Pingtan Marine Enterprise Ltd. - Annual Report: 2020 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

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

For the fiscal year ended: December 31, 2020

Or

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

For the transition period from: _____________ to _____________

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

18-19/F, Zhongshan Building A,

No. 154 Hudong Road

Fuzhou, P.R.C. 350001

(Address of Principal Executive Office) (Zip Code)

(86) 591-8727-1266

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

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

None

(Title of Class)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. ☐ Yes ☒ No

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. ☐ Yes ☒ No

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

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

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.  ☐

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

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $39.0 million on June 30, 2020, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter.

The number of shares of the registrant’s ordinary shares outstanding as of October 11, 2021 was 85,940,965.

2020 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT FOR PURPOSES OF THE “SAFE HARBOR” STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

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

We undertake no obligation to update any such forward looking statement, except as required by law.

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

Reference herein to the “Company,” “PME,” “we,” “our” or “us,” means Pingtan Marine Enterprise Ltd. and includes its subsidiaries, unless the contest requires otherwise.

Our Business

We are a marine enterprise group primarily engaging in ocean fishing through our operating subsidiary, Fujian Provincial Pingtan County Ocean Fishing Group Co., Ltd., or Pingtan Fishing, which is organized in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”). We carry out marine fishing operations in the international waters and the approved waters in access fishing countries with many of our owned vessels or licensed vessels for which we have exclusive operating license rights. We provide high quality seafood to a diverse group of customers including distributors, restaurant owners and exporters in the PRC.

We initially had a fishing fleet of 40 vessels in 2013. By June 2015, we expanded the number of vessels to 135 through the construction of 3 new vessels, the purchase of 72 licensed vessels and the acquisition of 20-year exclusive operating rights to 20 vessels. Our fishing fleet consists of vessels of diversified fishing methods, including trawling, drift netting, light luring seine, long line fishing and squid jigging.

From 2017 to 2018, we purchased 2 refrigerated transport vessels and 4 squid jigging vessels. Of those vessels, the renovation of 2 transport vessels and 2 squid jigging vessels were completed in subsequent years and were deployed to international waters. The ownership transfer of the remaining 2 vessels’ is not yet completed, but the Company is entitled to 100% of the operations and net profits (losses) from the vessels. 

In April 2018, 27 vessels received approval from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the PRC (“MARA”) to operate in international waters after the completion of modification and rebuilding projects. The 27 fishing vessels were modified and rebuilt into 20 squid jigging vessels and 7 light luring seine vessels and have been deployed for operation in late 2018 and early 2019.

In 2019, the Company had 30 fishing vessels that received approval from the MARA to operate in international waters after completion of modification and rebuilding. The 30 vessels were rebuilt and modified into 15 squid jigging vessels and 15 seine vessels. The renovation of the 30 vessels was completed in 2019 and these vessels were deployed to international waters for operation.

In 2020, the Company had 11 fishing vessels that received approval from the MARA to operate in international waters after completion of modification and rebuilding. The 11 vessels were rebuilt and modified into 10 squid jigging vessels and 1 refrigerated transport vessel. The renovation of the 11 vessels was completed in 2020 and these vessels were deployed to international waters for operation.

In 2020, 20 more vessels also received approval from MARA to operate in international waters after the completion of modification and rebuilding projects. The 20 vessels were going to be modified and rebuilt into 20 seine vessels.

As of December 31, 2020, we owned 51 squid jigging vessels, 26 trawlers, 25 seine vessels, 13 drifters, 4 longline fishing vessels, and 3 transport vessels and had exclusive operating license rights to 20 seine vessels. Additionally, 1 new krill fishing vessel was in the building stage.

Among the 143 vessels, 80 were located in international waters, 12 were located in the Bay of Bengal in India, 13 were located in the PRC, 37 were located in the Arafura Sea in Indonesia and 1 new krill fishing vessel was in the building stage.  In the fourth quarter of 2020, 37 vessels in Indonesian waters, 13 vessels in PRC and 1 krill fishing vessel were impaired in the amount of $66,694,253 resulting in a net carrying value, after impairment, of $1,380,329 as of December 31, 2020. See Note 2 for discussion of Impairment of long-lived assets. 

We catch nearly 30 different species of fish, including squid, ribbon fish, croaker fish and cuttle fish. All of our catch is shipped back to the PRC. We arrange chartered transportation ships to deliver frozen stocks to cold storage warehouses located in one of the PRC’s largest seafood trading centers, the Mawei Seafood Market in Fujian Province.

We derive our revenue primarily from the sale of frozen seafood products. We sell our products directly to customers, including seafood processors, distributors, restaurant owners and exporters. Most of our customers have long-term, cooperative relationships with us. Our existing customers also introduce new customers to us from time to time. In July 2017, we started strategic cooperation with e-commerce platform to sell our fish products directly to consumers online. Based on past experiences, demand for seafood products is the highest from December to January, during the Chinese New Year. We believe that our profitability and growth are dependent on our ability to deploy our vessels to new fishing grounds and our ability to expand our customer base.

Government Permits and Approvals

We are required to go through a series of procedures to obtain all approvals necessary to fish in the designated fishing areas.

Step one: Obtaining Vessel Building Permits

First, we have to file a vessel building application to the relevant governmental authorities in Fujian to obtain the Fishing Vessel and Net Tools Building Permits. Governmental authorities in Fujian verify Pingtan Fishing’s qualifications for pelagic fishing and pass on the verified and approved application documents to affiliates of the MARA for further confirmation. Once confirmed, the certificates are issued to Pingtan Fishing.

Step two: Vessels Building and Inspection

After obtaining the Fishing Vessel and Net Tools Building Permits, we start building the new vessels through contracting with third party vessel manufacturers. During the period of construction, inspection of the vessels is performed several times by the relevant governmental authorities. Once the construction is completed, a Vessel Inspection Certificate is issued, after which we can apply for certificates of ownership and certificates of nationality for new vessels.

Step three: Fishing Project Application

Each vessel is required to be licensed by the MARA and, to the extent required, the vessel may also be required to obtain a license from the local government where the vessel conducts fishing operations. For example, in order to conduct fishing operations in the exclusive economic zone of other countries, foreign fishing vessels need to obtain the approval from each of the local departments of fisheries of those other countries. After obtaining all certificates in step two, we file applications to the relevant governmental authorities to obtain approvals for pelagic fishing projects in the specified fishing areas. Meanwhile, we start the application process for obtaining fishing permits from the relevant governmental authorities in the applicable fishing destination countries. In some countries, the Company may be required to obtain licenses through local entities, which are required to also possess a fishery business license.

Step four: Preparations Before Departure

Once the approval for pelagic fishing projects areissued, we can complete all relevant departure procedures within six months from the time the notification of approval is issued. Departure procedures include obtaining visas for fishing vessels and crew members, submitting required certificates to the PRC customs in Fujian, and obtaining other relevant documents from governmental authorities, such as Vessel Departure Certificates.

Step five: Fishing Project Approval and Departure to Fishing Areas

After we have submitted all required documents to the relevant governmental authorities and completed all procedures required for departure, we receive confirmation of pelagic fishing project approval from affiliates of the MARA. Once we obtain such confirmation, our vessels can depart to the applicable fishing destination country. Fish caught at the destination may then be shipped back and be declared at PRC customs.

Operations

Harvesting Operations

The fishing vessels can carry up to one-month of supplies. The captains of the vessels utilize sophisticated technology to identify, among other things, fishing areas, time to cast and draw in the nets, vessel speed and sailing direction allowing the vessels to optimize the catch and resource value. Nearby fishing groups share real-time fishing information through wireless radio equipment. The catch is separated based on species and sizes and is frozen immediately. Once the storage of a fishing vessel is at capacity, the catch is shipped to our cold storage facility located in Mawei.

Seasonality

In most waters where our vessels operate, autumn and winter are the seasons when harvest is most productive and summer is relatively a low season. In addition, our annual catches are affected by a number of unpredictable factors, such as weather patterns and fish migration, which are likely to vary from year to year.

Cold Storage

Fish are stored separately according to different species and sizes for best practices of cold storage management, goods selectivity and delivery.

We have secured several cold storages facilities located in one of the PRC’s largest seafood trading centers, the MaWei seafood market. The monthly rent for cold storage is from RMB70 (US$10) to RMB55 (US$8) per square meter and the leases are renewable annually. The following table sets forth information regarding the cold storages facilities we currently rent as of December 31, 2020:

Sales, Marketing and Distribution

We market, sell and distribute products all over China, including the Fujian, Shandong and Zhejiang provinces. Squid, peru squid and chub mackerel were the main types of seafood sold for the year ended December 31, 2020, representing 63.2% of our sales.

As of December 31, 2020, we sold our fish to over 60 distributors and retailers by acting as a wholesaler. We serve a wide customer base and four customers accounted for more than 10% of our sales for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Vessels

As of December 31, 2020, we owned 51 squid jigging vessels, 26 trawlers, 25 seine vessels, 13 drifters, 4 longline fishing vessels, and 3 transport vessels and had exclusive operating license rights to 20 seine vessels. Additionally, 1 new krill fishing vessel was in the building stage. 

Among the 143 vessels, 80 were located in international waters, 12 were located in the Bay of Bengal in India, 13 were located in the PRC waters, 37 were located in the Arafura Sea in Indonesia and 1 new krill fishing vessel was in the building stage.  In the fourth quarter of 2020, 37 vessels in Indonesian waters, 13 vessels in PRC and 1 krill fishing vessel were impaired in the amount of $66,694,253 resulting in a net carrying value, after impairment, of $1,380,329 as of December 31, 2020. See Note 2 for discussion of Impairment of long-lived assets. 

Business Strategy

We are committed to developing our business to become a global, integrated seafood company. We plan to enlarge our fishing fleet in the next few years through organic growth and acquisition opportunities of potential targets, domestically and abroad.

We are actively seeking opportunities to expand to other fishing grounds worldwide including North America, South America and the high seas, which will further diversify the fish types we harvest. We are also planning to expand our operations to fish processing and trading businesses.

Competition

As vessels with access to the pelagic fishing operations are restricted to a limited number, we believe that competition within our designated fishing areas is not significant.

Competition in the consumer market in China is high as fish compete with other sources of protein. We also 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 generally been able to sell our catch at market prices.

Human Capital Resources

As of December 31, 2020, we had 1,998 employees. The following table sets forth the number of employees by function as of December 31, 2020:

We believe that the success of a business is largely due to the quality of its employees and the development of each employee’s full potential. We encourage and support the development of our employees and, whenever possible, strive to fill vacancies from within. Accordingly, we strive to offer competitive salaries and employee benefits to all employees and monitor salaries in our market areas. In addition to competitive base salaries and benefits, additional employee programs include paid time off, birthday gifts, benefits and gifts on International Women’s Day. We maintain a comprehensive training and development program for all of our crew members. Our program emphasizes, among other things, operating procedures and safety guides.

Throughout the course of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we have been providing masks, sanitizers and applying contactless procedures to support the health and safety of our employees.

In 2020, we contracted six third-party labor companies to provide crew labor dispatching services. We pay the hiring costs based on the actual fees incurred on a monthly basis. Welfare and benefit payments for such personnel are covered by the companies supplying the crew members.

Company History

China Equity Growth Investment Ltd. (“CGEI”) was incorporated in the Cayman Islands as an exempted limited liability company and a blank check company on January 18, 2010 and changed its name to Pingtan Marine Enterprise Ltd. in February 2013.

China Dredging Group Co., Ltd (“CDGC” or “China Dredging”) and Merchant Supreme Co., Ltd (“Merchant Supreme”) are limited liability companies incorporated on April 14, 2010 and June 25, 2012, respectively, in the British Virgin Islands (“BVI”).

China Dredging, through its PRC Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”), Fujian Xinggang Port Service Co., Ltd (“Fujian Service”), provided specialized dredging services exclusively to the PRC marine infrastructure market and was, based on the number and capacity of the dredging vessels it operated, one of the leading independent (not state-owned) providers of such services in the PRC.

Merchant Supreme, through its PRC VIE, Fujian Provincial Pingtan County Ocean Fishing Group Co., Ltd. (“Pingtan Fishing”) engages in ocean fishery with its fleet of self-owned vessels and vessels with exclusive operating license rights within the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (“EEZ”) and Arafura Sea of Indonesia.

CGEI and CDGC entered into the Merger Agreement dated October 24, 2012, providing for the combination of CGEI and CDGC. CGEI also acquired all of the outstanding capital shares and other equity interests of Merchant Supreme as per the Share Purchase Agreement dated October 24, 2012. Following the completion of the business combination on February 25, 2013, CDGC and Merchant Supreme became wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company (the “Business Combination”). The ordinary shares of the Company, par value $0.001 per share were listed on The NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “PME”. 

In order to place increased focus on the fishing business and pursue more effective growth opportunities, we decided to exit and sell the specialized dredging services operated by China Dredging, and we 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”), and 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 Chinese Renmibi (“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. 

The following diagram illustrates our corporate structure as of December 31, 2020:

Available Information

Our website address is www.ptmarine.com. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to reports filed pursuant to Sections 13(a) and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), are filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). We are subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act and file or furnish reports, proxy statements, and other information with the SEC. Such reports and other information filed by the Company with the SEC are available free of charge on our website at ir.ptmarine.com when such reports are available on the SEC’s website. We use our ir.ptmarine.com website as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Accordingly, investors should monitor such portions of ir.ptmarine.com, in addition to following SEC filings and public conference calls and webcasts.

The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at www.sec.gov.

The contents of the websites referred to above are not incorporated into this filing. Further, our references to the URLs for these websites are intended to be inactive textual references only.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

You should carefully consider each of the following risks associated with an investment in our publicly traded securities and all of the other information in our 2020 Annual Report. If any of the events contemplated by the following discussion of risks should occur, our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations may suffer. Below is a summary of the risk factors detailed in Item 1A. This summary does not address every aspect of our risks factors, all of the risks that we face, or other factors not presently known to us or that we currently believe are immaterial.

Risks Relating to Our Business

We could be adversely affected if proposed legislation is adopted regarding improved access to audit and other information and audit inspections of accounting firms, including registered public accounting firms operating in the PRC such as our auditor, or if Nasdaq’s proposals requiring additional criteria to companies operating in “restrictive markets” become effective.

Our auditor, Wei, Wei & Co., LLP (“WW”), the independent registered public accounting firm that issues the audit report included elsewhere in this report, as an auditor of companies that are traded publicly in the United States and a firm registered with the PCAOB, is subject to laws in the United States pursuant to which the PCAOB conducts regular inspections to assess its compliance with the applicable professional standards. Our auditor is headquartered in New York City, New York, and has been inspected by the PCAOB on a regular basis with the last inspection in 2018. However, the recent developments would add uncertainties to our listing and trading on Nasdaq and we cannot assure you whether Nasdaq or regulatory authorities would apply additional and more stringent criteria to us after considering the effectiveness of our auditor’s audit procedures and quality control procedures, adequacy of personnel and training, or sufficiency of resources, geographic reach, or experience as it relates to our audit.

BDO China, our previous independent registered public accounting firm, is not inspected by the U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or PCAOB, as described in “Item 1A. Risk Factors-Regulatory Risks-Our auditor, as a registered public accounting firm operating in the PRC, is not permitted to be inspected by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, and consequently investors may be deprived of the benefits of such inspections.” in our Annual Report. We are one of 283 companies named in PCAOB’s list of “Public Companies that are Audit Clients of PCAOB-Registered Firms from Non-U.S. Jurisdictions where the PCAOB is Denied Access to Conduct Inspections.”

On March 24, 2021, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, adopted interim final amendments to implement congressionally mandated submission and disclosure required of the U.S. Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act. These interim final amendments will apply to registrants that the SEC identifies as having filed an annual report on Forms 10-K and other forms with an audit report issued by a registered

public accounting firm that is located in a foreign jurisdiction and that the PCAOB has determined it is unable to inspect or investigate completely because of a position taken by an authority in that jurisdiction. The SEC will implement a process for identifying such a registrant and any such identified registrant will be required to submit documentation to the SEC establishing that it is not owned or controlled by a governmental entity in that foreign jurisdiction, and will also require disclosure in the registrant’s annual report regarding the audit arrangements of, and governmental influence on, such a registrant. This action is the latest in a series of recent proposed actions:

It remains unclear what the SEC’s implementation the process related to the March 2021 interim final amendments will entail or what further actions the SEC, the PCAOB or Nasdaq will take to address these issues and what impact those actions will have on U.S. companies that have significant operations in the PRC and have securities listed on a U.S. stock exchange. Any such actions could materially affect our operations and stock price, including by resulting in our being de-listed from Nasdaq or being required to engage a new audit firm, which would require significant expense and management time.

