Pingtan Marine Enterprise Ltd. - Quarter Report: 2020 March (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2020

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

For the transition period from __________ to __________

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 001-35192

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

18-19/F, Zhongshan Building A,

No. 154 Hudong Road

Fuzhou, China 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:

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 is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act) Yes ☐ No ☒

As of May 11, 2020, the outstanding number of shares of the registrant’s ordinary shares, par value $0.001 per share, was 79,055,053.

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD.

FORM 10-Q

March 31, 2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

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

Although forward-looking statements in this report reflect the good faith judgment of our management, such statements can only be based on facts and factors currently known by us. Consequently, forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties and actual results and outcomes may differ materially from the results and outcomes discussed in or anticipated by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences in results and outcomes include, without limitation, the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the Company’s financial condition, business operations and liquidity; the impact of COVID-19 on our customers and distributors; anticipated growth and growth strategies; need for additional capital and the availability of financing; operational, mechanical, climatic or other unanticipated issues that adversely affect the production capacity of the Company’s vessels; delays in deploying vessels; our ability to successfully manage relationships with customers, distributors and other important relationships; technological changes; competition; demand for our products and services; the deterioration of general economic conditions, whether internationally, nationally or in the local markets in which we operate; legislative or regulatory changes that may adversely affect our business; and those specifically addressed under the headings “Risks Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our annual report on Form 10-K, in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this Form 10-Q and information contained in other reports that we file with the SEC. You are urged not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report.

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

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

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)

See condensed notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2019 AND 2020

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)

See condensed notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)

See condensed notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2020

NOTE 1 – DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND ORGANIZATION

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

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

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

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

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2020

NOTE 1 – DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND ORGANIZATION (continued)

Details of the Company’s subsidiaries which are included in these consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2020 are as follows:

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

The Company had a working capital deficit of $1,572,148 as of March 31, 2020. In order to mitigate its liquidity risk, the Company plans 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 project 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.

The Company meets its day-to-day working capital requirements through cash flow provided by operations, bank loans and related parties’ advances. The Indonesian government’s moratorium on fishing licenses renewals creates uncertainty over fishing operations in Indonesian waters. The Company’s forecasts and projections 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 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 57 fishing vessels, 2 transport vessels and another 10 fishing vessels are modification and rebuilding project, the deployment of more vessels in operation will generate more revenue and cash inflows to the Company. In addition, the Company receives subsidy for modification and rebuilding project and reimbursement of certain operating expenses from government, as an encouragement of the development of ocean fishing industry.

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2020

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of presentation

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

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

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the annual consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted. These unaudited financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 16, 2020.

Use of estimates

The preparation of the unaudited consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and the related disclosures at the date of the financial statements and during the reporting period. Actual results could materially differ from these estimates. Significant estimates in the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 include allowance for doubtful accounts, reserve for inventories, the useful life of property, plant and equipment, assumptions used in assessing impairment of long-term assets and valuation of deferred tax assets and accruals for taxes due.

Cash

Cash consists of cash on hand and cash in banks. The Company maintains cash with various financial institutions in the PRC and Hong Kong and none of these deposits are covered by insurance. At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, cash balances in the PRC are $38,813,124 and $9,971,626, respectively, and cash balances in Hong Kong are $169,778 and $120,579, respectively, and are uninsured. The Company has not experienced any losses in bank accounts and believes it is not exposed to any risks on its cash in bank accounts.

Restricted cash

Restricted cash consists of cash deposits held by the Export Import Bank of China to secure short term bank loans for Hong Long. At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, restricted cash amounted $6,218,903 and nil, respectively.

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2020

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Fair value of financial instruments 

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

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

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

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

The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for cash, restricted cash, accounts receivable, inventories, advances to suppliers, prepaid expenses, prepaid expenses – related party, other receivables, other receivables – related party, accounts payable, accounts payable – related parties, short-term bank loans, accrued liabilities and other payables, accrued liabilities and other payables – related party, and due to related parties approximate their fair market value based on the short-term maturity of these instruments. The fair value of the Company’s long-term bank loans under its agreements approximates its carrying value at March 31, 2020. The fair value of the Company’s long-term bank loans under its agreements were estimated using Level 2 inputs based on market data. As of March 31, 2020, the Company does not have any assets or liabilities that are measured on a recurring basis at fair value.

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2020

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Fair value of financial instruments (continued)

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

Accounts receivable

Accounts receivable are presented net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses. The Company reviews the accounts receivable on a periodic basis and makes general and specific allowance when there is doubt as to the collectability of individual balances. In evaluating the collectability of individual receivable balance, the Company considers many factors, including the age of the balance, a customer’s historical payment history, its current credit-worthiness and current economic trends. Accounts are written off after exhaustive efforts at collection. The Company only grants credit terms to established customers who are deemed to be financially responsible. Credit periods to customers are within 180 days after customers received the purchased goods. At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company has established, based on a review of its outstanding balances, an allowance for doubtful accounts in the amounts of $113,770 and $7,960, respectively.

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. The Company’s fishing fleets in Indian waters and the international waters operate throughout the year, although the May to July period demonstrates lower catch quantities compared to the October to January period, which is the peak season.

An allowance is established when management determines that certain inventories may not be saleable. If inventory costs exceed net realizable value due to obsolescence or quantities in excess of expected demand, the Company will record reserve for the difference between the cost and the market value. These reserves are recorded based on estimates. At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company recorded a reserve for inventories in the amount of nil and $266,405, respectively. 

