a crew of 10 to 15 persons. These vessels have resulted in additional carrying capacity of approximately 45,000 to 50,000 tons of fish.

 

In September 2013, we further increased our fleet to 106 vessels with the acquisition of 20 newly-built fishing trawlers. At full operation, each vessel is capable of harvesting 900 to 1,000 tons of fish.

 

On December 4, 2013, in connection with the sale of CDGC to Hong Long, a related party, we acquired 25-year operating license rights in connection with the lease of 20 fishing drifters for the appraised fair market value of approximately $216.1 million, whereby we are entitled to 100% of the operations and net profits (losses) from the vessels for the term of the lease.

 

In September 2014, we further expanded our fleet to 129 vessels with the addition of 3 newly-built fishing trawlers. At full operation, each vessel is capable of harvesting 2,000 tons of fish.

 

In June 2015, we purchased 4 longline fishing vessels and 2 squid jigging vessels for the appraised fair market value of approximately $56.2 million. These vessels are primarily focused on catching tuna and squid.

 

In addition to acquisitions of new vessels, we also strengthen our fleet by continuously upgrading and renovating our existing vessels. In 2015, 13 aged fishing vessels were dismantled and replaced by 13 newly-built fishing vessels.

 

As of March 31, 2016, we own 107 trawlers, 4 longline fishing vessels, 2 squid jigging vessels and 2 drifters and have exclusive operating license rights to 20 drifters. We are the second largest China based fishery company operating its vessels outside of China waters and our fleet has an average remaining useful life of approximately 12 years. These vessels are fully licensed to fish in Indonesian, Indian, or Western and Central Pacific Ocean of the international waters. Among the 135 fishing vessels, 117 of these vessels are licensed to operate in the Arafura Sea in Indonesia but temporarily not operating due to the moratorium discussed below, 12 vessels are operating in the Bay of Bengal in India, and the remaining 6 are licensed to operate in international waters and will be replaced by 6 new vessels which are in construction.

 

We catch nearly 30 different species of fish including ribbon fish, Indian white shrimp, croaker fish, pomfret, Spanish mackerel, conger eel, squid and red snapper. All of our catch is shipped back to China. Our fishing vessels transport frozen catch to a cold storage warehouse at nearby onshore fishing bases. We then arrange periodic chartered transportation ships to deliver frozen stocks to three cold storage warehouses located in one of China’s largest seafood trading centers, Mawei Seafood Market in Fujian Province.

 

 26 
 

 

We derive our revenue primarily from the sale of frozen seafood products. We sell our products directly to customers including distributors, restaurant owners and exporters. Most of our customers have long-term, trustworthy and cooperative relationships with us. Our existing customers also introduce new customers to us from time to time. Our operating results are subject to seasonal variations. Harvest volume is the highest in the fourth quarter of the year while harvest volumes in the second and third quarters are relatively low due to the spawn season of certain fish species, including ribbon fish, cuttlefish, pomfret, and calamari. Based on past experiences, demand for seafood products is the highest from December to January, during Chinese New Year. We believe that our profitability and growth are dependent on the termination of the Indonesian moratorium discussed below and our ability to expand our customer base.

 

Significant factors affecting our results of operations

 

  The Indonesian government's recent moratorium on fishing licenses renewals: In early December 2014, the Indonesian government introduced a six-month moratorium on issuing new fishing licenses and renewals so that the country’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (“MMAF”) could monitor the operations of existing fleets and to fight illegal fishing activities. As a result, all licensed fishing vessels operating in Indonesian waters have been informed by the Indonesian government to operate within strict guidelines and subsequently to cease operation, in order to avoid potential enforcement actions, such as boat seizures, by the Indonesian Navy. We currently operate 135 fishing vessels and 117 of these vessels operate in the Arafura Sea of Indonesia. To cooperate and comply with the Indonesian government’s fishing license check procedures, in January 2015, we lowered our operation to approximately half of our normal level. Since February 2015, we have ceased operations in the Indonesian waters. Since we derive a majority of our revenue from this area, this ban has caused a significant drop in our production. In November 2015, the Indonesian government announced that the moratorium had concluded. Our expectation is that the MMAF will implement new fishing policies and resume the license renewal process although this has not yet occurred. In the interim, our financial results will continue to be materially adversely affected by this moratorium. To satisfy our customers’ demand, we purchased fish from a third party and resell to our customers which generated a positive gross margin. The positive gross margin in the reselling activities partially offset the decrease in our overall gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

 

Governmental policies: Fishing is a highly regulated industry and our operations require licenses and permits. Our ability to obtain, sustain or renew such licenses and permits on acceptable terms is subject to changes in regulations and policies and is at the discretion of the applicable government agencies. Our inability to obtain, or loss or denial of extensions to, any of our applicable licenses or permits could hamper our ability to generate revenue from our operations.