Our auditors, as registered public accounting firms operating in the PRC, is not permitted to be inspected by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, and consequently investors may be deprived of the benefits of such inspections.

BDO China Shu Lun Pan Certified Public Accountants LLP, or BDO China, is the independent registered public accounting firm that issued the audit report included in this report in connection with our consolidated financial statements as of, and for the years ended, December 31, 2019. Wei, Wei & Co, LLP, or WW, is the independent registered public accounting firm that issued the audit report included in this report in connection with our consolidated financial statements as of, and for the years ended, December 31, 2020. BDO China and WW, as auditors of companies that are traded publicly in the United States and registered with the PCAOB are required by the laws of the United States to undergo regular inspections by the PCAOB to assess compliance with the laws of the United States and applicable professional standards. BDO China and WW are located in the PRC. The PCAOB is currently unable to conduct inspections of auditors in the PRC without the approval of PRC authorities, and therefore BDO China and WW, like other independent registered public accounting firms operating in the PRC, is currently not inspected by the PCAOB.

In May 2013 the PCAOB announced that it had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding on Enforcement Cooperation with the China Securities Regulatory Commission and the Ministry of Finance of China pursuant to which the Ministry of Finance established a cooperative framework between the parties for the production and exchange of audit documents relevant to investigations in both the PRC and the United States. More specifically, the Memorandum of Understanding provides a mechanism for the parties to request and receive from each other assistance in obtaining documents and information in furtherance of their investigative duties. In addition, the PCAOB is engaged in continuing discussions with the China Securities Regulatory Commission and the Ministry of Finance to permit joint inspections in the PRC of audit firms that are registered with the PCAOB and to audit PRC companies whose securities are listed on U.S. stock exchanges. The PCAOB’s inspections of firms outside of the PRC have identified deficiencies in audit procedures and quality control procedures, and such deficiencies may be addressed as part of the inspection process to improve future audit quality. The inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections of BDO China and WW with respect to its audit of our consolidated financial statements may make it more difficult for investors to evaluate BDO China and WW’s audit procedures and quality control procedures by depriving investors of potential benefits from improvements that could have been facilitated by PCAOB inspections.

We face risks related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has, and is expected to continue to have, an adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition. 

In December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) surfaced in the PRC. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected the global economy, our markets in the PRC and our business. 

In reaction to the pandemic, many provinces and municipalities in the PRC, where our business is currently conducted, activated the highest response to the emergency public health incident. Emergency quarantine measures and travel restrictions have had a significant impact on many sectors across China, which has also adversely affected our operations including the fishing industry. In response to the pandemic, we extended the Chinese Spring Festival holiday for one more week and adopted work in shifts after the holiday. To reduce the impact of the pandemic on our production and operation, we implemented certain safety measures to allow us to gradually resume work in mid-February. With these measures, we were able to maintain our sales and operations from mid-February to mid-March. On March 23, 2020, we resumed operations with enhanced health and safety procedures in place to protect our employees. We will continue to actively monitor the situation and may take further actions that alter our business operations as may be required by local authorities or that we determine are in the best interests of our employees, customers, partners, suppliers, and other stakeholders. If a significant portion of our workforce is affected by COVID-19 either directly or due to government closures or otherwise, associated work stoppages or facility closures would halt or delay production, which could have an adverse impact on our business and financial performance. 

The pandemic has had, and continues to have an adverse impact on our customers. Some of our customers are fish processing plants that export processed fish products to foreign countries. These customers were more likely to reduce or postpone their purchases from us in the initial stage of the pandemic and have now started adjusting their business strategies in relation to exportation or domestic sale. This change in strategy has caused a decrease in our unit selling price, an increase of inventory and our accounts receivable not being timely paid as anticipated. If the economic effects caused by the pandemic continue or increase in the PRC, overall customer demand may continue to decrease, which could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

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. Maintaining strong liquidity has been and will continue to be a priority for us during the current economic disruption. From January to September 2021, we received $44.4 million from short-term bank loan, $77.2 million from long-term bank loan, and $19.0 million from government subsidy, with the majority of the bank loan received are for funding working capital. In the same period, we repaid $84.8 bank loans. Hence we believe we have enough resources to operate for at least the next 12 months.

We anticipate that our results of operations will continue to be impacted by this pandemic in 2021. However, the extent of the impact on our financial condition and results of operations is still highly uncertain and will depend on future developments, such as the ultimate duration and scope of the pandemic, its continuing impact on our customers, how quickly normal economic conditions, operations, and the demand for our products can resume and whether the pandemic leads to recessionary conditions in the PRC, the United States or globally. We may continue to experience the effects of the pandemic even after it has waned, and our business, results of operations and financial condition could continue to be affected.

Actions taken by government regulators or reports or allegations of illegal activity by us, related parties or those with which we conduct business could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

The Company has been the subject of media reports alleging that our vessels, the ports we use to conduct our fishing operations and related parties have engaged in illegal activities. Allegations of illegal activity by and actions taken by government regulators against our vessels, related parties and companies with which we conduct business may harm our business reputation, materially and adversely affect our results of operations and cause a decrease in our stock price. If the local ports and entities through which we conduct our fishing operations are unable to renew or obtain new business licenses, or we are unable to enter into arrangements with other ports and entities for our fishing operations or our fishing vessels are unable to renew or obtain new local licenses, our business and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected. Furthermore, our business and results of operations may be materially adversely affected if we cannot quickly and efficiently re-locate our vessels or if our vessels are unable to catch and produce as much product prior to relocating. Regulations, actions, and activities taken by government regulators may, directly or indirectly, require us to modify our operations and business strategy, which we may be unable to do in a cost-effective manner, and may result in the suspension or even loss of our licenses or authorizations to operate, detaining of our vessels, or the assessment of penalties or fines, which could have a material adverse effect on business and our results of operations.

We depend significantly on our Chief Executive Officer.

We are dependent on the principal members of our management staff, and in particular Xinrong Zhuo, our Chief Executive Officer. While we have entered into a three-year employment agreement with Mr. Zhuo, there are circumstances under the agreement in which Mr. Zhuo may elect to terminate his employment. Even if Mr. Zhuo were to terminate employment in breach of his agreement, we would have little or no practical recourse against Mr. Zhuo under PRC law. Mr. Zhuo may not continue to be employed by us for as long as we require his services. In addition, we rely on members of our senior management team with industry experience for important aspects of our operations, and we believe that losing the services of these executive officers could be detrimental to our operations, because they would be difficult to replace. We do not have key-man life insurance for any of our executive officers or other employees.

We will need additional financing in order to execute our business plan, which may not be available to us on commercially reasonable terms.

We will need to obtain additional capital in order to execute our business plan to expand our operations by enlarging the fishing vessel fleet, expanding fishing ground worldwide and extending our business to fishmeal processing. Such additional capital may be raised by issuing securities through various financing transactions or arrangements, including joint ventures of projects, debt financing, equity financing or other means. Additional financing may not be available when needed on commercially reasonable terms or at all. The inability to obtain additional capital may reduce our ability to continue to conduct our business operations as currently contemplated.

Regulation of the fishing industry may have an adverse impact on our business.

For years, the international community has been aware of and concerned with the worldwide problem of depletion of natural fish stocks. In the past, these concerns have resulted in the imposition of quotas that subject individual countries to strict limitations on the amount of fish they are allowed to catch. Environmental groups have been lobbying to have additional limitations on fishing imposed and have even made suggestions that would limit the activities of fish farms. If international organizations or national governments were to impose additional limitations on fishing, this could have a negative impact on our results of operations.

The growth of our business depends on our ability to secure fishing licenses directly or through third parties.

Fishing is a highly regulated industry. Our operations require licenses, permits and in some cases renewals of licenses and permits from various governmental authorities. For example, commercial fishing operations are subject to government license requirements that permit them to make their catch.

We are dependent on affiliates and third parties for our operations.

A large portion of our transportation operations are conducted by our related party, Fuzhou Honglong Ocean Fishery Co., Ltd. If for any reason Hong Long became unable or unwilling to continue to provide services to us, this would likely lead to a temporary interruption in transportation at least until we found another entity that could provide these services. Failure to find a suitable replacement, even on a temporary basis, may have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

We may be adversely affected by fluctuations in raw material prices and selling prices of products.

The products and raw materials we use may experience price volatility caused by events such as market fluctuations, weather conditions or changes in governmental programs. Raw materials consist primarily of bait, including sardines, anchovies, mackerel and other small fish. The market price of these raw materials may also experience significant upward adjustment, if, for instance, there is a material under-supply or over-demand in the market. These price changes may ultimately result in increases the cost of our raw materials and in the selling prices of products, and may, in turn, adversely affect our sales volume, revenue and operating profit.

We may not be able to effectively manage our growth, which may harm our profitability.

Our strategy is to expand our business. If we fail to effectively manage this growth, our financial results could be adversely affected. Growth may place a strain on management systems and resources, including business development capabilities, systems and processes and access to financing sources. As we grow, we must continue to hire, train, supervise and manage new employees. In connection with our fishing business, we may not be able to:

If we are unable to manage growth, our operations and financial results could be adversely affected by inefficiency, which could diminish our profitability.

Our business requires talented personnel who we may not be able to attract and retain.

We depend in large measure on the abilities, expertise, judgment, discretion, integrity and good faith of our management and other personnel in conducting the business of the Company. We have a small management team, and the loss of a key individual or inability to attract suitably qualified staff could materially adversely impact our fishing business.

The key personnel of our fishing business are Mr. Dong Wang, general coordinator of the shipping department, Mr. Qing Lin, assistant of the chairperson of the board of directors, Mr. Longhao Zhuo, chief supervisor of the sales department and an immediate family member of our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, who is mainly responsible for the wholesale and fresh sea food retail business. Mr. Lin assists the Chairman in dealing with daily operating matters, such as developing business plans and managing and supervising related projects.

Our success depends on the ability of our management and employees to interpret and respond to economic, market and environmental conditions in its operating areas correctly. Further, our key personnel may not continue their association or employment, which and replacement personnel with comparable skills may not be available, which may adversely affect our business.

Our insurance coverage may be inadequate to cover losses that we may incur or to fully replace a significant loss of assets.

Our involvement in the fishing industry may result in liability for pollution, property damage, personal injury or other hazards. Although we believe we have obtained insurance in accordance with PRC industry standards to address such risks, such insurance has limitations on liability and/or deductible amounts that may not be sufficient to cover the full extent of such liabilities or losses. In addition, such risks may not, in all circumstances, be insurable or, in certain circumstances, we may choose not to obtain insurance to protect against specific risks due to the high premiums associated with such insurance or for other reasons. The payment of such uninsured liabilities would reduce the funds available to us. If we suffer a significant event or an occurrence that is not fully insured, or if the insurer of such event is not solvent, we could be required to divert funds from capital investment or other uses towards covering any liability or loss for such events.

Earthquakes, tsunamis, adverse weather or oceanic conditions or other calamities may disrupt our operations and could adversely affect sales.

We utilize cold storages facilities located in MaWei in the Fujian province on the southeast coast of China. Due to the location of our business, it may be at risk of earthquake or other adverse weather or oceanic conditions. This may result in the breakdown of facilities, such as our cold storage facilities, which could lead to deterioration of products with the potential for spoilage. This could also adversely affect the ability to fulfill sales orders and, accordingly, adversely affect profitability. Adverse weather conditions affecting the fishing grounds where our fishing vessels operate, such as storms, cyclones and typhoons, or cataclysmic events such as tsunamis, may also decrease the volume of fish catches or hamper fishing operations. Our operations may also be adversely affected by major climatic disruptions such as El Nino which in the past has caused significant decreases in seafood catches worldwide.

We may be affected by global climate change or by legal, regulatory or market responses to such changes.

The growing political and scientific sentiment is that increased concentrations of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are influencing global weather patterns. Fresh products, including seafood products, are vulnerable to adverse weather conditions, including windstorms, floods, drought and temperature extremes, which are quite common but difficult to predict and may be influenced by global climate change. Similarly, changing weather patterns, along with the increased frequency or duration of extreme weather conditions, could impact the availability of the fish species we catch.

Concern over climate change, including global warming, has led to legislative and regulatory initiatives directed at limiting greenhouse gas, or GHG, emissions. For example, proposals that would impose mandatory requirements on GHG emissions may be considered by policy makers in the territories in which we operate. Laws enacted that directly or indirectly affect fishing, distribution, packaging, cost of raw materials, fuel, and water could all adversely impact our business and financial results.

A dramatic reduction in fish resources may adversely affect our business.

We are in the business of catching and selling marine catch. Due to over-fishing, the stocks of certain species of fish may be dwindling and to counteract such over-fishing, governments may take action that may be detrimental to our ability to conduct operations. If the solution proffered or imposed by the governments controlling the fishing grounds were to limit the types, quantities and species of fish that we are able to catch, our operations and prospects may be adversely affected.

Changes in the policies of the PRC government impacting the fishing industry may adversely affect our business.

The fishing industry in the PRC is subject to policies implemented by the PRC government. The PRC government may impose restrictions on aspects of our business such as regulations for the management and ownership of vessels. If the raw materials used by us or our products become subject to any form of government control, then depending on the nature and extent of the control and our ability to make corresponding adjustments, we may face a material adverse effect on our business and operating results.

Separately, our business and operating results also could be adversely affected by changes in policies of the Chinese government such as: changes in laws, regulations or the interpretation thereof; confiscatory taxation; restrictions on currency conversion, imports on sources of supplies; or the expropriation or nationalization of private enterprises. Although the Chinese government has been pursuing economic reform policies for approximately two decades to liberalize the economy and introduce free market aspects, the government may not continue to pursue such policies and such policies may be significantly altered, especially in the event of a change in leadership, social or political disruption, or other circumstances affecting the PRC’s political, economic and social life.

The cost of complying with governmental regulations in foreign countries may adversely affect our business operations.

We may be subject to various governmental regulations in foreign countries. These regulations may change depending on prevailing political or economic conditions. In order to comply with these regulations, we believe that we may be required to obtain permits for our vessels and fishing operations and file reports concerning our operations. These regulations affect how we carry on our business, and in order to comply with them, we may incur increased costs and delay certain activities pending receipt of requisite permits and approvals. If we fail to comply with applicable regulations and requirements, we may become subject to enforcement actions, including orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities requiring us to cease or curtail our operations, or take corrective measures involving capital expenditures, installation of additional equipment or remedial actions. We may be required to compensate third parties for loss or damage suffered by reason of our activities and may face civil or criminal fines or penalties imposed for violations of applicable laws or regulations. Amendments to current laws, regulations and permits governing our operations and activities could affect us in a materially adverse way and could force us to increase expenditures or abandon or delay certain of our fishing operations.

We have entered into certain agreements pledging 35 fishing vessels as collateral to secure loans to related parties, Hong Long and Global Deep Ocean. The pledge has no beneficial purpose for us and we could lose our fishing vessels if Hong Long or Global Deep Ocean were to default on the loans, which could be detrimental for our operations.

In December 2015, we entered into a pledge contract with the Export Import Bank of China pursuant to which we pledged 12 fishing vessels with carrying amounts of approximately $3,622,000, as collateral to secure Hong Long’s $1,380,000 in long-term loans from the financial institution, which are due on November 28, 2021. In December 2019, we entered into another pledge contract with the Fujian Haixia Bank pursuant to which we pledged 1 fishing vessels with carrying amounts of approximately $6,500,000, as collateral to secure Hong Long’s $15,300,000 in short-term loans from the financial institution, which are due on December 31, 2021. 

In March 2018, we entered into a pledge contract with the Export Import Bank of China pursuant to which we pledged 11 fishing vessels with carrying amounts of approximately $384,000, as collateral to secure Global Deep Ocean’s $16,900,000 in long-term loans from the financial institution, which are due on September 21, 2025. In September 2020, we entered into a pledge contract with the Export Import Bank of China pursuant to which we pledged 11 fishing vessels with carrying amounts of approximately $19,900,000, as collateral to secure Global Deep Ocean’s $76,600,000 in long-term loans from the financial institution, which are due on March 8, 2022.  

Consequently, if Hong Long or Global Deep Ocean was to default on the loans, we would lose the vessels, it could be detrimental to our operations. As of December 31, 2020, we have assessed our risk of loss on the default on the loans to be remote. 

Risks Relating to Doing Business in the PRC

Certain political and economic considerations relating to PRC could adversely affect us.