 

Resource & environmental factors: Our fishing expeditions are based in India and Indonesia and Western and Central Pacific Ocean of the international waters. Any earthquake, tsunami, adverse weather or oceanic conditions or other calamities in such areas may result in disruption to our operations and could adversely affect our sales. Adverse weather conditions such as storms, cyclones and typhoons or cataclysmic events may also decrease the volume of fish catches or may even hamper our operations. Our fishing volumes may also be adversely affected by major climatic disruptions such as El Nino, which in the past has caused significant decreases in seafood catch worldwide. Besides weather patterns, other unpredictable factors, such as fish migration, may also have impact our harvest volume.

 

Fluctuation on fuel prices: Our operations may be adversely affected by fluctuations in fuel prices. Changes in fuel prices may result in increases in the selling prices of our products, and may, in turn, adversely affect our sales volume, revenue and operating profit.

 

Competition: We engage in the business in the Arafura Sea of Indonesia, the Bay of Bengal in India and the Western and Central Pacific Ocean of the international waters. Competition within our dedicated fishing areas is not currently significant as the region is not overfished or regulated by government limits on the number of vessels that are allowed to fish in the territories; however, there is no guarantee that competition will not become more intense. Competition in the consumer market in China, however, is keen. We compete with other fishing companies which offer similar and varied products. There is significant demand for fish in the Chinese market. Our catch appeals to a wide segment of consumers because of the low price points of our products. We have been able to sell our catch at market prices and such market prices have generally been increasing since 2012.

 

Fishing licenses: Each of our fishing vessels requires approval from the Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China to carry out ocean fishing projects in foreign territories. These approvals are valid for a period of three to twelve months, and are awarded to us at no cost. We apply for the renewal of the approval prior to expiration to avoid interruptions of our fishing vessels’ operations. Each of our fishing vessels operating in Indonesian waters requires a fishing license granted by the authority in Indonesia. Indonesian fishing licenses remain effective for a period of twelve months and we apply for renewal upon expiration.

 

 27 
 

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Comparison of results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015

 

Revenue

 

We recognize revenue from sales of frozen fish and other marine catches when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the price to the customer is fixed or determinable, and collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured.

 

With respect to the sales to third party customers the majority of whom are sole proprietor regional wholesalers in China, we recognize revenue when customers receive purchased goods at our cold storage warehouse, after payment is received or credit sale is approved for recurring customers with excellent payment histories.

 

We do not offer promotional payments, customer coupons, rebates or other cash redemption offers to customers. We do not accept returns from customers. Deposits or advance payments from customers prior to delivery of goods are recorded as advances from customers.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, our revenue by species of fish was as follows (dollars in thousands, except for average price):

 

   Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 
   Revenue   Volume (KG)   Average price   Percentage of revenue 
Croaker fish  $2,084    759,263   $2.75    50.7%
Ribbon fish   1,009    342,280    2.95    24.5%
Squid   390    423,588    0.92    9.5%
Reefcod   369    133,017    2.77    9.0%
Shrimp   109    21,864    4.98    2.6%
Conger eel   38    12,628    3.00    0.9%
Others   116    47,705    2.44    2.8%
Total  $4,115    1,740,345   $2.36    100.0%

 

   Three Months ended March 31, 2015 
   Revenue   Volume (KG)   Average price   Percentage of revenue 
Croaker fish  $11,814    3,897,132   $3.03    41.1%
Ribbon fish   7,846    3,283,686    2.39    27.3%
Pomfret   2,649    971,490    2.73    9.2%
Spanish mackerel   1,479    446,925    3.31    5.2%
Conger eel   1,363    660,745    2.06    4.7%
Squid   1,146    392,717    2.92    4.0%
Others   2,436    882,631    2.76    8.5%
Total  $28,733    10,535,326   $2.73    100.0%

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2016, we had revenue of $4,115,098, as compared to revenue of $28,732,824 for the three months ended March 31, 2015, a decrease of $24,617,726, or 85.7%. Sales volumes in the three months ended March 31, 2016 decreased 83.5% to 1,740,345 kg from 10,535,326 kg in the three months ended March 31, 2015. Average unit sale price decreased 13.6% in the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015, which was primarily due to the different sales mix.

 

Our decrease in revenue is attributable to the fact that, in early December 2014, the Indonesian government introduced a six-month moratorium on issuing new fishing licenses and renewals so that the country’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (“MMAF”) could monitor the operations of existing fleets and to fight illegal fishing activities. As a result, all licensed fishing vessels operating in the Indonesian waters have been informed by the Indonesian government to operate within strict guidelines and subsequently to cease operation, in order to avoid potential enforcement actions, such as boat seizures, by the Indonesian Navy. We have temporarily ceased operations in the Indonesian waters since February 2015.