The PRC is evolving from a planned economy to a market economy. The Chinese government has confirmed that economic development will follow a model of a market economy under socialism. While the PRC government has pursued economic reforms since its adoption of the open-door policy in 1978, a large portion of the PRC economy is still operating under five-year plans and annual state plans adopted by the government that set down national economic development goals. Through these plans and other economic measures, such as control on foreign exchange, taxation and restrictions on foreign participation in the domestic market of various industries, the PRC government exerts considerable direct and indirect influence on the economy. Many of the economic reforms are unprecedented or experimental for the PRC government and are expected to be refined and improved. Other political, economic and social factors can also lead to further readjustment of such reforms. This refining and readjustment process may not necessarily have a positive effect on our operations or our business development. Our operating results may be adversely affected by changes in the PRC’s economic and social conditions as well as by changes in the policies of the PRC government, which we may not be able to foresee, such as changes in laws and regulations (or the official interpretation thereof), measures which may be introduced to control inflation, changes in the rate or method of taxation, and imposition of additional restrictions on currency conversion.

The recent nature and uncertain application of many PRC laws applicable to us create an uncertain environment for business operations and they could have a negative effect on us.

The PRC legal system is a civil law system. Unlike the common law system, such as the legal system used in the United States, the civil law system is based on written statutes in which decided legal cases have little value as precedents. In 1979, the PRC began to promulgate a comprehensive system of laws and has since introduced many laws and regulations to provide general guidance on economic and business practices in the PRC and to regulate foreign investment. Progress has been made in the promulgation of laws and regulations dealing with economic matters such as corporate organization and governance, foreign investment, commerce, taxation and trade. The promulgation of new laws, changes of existing laws and the abrogation of local regulations by national laws could have a negative impact on our business and prospects. In addition, as these laws, regulations and legal requirements are relatively recent, their interpretation and enforcement involve significant uncertainty.

The political and economic policies of the PRC government could affect our businesses and results of operations.

The economy of the PRC differs from the economies of most developed countries in a number of respects, including the degree of government involvement, control of capital investment, and the overall level of development. Before its adoption of reform and “open up” policies in 1978, China was primarily a planned economy. In recent years, the PRC government has been reforming the PRC economic system and the government structure. These reforms have resulted in significant economic growth and social progress. Economic reform measures, however, may be adjusted, modified or applied inconsistently from industry to industry or across different regions of the country. As a result, we may not continue to benefit from all, or any, of these measures. In addition, we cannot be predicted whether changes in the PRC’s political, economic and social conditions, laws, regulations and policies will have any adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The PRC legal system is evolving and has inherent uncertainties regarding interpretation and enforcement of PRC laws and regulations that could limit the legal protections available to you.

Pingtan Fishing, our PRC operating company, is organized under the laws of the PRC. The PRC legal system is based on written statutes. Prior court decisions may be cited for reference but have limited weight as precedents. Since 1979, the PRC government has been developing a comprehensive system of commercial laws and considerable progress has been made in introducing laws and regulations dealing with economic matters such as foreign investment, corporate organization and governance, commerce, taxation and trade. However, because these laws and regulations are relatively new, and because of the limited number and non-binding nature of published cases, the interpretation and enforcement of these laws and regulations involve uncertainties.

Our operations and assets in the PRC are subject to significant political and economic uncertainties.

Changes in PRC laws and regulations, or their interpretation, or the imposition of confiscatory taxation, restrictions on currency conversion, imports and sources of supply, devaluations of currency or the nationalization or other expropriation of private enterprises could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. The PRC government has been pursuing economic reform policies that encourage private economic activity and greater economic decentralization. The PRC government may continue to pursue these policies, and it may significantly alter these policies from time to time without notice.

The consummation of the acquisition by the Pingtan Fishing share purchase agreement and the reorganization plan carried out by Pingtan Fishing may require prior approval from MOFCOM or the CSRC, which may subject us to sanctions or adversely affect our business, results of operations, reputation and prospects.

On August 8, 2006, six PRC regulatory authorities, including the Ministry of Commerce, or MOFCOM, the State Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, the State Administration for Taxation, the State Administration for Industry and Commerce, the China Securities Regulatory Commission, or the CSRC, and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or SAFE, jointly issued the Regulations on Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, which became effective on September 8, 2006 and was amended on June 22, 2009 by the MOFCOM, or the M&A Regulations. The M&A Regulations, among other things, require that the approval from MOFCOM be obtained for acquisitions of affiliated domestic entities by foreign entities established or controlled by domestic natural persons or enterprises, and also require that an offshore special purpose vehicle, or SPV, formed for purposes of overseas listing of equity interests in PRC companies and controlled directly or indirectly by PRC companies or individuals, obtain the approval of the CSRC prior to the listing and trading of such SPV’s securities on an overseas stock exchange. On September 21, 2006, the CSRC published on its official website procedures regarding its approval of overseas listings by SPVs. The CSRC approval procedures require the filing of a number of documents with the CSRC.

The application of the M&A Regulations remains unclear as of the date of this 10-K submission, with no consensus among leading PRC law firms regarding the scope and applicability of the CSRC approval requirement. Pingtan Fishing’s PRC legal counsel advised, based on its understanding of then-current PRC laws, regulations and rules, that the M&A Regulations were not applicable to the consummation of the acquisition pursuant to the Pingtan Fishing share purchase agreement and the reorganization plan carried out by Pingtan Fishing because Merchant Supreme’s founder and controlling shareholder, Mr. Xinrong Zhuo, is not a mainland PRC natural person. However, the relevant PRC government authorities, including MOFCOM and the CSRC, may reach a different conclusion. If it is decided that the prior approval from MOFCOM or the CSRC was required, we may face sanctions by MOFCOM, the CSRC or other PRC regulatory agencies. Consequently, it is possible that MOFCOM, the CSRC or other PRC regulatory agencies may impose fines and penalties on our operations in the PRC, limit such operations, or take other actions that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, reputation and prospects.

The Circular of Security Review and the Regulations of Security Review provide that any foreign investor should file an application with MOFCOM for the merger and acquisition of domestic enterprises in sensitive sectors or industries. Further, MOFCOM has, for its inner review process, stipulated a range of the business operation items which are required to be reviewed. With reference to such business items, Pingtan Fishing believes that the Regulations of Security Review do not apply to the business operations of Pingtan Fishing. However, the relevant PRC regulatory authorities may have a different view or interpretation in this regard when implementing the Regulations of Security Review. If it is decided that the acquisition pursuant to the Pingtan Fishing share purchase agreement may materially affect the state security of the PRC, we may be ordered to restore the shareholding structure to the status before the consummation of the said acquisition, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, reputation and prospects.

If SAFE determines that its foreign exchange regulations concerning “round-trip” investment apply to our shareholding structure, a failure by our shareholders or beneficial owners to comply with these regulations may restrict our ability to distribute profits, restrict our overseas and cross-border investment activities or subject us to liability under PRC laws, which may materially and adversely affect our business and prospects.

SAFE Circular No. 75 provides that those domestic individuals who hold a PRC identity card, passport or other legal identity supporting document, or who have no such legal identity in mainland PRC but are habitually residing in PRC for the sake of economic interest, whether they hold a PRC identity supporting document or not, should register with the local SAFE branch prior to their establishment or control of an offshore SPV. In addition, any PRC citizen, resident, or entity which is a direct or indirect shareholder of an SPV is required to update the previously filed registration with the local branch of SAFE, with respect to that SPV, to reflect any material change. Moreover, a PRC subsidiary of an SPV is required to urge its shareholders who are PRC citizens, residents, or entities to update their registration with the local branch of SAFE. If a PRC shareholder with a direct or indirect equity interest in an offshore parent company fails to make the required SAFE registration, the PRC subsidiaries of such offshore parent company may be prohibited from paying the offshore parent proceeds from any reduction in capital, share transfer or liquidation in respect of the PRC subsidiaries. Failure to comply with the SAFE Circular No. 75 could result in liability under PRC law for violation of the relevant rules relating to transfers of foreign exchange.

Our founder and controlling shareholder, Mr. Xinrong Zhuo, obtained his Hong Kong identity card in 2005 and surrendered his PRC identity card subsequently thereto. SAFE Circular No. 75 provides that individuals without PRC identities that habitually reside in mainland China for the sake of economic interest should be considered PRC residents, who are required to register their direct or indirect investments in offshore SPVs with the local branch of SAFE. SAFE Circular No. 75 further provides that individuals who have their permanent domicile in mainland China and have been permanently residing in mainland China after temporary departure should be considered PRC residents, no matter whether they have a PRC identity or not. Although he leaves the PRC from time to time and maintains his Hong Kong identity card, Mr. Xinrong Zhuo has been residing in mainland China for most of the time since the SAFE Circular No. 75 became effective. Accordingly, it is possible that PRC authorities may consider Mr. Zhuo to be a PRC resident. As of the date of this 10-K submission, Mr. Zhuo has not made registrations or filings according to SAFE Circular No. 75. Due to uncertainty over how SAFE Circular No. 75 will be interpreted and implemented, we cannot predict how SAFE Circular No. 75 will affect our business operations or future strategies following the business combination. If SAFE Circular No. 75 is determined to apply to us or any of our PRC resident shareholders, none of whom to our knowledge has made registrations or filings according to SAFE Circular No. 75, a failure by any such shareholders or beneficial owners to comply with SAFE Circular No. 75 may subject the relevant shareholders or beneficial owners to penalties under PRC foreign exchange administrative regulations, and may subject us to fines or legal sanctions, restrict our overseas or cross-border investment activities, limit our subsidiaries’ ability to make distributions or pay dividends or affect our ownership structure and capital inflow from the offshore entity, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. In addition, we may not be informed of the identities of our beneficial owners and our Chinese resident beneficial owners, if any, may not comply with SAFE Circular No. 75. The failure or inability of our beneficial owners who are PRC citizens, residents or entities to make or amend any required registrations may subject these PRC residents or our PRC subsidiary to fines and legal sanctions, and may also limit our ability to contribute additional capital into our PRC subsidiary and limit our PRC subsidiary’s ability to make distributions or pay dividends to us, as a result of which our business operations and our ability to distribute profits to our shareholders may be materially and adversely affected.

In December 2009, the PRC State Administration for Taxation issued a notice, known as “Circular 698,” addressing PRC income tax issues in connection with transfers of equity by a non-PRC resident enterprise that directly or indirectly holds an interest in a PRC resident enterprise. Circular 698 requires certain tax filings with, and the submission of comprehensive information to, the applicable tax authorities regarding transfers of equity by a non-PRC resident enterprise that directly or indirectly holds an interest in a PRC resident enterprise. The filings and submissions are designed to assist the taxing authorities in evaluating whether the transfer has a reasonable business purpose. If the transfer does not have a reasonable business purpose, Circular 698 provides that the seller is subject to PRC income tax on the gains received from the transfer of the PRC resident enterprise. Although the tax obligations generally apply to the seller, the PRC resident enterprise that is transferred is also subject to certain requirements to assist the PRC tax authorities in collecting the taxes, potentially including withholding agent obligations. Circular 698 is relatively new with limited implementation guidance, and it is uncertain how it will be interpreted, implemented or enforced. For example, there is no clear guidance regarding what constitutes a “reasonable business purpose” or the assistance obligation applicable to the transferred PRC resident enterprise. We cannot predict how Circular 698 will apply to current or future acquisition strategies and business operations. For example, if our affiliated PRC entities are deemed to have been sold through an offshore holding company, we may face comprehensive filing obligations that could result in significant taxes, potential sanctions or other enforcement action, or other adverse considerations, which could have an adverse impact on our ability to consummate such a transaction or expand our business and market share.

We may be classified as a PRC “resident enterprise” under the PRC enterprise income tax law, which could result in unfavorable tax consequences for us and our shareholders and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Under the Enterprise Income Tax Law of the PRC, or the EIT Law, dividends, interest, rents, royalties and gains on transfers of property payable by a foreign-invested enterprise in China to its foreign investor who is a non-resident enterprise will be subject to a 10% withholding tax, unless such non-resident enterprise’s jurisdiction of incorporation has a tax treaty with China that provides for a reduced rate of withholding tax. Under the arrangement for avoidance of double taxation between mainland China and Hong Kong, the effective withholding tax applicable to a Hong Kong non-resident company is 5% if it directly owns no less than a 25% stake in the Chinese foreign-invested enterprise.

Under the EIT Law, an enterprise established outside China with its “de facto management body” within China is considered a “resident enterprise” in China and is subject to the Chinese enterprise income tax at the rate of 25% on its worldwide income. We may be deemed to be a PRC resident enterprise under the EIT Law and be subject to the PRC enterprise income tax at the rate of 25% on its worldwide income. If the Chinese tax authorities determine that we should be classified as a resident enterprise, foreign securities holders will be subject to a 10% withholding tax on dividends payable by us and subject to income tax upon gains on the sale of securities under the EIT Law.

Due to various restrictions under PRC laws on the distribution of dividends by PRC operating companies or contractual provisions in future debt instruments, we may not be able to pay dividends to our shareholders.

The Wholly-Foreign Owned Enterprise Law (1986), as amended, The Wholly-Foreign Owned Enterprise Law Implementing Rules (1990), as amended, and the Company Law of the PRC (2006) contain the principal regulations governing dividend distributions by Wholly-Foreign Owned Enterprises, or WFOEs. Under these regulations, WFOEs may pay dividends only out of their accumulated profits, if any, determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. Additionally, they are required to set aside each year 10% of its net profits, if any, based on PRC accounting standards, to fund a statutory surplus reserve until the accumulated amount of such reserve reaches 50% of their respective registered capital. These reserves are not distributable as cash dividends except in the event of liquidation and cannot be used for working capital purposes. The PRC government also imposes controls on the conversion of RMB into foreign currencies and the remittance of currencies out of the PRC. We may experience difficulties in completing the administrative procedures necessary to obtain and remit foreign currency for the payment of dividends from the profits of our WFOE.

Furthermore, if our subsidiaries in the PRC incur debt on their own in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict their ability to pay dividends or make other payments. If we or our subsidiaries are unable to receive all of the economic value from the operations of our PRC subsidiaries through contractual or dividend arrangements, we may be unable to pay dividends on our ordinary shares.

Because our principal assets are located outside of the United States and our directors and officers reside outside of the United States, it may be difficult for you to enforce your rights based on the United States federal securities laws against us and our officers and directors in the United States or to enforce foreign judgments or bring original actions in the PRC against us or our management.

Most of our officers and directors reside outside of the United States. In addition, our operating subsidiaries are located in the PRC and all of their assets are located outside of the United States. The PRC does not have a treaty with United States providing for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgments of courts. Therefore, it may be difficult for investors in the United States to enforce their legal rights based on the civil liability provisions of the United States federal securities laws against us in the courts of either the United States or the PRC and, even if civil judgments are obtained in courts of the United States, to enforce such judgments in PRC courts.

In addition, since we are incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands and our corporate affairs are governed by the laws of the Cayman Islands, it may not be possible for investors to originate actions against us or our directors or officers based upon PRC laws, and it may be difficult, if possible at all, to bring actions based upon Cayman Islands laws in the PRC in the event that you believe that your rights as a shareholder have been infringed.

Our employment practices may be adversely impacted under the labor contract law of the PRC.

The PRC National People’s Congress promulgated the Labor Contract Law, which became effective on January 1, 2008. Compared to previous labor laws, the Labor Contract Law provides stronger protection for employees and imposes more obligations on employers. According to the Labor Contract Law, employers have the obligation to enter into written labor contracts with employees to specify the key terms of the employment relationship. The law also stipulates, among other things, (i) that all written labor contracts shall contain certain requisite terms; (ii) that the length of trial employment periods must be in proportion to the terms of the relevant labor contracts, which in any event may not be longer than six months; (iii) that in certain circumstances, a labor contract is deemed to be without a fixed term and thus an employee can only be terminated with cause; and (iv) that there are certain restrictions on the circumstances under which employers may terminate labor contracts as well as the economic compensation to employees upon termination of the employee’s employment.

Pingtan Fishing has not entered into employment agreements with some of its employees, basically the root-level employees, none of whom has endowment insurance, basic medical insurance, insurance against injury at work, maternity insurance and unemployment insurance. Due to the lack of these employment arrangements, we may be subject to overdue payment and fines and in turn our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.

In addition, if we decide to significantly change or downsize our workforce, the Labor Contract Law could restrict our ability to terminate employee contracts and adversely affect our ability to make such changes to our work force in a manner that is most favorable to our business or in a timely and cost-effective manner, which in turn may materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. If we are subject to severe penalties or incur significant legal fees in connection with labor law disputes or investigations, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.

Investors will have limited access to corporate records filed with the relevant PRC government authorities by the PRC operating entities.