 

 28 
 

 

Among our 135 fishing vessels, 117 are licensed to operate in the Arafura Sea of Indonesia subject to the moratorium. To cooperate and comply with the Indonesian government’s fishing license check procedures, in January 2015, we lowered our operation to approximately half of our normal level. Since February 2015, we have temporarily ceased operations in the Indonesian waters. Since we derive a majority of our revenue from this area, this temporary ban has caused a significant drop in our production. As a result, our sales for the three months ended March 31, 2016 decreased significantly as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015. In November 2015, the Indonesian government announced that the moratorium had concluded. Our expectation is that the MMAF will implement new fishing policies and resume the license renewal process although this has not yet occurred. In the interim, our financial results will continue to be materially adversely affected by this moratorium. To satisfy our customers’ demand, we purchased fish from a third party and resell to our customers which generated a positive gross margin. The positive gross margin in the reselling activities partially offset the decrease in our overall gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

 

Cost of revenue

 

Our cost of revenue primarily consists of fuel costs, freight, direct labor costs, depreciation, fishing vessels maintenance fees, other overhead costs, and purchase cost for reselling fish. Fuel costs generally accounted for the majority of our cost of revenue. The following table sets forth our cost of revenue information, both in amounts and as a percentage of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands): 

   Three Months Ended March 31, 
   2016   2015 
   Amount   % of cost of revenue   % of
revenue
   Amount   % of cost of revenue   % of
revenue
 
Fuel cost  $4,592    61.7%   111.6%  $8,380    48.5%   29.2%
Depreciation   1,146    15.4%   27.8%   1,468    8.5%   5.1%
Labor cost   1,002    13.5%   24.4%   4,035    23.4%   14.0%
Spare parts   140    1.9%   3.4%   752    4.4%   2.6%
Freight   63    0.9%   1.5%   1,449    8.4%   5.1%
Maintenance fee   4    0.1%   0.1%   432    2.5%   1.5%
Fishing license and agent fee   -    -    -    750    4.3%   2.6%
Other *   481    6.5%   11.7%   -    -    - 
Total cost of revenue  $7,428    100.0%   180.5%  $17,266    100.0%   60.1%

 

*Represents the cost of fish purchased from third parties to satisfy our customers’ demand.

 

Cost of revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was $7,427,810, representing a decrease of $9,838,479 or 57.0% as compared to $17,266,289 for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The decrease was primarily attributable to the decrease in our revenue, offset by the increase in our unit production cost.

 

Gross (loss) profit

 

Our gross (loss) profit is affected primarily by changes in production costs and purchase price for our reselling fish. Fuel cost, depreciation, and labor cost together account for about 90.6% and 80.4% of cost of revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The fluctuation of fuel price, exchange rate, and unit purchase price for fish which we purchase from a third party to resell to our customers may significantly affect our cost level and gross (loss) profit.

 

The following table sets forth information as to our revenue, cost of revenue, gross (loss) profit and gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015.

 

   Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   2016   2015 
Revenue  $4,115,098   $28,732,824 
Cost of revenue  $7,427,810   $17,266,289 
Gross (loss) profit  $(3,312,712)  $11,466,535 
Gross margin   (80.5)%   39.9%

 

 29 
 

 

Gross loss for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was $3,312,712, representing a change of $14,779,247 or 128.9% as compared to gross profit of $11,466,535 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 due to the moratorium described above. Gross margin decreased to (80.5)% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 from 39.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2015.

 

The significant decrease in gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015 were primarily attributable to the reduced scale of operations resulting in lower revenue, which is reflected in the allocation of fixed costs, mainly consisting of depreciation, to cost of revenue; partially offset by the positive gross margin from our fish resale activities. We expect that our gross margin will remain at its current level in the near future and we can only improve our gross margin by increasing our production.

 

 Selling expense

 

Our selling expense mainly includes storage fees, insurance, shipping and handling fees, customs service charge, advertising expenses and vessels’ examination fees. Our sales activities are conducted through direct selling by our internal sales staff. Because of the strong demand for our products and services, we do not have to aggressively market and distribute our products, thus our selling expense have been relatively small as a percentage of our revenue.

 

Selling expense totaled $343,020 for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to $705,520 for the three months ended March 31, 2015, a decrease of $362,500 or 51.4%. Selling expense as a percentage of revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2016 increased to 8.3% from 2.5% for comparable period in 2015, which was mainly attributable to the increase in insurance cost for fishing vessels due to the increase in insured fishing vessels. Selling expense for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 consisted of the following:

 

   Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   2016   2015 
Insurance  $147,815   $88,301 
Storage fees   85,817    318,863 
Shipping and handling fees   76,547    159,341 
Advertising   -    65,191 
Other   32,841    73,824 
   $343,020   $705,520 

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2016, insurance increased by $59,514, or 67.4%, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015. The increase was primarily attributable to the increase in insured fishing vessels.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2016, storage fees decreased by $233,046, or 73.1%, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015. The decrease was primarily attributable to the decrease in our storage area resulting from the decreased inventories.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2016, shipping and handling fees decreased by $82,794, or 52.0%, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015. The decrease was mainly attributable to the decrease in our sales.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2016, we did not incur any advertising expenses. While we incurred $65,191 advertising fees to enhance our visibility.

 

Other selling expense, which primarily consisted of customs service charge, for the three months ended March 31, 2016 decreased by $40,983, or 55.5%, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015, due to the decreased oversea fishing activities.

 

 30 
 

 

General and administrative expense

 

General and administrative expense totaled $1,467,471 for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to $1,444,214 for the three months ended March 31, 2015, an increase of $23,257 or 1.6%. General and administrative expense for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 consisted of the following:

 

   Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   2016   2015 
Professional fees  $462,690   $511,103 
Compensation and related benefits   357,611    366,122 
Bad debt expense   277,982    160,765 
Rent and related administrative service charge   118,551    119,025 
Travel and entertainment   19,585    55,827 
Other   231,052    231,372 
   $1,467,471   $1,444,214 

 

Professional fees, which primarily consist of legal fees, accounting fees, investor relations services charge, valuation service fees and other fees associated with being a public company, for the three months ended March 31, 2016 decreased by $48,413, or 9.5%, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015. The decrease in the three months ended March 31, 2016 was primarily attributable to a decrease in valuation service fees of approximately $44,000, a decrease in investor relations services charge of approximately $19,000, offset by an increase in stock transfer agent service fees of approximately $10,000 and an increase in other miscellaneous items of approximately $5,000.

 

Compensation and related benefits remained roughly consistent for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2016, we recorded bad debt expense of $277,982 as compared to $160,765 for the three months ended March 31, 2015. Based on our periodic review of accounts receivable balances, we adjusted the allowance for doubtful accounts after considering management’s evaluation of the collectability of individual receivable balances, including the analysis of subsequent collections, the customers’ collection history, and recent economic events.

 

Rent and related administrative service charge remained consistent for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2016, travel and entertainment expense decreased by $36,242, or 64.9% as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015. The decrease was mainly attributable to a decrease in travel for investor road shows and conferences of approximately $24,000, and a decrease in entertainment expense of approximately $12,000 resulting from the decrease in entertainment activities incurred in 2016 period.

 

Other general and administrative expense, which primarily consist of communication fees, office supply, depreciation, miscellaneous taxes, and bank service charges. Other general and administrative expense remained roughly consistent for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015.

 

(Loss) income from operations

 

As a result of the factors described above, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, loss from operations amounted to $5,123,203, as compared to income from operations of $9,316,801 for the three months ended March 31, 2015, a change of $14,440,004, or 155.0%.

 

Other income (expense)

 

Other income/expense mainly include interest income from bank deposits, interest expense generated from short-term and long-term bank borrowings, foreign currency transaction gain, and grant income from Chinese government.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2016, other expense, net, amounted to $355,234 as compared to $900,539 for the three months ended March 31, 2015, a decrease of $545,305, or 60.6%, which was primarily attributable to a decrease in interest expense of approximately $431,000 mainly due to the decrease in our interest bearing bank loans, and an increase in grant income from Chinese government of approximately $154,000, offset by a decrease in interest income of approximately $17,000, a decrease in foreign currency transaction gain of approximately $17,000, and an increase in loss on equity method investment of approximately $7,000.

 

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The grant income represents an incentive granted by the Chinese government to encourage the development of ocean fishing industry in order to satisfy the increased demand of natural seafood in China.

 

Income taxes

 

We are exempted from income taxes for income generated from our ocean fishing operations in China for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, income taxes expense was $413 which was generated by Heyue’s taxable income from fish reselling activities. Since February 2015, we have temporarily ceased fishing operations in Indonesian waters due to the Indonesian government’s moratorium described in elsewhere in this report. In order to satisfy our customers’ demand, Heyue purchased fish from a third party and resold to our customers. We need pay income taxes for our fish reselling operations.

 

Net (loss) income

 

As a result of the factors described above, our net loss was $5,478,850 for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared with net income of $8,416,262 for the three months ended March 31, 2015, a change of $13,895,112 or 165.1%.

 

Net (loss) income attributable to owners of the Company

 

The net loss attributable to owners of the Company was $5,100,379, or $(0.06) per ordinary share (basic and diluted) for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared with net income attributable to owners of the Company of $8,223,247, or $0.10 per ordinary share (basic and diluted) for the three months ended March 31, 2015, a change of $13,323,626 or 162.0%.

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

  

Our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. The functional currency of our parent company and subsidiaries of Merchant Supreme and Prime Cheer is the U.S. dollar and the functional currency of the Company’s subsidiaries which are incorporated in China is the Chinese Renminbi (“RMB”). The financial statements of our subsidiaries which are incorporated in China are translated to U.S. dollars using period end rates of exchange for assets and liabilities, and average rates of exchange (for the period) for revenue, costs, and expenses. Net gains and losses resulting from foreign exchange transactions are included in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. As a result of foreign currency translations, which are a non-cash adjustment, we reported a foreign currency translation gain of $879,423 for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to $646,756 for the three months ended March 31, 2015. This non-cash gain had the effect of decreasing/increasing our reported comprehensive loss/income.