All of our PRC subsidiaries are companies registered in Fujian Province. The PRC State Administration for Industry and Commerce and its local counterparts, or collectively SAIC, is the PRC government authority governing the market supervision and administrative enforcement of various business licensing laws. According to the relevant SAIC regulations, certain corporate records of a company should be filed with SAIC, for example, the annual financial report, shareholder changes, amendments of articles of association, registered capital changes, capital verification reports and equity interest pledge registration. In Fujian Province, an individual can gain access to information filed with SAIC only with the authorization of the company for which such information is filed. Alternatively, access to information can be granted by an order of a PRC people’s court, provided that the individual requesting the information is a party to litigation involving the company in question. Due to such restrictions, investors will have limited access to corporate records filed with the SAIC by our PRC subsidiaries.

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

Our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar and our operations in the PRC use their local currency as their functional currencies. Substantially all of our revenue and expenses are in Renminbi. Accordingly, we are subject to the effects of exchange rate fluctuations with respect to the Renminbi. For example, the value of the Renminbi depends to a large extent on PRC government policies and the PRC’s domestic and international economic and political developments, as well as supply and demand in the local market. Since 1994, the official exchange rate for the conversion of Renminbi to the U.S. dollar had generally been stable and the Renminbi had appreciated slightly against the U.S. dollar. However, in July 2005, the PRC government changed its policy of pegging the value of Renminbi to the U.S. dollar. Under the new policy, Renminbi may fluctuate within a narrow and managed band against a basket of certain foreign currencies. As a result of this policy change, Renminbi appreciated more than 20% against the U.S. dollar in the following three years. Since July 2008, however, the Renminbi has traded within a narrow range against the U.S. dollar. As a consequence, the Renminbi has fluctuated significantly since July 2008 against other freely traded currencies, in tandem with the U.S. dollar. On June 19, 2010, the People’s Bank of China, or the PBOC, announced that the PRC government would further reform the Renminbi exchange rate regime and increase the flexibility of the exchange rate. It is difficult to predict how this new policy may impact the Renminbi exchange in the long run and the Renminbi may not be stable against the U.S. dollar or any other foreign currency.

The statements of operations are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates in each applicable period. To the extent the U.S. dollar strengthens against foreign currencies, the translation of these foreign currency denominated transactions results in reduced revenue, operating expenses and net income (loss) of our operations. Similarly, to the extent the U.S. dollar weakens against foreign currencies, the translation of these foreign currency denominated transactions results in increased revenue, operating expenses and net income (loss) of operations. We are exposed, to foreign exchange rate fluctuations in converting the financial statements of foreign subsidiaries into U.S. dollars in consolidation. If there is a change in foreign currency exchange rates, the conversion of the foreign subsidiaries’ financial statements into U.S. dollars will lead to a translation gain or loss which is recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss). In addition, if we have, assets or liabilities that are denominated in currencies other than the relevant entity’s functional currency, changes in the functional currency value of these assets and liabilities would create fluctuations that lead to a transaction gain or loss. Although our major operations are conducted overseas, our sales are conducted in the PRC and in RMB, which is our functional currency. The average exchange rate used in translating the results of operations and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 from RMB to U.S. dollars was 6.8976 and 6.8985, respectively, which represented a 0.01% appreciation from 2019 to 2020 in the value of the RMB against the U.S. dollar. The average exchange rate used in translating the results of operations and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 from RMB to U.S. dollars was 6.8985 and 6.6174, respectively, which represented 4.25% depreciation from 2018 to 2019 in the value of the RMB against the U.S. dollar. We have not entered into agreements or purchased instruments to hedge exchange rate risks, although we may do so in the future. The availability and effectiveness of any hedging transaction may be limited and we may not be able to successfully hedge such exchange rate risks.

Although PRC governmental policies were introduced in 1996 to allow the convertibility of Renminbi into foreign currencies for current account items, conversion of Renminbi into foreign currencies for capital items, such as foreign direct investment, loans or securities, requires the approval of SAFE, which is under the authority of the PBOC. These approvals, however, do not guarantee the availability of foreign currency conversion. We may not be able to obtain all required conversion approvals for our operations and PRC regulatory authorities may impose greater restrictions on the convertibility of Renminbi. Because we expect a significant amount of our revenue to continue to be in the form of Renminbi, our inability to obtain the requisite approvals or any future restrictions on currency exchanges could limit our ability to utilize revenue generated in Renminbi to fund our business activities outside of the PRC, or to repay foreign currency obligations, including our debt obligations, which would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Due to historical defects in its capital contributions of Pingtan Fishing, we may be subject to administrative liability.

The current PRC Companies Law provides that shareholders must make the full amount of capital contribution subscribed to by such shareholder under the articles of association of the company. The form of capital contribution may be currency or non-currency property, such as property, intellectual property rights and land-use rights that can be evaluated in the form of currency and transferred in accordance with the applicable law. Under the PRC Companies Law, the non-currency property to be contributed as capital shall undergo an asset valuation and verification, and shall not be overvalued or undervalued. The property rights of such non-currency property shall be transferred in accordance with legally prescribed procedures. If a company obtains its company registration in violation of the PRC Companies Law by making false statements of registered capital, submitting false certificates or by concealing material facts through other fraudulent means, the company shall be ordered to make rectification. In the event false statements regarding registered capital were made, the company shall also be fined no less than five percent but no more than fifteen percent of the amount of registered capital falsely stated. Further, a company submitting false certificates or concealing material facts may be fined no less than RMB 50,000 but no more than RMB 500,000.

Pingtan Fishing was established in February 1998 with registered capital of RMB 10,000,000, by three founders, Fujian Pingtan County Fishing Development Co., Fujian Pingtan County Shengfa Pingtan Fishing Co., Ltd. and Fujian Pingtan County Shunda Fishing Co., Ltd., all of whom made in-kind contributions to Pingtan Fishing. However, no information regarding any specific category of in-kind contribution was disclosed in the registration records of Pingtan Fishing in Pingtan County SAIC. Further, no assessment report or materials regarding the title transfer for such in-kind contributions were disclosed in the registration record.

In September 2002, Fujian Pingtan County State-owned Asset Operation Co., Ltd., or Pingtan State-owned Co., a PRC state-owned enterprise, injected investment of non-currency property, which was half of its land-use right in an area in Pingtan County, at the price of RMB 7,000,000 and obtained 70% equity interest in Pingtan Fishing. However, the transfer procedure for such land-use right has not been conducted and the registered capital of Pingtan Fishing was never changed.

The local government authority for company registration has confirmed that since its establishment, no information record has been found regarding the violation of the applicable governmental company management laws by Pingtan Fishing. However, due to the lack of certain documents in the registration record of Pingtan Fishing, if the applicable company registration authority determines that Pingtan Fishing has had one or more deficiencies in its historical capital contributions, we may be subject to the fines.

Due to the defect in the state-owned equity interest transfer in Pingtan Fishing’s past, it, and we, may be subject to a determination of invalidity of such equity interest transfer and may be liable for the applicable administrative liability.

According to the Provisional Regulations of Supervision and Administration of State-owned Assets in the Enterprise, promulgated by the State Council on May 27, 2003, and the Provisional Management Measure for the Transfer of the State-owned Equity in an Enterprise, promulgated by State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission and Ministry of Finance on December 31, 2003, or collectively the State-owned Assets Regulations, the State-owned assets supervision and administration authority shall determine the matters of the transfer of its state-owned equity in an enterprise which it has invested. Further, the sale of state-owned equity in a company by a state-owned entity shareholder must be approved by the governmental authority at the same ranking as that of the state-owned entity shareholder, provided that after the transfer the state-owned entity may not hold more than 50% equity interest in such company.

On December 10, 2004, Fujian Yihai Investment Co., Ltd and Chen Cheng obtained all the equity interest in Pingtan Fishing by an equity interest transfer from the former shareholders, or the 2004 Equity Transfer, including Pingtan State-owned Co., and the registered capital of Pingtan Fishing increased to RMB 25,000,000. A state-owned asset transfer was involved in the equity interest transfer, as Pingtan State-owned Co. is a state-owned company. According to State-owned Assets Regulations, such equity interest transfer should be determined by the Fuzhou municipal state-owned asset supervising authority and approved by the Fuzhou Municipal Government. However, the applicable approval was not obtained at the time of the 2004 Equity Transfer, which was only approved by Pingtan County Government. According to 1999 PRC Contract Law, a contract shall be null and void under any of the following circumstances: (1) a contract is concluded through the use of fraud or coercion by one party to damage the interests of the state; (2) malicious collusion is conducted to damage the interests of the state, a collective or a third party; (3) an illegitimate purpose is concealed, under the guise of legitimate acts; (4) public interests are damaged; or (5) a violation the compulsory provisions of the laws and administrative regulations. Currently, none of the violations described above have been found with regard to the equity transfer contract for the 2004 Equity Transfer. Given that the 2004 Equity Transfer has been confirmed by the Pingtan Government, Pingtan Fishing believes that it is unlikely that the transfer will be determined to be invalid. However, the government authority may reach a different conclusion and we may face an order of rectification, which would be time consuming and our business operations may be adversely affected.

We may be subject to certain penalties due to Pingtan Fishing lacking various PRC certificates or licenses and our business may be affected by the failure to renew some such certificates or licenses.

According to the PRC Fishing Vessels Inspection Regulation promulgated by PRC National Council in June 2003, if a fishing vessel operates without the Inspection Certificate after the applicable inspection process, such vessel may be confiscated by the relevant authority. The owner of a fishing vessel who does not apply for the required operation inspection for such vessel can be ordered to cease operations and apply for inspection within the time limit required by the relevant authority. In the event that a company fails to apply for an annual inspection, as ordered by the relevant authority, the company may be fined between RMB 1,000 to RMB 10,000 and the Annual Inspection Certificates held by the company may be temporarily suspended.

According to PRC Radio Management Regulations promulgated by the PRC National Council and PRC Centre Military Committee in September 1993, as well as the License of Radio Station Management Regulations promulgated by Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in February 2009, a company who sets up or uses a radio station in a vessel must obtain a Radio Station License. Failing to do so may result in a fine of up to RMB 5,000 and the radio station facilities may be confiscated.

The PRC is a member of 1973 International Pollution Prevention Convention, amended in 1978. According to the provisions of such convention and relevant PRC laws and regulations, the vessels owned by Pingtan Fishing should have Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificates. We may be subject to a fine of up to RMB 200,000 once our vessels enter into PRC territorial seas due to lacking the certificate and relevant facilities for pollution prevention.

According to the PRC Fishery Management Regulation promulgated by PRC Ministry of Agriculture in April 2003, in the event that an enterprise has not obtained a valid inspection certificate or any other applicable certificates, such company may be subject to penalties imposed by applicable governmental authorities. Further, an enterprise carrying out its ocean fishery business without the approval of the MARA may be subject to penalties imposed by applicable governmental authority pursuant to applicable laws and regulations. The most serious penalty is permanent suspension of its fishing business operation.

In addition, under PRC laws and regulations, Pingtan Fishing is required to hold certain certificates or licenses in order to use its vessels to conduct fishing outside PRC territorial seas. Some of the certificates or licenses are subject to renewal on a regular basis. We may not be able to renew such certificates or licenses. Failure to renew such certificates or licenses may cause temporary or even permanent suspension of Pingtan Fishing’s operations, which would have adverse effects on our business and financial condition. In addition, we may face fines pursuant to the above-mentioned laws and regulations.

Pingtan Fishing has not bought the required social insurance for some of its employees and may be the subject of fines by the relevant authority. 

The PRC Social Insurance Law provides that the employers should apply for the social insurance registration to the social insurance authority for their employees within thirty days from the employment date. The employees should have the basic endowment insurance, basic medical insurance, work-related injury insurance, unemployment insurance and applicable maternity insurance for its employees. The premium of work-related injury insurance and maternity insurance should be paid by the employers and the premium of the other three kinds of insurance should be paid by the employees and employers jointly. Employers who have not managed the application of social insurance registration in time may be ordered by the social insurance authority to make the rectification and may be fined twice or triple the unpaid premium for any delay in such rectification. Employers who have not paid the premium of applicable social insurance for their employees should be ordered to make the payment in time and be charged an overdue fine in the amount of 5/10,000 per day of the unpaid premium from the due date, and, if they have not paid in time as required by such order, may be fined for an amount of twice to triple the unpaid premium. Further, employers have the obligations to withhold the premium of endowment insurance, medical insurance and unemployment insurance and for their employees, and should be charged 5/10,000 per day of the overdue withholding premium by the social insurance authority. Due to this lack of insurance, we may be subject to the overdue payment and fines and in turn our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected. We are actively endeavoring to purchase the social insurance for these employees and taking other remedial action. However, such actions may not be completed on a timely basis, or at all, and may not avoid fines or other penalties. As of December 31, 2020, there had been no fines nor penalties requested by the social insurance authority. Per our estimation, approximately US$703,000 for social insurance has been accrued as of December 31, 2020.

We may be subject to fines for the violation of Fishing Management Regulations.

PRC laws set forth rigorous standards to the amount and qualification of the seamen serving on vessels. The applicable laws include, among other things, the 1983 PRC Navigation Safety Act, Provisions for Administration of Pelagic Fishery which was promulgated by MARA on April 14, 2003, the PRC Seamen Regulations which was promulgated by State Council on March 28, 2007, Fishing Port Navigation Safety Management Regulations which was promulgated by State Council on May 5, 1989, and Provisions of the PRC on Marine and Maritime Administrative Penalty which was promulgated by Ministry of Communications on July 10, 2003. All these laws and regulations, collectively referred to as the Fishing Management Regulations, provide that the vessels should be equipped with qualified seamen, in a number required by the standard criteria to ensure the safety of such vessels and the seamen in Pingtan Fishing’s vessels should be trained by the professional training institution permitted by MARA and hold a Professional Sailor Certificate and the Professional Training Qualification. Further, the owners of the Pingtan Fishing’s enterprises must apply for a Seafarer’s Passport for the seamen on their vessels and the seamen in the voyage or assisting with marine engine work must have a Certificate of Competence. The owner or operator of the vessel may be ordered to rectify the failure to equip vessels with qualified seaman according to the standard quota to ensure the vessels’ safety. Should there be any related gains, the owner or operator of the vessel is subject to a fine of less than three times of the related gains and up to RMB 30,000 for such violation or for the seamen on such vessels lacking valid Certificates of Competence. 

Pingtan Fishing has not historically had procedures in place to ensure its vessels are equipped with sufficient qualified crews, who have the Seafarer’s Passport and Certificate of Job Qualification or other certificates required by applicable Fishing Management Regulations, to ensure the safety of such vessels. Accordingly, we may be subject to fines for such violations.

Pingtan Fishing has not made past housing fund payments for and on behalf of its employees and we may be required to make such payments and be subject to fines or penalties.

Under the Administrative Regulation on Housing Provident Fund, an employer must make a housing fund payment, deposit registration upon its establishment and pay the housing fund for and on behalf of its employees at a percentage between 5% and 12% of the respective employee’s monthly average wage of the preceding year. If an employer fails to make the housing fund payment and deposit registration, the housing fund administration authority may order it to complete the registration within a time limit or be assessed a fine of RMB 10,000 to RMB 50,000. Due to inconsistent implementation and interpretation by local authorities in the PRC and different levels of acceptance of the social security system by employees, Pingtan Fishing has not made sufficient housing fund payment and deposit registration or paid the housing fund for and on behalf of its employees. In the future, we may be required to make housing fund payments, for both late fees and fines for non-compliance. For 2020, the amount of housing fund payment is estimated to be approximately US$1,110,000.

PRC regulation of loans to and direct investments in PRC entities by offshore holding companies may delay or prevent us from financing Pingtan Guansheng.

Any funds we transfer to Pingtan Guansheng, either as a shareholder loan or as an increase in registered capital, are subject to approval by or registration with relevant governmental authorities in China. According to the relevant PRC regulations on foreign invested enterprises in China, capital contributions to Pingtan Guansheng are subject to the approval of the MOFCOM or its local branches and registration with other governmental authorities in China. In addition, (a) any foreign loan procured by Pingtan Guansheng is required to be registered with SAFE or its local branches, and (b) Pingtan Guansheng may not procure loans which exceed the difference between its registered capital and its total investment amount as approved by the MOFCOM or its local branches. Any medium or long term loan to be provided by us to Pingtan Guansheng must be approved by the National Development and Reform Commission and the SAFE or its local branches. We may be unable to obtain these government approvals or complete such registration on a timely basis, if at all, with respect to capital contributions or foreign loans by it to its PRC subsidiaries. If we fail to receive such approvals or complete such registration, the ability to fund our PRC operations may be negatively affected, which could adversely affect our liquidity and ability to fund and expand our business.