 

Comprehensive (loss) income

 

As a result of our foreign currency translation adjustment, we had comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 31, 2016 of $4,599,427, compared to comprehensive income of $9,063,018 for the three months ended March 31, 2015.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

Liquidity is the ability of a company to generate funds to support its current and future operations, satisfy its obligations and otherwise operate on an ongoing basis. Our principal liquidity demands are based on the capital needs of Pingtan Fishing related to the acquisition or construction of new fishing vessels and continuously upgrading and renovating existing vessels, and our general corporate purposes. We historically relied on cash flow provided by operations and bank loans to supplement our working capital. We also receive government grants as the government incentive for encouraging development of ocean fishing industry. At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we had cash balances of approximately $2,583,000 and $11,449,000, respectively. Significant portion of these funds are located in financial institutions located in China and will continue to be indefinitely reinvested in China operations.

 

The following table sets forth a summary of changes in our working capital from December 31, 2015 to March 31, 2016:

 

           December 31, 2015 to
March 31, 2016
 
   March 31,
2016
   December 31, 2015   Change   Percentage Change 
Working capital:                
Total current assets  $62,838,195   $91,945,902   $(29,107,707)   (31.7)%
Total current liabilities   38,167,562    42,466,795    (4,299,233)   (10.1)%
Working capital:  $24,670,633   $49,479,107   $(24,808,474)   (50.1)%

 

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Our working capital decreased $24,808,474 to $24,670,633 at March 31, 2016 from working capital of $49,479,107 at December 31, 2015. This decrease in working capital is primarily attributable to a decrease in cash of approximately $8,865,000, mainly due to the prepayments made for fishing vessels construction of approximately $20 million and repayments made for short-term bank loans of approximately $7 million, offset by proceeds received from transferring equity method investment share of approximately $15 million and proceeds received from short-term bank borrowings of approximately $3 million, a decrease in accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, of approximately $3,653,000, primarily due to the significant decrease in revenue, a decrease in prepaid expenses – related parties of approximately $1,856,000, a significant decrease in receivable from transferring equity method investment shares of approximately $15,407,000, a decrease in other receivable – related parties of approximately $1,475,000, an increase in accounts payable – related parties of approximately $668,000, an increase in dividend payable of approximately $791,000, offset by an increase in restricted cash of approximately $631,000, an increase in inventories, net of reserve for inventories, of approximately $1,453,000, a decrease in short-term bank loans of approximately $3,969,000, a decrease in accrued liabilities and other payables of approximately $481,000, and a decrease in due to related parties of approximately $1,360,000.

 

Because the exchange rate conversion is different for consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of cash flows, the changes in assets and liabilities reflected on consolidated statements of cash flows are not necessarily identical with the comparable changes reflected on consolidated balance sheets.

 

Cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015

 

The following summarizes the key components of our cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015:

 

   Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   2016   2015 
Net cash provided by operating activities  $624,858   $26,131,969 
Net cash used in investing activities   (4,930,383)   (18,262,946)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities   (4,469,209)   46,462,241 
Effect of exchange rate on cash   (90,453)   296,407 
Net (decrease) increase in cash  $(8,865,187)  $54,627,671 

 

Net cash flow provided by operating activities was $624,858 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to $26,131,969 for the three months ended March 31, 2015, a decrease of $25,507,111.

 

  Net cash flow provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2016 primarily reflected the add-back of non-cash items, consisting of depreciation of approximately $1,683,000, increase in allowance for doubtful accounts of approximately $278,000, increase in reserve for inventories, which reflects the difference between cost and market value, of approximately $1,550,000 due to the higher unit cost resulting from the reduced scale of operations, a loss on equity method investment of approximately $10,000, and changes in operating assets and liabilities primarily consisting of a decrease in accounts receivable of approximately $3,406,000 mainly due to the collections made in 2016, a decrease in advances to suppliers of approximately $171,000, a decrease in prepaid expenses – related parties of approximately $1,861,000, and an increase in accounts payable – related parties of approximately $656,000, offset by our net loss of approximately $5,479,000, and changes in operating assets and liabilities primarily consisting of an increase in inventories of approximately $2,968,000, and a decrease in accrued liabilities and other payables of approximately $507,000.