On August 29, 2008, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Relevant Operating Issues Concerning the Improvement of the Administration of the Payment and Settlement of Foreign Currency Capital of Foreign Invested Enterprises, or SAFE Circular 142. SAFE Circular 142 provides that any Renminbi capital converted from registered capital in foreign currency of a foreign invested enterprise may only be used for purposes within the business scope approved by PRC governmental authority and such Renminbi capital may not be used for equity investments within the PRC unless otherwise permitted by the PRC law. In addition, SAFE strengthened its oversight of the flow and use of the Renminbi capital converted from registered capital in foreign currency of a foreign invested enterprise. The use of such Renminbi capital may not be changed without SAFE approval, and such Renminbi capital may not in any case be used to repay Renminbi loans if the proceeds of such loans have not been utilized. Any violation of SAFE Circular 142 could result in severe monetary or other penalties. As a result, after the consummation of the business combination, we will be required to apply Renminbi funds converted within the business scope of Pingtan Guansheng. SAFE Circular 142 significantly limits our ability to transfer the net proceeds from us prior or any future offering of additional equity securities to Pingtan Guansheng or invest in or acquire any other companies in the PRC. On November 19, 2010, SAFE promulgated the Circular on the Policy of further Improvement and Adjustment of the Administration of the Direct Investment by Foreign Currency, or SAFE Circular 59, requiring SAFE to closely examine the authenticity of settlement of net proceeds from offshore offerings. In particular, it is specifically required that any net proceed settled from offshore offerings shall be applied in the manner described in the offering documents. On November 9, 2011, SAFE promulgated the Notice on Relevant Issues Concerning Further Defining and Managing Part of the Foreign Currency Business in Capital Projects, or SAFE Circular 45. SAFE Circular 45 further provides that a foreign-investment enterprise should not use the Renminbi capital converted from registered capital in foreign currency in the equity investment. Due to the fact that the business scope of Pingtan Guansheng does not include equity investment, according to the aforementioned regulations, Pingtan Guansheng may not use Renminbi converted from foreign currency-denominated capital for purposes of an equity investment, and it must use such capital within its business scope, such as the sales of aquatic products or import and export of various commodities and technologies. Therefore, SAFE Circulars 142, 59 and 45 may significantly limit our ability to convert, transfer and use the net proceeds from our prior or any future offering of equity securities in China, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Risks Relating to Our Securities

Our corporate actions are substantially controlled by our officers, directors and principal shareholders and their affiliated entities.

Our controlling shareholder and Chairman and CEO, Mr. Xinrong Zhuo, owns approximately 57.3% of our issued and outstanding shares. He would control matters requiring approval by our shareholders, including the election of directors and the approval of mergers or other business combination transactions, and he may not act in the best interests of minority shareholders. This concentration of ownership may also discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of us, which could deprive our shareholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their shares as part of a sale of our Company. These actions may be taken even if they are opposed by our other shareholders.

Our management has determined that the Company’s disclosure control and procedures and internal control over financial reporting were not effective at fiscal year-end.

We are subject to reporting obligations under the U.S. securities laws. The SEC, as required under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, adopted rules requiring every public company to include a management report on such company’s internal control over financial reporting in its annual report, which contains management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting. Our management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2020. However, management believes that despite our material weakness, our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020 are fairly stated, in all material respects, in accordance with U.S. GAAP. See “Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.

The material weakness that we identified related to failing to maintain a sufficient complement of personnel with an appropriate level of experience and training in the application of US GAAP commensurate with our financial reporting requirements. We are actively engaged in remediation activities designed to address the material weakness, but our remediation efforts are not complete and are ongoing. We are in the process of performing an assessment of our financial organization to determine the sufficiency of resources with the appropriate level of knowledge, experience and training commensurate with our internal controls and executing any recommendations arising from the assessment; evaluating the need for the establishment of effective internal audit functions including the consideration of outsourcing the function to an outside party; expanding our accounting staff through actively recruiting for open positions and anticipate hiring additional qualified accounting and financial reporting personnel in 2021; and re-training our current accounting staff regarding risks, controls and maintaining adequate evidence. See “Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.”

Until we are able to remediate the material weaknesses identified above, such material weaknesses may materially and adversely affect our ability to report accurately our financial condition and results of operations in the future in a timely and reliable manner. In addition, although we review and evaluate our internal control systems to allow management to report on the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and the sufficiency of our internal control over financial reporting, we cannot assure you that we will not discover additional weaknesses in the future or that any corrective actions taken to remediate issues identified during the course of an assessment will be effective. Any such additional weaknesses or failure to remediate any existing weaknesses could materially adversely affect our financial condition or ability to comply with applicable financial reporting requirements. This could in turn result in the loss of investor confidence in the reliability of our financial statements and negatively impact the trading price of our stock. Furthermore, we have incurred and may need to incur additional costs and use additional management and other resources in an effort to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and other requirements going forward.

Shareholders may face difficulties in protecting their interests, and their ability to protect their rights through the United States federal courts may be limited because we are incorporated under Cayman Islands law, we conduct substantially all of our operations in China and most of our directors and officers reside outside the United States.

We are incorporated in the Cayman Islands and conduct substantially all of our operations in China through our PRC subsidiaries. Most of our directors and officers reside outside the United States and a substantial portion of their assets are located outside of the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for our shareholders to bring an action against us or these individuals in the Cayman Islands or in China in the event that you believe that your rights have been infringed under the securities laws or otherwise. Even if shareholders are successful in bringing an action of this kind, the laws of the Cayman Islands and of China may render you unable to enforce a judgment against our assets or the assets of our directors and officers.

Compliance with rules and requirements applicable to public companies will cause us to incur additional costs, and any failure by us to comply with such rules and requirements could negatively affect investor confidence in us and cause the value of our securities to decline.

As a public company, we are incurring significant legal, accounting and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company. In addition, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, as well as rules adopted by the SEC, has required changes in the corporate governance practices of public companies. We expect these rules and regulations to increase our legal, accounting and financial compliance costs and to make certain corporate activities more time-consuming and costly. Complying with these rules and requirements may be especially difficult and costly for us because it may have difficulty locating sufficient personnel in China with experience and expertise relating to U.S. GAAP and United States public company reporting requirements, and such personnel may command high salaries. If we cannot employ sufficient personnel to ensure compliance with these rules and regulations, we may need to rely more on outside legal, accounting and financial experts, which may be very costly.

The prices at which our ordinary shares are traded will likely be volatile.

You should expect the prices at which our ordinary shares are traded to be highly volatile. Our progress in developing and commercializing our products, the impact of government regulations on our products and industry, the potential sale of a large volume of our ordinary shares by shareholders, our quarterly operating results, changes in general conditions in the economy or the financial markets and other developments affecting us or our competitors could cause the market price of our ordinary shares to fluctuate substantially with significant market losses. As a result, this may make it difficult or impossible for holders of our ordinary shares to sell shares when they want and at prices they find attractive.

We may sell equity securities in the future, which would cause dilution.

We may sell equity securities in the future to obtain funds for general corporate or other purposes. We may sell these securities at a discount to the market price. Any future sales of equity securities will dilute the holdings of existing holders of our ordinary shares, possibly reducing the value of their investment.

Although our ordinary shares are currently listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market, there can be no assurance that we will be able to comply with the continued listing standards.

Our ordinary shares are currently listed for trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “PME”. The NASDAQ Capital Market may delist our ordinary shares from trading on its exchange for failure to meet the continued listing standards. As previously disclosed, the Company received delinquency notification letters from NASDAQ on April 15, 2021, May 25, 2021, and August 23, 2021 indicating that the Company is delinquent in filing its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2021. The Company disclosed the receipt of these notification letters in its Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 28, 2021, April 19, 2021 and August 26, 2021.

Additionally, on June 30, 2021 the Company received a notice from NASDAQ notifying the Company that the bid price for the Company’s ordinary shares for the last 30 consecutive business days had closed below the minimum $1.00 per share required for continued listing under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2). The Company disclosed the receipt of this bid price notification letter in its Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 2, 2021. The Company continues to work with NASDAQ to regain compliance with the continued listing standards by December 27, 2021.

If our ordinary shares were delisted from the NASDAQ Capital Market, we and our shareholders could face significant material adverse consequences including:

If securities or industry analysts do not publish or cease publishing research or reports about us, our business, or our market, or if they change their recommendations regarding our ordinary shares adversely, the price and trading volume of our securities could decline.

Securities and industry analysts do not currently, and may never, publish research on us. If securities or industry analysts do not publish or cease publishing research or reports about us, our business, or our market, or if they change their recommendations regarding our ordinary shares adversely, the price and trading volume of our securities could decline. The trading markets for our securities will be influenced by the research and reports that industry or securities analysts may publish about us, our business, our market, or our competitors. If no securities or industry analysts commence coverage of us, the market price and trading volume of our securities would likely be negatively impacted. If any of the analysts who may cover us change their recommendation regarding our securities adversely, or provide more favorable relative recommendations about our competitors, the price of our securities would likely decline. If any analyst who may cover us were to cease coverage of us or fail to regularly publish reports on us, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn could cause the market price or trading volume of our securities to decline.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

Our principal executive offices are located at 18-19/F, Zhongshan Building A, No. 154 Hudong Road, Fuzhou, PRC. On July 31, 2012, we entered into an office lease agreement with Ping Lin, the wife of Xinrong Zhuo, the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, for approximately 100 square meters of space. Annual lease payments were approximately US$12,200 in 2020.

On January 1, 2015, we entered into a service agreement with Hai Yi Shipping Limited, an affiliate company domiciled in Hong Kong, that provided the Company the use of premises of approximately 194 square meters located at Suites 5201-3, 52/F, The Center, 99 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong as office, and clerical and administrative support and consultation services. On January 1, 2018, the Service Agreement was renewed to February 28, 2018 under the same conditions. On March 1, 2018, the Company entered into a lease agreement directly with the landlord under the same conditions that expires on February 28, 2021.We incurred and paid approximately US$462,000 in 2020.

We lease secured several cold storages facilities located in one of the PRC’s largest seafood trading centers, the MaWei seafood market. The monthly rent for the cold storage is RMB70 (US$10) to RMB55 (US$8) per square meter and the leases are renewable annually. The following table sets forth information regarding the cold storages we currently rent as of December 31, 2020:

We believe that our current offices and facilities are adequate to meet our needs, and that additional facilities will be available for lease, if necessary, to meet our future needs.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

From time to time, we may be subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of business. Currently, we are not a party to any litigation the outcome of which, if determined adversely to us, would individually or in the aggregate be reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, cash flows or financial condition. See Note 15 for discussion of commitments and contingencies.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market Information

Our ordinary shares are listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “PME.”

Holders of Record

On October 11, 2021, the closing sale price of our shares of ordinary shares was US$0.68 per share and there were 86,928,378 ordinary shares. On that date, our ordinary shares were held by approximately 200 holders of record. The number of record holders was determined from the records of our transfer agent and does not include beneficial owners of our ordinary shares whose shares are held in the names of various security brokers, dealers, and registered clearing agencies.

Dividend Policy

There were no dividends declared and paid during 2020 and 2019. For the first three quarters during 2018, we declared and paid cash dividends of US$0.01 per ordinary share outstanding. We can pay dividends only out of our profits or other distributable reserves and dividends or distributions will only be paid or made if we are able to pay our debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business. Payment of future dividends, if any, will be at the discretion of the board of directors after taking into account various factors, including current financial condition, operating results, current and anticipated cash needs and regulations governing dividend distributions by wholly foreign owned enterprises in China.

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

As of the date of this annual report, we have no equity compensations plans for any of our employees, directors and consultants.

Purchases of Equity Securities

During the quarter ended December 31, 2020, we did not purchase any of our equity securities, nor did any person or entity purchase any of our equity securities on our behalf.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities and Use of Proceeds

None.

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Reserved.

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto contained elsewhere in this report. Certain information contained in the discussion and analysis set forth below includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.

Unless otherwise indicated, references to the “Company,” “us” or “we” refer to Pingtan Marine Enterprise Ltd. and its subsidiaries.

Overview

We are a marine enterprise group primarily engaging in ocean fishing through our operating subsidiary, Fujian Provincial Pingtan County Ocean Fishing Group Co., Ltd., or Pingtan Fishing, which is organized in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”). We carry out marine fishing operations in the international waters and the approved waters in access fishing countries with many of our owned vessels or licensed vessels for which we have exclusive operating license rights. We provide high quality seafood to a diverse group of customers including distributors, restaurant owners and exporters in the PRC.

We initially had a fishing fleet of 40 vessels in 2013. By June 2015, we expanded the number of vessels to 135 through the construction of 3 new vessels, the purchase of 72 licensed vessels and the acquisition of 20-year exclusive operation rights to 20 vessels. Our fishing fleet consists of vessels of diversified fishing methods, including trawling, drift netting, light luring seine, long line fishing and squid jigging. 

From 2017 to 2018, we purchased 2 refrigerated transport vessels and 4 squid jigging vessels. Of those vessels, the renovation of 2 transport vessels and 2 squid jigging vessels were completed in subsequent years and were deployed to international waters. The ownership transfer of the remaining 2 vessels’ is not yet completed, but the Company is entitled to 100% of the operations and net profits (losses) from the vessels. 

In April 2018, 27 vessels received approval from the MARA to operate in international waters after the completion of modification and rebuilding projects. The 27 fishing vessels were modified and rebuilt into 20 squid jigging vessels and 7 light luring seine vessels and have been deployed to sea for operation in late 2018 and early 2019.

In 2019, the Company had 30 fishing vessels that received approval from the MARA to operate in international waters after completion of modification and rebuilding. The 30 vessels were rebuilt and modified into 15 squid jigging vessels and 15 seine vessels. The renovation of the 30 vessels was completed in 2019 and these vessels were deployed to international waters for operation.

In 2020, the Company had 11 fishing vessels that received approval from the MARA to operate in international waters after completion of modification and rebuilding. The 11 vessels were rebuilt and modified into 10 squid jigging vessels and 1 refrigerated transport vessel. The renovation of the 11 vessels was completed in 2020 and these vessels were deployed to international waters for operation.

In 2020, 20 more vessels also received approval from MARA to operate in international waters after the completion of modification and rebuilding projects. The 20 vessels were going to be modified and rebuilt into 20 seine vessels.

As of December 31, 2020, we owned 51 squid jigging vessels, 26 trawlers, 25 seine vessels, 13 drifters, 4 longline fishing vessels, and 3 transport vessels and had exclusive operating license rights to 20 seine vessels. Additionally, 1 new krill fishing vessel was in the building stage. 

Among the 143 vessels, 80 were located in international waters, 12 were located in the Bay of Bengal in India, 13 were located in the PRC, 37 were located in the Arafura Sea in Indonesia and 1 new krill fishing vessel was in the building stage. In the fourth quarter of 2020, 37 vessels in Indonesian waters, 13 vessels in PRC and 1 krill fishing vessel were recognized an impairment loss of $66,694,253. See Note 2 for discussion of Impairment of long-lived assets.

We catch nearly 30 different species of fish, including squid, ribbon fish, croaker fish and cuttle fish. All of our catch is shipped back to the PRC. We arrange chartered transportation ships to deliver frozen stocks to cold storage warehouses located in one of the PRC’s largest seafood trading centers, the Mawei Seafood Market in Fujian Province. 

We derive our revenue primarily from the sale of frozen seafood products. We sell our products directly to customers, including seafood processors, distributors, restaurant owners and exporters. Most of our customers have long-term, cooperative relationships with us. Our existing customers also introduce new customers to us from time to time. In July 2017, we started strategic cooperation with an e-commerce platform to sell our fish products directly to consumers online, which is not a significant portion of our revenues. Based on past experience, demand for seafood products is the highest from December to January, during the Chinese New Year. We believe that our profitability and growth are dependent on our ability to deploy our vessels to new fishing grounds and our ability to expand our customer base.

Revenue by territory

Our customers are from the following PRC territories:

Significant factors affecting our results of operations

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Comparison of results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019

Revenue

We catch different species of fish, ship them back to China and sell the catches to distributors and retailers by acting as a wholesaler. Marine catch is our one and only product line. The product type, contractual price and quantities are identified in contracts. We do not offer promotional payments, customer coupons, rebates or other cash redemption offers to our customers, and we do not accept returns from customers. Our revenues are recorded at a point in time. All of our operations are considered by the Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker to be aggregated in one reportable operating segment and our revenue is disaggregated by product type in terms of species of fish sold pursuant to ASC 606-10-55-91(a). 

The revenue is generated from the sale of frozen fish and other marine catches. We recognize revenue at the amount we expect to be entitled to be paid, determined when control of the products is transferred to our customers, which occurs upon delivery of and acceptance of the frozen fish by the customer and we have a right to payment. 

We have identified one performance obligation as when the frozen fish and other marine catches identified in the contract are picked up by the customers at our cold storage warehouses, with revenue being recognized at a point in time. We initially recognize revenue in an amount which is estimated based on contractual prices. The receivables under contracts, whereby pricing is based on contractual prices, are primarily collected within 180 days.