 

  Net cash flow provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 primarily reflected net income of approximately $8,416,000 and the add-back of non-cash items consisting of depreciation of approximately $1,529,000, an increase in allowance for doubtful accounts of approximately $161,000, and a loss on equity method investment of approximately $3,000 and changes in operating assets and liabilities primarily consisting of a decrease in accounts receivable of approximately $19,795,000 which was primarily attributable to the maturities of 90 days credit term offered to corporate customers in the last quarter of 2014, a decrease in inventories of approximately $7,266,000 due to the decreased fishing activities in 2015, a decrease in deferred expenses – related parties of approximately $472,000, a decrease in other receivables of approximately $165,000, an increase in accounts payable of approximately $122,000 and an increase in accrued liabilities and other payables of approximately $792,000, offset by an increase in prepaid expenses – related parties of approximately $10,140,000 due to the prepayments for fuel costs made to related parties in 2015, a decrease in accounts payable – related parties of approximately $2,308,000 due to the repayments made to our related parties in 2015, and a decrease in advances from customers of approximately $155,000.

 

Net cash flow used in investing activities was $4,930,383 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to net cash flow used in investing activities of $18,262,946 for the three months ended March 31, 2015. During the three months ended March 31, 2016, we made payments for purchase of property, plant and equipment of approximately $113,000, and made prepayments for long-term assets of approximately $20,109,000, offset by proceeds received from transferring equity method investment share of approximately $15,292,000. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we made the payments for equity method investment of approximately $40,744,000 and made payments for purchase of property, plant and equipment of approximately $16,000, offset by refunds received from commercial retail space prepayments of approximately $22,498,000.

 

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Net cash flow used in financing activities was $4,469,209 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to net cash flow provided by financing activities of $46,462,241 for the three months ended March 31, 2015. During three months ended March 31, 2016, we made repayments for short-term bank loans of approximately $7,214,000, and increase in restricted cash of approximately $612,000, offset by proceeds from short-term bank loans of approximately $3,157,000, and advances from related parties of approximately $200,000. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we received proceeds from short-term bank loans of approximately $7,154,000, received advances from related parties of approximately $1,100,000 and received capital contribution from non-controlling interest of approximately $65,191,000, offset by the repayments of short-term bank loans of approximately $6,158,000, repayments of long-term bank loans of approximately $6,507,000 and made cash dividend of approximately $791,000 and made advances to related parties of approximately $13,527,000, in connection with the termination of VIE structure.

 

We have historically funded our capital expenditures through cash flow provided by operations, bank loans and related parties’ advances. As of March 31, 2016, we have contractual commitments of approximately $310,000 (RMB 2 million) related to an equity investment commitment. We intend to fund the costs with our existing working capital and by obtaining financing mainly from local banking institutions with which we have done business in the past. We believe that the relationships with local banks are in good standing. And we have not encountered difficulties in obtaining needed borrowings from local banks. We believe that our available cash together with our cash flow from operations and secured bank financing and/or other third party financing will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash requirements for the next twelve months. 

 

Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

Contractual obligations

 

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

 

The following tables summarize our contractual obligations as of March 31, 2016 (dollars in thousands), and the effect these obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flows in future periods.

 

   Payments Due by Period 
Contractual obligations:  Total   Less than 1 year   1-3 years   3-5 years   5+ years 
Related party office lease obligation  $4   $4   $-   $-   $- 
Related party rental and related administrative service charge obligation   346    346    -    -    - 
Registered capital contribution obligation in equity investment interest   310    -    -    -    310 
6 fishing vessels construction obligation   15,276    15,276                
Short-term bank loans (1)   18,002    18,002    -    -    - 
Long-term bank loans   35,484    12,764    15,354    3,024    4,342 
Total  $69,422   $46,392   $15,354   $3,024   $4,652 

 

  (1) Historically, we have refinanced these short-term bank loans for an additional term of six months to one year and we expect to continue to refinance these loans upon expiration.

 

Off-balance sheet arrangements

 

None.

 

Recent accounting pronouncements

  

In August 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements — Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties About an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern (“ASU 2014-15”).  The guidance in ASU 2014-15 sets forth management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern as well as the related required disclosures. ASU 2014-15 indicates that, when preparing interim and annual financial statements, management should evaluate whether conditions or events, in the aggregate, raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern for one year from the date the financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. This evaluation should include consideration of conditions and events that are either known or are reasonably knowable at the date the financial statements are issued or are available to be issued, and, if applicable, whether it is probable that management’s plans to address the substantial doubt will be implemented and, if so, whether it is probable that the plans will alleviate the substantial doubt. ASU 2014-15 is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and interim periods and annual periods thereafter. Early application is permitted.  We anticipate adopting this update in the quarter ending March 31, 2017 and do not expect the adoption to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

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In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, “Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory” (“ASU 2015-11”). The amendments in this update require an entity to measure inventory within the scope of ASU 2015-11 (the amendments in ASU 2015-11 do not apply to inventory that is measured using last-in, first-out or the retail inventory method. The amendments apply to all other inventory, which includes inventory that is measured using first-in, first-out or average cost) at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. Subsequent measurement is uncharged for inventory measured using last-in, first-out or the retail inventory method. The amendments in ASU 2015-11 more closely align the measurement of inventory in U.S. GAAP with the measurement of inventory in International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). ASU 2015-11 is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments in ASU 2015-11 should be applied prospectively with earlier application permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. 

In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date”, which defers the effective date of ASU 2014-09 for all entities by one year. Public business entities, certain not-for-profit entities, and certain employee benefit plans should apply the guidance in ASU 2014-09 to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. Earlier application is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. 

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, “Business Combination (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments” (“ASU 2015-16”). The amendments in this update require that the acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The acquirer is required to also record, in the same period’s financial statements, the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, if any, as a result of the change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. In addition an entity is required to present separately on the face of the income statement or disclose in the notes to the financial statements the portion of the amount recorded in current-period earnings by line item that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date. ASU 2015-16 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments in ASU 2015-16 should be applied prospectively to adjustments to provisional amounts that occur after the effective date of ASU 2015-16 with earlier application permitted for financial statements that have not been issued. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2015-16 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. 

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes” (“ASU 2015-17”). Topic 740, Income Taxes, requires an entity to separate deferred income tax liabilities and assets into current and noncurrent amounts in a classified statement of financial position. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. Deferred tax liabilities and assets that are not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting are classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference. To simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes, the amendments in ASU 2015-17 require that deferred income tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. For public business entities, the amendments in this update are effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2015-17 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, “Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“ASU 2016-01”). The amendments in this update require all equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income (other than those accounted for under equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee). The amendments in this update also require an entity to present separately in other comprehensive income the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk when the entity has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments. In addition the amendments in this update eliminate the requirement for to disclose the method(s) and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet for public entities. For public business entities, the amendments in ASU 2016-01 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Except for the early application guidance discussed in ASU 2016-01, early adoption of the amendments in this update is not permitted. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2016-01 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic ASC 842) (“ASU 2016-02”). The guidance in ASU 2016-02 supersedes the lease recognition requirements in ASC Topic 840, Leases. ASU 2016-02 sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both parties to a contract (i.e. lessees and lessors). This update requires lessees to apply a dual approach, classifying leases as either finance or operating leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase by the lessee. This classification will determine whether lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method or on a straight line basis over the term of the lease, respectively. A lessee is also required to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term of greater than 12 months regardless of their classification. Leases with a term of 12 months or less will be accounted for similar to existing guidance for operating leases today. This update requires lessors to account for leases using an approach that is substantially equivalent to existing guidance for sales-type leases, direct financing leases and operating leases. The standard is effective on January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. We are in the process of evaluating the impact of this new guidance. 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-07, "Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting." ASU 2016-07 eliminates the requirement to apply the equity method of accounting, upon obtaining significant influence, as if it was applied to the investment from inception. Instead, at the date significant influence is obtained, companies should add the cost of the additional interest acquired to the current basis of the investment and apply the equity method prospectively. If an available-for-sale security becomes eligible for the equity method of accounting, any unrealized gains or losses within accumulated other comprehensive income should be recognized within earnings on the date the investment becomes qualified for use of the equity method. ASU 2016-07 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. We do not expect that ASU 2016-07 will have a material impact on our financial statements.

 

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

 

Commodity price risk

 

Oil cost accounts for approximately 61.7% of our total cost of revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2016. We are primarily exposed to oil price volatility caused by supply conditions, political and economic variables and other unpredictable factors. We purchase oil used by our vessels at prevailing market prices. We do not have formal long-term purchase contracts with our suppliers and, therefore, we are exposed to the risk of fluctuating oil prices.

 

We did not have any commodity price derivatives or hedging arrangements outstanding at March 31, 2016 and did not employ any commodity price derivatives in the three months ended March 31, 2016.

 

Foreign currency exchange rate risk

 

While our reporting currency is the USD, All of our consolidated revenue and consolidated cost of revenue and a significant portion of our consolidated expenses are denominated in RMB. Furthermore, a significant portion of our assets are denominated in RMB. As a result, we are exposed to foreign exchange risk as our revenue and result of operations may be affected by fluctuations in the exchange rate between USD and RMB. 

 

The value of the RMB against the USD and other currencies is affected by, among other things, changes in the PRC’s political and economic conditions. Since July 2005, the RMB has not been pegged to the USD. 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 USD 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.

 

If the RMB depreciates against the USD, the value of our RMB revenue, earnings and assets as expressed in our USD financial statements will decline. A 1% average appreciation (depreciation) of the RMB against the USD would increase (decrease) our comprehensive income by $46,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 based on our revenue, costs and expenses, and assets and liabilities denominated in RMB as of March 31, 2016. To date, we have not entered into any hedging transactions to reduce our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk. While we may decide to enter into hedging transactions in the future, the availability and effectiveness of these hedging transactions may be limited and we may not be able to successfully hedge our exposure at all.