For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, our revenue by species of fish was as follows:

For the year ended December 31, 2020, we had revenue of $87,240,420, as compared to revenue of $89,622,156 for the year ended December 31, 2019, a decrease of $2,381,736, or 2.7%. Sales volumes in the year ended December 31, 2020 increased 65.7% to 84,185,002 kg from 50,794,463 kg in the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase was mainly attributable to more vessels in operation. Average unit sale price decreased by 40.9% in the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2019, the decrease was mainly attributable to the fish species with highest sales volume being sold at lower selling prices - Indian Ocean squid was our major product in 2020 and an increase in the number of fishing vessels catching Indian Ocean squid on the market led to increased supply, which negatively affected the average unit sale price, in addition, customer sentiment and behavior changed as a result of the uncertainty of COVID-19 and caused more consumption of lower-priced fish products. For the year ended December 31, 2020, our decrease in revenue was primarily attributable to the different sales mix and average unit sale price decreases, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2019.

Cost of revenue

Our cost of revenue primarily consists of fuel cost, labor cost, depreciation, freight, and other overhead costs. Fuel cost, labor cost and depreciation 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 years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:

Cost of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $89,661,883, representing an increase of $25,265,312 or 39.2% as compared to $64,396,571 for the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase was primarily attributable to the increase in our production activities.

At December 31, 2020, we recorded a reserve for inventories in the amount of $5,606,514, recorded in cost of revenue, which was mainly attributable to the inventory level as of December 31, 2020 increased significantly in comparison to December 21, 2019 due to more vessels in operation, and the selling price of the major fish species was lower than the cost, resulting in inventory impairment.

Gross profit

Our gross profit is affected primarily by changes in production costs. Fuel cost, labor cost and depreciation together account for about 86.4% and 88.1% of cost of revenue for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The fluctuation of fuel price and change in depreciation may significantly affect our cost level and gross profit.

The following table sets forth information as to our revenue, cost of revenue, gross profit and gross margin for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

Gross loss for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $2,421,463, representing a change of $27,647,048 or 109.6% as compared to gross profit of $25,225,585 for the year ended December 31, 2019. The lower gross profit was due to the decrease in our average unit sale price and an increase in cost of revenue due to the reasons described above.

Gross margin decreased to a gross loss of2.8% for the year ended December 31, 2020 from gross profit margin 28.1% for the year ended December 31, 2019. The decrease in gross margin for the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2019 was primarily due to the decrease in the average unit sale price by 41.3%. The market price of Indian Ocean squid, a key species in our sales mix was low, and the market price of frozen seafood was similarly affected due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which together led to a decrease in the average unit sales price. Some of our customers are fish processing plants that export processed fish products to foreign countries, and some of these customers reduced or postponed their purchases from us in the initial stage of the pandemic and have now started adjusting their business strategies in relation to exportation or domestic sale. This change in strategy has caused a decrease in our unit selling price.

Selling expense

Our selling expense mainly includes shipping and handling fees, insurance, customs clearance charges, storage fees and advertising expenses. Our sales activities are conducted through direct selling by our internal sales staff. We typically do not aggressively market and distribute our products.

Selling expense amounted to $4,850,044 for the year ended December 31, 2020, as compared to $2,715,599 for the year ended December 31, 2019, an increase of $2,134,445, or 78.6%. Selling expense as a percentage of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2020 increased to 5.6% from 3.0% for the year ended December 31, 2019. Selling expense for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 consisted of the following:

General and administrative expense

General and administrative expense amounted to $7,158,251 for the year ended December 31, 2020, as compared to $7,889,934 for the year ended December 31, 2019, a decrease of $731,683, or 9.3%. General and administrative expense for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 consisted of the following:

Subsidy

The subsidy mainly consists of an incentive granted by the Chinese government to encourage the development of the ocean fishing industry in order to satisfy the demand of natural seafood in the PRC and other miscellaneous subsidies from the Chinese government. For the year ended December 31, 2020, subsidies increased by $7,219,985, or 112.1%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2019. The change was mainly due to the government’s subsidy disbursement schedule. The subsidy received for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 contributed $0.17 and $0.08 earnings per share, respectively.

Impairment

Impairment loss represents the impairment loss on the vessels whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets might not be recovered. Since 2014, there has been no progress on fishing license renewals as a result of the Indonesian government’s moratorium of foreign companies, like the Company, obtaining the renewal of fishing licenses issued by them. The management of the Company determined to shift the focus of development to international waters and consider obtaining corresponding fishing permits. In response to impairment triggering events, the Company recorded an impairment in the fourth quarter of 2020 of $66,694,253 for fishing vessels, $1,019,017 for inventory respectively. See Note 2 for further details.

Gain or Loss on fixed assets disposal 

Gain or loss on fixed asset disposals represents the gain or loss on the sale of the assets. The gain or loss on fixed asset disposals was nil for the year ended 2020 in comparison to the gain on fixed asset disposals of $59,432 for the year ended 2019.

Loss from operations 

As a result of the factors described above, for the year ended December 31, 2020, loss from operations amounted to $68,482,798, as compared to income from operations of $13,168,148 for the year ended December 31, 2019, a change of $81,650,946, or 620.1%.

Other income/expense 

Other income/expense mainly includes interest income from bank deposits, interest expense for bank borrowings, foreign currency transaction gain, gain from cost method investment, and loss on equity method investment.

For the year ended December 31, 2020, other expense, net, amounted to $9,135,782 as compared to other expense, net, of $6,788,083 for the year ended December 31, 2019, an increase of $2,347,699, or 34.6%, which was primarily attributable to an increase in interest expenses of approximately $7,378,000 as a result of an increase in bank loans and a decrease in gain from cost method investment of approximately $177,000, offset by an increase in interest income of approximately $2,965,000, an increase in foreign currency transaction gain of approximately $906,000, a decrease in loss on equity method investment of approximately $331,000 and a decrease in other expense of approximately $919,000. 

Income taxes

We are exempted from income taxes for income generated from our ocean fishing operations in China for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. 

Net (loss) income

As a result of the factors described above, our net loss was $77,618,580 for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to net income of $6,380,065 for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Net income attributable to owners of the Company 

The net loss attributable to owners of the Company was $(72,878,248), or $(0.92) per ordinary share (basic and diluted), for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to net income attributable to owners of the Company of $5,682,024, or $0.07 per ordinary share (basic and diluted), for the year ended December 31, 2019.

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 incorporated in China is the Chinese Renminbi (“RMB”). The financial statements of our subsidiaries 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 income (loss). As a result of foreign currency translations, which are a non-cash adjustment, we reported a foreign currency translation gain of $7,156,773 for the year ended December 31, 2020, as compared to a foreign currency translation loss of $2,861,319 for the year ended December 31, 2019. This non-cash loss had the effect of increasing/decreasing our reported comprehensive loss/gain and this non-cash gain had the effect of decreasing/increasing our reported comprehensive loss/gain.

Comprehensive (loss) income

As a result of our foreign currency translation adjustment, we had comprehensive loss for the year ended December 31, 2020 of $70,461,807, compared to comprehensive income of $3,518,746 for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Comparison of results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018

Revenue

For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, our revenue by species of fish was as follows:

For the year ended December 31, 2019, we had revenue of $89,622,156, as compared to revenue of $64,256,088 for the year ended December 31, 2018, an increase of $25,366,068, or 39.5%. Sales volumes in the year ended December 31, 2019 increased 93.2% to 50,794,463 kg from 26,290,393 kg in the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase was mainly attributable to more vessels in operation. Average unit sale price decreased by 27.9% in the year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018, the decrease was mainly attributable to the fish species with highest sales volume being sold at lower selling prices, which pulled down the average unit sale price. For the year ended December 31, 2019, our increase in revenue was primarily attributable to more vessels in operation, which caused the sales volume to increase, and due to the different sales mix, average unit sale price decreased, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018.

Cost of revenue

Our cost of revenue primarily consists of fuel cost, labor cost, depreciation, fishing vessels maintenance fee, and other overhead costs. Fuel cost, labor cost and depreciation 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 years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018:

Cost of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $64,396,571, representing an increase of $31,156,989 or 93.7% as compared to $33,239,582 for the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase was primarily attributable to the increase in our production activities.

Gross profit

Our gross profit is affected primarily by changes in production costs. Fuel cost, labor cost and depreciation together account for about 88.1% and 88.1% of cost of revenue for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The fluctuation of fuel price and change in depreciation may significantly affect our cost level and gross profit.

The following table sets forth information as to our revenue, cost of revenue, gross profit and gross margin for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $25,225,585, representing a change of $5,790,921 or 18.7% as compared to gross profit of $31,016,506 for the year ended December 31, 2018. The decrease was due to the decrease in our average unit sale price and our unit production cost of fish remained at a consistent level.

Gross margin decreased to 28.1% for the year ended December 31, 2019 from 48.3% for the year ended December 31, 2018. The decrease in gross margin for the year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018 was primarily attributable to a drop of average unit sale price by 27.9% as a result of new fishing vessels being deployed in different waters of high seas and harvesting different catch mix.

Selling expense

Our selling expense mainly includes shipping and handling fees, insurance, customs clearance charge, storage fees and advertising expenses. Our sales activities are conducted through direct selling by our internal sales staff. Because of the strong demand for our products and services, we typically do not aggressively market and distribute our products.   

Selling expense amounted to $2,715,599 for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to $1,622,451 for the year ended December 31, 2018, an increase of $1,093,148 or 67.4%. Selling expense as a percentage of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2019 increased slight to 3.0% from 2.5% for the year ended December 31, 2018. Selling expense for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 consisted of the following:

General and administrative expense

General and administrative expense amounted to $7,889,934 for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to $10,304,750 for the year ended December 31, 2018, a decrease of $2,414,816 or 23.4%. General and administrative expense for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 consisted of the following:

Subsidy 

The subsidy mainly consists of an incentive granted by the Chinese government to encourage the development of the ocean fishing industry in order to satisfy the demand of natural seafood in China and other miscellaneous subsidy from the Chinese government. For the year ended December 31, 2019, grant income decreased by $2,144,432, or 25.0% as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. The change was mainly due to the government’s subsidy disbursement schedule. 

Impairment

Impairment loss represents the impairment loss on the vessels whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets might not be recovered. In 2019, we dismantled 1 transport vessel and deregistered 16 fishing vessels and applied to the MARA for rebuilding 17 new vessels. In 2018, we deregistered 24 fishing vessels and applied to the MARA for building 24 new fishing vessels. As a result of the rebuilding projects, we assessed the recoverability of the 17 fishing vessels and 24 fishing vessels for the year ended 2019 and 2018 based on the undiscounted future cash flow that the fishing vessels are expected to generate as less than the carrying amount, and recognized an impairment loss. The Impairment loss on vessels was $7,951,635 and $9,715,058 for the year ended 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Gain or Loss on fixed assets disposal 

Gain or loss on fixed assets disposal represents the gain or loss on the disposal of fixed assets we recorded as it incurred. The gain on fixed assets disposal was $59,432 for the year ended 2019 in comparison to the loss on fixed assets disposal was $2,105,960 for the year ended 2018, respectively. This was mainly due to 27 fishing vessels being dismantled for modification and rebuilding project in 2018.

Income from operations 

As a result of the factors described above, for the year ended December 31, 2019, income from operations amounted to $13,168,148, as compared to income from operations of $15,853,018 for the year ended December 31, 2018, a change of $2,684,870, or 16.9%.

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, gain from cost method investment, and loss on equity method investment.

For the year ended December 31, 2019, other expense, net, amounted to $6,788,083 as compared to other expense, net, of $1,040,320 for the year ended December 31, 2018, an increase of $5,747,763, or 552.5%, which was primarily attributable to an increase in interest expense of approximately $4,844,000 as a result of increase in bank loans, an increase in foreign currency transaction loss of approximately $140,000, an increase in loss on equity method investment of approximately $294,000, an increase in loss on the interest sold of approximately $87,000, an decrease in gain from cost method investment of approximately $70,000 and increase in other expenses of approximately $1,052,000, offset by an increase in interest income of approximately $739,000.

Income taxes

We are exempted from income taxes for income generated from our ocean fishing operations in China for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. 

Net income

As a result of the factors described above, our net income was $6,380,065 for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared to net income of $14,812,698 for the year ended December 31, 2018, a change of $8,432,633 or 56.9%.

Net income attributable to owners of the Company 

The net income attributable to owners of the Company was $5,682,024, or $0.07 per ordinary share (basic and diluted), for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared to net income attributable to owners of the Company of $13,397,301, or $0.17 per ordinary share (basic and diluted), for the year ended December 31, 2018, a change of $7,715,277 or 57.6%.

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 incorporated in China is the Chinese Renminbi (“RMB”). The financial statements of our subsidiaries 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 income (loss). As a result of foreign currency translations, which are a non-cash adjustment, we reported a foreign currency translation loss of $2,861,319 for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to a foreign currency translation loss of $8,387,092 for the year ended December 31, 2018. This non-cash loss had the effect of increasing/decreasing our reported comprehensive loss/gain and this non-cash gain had the effect of decreasing/increasing our reported comprehensive loss/gain.

Comprehensive income

As a result of our foreign currency translation adjustment, we had comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2019 of $3,518,746, compared to comprehensive income of $6,425,606 for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019

The following summarizes the key components of our cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:

Net cash flow used in operating activities was $32,578,152 for the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to net cash flow used in operating activities of $30,573,780 for the year ended December 31, 2019, a change of $2,004,372. 

Net cash flow used in investing activities was $70,166,436 for the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to $132,464,184 for the year ended December 31, 2019. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we made prepayments for long-term assets of approximately $12,913,000 and made payments for the purchase of property, plant and equipment of approximately $86,611,000, offset by proceeds received from government subsidies for fishing vessels construction of approximately $29,358,000. During the year ended December 31, 2019, we made payments for the purchase of property, plant and equipment of approximately $118,469,000 and prepayments made for the purchase of long-term assets of approximately $49,593,000, offset by proceeds received from government grants for fishing vessel construction of approximately $35,525,000.

Net cash flow provided by financing activities was $101,922,460 for the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to net cash flow provided by financing activities of $171,562,601 for the year ended December 31, 2019. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we received short-term bank loans of approximately $93,076,000, long-term bank loans of approximately $108,821,000 and proceeds from due from related party of approximately $12,620,000, offset by the repayments of short-term bank loans of approximately $53,642,000 and the repayment of long-term bank loans of approximately $58,953,000. During the year ended December 31, 2019, we received proceeds from short-term bank loan of approximately $10,147,000 and proceeds from long-term bank loan of approximately $208,023,000, offset by the repayments of short-term bank loans of approximately $5,063,000, the repayment of long-term bank loans of approximately $18,881,000, the repayment of advances to related parties of approximately $10,046,010, loans issued to related parties of approximately 12,618,000.

Cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018

The following summarizes the key components of our cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018:

Net cash flow used in operating activities was $30,573,780 for the year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to net cash flow provided by operating activities was $53,302,882 for the year ended December 31, 2018, a change of $83,876,662. 

Net cash flow used in investing activities was $132,464,184 for the year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to $55,706,559 for the year ended December 31, 2018. During the year ended December 31, 2019, we made payments for purchase of property, plant and equipment of approximately $118,469,000 and prepayment made for long-term assets of approximately $49,593,000, offset by proceeds received from government grants for fishing vessel construction of approximately $35,525,000. During the year ended December 31, 2018, we made payments for purchase of property, plant and equipment of approximately $60,930,000, offset by proceeds received from government grants for fishing vessel construction of approximately $5,224,000.

Net cash flow provided by financing activities was $171,562,601 for the year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to net cash flow used in financing activities of $1,443,061 for the year ended December 31, 2018. During the year ended December 31, 2019, we received proceeds from short-term bank loan of approximately $10,147,000 and proceeds from long-term bank loan of approximately $208,023,000, offset by the repayments of short-term bank loans of approximately $5,063,000, the repayment of long-term bank loans of approximately $18,881,000, the repayment of advances to related parties of approximately $10,046,010, loans issued to related parties of approximately 12,618,000. During the year ended December 31, 2018, we received advances from related parties of approximately $3,891,000, proceeds from short-term bank loan of approximately $14,961,000 and proceeds from long-term bank loan of approximately $5,479,000, offset by the repayments of short-term bank loans of approximately $14,622,000, the repayment of long-term bank loans of approximately $5,894,000 and cash made for dividend payments of approximately $2,372,000. 