 

Interest rate risk

 

We are exposed to interest rate risk arising from short-term and long-term variable rate borrowings from time to time. Our future interest expense will fluctuate in line with any change in our borrowing rates. Our bank borrowings amounted to $53.5 million at March 31, 2016. Based on the variable nature of the underlying interest rate, the bank borrowings approximated fair value at that date.

 

A hypothetical 100 basis point change in interest rates would impact our earnings and cash flows by approximately $6,000. The potential change in cash flows and earnings is calculated based on the change in the net interest expense over a one year period due to an immediate 100 basis point change in interest rates.

  

Inflation risk

 

Inflationary factors such as increases in the cost of our product and overhead costs may adversely affect our operating results. Although we do not believe that inflation has had a material impact on our financial position or results of operations to date, a high rate of inflation in the future may have an adverse effect on our ability to maintain current levels of gross margin and selling and general and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenue if the selling prices of our products do not increase with these increased costs.

  

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive and financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives.

 

 36 
 

 

In connection with the preparation of the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016, our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, which are defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Based on this evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting were not effective as of March 31, 2016 due to the material weakness we reported in our 2015 10-K which has not yet been remediated. In our 2015 10-K we reported that we did not maintain a sufficient complement of personnel with an appropriate level of experience and training in the application of U.S. GAAP commensurate with our financial reporting requirements. 

 

Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

 

There were no changes (including corrective actions with regard to material weakness) in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

On January 14, 2015, Paul Fila, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated (collectively, “Plaintiffs”), filed a putative class action complaint in the United States District Court, Southern District of New York, against the Company and certain of its executive officers and directors, entitled Fila v. Pingtan Marine Enterprise Ltd. et al, No. 15 Civ. 267 (AJN). On July 1, 2015, Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint. The amended complaint alleges, among other things, that the Company’s public securities filings in 2013 and 2014 contained materially false and misleading statements that the Company received 100% of the annual net income and net profit from Fujian Provincial County Ocean Fishing Group, Ltd. when it allegedly did not. The amended complaint seeks unspecified compensatory damages and other relief.  On September 11, 2015, the Company filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint, arguing that the amended complaint fails to state a claim against the defendants.  Plaintiffs’ opposition to the Company’s motion to dismiss is due November 10, 2015, and the Company’s reply in support of its motion to dismiss is due December 10, 2015. The Company intends to defend the lawsuit vigorously; however, given the unpredictability of litigation, there can be no assurance regarding the ultimate outcome of this lawsuit.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

Factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in this report are any of the risks described in Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 filed with the SEC on March 9, 2016. You should also carefully consider the following risk associated with an investment in our publicly traded securities. Any of these factors could result in a significant or material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. Additional risk factors not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business or results of operations.

 

The Indonesian government recent moratorium on fishing licenses renewals 

 

In early December 2014, the Indonesian government introduced a six-month moratorium on issuing new fishing licenses and renewals so that the country’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (“MMAF”) could monitor the operations of existing fleets and to fight illegal fishing activities. As a result, all licensed fishing vessels operating in Indonesian waters have been informed by the Indonesian government to operate within strict guidelines and subsequently to cease operation, in order to avoid potential enforcement actions, such as boat seizures, by the Indonesian Navy. We currently operate 135 fishing vessels and 117 of these vessels operate in the Arafura Sea of Indonesia. To cooperate and comply with the Indonesian government’s fishing license check procedures, in January 2015, we lowered our operation to approximately half of our normal level. Since February 2015, we have temporarily ceased operations in the Indonesian waters. Since we derive a majority of our revenue from this area, this temporary ban has caused a significant drop in our production. In November 2015, the Indonesian government announced that the moratorium had concluded. Our expectation is that the MMAF will implement new fishing policies and resume the license renewal process although this has not yet occurred. In the interim, our financial results will continue to be materially adversely affected by this moratorium. To satisfy our customers’ demand, we purchased fish from a third party and resell to our customers which generated a positive gross margin. The positive gross margin in the reselling activities partially offset the decrease in our overall gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

 

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ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

None.

  

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

None.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

None.

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

The following exhibits are filed as part of, or incorporated by reference into, this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

Exhibit

 

31.1*   Certification of the Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a).
     
31.2*   Certification of the Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a).
     
32*   Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d- 14(b) and 18 U.S.C. 1350.
     
101.INS*   XBRL INSTANCE DOCUMENT
     
101.SCH*   XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION SCHEMA DOCUMENT
     
101.CAL*   XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
     
101.DEF*   XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION DEFINITION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
     
101.LAB*   XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION LABEL LINKBASE DOCUMENT
     
101.PRE*   XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT

 

* Filed herewith

 

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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 hereunto duly authorized.

  

  PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD.
  (Registrant)
     
Date: May 10, 2016 By: /s/ Xinrong Zhuo
    Xinrong Zhuo
    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
     
Date: May 10, 2016 By: /s/ Roy Yu
    Roy Yu
    Chief Financial Officer

 

 

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