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 have historically relied on cash flow provided by operations and bank loans to supplement our working capital. We also receive government subsidies as a government incentive for encouraging development of ocean fishing industry. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, we have been paying close attention to the operations of our customers and optimizing the collection of accounts receivable. For new customers, we have adopted a policy of receiving payment before pick-up. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had cash balances of approximately $691,933 and $10,092,205, respectively. The significant portion of these funds are located in financial institutions located in the PRC and will continue to be indefinitely reinvested in our operations in the PRC. From January to September 2021, we received $44.4 million from short-term bank loan, $77.2 million from long-term bank loan, and $19.0 million from government subsidy, with the majority of the bank loan received are for funding working capital. In the same period, we repaid $84.8 bank loans. Hence we believe we have enough resources to operate for at least the next 12 months.

The following table sets forth a summary of changes in our working capital from December 31, 2019 to December 31, 2020:

Our working capital deficit decreased $5,334,716 to a working capital deficit of $19,114,747 at December 31, 2020 from working capital deficit of $24,449,463 at December 31, 2019. This decrease in working capital deficit is primarily attributable to an increase in restricted cash of approximately $9,913,000, an increase in accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, of approximately $22,673,000, an increase in inventories, net of reserve for inventories, of approximately $37,083,000 due to our business expansion resulting from having more fishing vessels in operations, an increase in prepaid expenses-related parties of approximately $2,015,000, an increase in other receivables of approximately $1,288,000, a decrease in long-term bank loans - current portion approximately of $17,135,000 due to the repayment schedule, a decrease in lease liability-current liability approximately of $344,000 and a decrease in due to related parties of approximately $150,000, offset by a decrease in due from related parties approximately of $12,478,000, a decrease in prepaid expenses approximately of $1,183,000, an increase in accounts payable of approximately $10,841,000, an increase in accounts payable - related parties of approximately $8,259,000, a significant increase in short-term bank loans of approximately $42,380,000 and an increase in accrued liabilities and other payables of approximately $724,000.

In order to mitigate our liquidity risk, we plan to rely on the proceeds from loans from banks and/or financial institutions to increase working capital in order to meet capital demands, and the government subsidies for modification and rebuilding projects and reimbursement of certain operating expenses. In addition, Mr. Zhuo, the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, will continue to provide financial support to the Company when necessary. From January to September 2021, we received $44.4 million from short-term bank loan, $77.2 million from long-term bank loan, and $19.0 million from government subsidy, with the majority of the bank loan received are for funding working capital. In the same period, we repaid $84.8 bank loans. Hence we believe we have enough resources to operate for at least the next 12 months.

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 about fishing operations in Indonesian waters. The Company’s forecasts and projections show that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence to meet its obligations in the twelve months following the date of this filing, considering the management has control over the timing and scope of investments in vessel building and operations in Indian waters and international waters and consideration of opportunities in new fishing territories. Also, in the past two years, the Company has upgraded 51 fishing vessels and 1 new krill fishing vessel was in building stage. The deployment of more vessels in operation will generate more revenue and cash inflows to the Company. In addition, the Company receives subsidies for modification and rebuilding projects and reimbursement of certain operating expenses from the Chinese government, as an encouragement of the development of the ocean fishing industry.

In addition, the Company received a partial government subsidy for modification and rebuilding projects and reimbursement of certain operating expenses of approximately $22.5 million from January through September 2021, and it expects to receive more government subsidies in 2021.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause major disruptions to businesses and markets worldwide as the virus spreads or a resurgence in certain jurisdictions. This has caused our unit selling prices to decrease, our inventory levels to increase and our accounts receivables are not being timely paid as anticipated. In order to maintain our liquidity, the management of the Company has been paying close attention to the operations and optimizing the collection of accounts receivable. For new customers, the Company has adopted a policy of receiving payment before pick-up. In 2020, the Company obtained $93.1 million and $108.8 million in short-term and long-term loans from banks, respectively, to maintain our liquidity.

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 to the comparable changes reflected on consolidated balance sheets. 

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 table summarizes our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2020, and the effect these obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flows in future periods.

Off-balance sheet arrangements

None.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, as well as revenues and expenses incurred during the reporting periods. Our estimates are based on our historical experience and on various other factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

We believe that the following accounting policies are those most critical to the judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements for the periods in this report. 

Revenue Recognition

As a result of the adoption of ASC 606 on January 1, 2018, we have changed our accounting policy for revenue recognition. Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services, through performance obligations by the Company, is transferred to the customer in an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to be entitled to in exchange for the performance obligations.

We recognize revenue when a sales arrangement with a customer exists (e.g., contract, purchase orders, etc.), the transaction price is fixed or determinable and we have satisfied our performance obligation per the sales arrangement. Our sales arrangements have standard payment terms that do not exceed 180 days. The majority of our revenue originates from contracts with a single performance obligation to deliver products. Our performance obligations are satisfied when control of the product is transferred to the customer per the arranged shipping terms.

We also record a contract liability when customers prepay but we have not yet satisfied our performance obligation. We did not have any material unsatisfied performance obligations, contract assets or liabilities as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

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, we recognize revenue when customers pick up purchased goods at the Company’s cold storage warehouses, after payment is received by us or a credit sale is approved by us for recurring customers who have a history of financial responsibility. We do not offer promotional payments, customer coupons, rebates or other cash redemption offers to its customers. We do not accept returns from customers.

Inventories

Inventories, consisting of frozen fish and marine catches, are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value utilizing the weighted average method. The cost of inventories is primarily comprised of fuel, freight, depreciation, direct labor, consumables, government levied charges and taxes. Consumables include fishing nets and metal containers used by fishing vessels. Our fishing fleets in Indian waters and 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.

Due to more vessels deployed for fishing operations in international waters and a decrease in inventory turnover due to the influence of the COVID-19, the quantity of inventories at the end of 2020 increased by 561% compared to the previous year and average selling prices decreased by 41% compared to last year, resulting in a net realizable value of inventories being lower than ourcost, which in turn led to a significant increase in the provision for excess and obsolete inventory. The determination of the net realizable value of inventories involves accounting estimates and assumptions, such as the expected sales price of the inventories and the Company’s expected ability to sell the inventories before they expire. The above accounting estimates are the Company’s best estimates after taking into account historical sales prices and capacity, current market sales prices, marketing and sales, expected market sales and the actual achievement of estimated selling prices and sales volumes made by the Company in the past. When recorded, inventory reserves are intended to reduce the carrying value of inventories to their net realizable value. We recorded a reserve for inventories in the amount of $16,125,749 and $266,405, during the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

When recorded, inventory reserves are intended to reduce the carrying value of inventories to their net realizable value. We regularly evaluate the ability to realize the value of inventories based on a combination of factors including the following: forecasted sales and estimated current and future market value.

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. The Company evaluates the impairment by comparing the carrying amount of the assets to an estimate of future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected future undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the assets, the Company recognizes an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying amount of the long-lived assets over their fair value. Impairment loss represents the impairment loss on the vessels whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets might not be recovered. Since 2014, there has been no progress on fishing license renewals as a result of the Indonesian government’s moratorium, foreign companies, like the Company, cannot obtain renewed fishing licenses issued by the Indonesian government. The management of the Company determined to shift the focus of development to international waters and consider obtaining corresponding fishing permits. In response to impairment triggering events, the impairment loss on vessels of $ 66,694,253 and $7,951,635 for the years ended 2020 and 2019, respectively. See Note 2 for further details.

Investment in unconsolidated company – Global Deep Ocean

We use the equity method of accounting for our investment in, and earning or loss of, companies that we do not control but over which the Company does exert significant influence. We consider whether the fair value of our equity method investment has declined below its carrying value whenever adverse events or changes in circumstances indicate that the recorded value may not be recoverable. We review our investments for other-than-temporary impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the investment may not be fully recoverable. Investments identified as having an indication of impairment are subject to further analysis to determine if the impairment is other-than-temporary and this analysis requires estimating the fair value of the investment. The determination of fair value of the investment involves considering factors such as current economic and market conditions, the operating performance of the entities including current earnings trends and forecasted cash flows, and other company and industry specific information. If we consider 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.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases (“ASU 2018-10”) and ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842), Targeted Improvements (“ASU 2018-11”). The amendments in ASU 2018-10 affect only narrow aspects of the guidance issued in the amendments in ASU 2016-02, including but not limited to lease residual value guarantees, the rate implicit in the lease and lease term and purchase option. The amendments in ASU 2018-11 provide an optional transition method for adoption of the new standard, which will allow entities to continue to apply the legacy guidance in ASC 840, including its disclosure requirements, in the comparative periods presented in the year of adoption.

Effective January 1, 2019, we adopted the new lease standard using the modified retrospective approach and implemented internal controls to enable the preparation of financial information upon adoption. We elected to adopt both the transition relief provided in ASU 2018-11 and the package of practical expedients which allowed us, among other things, to retain historical lease classifications and accounting for any leases that existed prior to adoption of the standard. Additionally, we elected the practical expedients allowing us not to separate lease and non-lease components and not record leases with an initial term of twelve months or less (“short-term leases”) on the balance sheet across all existing asset classes.

Adoption of the new standard resulted in the recording of right use asset and lease liability of $0.77 million as of January 1, 2019, which primarily relates to our corporate office leases. The standard did not materially impact our condensed consolidated statements of operations or cash flows. Adopting the new standard did not have a material impact on the accounting for leases under which we are the lessee.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, “Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement.” This standard eliminates the current requirement to disclose the amount or reason for transfers between level 1 and level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and the requirement to disclose the valuation methodology for level 3 fair value measurements. The standard includes additional disclosure requirements for level 3 fair value measurements, including the requirement to disclose the changes in unrealized gains and losses in other comprehensive income during the period and permits the disclosure of other relevant quantitative information for certain unobservable inputs. The new guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. We applied the new standard beginning January 1, 2020.   

Recent accounting pronouncements

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments”, which will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The guidance replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology with an expected credit loss model for which a company recognizes an allowance based on the estimate of expected credit loss. In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-10. Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842): Effective Dates, finalizes effective date delays for private companies, not-for-profit organizations, and certain smaller reporting companies applying the credit losses, leases, and hedging standards. The effective date for SEC filers, excluding smaller reporting companies as defined by the SEC, remains as fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The new effective date for all other entities is fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this standard on its consolidated financial statements. 

In January 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-01, Investments-Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Clarifying the Interactions between Topic 321, Topic 323, and Topic 815 (“ASU 2020-01”) to clarify the interaction in accounting for equity securities under Topic 321, investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting in Topic 323 and the accounting for certain forward contracts and purchased options accounted for under Topic 815. ASU 2020-01 is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020. This ASU is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (“ASU 2019-12”), which eliminates certain exceptions to the existing guidance for income taxes related to the approach for intra-period tax allocations, the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period and the recognition of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences. This ASU also simplifies the accounting for income taxes by clarifying and amending existing guidance related to the effects of enacted changes in tax laws or rates in the effective tax rate computation, the recognition of franchise tax and the evaluation of a step-up in the tax basis of goodwill, among other clarifications. ASU 2019-12 is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020. The Company is currently evaluating the potential effects of this ASU, however, does not expect that its adoption will have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Not applicable.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Financial Statement Schedules (Item 15(a)(2))

Financial statement schedules have been omitted because either they are not applicable or the required information is included in the financial statements or the notes thereto.

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Controls and other procedures that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information that we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of December 31, 2020 as a result of the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting discussed below.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The management of the Company is responsible for establishing, maintaining, and assessing the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Our management, under the supervision of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with US GAAP. Internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that:

(i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;

(ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with US GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and

(iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with existing policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Under the supervision of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, our management conducted an assessment of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on the framework and criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013), issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”).

A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. In connection with management’s assessment of our internal control over financial reporting described above, management has identified the material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 that we did not maintain a sufficient complement of personnel with an appropriate level of experience and training in the application of US GAAP commensurate with our financial reporting requirements. We concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2020.

Nonetheless, management believes that our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have certified that, based on such officer’s knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K fairly present in all material respects the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report. In addition, we are determining a remediation plan for the material weaknesses, which plan is described below.

Material Weakness Remediation Activities

We are currently in the process of remediating the material weakness and have taken and will continue to take steps that we believe will address the underlying causes of the material weakness. We are committed to continuing to improve our financial organization. The remediation efforts include:

While progress has been made to enhance our internal control over financial reporting, we are still in the process of implementing, documenting and testing these processes, procedures and controls. We will continue to devote significant time and attention to these remediation efforts. However, the material weaknesses cannot be considered remediated until the applicable remedial controls operate for a sufficient period of time and management has concluded, through testing, that these controls are operating effectively.

Attestation report of the registered public accounting firm

This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm on internal control over financial reporting because the Company is a non-accelerated filer exempted from Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

The changes in the aforementioned internal controls over financial reporting and the remediation efforts expected to be undertaken have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. No other changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting occurred during the fourth quarter of its 2020 fiscal year.

Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls and Procedures and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the internal control system are met. Because of the inherent limitations of any internal control system, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues, if any, within a company have been detected. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and that management is required to apply judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Board of Directors and Executive Officers

The following table sets the names, positions and ages of our current executive officers and directors. Our directors serve until the annual meeting of shareholders or until their successors are elected and qualified. Our officers are elected by the Board and their terms of office are, except to the extent governed by an employment contract, at the discretion of the Board.

Directors

Xinrong Zhuo has served as chairman of our board since the business combination in February 2013. Prior to that, he served as the chairman of CDGC’s board and as its chief executive officer since August 2010. Mr. Zhuo has served as director of Fujian Road & Bridge Construction Co., Ltd., an infrastructure construction company, since December 2008, has served as the sole director of Tian Yuan Co., Ltd., a real estate investment company, since September 2007, has served as the chairman and legal representative of Fuzhou Dongxing Longju Real Estate Development Co., Ltd., a real estate development company, since March 2007, has served as the vice general manager of Fujian Huashang Real Estate Development Co., Ltd., a real estate development company, since December 2006, and has served as the supervisor of Fuzhou Haiyiyongyu Import & Export Co., Ltd., a trading company, since June 1995. From November 2005 to December 2008, Mr. Zhuo served as the legal representative and the chairman of Fujian Road& Bridge Construction Co., Ltd. From June 2005 to September 2007, Mr. Zhuo served as vice general manager of Tian Yuan Co. Ltd. From February 2002 to September 2009, Mr. Zhuo served as the legal representative and executive director of Fuzhou Baojie Haiyi Pingtan Fishing Co., Ltd., an aquatic products company. From June 1995 to September 2006, Mr. Zhuo served as the supervisor at Fuzhou Honglong Ocean Fishery Co., Ltd., a marine fishery. Mr. Zhuo is qualified to serve on the board of directors due to his experience in the real estate development and trading business, as well as his extensive experience in the fishing industry, his legal background and prior executive experience.

Lin Bao has served as a member of the Board since the business combination in February 2013. He has served as the general manager of Fuzhou Honglong Ocean Fishery Co., Ltd., a marine fishery company since February 2013. From April 1989 to January 1997, he served as the general manager of Fuzhou Tang Cheng Plaza, a hotel affiliated to China Railway Construction Corporation Limited. Mr. Bao is the vice chairman of China Fisheries Association since 2012. Mr. Bao received his associate degree in Accounting from Beijing Society Correspondence University in 1989. He obtained the Certificate of Highway Engineer in 2006. Mr. Bao’s background in the fishing industry, as well as his executive experience, led the Board to conclude that he should be nominated to serve another term as a director.

Zengbiao Zhu has served as an independent director on our board since the business combination in February 2013. Prior to that he served as a director of CDGC from April 2011. Mr. Zhu has been a member of the National People’s Congress, or NPC, Standing Committee of Fujian Province and a member of the NPC Financial and Economic Committee of Fujian Province since January 2008. From 2004 to December 2009 he served as the director of the China Insurance Regulatory Commission Fujian Bureau, from 2000 to 2004 he first served as the deputy director and then the director of the China Insurance Regulatory Commission Fujian Bureau Fuzhou Office, and from 1995 to 2000 he served as the president of PBOC Fuzhou sub-branch. Mr. Zhu received his bachelor’s degree in Finance from Xiamen University in 1974. Mr. Zhu is qualified to serve on the board of directors due to his extensive political and regulatory background and contacts in the Fujian region.

Xing An Lin has served as an independent member of our board since February 2015. Mr. Lin is a Chinese Certified Public Accountant and Certified Tax Agent. He has served as Officer in Pingtan Haixin Tax Accountant Agent Office since December 2005. From January 2000 to November 2005, he served as Project Manager of Fujian Broker Accounting Firm. From November 1991 to December 1999, he served as Project Manager in Pingtan Audit Co., Ltd. From September 1985 to October 1991, he served as Accountant in Pingtan Grain Bureau Commercial Industry Company. Mr. Lin received his associate degree in Accounting from Fujian Xiamen University in 1983. Mr. Lin is qualified to serve on the board of directors due to his extensive accounting and regulatory background.

Lin Lin has served as an independent member of our board since February 2015. Mr. Lin is a Certified Tax Agent. He has served as Director in Pingtan Haixin Tax Accountant Agent Office since November 2004. From December 2005 to October 2010, he served as Project Manager of Pingtan Haixin Tax Accountant Agent Office. From October 1990 to November 2005, he served as Financial Controller in Pingtan Pharmaceutical Company. Mr. Lin received his bachelor’s degree in 1998 in Professional Management from the Party School of the CPC Central Committee. Mr. Lin is qualified to serve on the board of directors due to his extensive accounting and regulatory background.

Executive Officers

LiMing Yung (Michael) has served as Pingtan’s Senior Vice President since 2015, and as Chief Financial Officer since December 2019. Before joining Pingtan, Mr. Yung served as Managing Director of Terra Nova Natural Resources from 2008 to 2013. He also previously served as Senior Vice President of UBS Paine Webber and as Vice President of Citicorp Investment. Mr. Yung holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the New York Institute of Technology. 

Board Leadership Structure and Corporate Governance

In accordance with our Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association, our Board elects our officers, including Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and such other officers as our Board may appoint from time to time. In addition, our Board may appoint a Chairman of the Board. Mr. Zhuo has served as our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since the consummation of our February 2013 business combination, overseeing our day-to-day operations while also leading our Board. The Board believes that the current model is effective for our continued growth in that the combined position of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman maximizes strategic advantages and Mr. Zhuo’s industry expertise. Mr. Zhuo, given his extensive knowledge of the PRC’s fishing industry, coupled with the fact that he has overseen our operations since inception, is the director most familiar with our business and industry, and is best positioned to set and execute strategic priorities. Mr. Zhuo provides a strong link between management and the Board, which promotes clear communication and enhances strategic planning and implementation of corporate strategies. Mr. Zhuo’s leadership, driven by his deep business and industry expertise, enhances the Board’s exercise of its responsibilities. In addition, this model provides enhanced efficiency and effective decision-making and clear accountability.

The Chairman may preside at meetings of our Board. In his absence, any other director or any member of any committee designated by the Board may chair a meeting of the Board or such committee. A director is not required to hold any shares in us by way of qualification. A director may vote with respect to any contract, proposed contract or arrangement in which he is materially interested, provided that the nature of his interest is disclosed by him at or prior to its consideration and any vote by our Board thereon. The directors may exercise all the powers of the company to borrow money and to mortgage or charge its undertaking, property and uncalled capital and to issue debentures, debenture stock, mortgages, bonds and other such securities whether outright or as security for any debt, liability or obligation of the company or of any third party.

The Company’s corporate governance serves to ensure that members of the Board are independent from management and that the Board adequately performs its function to ensure that the interests of the Board and management are in alignment with the interests of the shareholders. The Board has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines to promote effective governance of the Company. The Corporate Governance Guidelines are available on our website at www.ptmarine.com under “Investors — Governance docs.”

On an annual basis, each director and executive officer is required to complete a Director and Officer Questionnaire. Within this questionnaire are requirements for disclosure of any transactions with the Company in which the director or executive officer, or any member of his or her immediate family, have a direct or indirect material conflict of interest.

Board’s Role in Risk Oversight

Risk is inherent in every business, and how well a business manages risk can ultimately determine its success. We face a number of risks, including strategic risks, enterprise risks, financial risks, regulatory risks, and others. Management is responsible for the day-to-day management of risks that the company faces, while our Board, as a whole and through its committees, has responsibility for the oversight of risk management, and is tasked with assuring that the long-term interests of our shareholders are being served. In its risk oversight role, our Board has the responsibility to satisfy itself that the risk management processes designed and implemented by management are adequate and functioning as designed.

Our Board believes that establishing the right “tone at the top,” and full and open communication between management and our Board, are essential for effective risk management and oversight. Our Chairman meets regularly with other senior officers to discuss strategy and the risks we face. Senior management is available to address any questions or concerns raised by our Board on risk management-related and any other matters. Our Chairman holds strategic planning sessions with senior management to discuss strategies, key challenges, and risks and opportunities for us.

While our Board is ultimately responsible for risk oversight at our Company, our Board committees assist our Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities in certain areas of risk as further set forth below. Our Board committees report to our Board on significant risks and other matters.

Executive Sessions

The independent members of our Board meet in executive session (without the participation of executive officers or other non-independent directors) at least once a year, after a regularly scheduled Board meeting, and at any other time requested by any independent director. The secretary of the Board is responsible for calling and the independent director who has the most seniority presides over the executive sessions.

Committees and Meeting Attendance

Our Board held one meeting and acted four times by unanimous written consent during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. Our Board has an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Nominating and Governance Committee. The Audit Committee held five meetings and acted one time by unanimous written resolutions during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. The Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee each held one meeting and acted one time by unanimous written resolutions during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.

During 2020, each member of the Board attended or participated in 100% of the aggregate of (i) the total number of meetings of the Board (held during the period for which such person has been a director) and (ii) the total number of meetings held by all committees of the Board on which such person served (during the periods that such person served). Our Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association provide that the Chairman of our Board shall preside at all meetings of our shareholders. Each director is expected to make reasonable efforts to attend Board meetings, meetings of committees of which such director is a member and the Annual Meetings of Shareholders. One of our then sitting directors attended the 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Committee Composition

The following table sets forth the current membership of our Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Governance Committee. Each committee conducts its business pursuant to a written charter approved by our Board, copies of which are available on our website at www.ptmarine.com under “Investors — Governance Docs.”

Audit Committee. Messrs. XingAn Lin, Zengbiao Zhu and Lin Lin currently serve on the Audit Committee, which is chaired by Mr. XingAn Lin. Our Audit Committee falls within the definition of “audit committee” under Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act. In addition to meeting The NASDAQ Stock Market’s tests for director independence, directors serving on our Audit Committee must meet two basic criteria set forth in the rules promulgated by the Commission. First, Audit Committee members are barred from accepting, directly or indirectly, any consulting, advisory or other compensatory fee from us or any affiliate of us, other than in the member’s capacity as a member of our Board and any Board committee. Second, a member of our Audit Committee may not be an affiliated person of us or any subsidiary of us, apart from his or her capacity as a member of our Board and any Board committee. Our Board has determined that each member of our Audit Committee meets these independence requirements, in addition to the independence criteria established by The NASDAQ Stock Market. Our Board has determined that each Audit Committee member has sufficient knowledge in financial and auditing matters to serve on the Audit Committee. Our Board has designated Mr. XingAn Lin as an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined in Item 407(d) of Regulation S-K. Our Audit Committee assists our Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities with respect to risk management in the areas of financial reporting, internal controls and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and, in accordance with The NASDAQ Stock Market requirements, discusses policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management. Our Audit Committee’s primary duties and responsibilities include:

Compensation Committee. Messrs. Xing An Lin, Zengbiao Zhu and Lin Lin currently serve on the Compensation Committee, which is currently chaired by Mr. Zhu. Each member of the Compensation Committee is “independent” as that term is defined in the rules of the Commission and within the meaning of such term as defined under the listing standards of The NASDAQ Stock Market, a “nonemployee director” for purposes of Section 16 of the Exchange Act. Our Compensation Committee assists our Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities with respect to the management of risks arising from our compensation policies and programs. The Compensation Committee’s responsibilities include:

For more information regarding our compensation programs and processes, see the discussion below under the heading “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.”

Nominating and Governance Committee. Messrs. XingAn Lin, Zengbiao Zhu and Lin Lin currently serve on the Nominating and Governance Committee, which is chaired by Mr. Lin Lin. Each member of the Nominating and Governance Committee is “independent” as that term is defined in the rules of the Commission and within the meaning of such term as defined under the listing standards of The NASDAQ Stock Market.

Our Nominating and Governance Committee makes recommendations to our Board regarding the nomination of candidates to stand for election as members of our Board, evaluates our Board’s performance, and provides oversight of corporate governance and ethical standards. Our Nominating and Governance Committee has the responsibility to develop and review on an ongoing basis the adequacy of, the corporate governance principles applicable to us. Our Nominating and Governance Committee assists our Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities with respect to the management of risks associated with Board organization, membership and structure, succession planning for our directors and executive officers, and corporate governance. For more information regarding our director nomination processes, see the discussion below under the heading “Director Nominations.”

Director Nominations

As noted above, the Board has determined that each member of the Nominating and Governance Committee (referred to in this section as the “Committee”) is independent as defined under the rules of the Commission and within the meaning of such term as defined under the listing standards of The NASDAQ Stock Market.

The Committee’s process for considering all candidates for election as directors, including shareholder-recommended candidates, is designed to ensure that the Committee fulfills its responsibility to recommend candidates that are properly qualified and are not serving any special interest groups, but rather the best interest of all of the shareholders.

In identifying candidates for membership on the Board, the Committee seeks directors with established strong professional reputations and experience in areas relevant to the strategy and operations of our business. The Committee seeks directors who possess the qualities of integrity and candor, who have strong analytical skills and who are willing to engage management and each other in a constructive and collaborative fashion. The Committee also seeks directors who have the ability and commitment to devote significant time and energy to service on the Board and its committees. Directors should have varied educational and professional experiences and backgrounds that, collectively, provide meaningful guidance and counsel to management.

We believe that all of our directors meet the foregoing qualifications. While we do not have a formal policy with respect to diversity, as a Company, we are committed to creating and sustaining a culture of inclusion and fairness.

If there is a need for a new director because of an open position on the Board or because the Board has determined to increase the total number of directors, the Committee may retain a third-party search firm to locate candidates that meet the needs of the Board at that time. When a search firm is used, the firm typically provides information on a number of candidates for review and discussion by the Committee. If appropriate, the Committee chair and some or all of the members of the Committee may interview potential candidates. If in these circumstances the Committee determines that a potential candidate meets the needs of the Board and possesses the relevant qualifications, the Committee will vote to recommend to the Board the election of the candidate as a director.

The Committee will consider director candidates recommended by shareholders if properly submitted to the Committee. Shareholders wishing to recommend persons for consideration by the Committee as nominees for election to the Board can do so by writing to the Nominating and Governance Committee, c/o Mr. Lin Lin, Pingtan Marine Enterprise Ltd., 18-19/F, Zhongshan Building A, No. 154 Hudong Road, Fuzhou, P.R.C. 350001. Recommendations must include the proposed nominee’s name, detailed biographical data, work history, qualifications and corporate and charitable affiliations, as well as a written statement from the proposed nominee consenting to be named as a nominee and, if nominated and elected, to serve as a director. The Committee will then consider the candidate and the candidate’s qualifications using the criteria as set forth above. The Committee may discuss with the shareholder making the nomination the reasons for making the nomination and the qualifications of the candidate. The Committee may then interview the candidate and may also use the services of a search firm to provide additional information about the candidate prior to making a recommendation to the Board. The Company will provide a copy of the code to any person, free of charge, upon receipt of a request made to the Committee.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

We have adopted a code of business conduct and ethics that applies to all of our employees, officers and directors, including those officers responsible for financial reporting. The most recent version is available on the Investor Relations section of our website at www.ptmarine.com. The information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual report. If we make any substantive amendments to the code or grant any waiver from a provision of the code to any executive officer or director, we will promptly disclose the nature of the amendment or waiver on our website, as well as via any other means required by applicable law.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Compensation Committee Report

The following report of the Compensation Committee shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to otherwise be considered “filed” with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) or the Exchange Act except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates it by reference into such filing.

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the disclosures contained in the following section entitled “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.” Based on this review and discussion, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board that the section entitled “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” be included in this Annual Report.

Submitted by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors

Zengbiao Zhu
Lin Lin

XingAn Lin

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

Mr. XingAn Lin, Zengbiao Zhu and Lin Lin currently serve on the Compensation Committee, which is currently chaired by Mr. Zhu. No member of the Compensation Committee is one of our executive officers, and no member of the Compensation Committee had any relationships requiring disclosure by us under the Commission’s rules requiring disclosure of certain relationships and related-party transactions. None of our executive officers served as a director or a member of a Compensation Committee (or other committee serving an equivalent function) of any other entity, the executive officers of which served as one of our directors or members of the Compensation Committee during 2020.

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Compensation Objectives

We operate in a highly competitive and rapidly changing industry. The key objectives of our executive compensation programs are to:

Our Compensation Program

In carrying out its objectives, the Compensation Committee of our Board reviews all components of executive and director compensation for consistency with our compensation philosophy and with the interests of our shareholders.

The compensation program is designed to reward each individual named executive officer for his or her contribution to the advancement of our overall performance and execution of our goals, ideas and objectives. It is designed to reward and encourage exceptional performance at the individual level in the areas of organization, creativity and responsibility while supporting our core values and ambitions. This in turn aligns the interest of our executive officers with the interests of our shareholders, and thus with our interests.

Determining Executive Compensation

Our Compensation Committee generally reviews and approves the compensation program for executive officers annually after the close of each year. Reviewing the compensation program at such time allows the Compensation Committee to consider the overall performance of the past year and the financial and operating plans for the upcoming year in determining the compensation program for the upcoming year.

A named executive officer’s base salary is determined by an assessment of his sustained performance against individual job responsibilities, including, where appropriate, the impact of his performance on our business results, current salary in relation to the salary range designated for the job, experience and mastery, and potential for advancement. Although we do not engage in benchmarking, the Compensation Committee may also consider compensation levels with comparable positions in the industry to evaluate the total compensation decisions that it makes for our officers.

Role of Executive Officers in Determining Executive Compensation

The Compensation Committee determines the compensation for our Chief Executive Officer, which is based on various factors, such as level of responsibility and contributions to our performance. Our chief executive officer recommends the compensation for our executive officers (other than the compensation of the chief executive officer) to the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee reviews the recommendations made by the chief executive officer and determines the compensation of the chief executive officer and the other executive officers.

The Committee reviews on at least an annual basis the scope of responsibilities of the Committee and the Committee’s performance of its duties.

Employment Agreements

We have entered into employment agreements with our senior executive officers, as described below. Copies of these employment agreements are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as exhibits to our registration statements, annual reports and other filings under applicable rules. Our Board may adjust base salaries annually to reflect increases in the cost of living, but it has not done so to date. An executive’s base salary may also be increased if the executive’s workload substantially increases as a result of our business expansion. In addition, an executive’s base salary may be correspondingly adjusted if the salaries of all of our other employees are adjusted.

Xinrong Zhuo. We have entered into an employment agreement with Xinrong Zhuo, our Chief Executive Officer for a term of three years ending on August 25, 2022. Pursuant to the employment agreement, Mr. Zhuo receives annual compensation of HKD$312,000, equal to US$40,226. In addition, Mr. Zhuo’s employment agreement provides for an annual bonus based on the executive’s performance and our financial performance. Annual bonuses will be determined by us in our sole discretion and will be approved by our Compensation Committee. Mr. Zhuo is eligible for participation in any standard employee benefit plan of the Company that currently exists or may be adopted by the Company in the future, but not limited to, any retirement plan, and travel holiday policy.

We may terminate Mr. Zhuo’s employment agreement with cause (as defined in his employment agreement) at any time with one-month written notice. If we dismiss Mr. Zhuo without cause (as defined in his employment agreement), or if he terminates his employment for good reason (as defined in his employment agreement), we will provide Mr. Zhuo with severance payment in cash in an amount equal to three months of his base salary at the then current rate. Under such circumstance, Mr. Zhuo agrees not to make any further claims for compensation for loss of office, accrued remuneration, fees, wrongful dismissal or any other claim whatsoever against the Company or its subsidiaries or the respective officers or employees of any of them. If Mr. Zhuo terminates his employment other than for good reason, he may resign upon three-month prior written notice to the Company.

Our employment agreement with Mr. Zhuo provides for the protection of confidential information and contains non-competition and non-solicitation provisions applicable for a term of two years following the termination of his employment.

LiMing Yung. We entered into an employment agreement with LiMing Yung effective December 5, 2019. Pursuant to the agreement, Mr. Yung will receive annual compensation equal to US$180,000 plus an annual bonus of US$20,000. During the course of Mr. Yung’s employment, the Company will reimburse him for any reasonable and necessary fees (travel expenses, accommodation expenses, hospitality expenses and other actual expenses) incurred by him during the fulfilment of his duties under the agreement upon the production of relevant receipts and/or valid documentation of expenditure. 

Mr. Yung’s employment can be terminated with two month’s advance written notice by either party. During the term of his employment, Mr. Yung may not engage in any other employment or business without the prior written consent of the Company or engage in any business which is in competition with the business of the Company.