When recorded, inventory reserves are intended to reduce the carrying value of inventories to their net realizable value. The Company regularly evaluates 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.

Fishing licenses

Each of the Company’s fishing vessels requires an approval from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the PRC to carry out ocean fishing projects in international waters and foreign territories, and to the extent required, a fishing license in local fishing territory where the vessel operates. These approvals are valid for a period from 3 to 12 months, and are awarded to the Company at no cost. The Company applies for the renewal of the approval prior to expiration to avoid interruptions of fishing vessels’ operations. Since 2014 there has been a moratorium on fishing in Indonesian waters, each of our fishing vessels operating in Indonesian waters requires a fishing license granted by the authority in Indonesia.

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2020

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Investment in unconsolidated company – Global Deep Ocean

The Company uses the equity method of accounting for its investment in, and earning or loss of, companies that it does not control but over which it does exert significant influence. The Company considers whether the fair value of its equity method investment has declined below its carrying value whenever adverse events or changes in circumstances indicate that recorded value may not be recoverable. The Company reviews its 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 the Company considers any decline to be other than temporary (based on various factors, including historical financial results and the overall health of the investee), then a write-down would be recorded to estimated fair value. See Note 6 for discussion of equity method investment.

Property, plant and equipment

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

The estimated useful lives of the assets are as follows:

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

Capitalized interest

Interest associated with the construction of fishing vessels is capitalized and included in the cost of the fishing vessels. When no debt is incurred specifically for the construction of a fishing vessel, interest is capitalized on amounts expended on the construction using weighted-average cost of the Company’s outstanding borrowings. Capitalization of interest ceases when the construction is substantially complete or the construction activity is suspended for more than a brief period. The Company capitalized interest of $243,859 and $21,819 for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, in the fishing vessels under construction.

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2020

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Impairment of long-lived assets

In accordance with ASC Topic 360, the Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable. The Company evaluates the impairment by comparing 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. In the first quarter of 2019, the Company dismantled 1 transport vessel and deregistered 6 fishing vessels and applied to the MOA for rebuilding 7 new vessels. As a result of the rebuilding projects, the Company assessed the recoverability of the 7 fishing vessels 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 nil and $2,229,502 for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Revenue recognition

The Company catches 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 the one and only product line. The product type, contractual price and quantities are identified in contracts. The Company do not offer promotional payments, customer coupons, rebates or other cash redemption offers to our customers, and the Company do not accept returns from customers. The Company’s revenues are recorded at a point in time. All of the operations are considered by the Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker to be aggregated in one reportable operating segment and the Company’s 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. The Company recognizes revenue at the amount the Company 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 the Company has a right to payment.

The Company has identified one performance obligation as the frozen fish and other marine catches identified in the contract are picked up by the customers at cold storage warehouse, with revenue being recognized at a point in time. The Company initially recognizes 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.

Disaggregation of revenue

The following tables disaggregate revenues under ASC 606 by species of fish: for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, our revenue by species of fish was as follows (dollars in thousands, except for average price):

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2020

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Government subsidies 

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

Income taxes

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

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

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

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

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

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

Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance to the extent that management concludes it is more likely than not that the assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) in the period that includes the enactment date.

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2020

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Income taxes (continued)

The Company prescribes a more-likely-than-not threshold for financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken in the tax return. This interpretation also provides guidance on de-recognition of income tax assets and liabilities, classification of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities, accounting for interest and penalties associated with tax positions, accounting for income taxes in interim periods and income tax disclosures. As of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, there were no amounts that had been accrued with respect to uncertain tax positions.

Shipping and handling costs

Shipping and handling costs are included in selling expense and totaled $276,141 and $120,993 for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Employee benefits

The Company makes mandatory contributions to the PRC government’s health, retirement benefit and unemployment funds in accordance with the relevant Chinese social security laws. The costs of these payments are charged to the same accounts as the related salary costs in the same period as the related salary costs incurred. Employee benefit costs totaled $1,268,805 and $604,882 for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. 

Foreign currency translation

The reporting currency of the Company is the U.S. dollar. The functional currency of the parent company and subsidiaries of Merchant Supreme and Prime Cheer is the U.S. dollar and the functional currency of the Company’s subsidiaries of Pingtan Guansheng, Fujian Heyue and Pingtan Fishing is the Chinese Renminbi (“RMB”). For the subsidiaries of Pingtan Guansheng, Fujian Heyue and Pingtan Fishing, whose functional currencies are the RMB, results of operations and cash flows are translated at average exchange rates during the period, assets and liabilities are translated at the unified exchange rate at the end of the period, and equity is translated at historical exchange rates. As a result, amounts relating to assets and liabilities reported on the statements of cash flows may not necessarily agree with the changes in the corresponding balances on the balance sheets. Translation adjustments resulting from the process of translating the local currency financial statements into U.S. dollars are included in determining comprehensive income. The cumulative translation adjustment and effect of exchange rate changes on cash for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 was $195,545 and $477,710, respectively. Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rates prevailing on the transaction dates. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet date with any transaction gains and losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are included in the results of operations as incurred.

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2020

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Foreign currency translation (continued)

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

Asset and liability accounts at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 were translated at 7.0851 RMB to $1.00 and at 6.9762 RMB to $1.00, respectively, which were the exchange rates on the balance sheet dates. Equity accounts were stated at their historical rate. The average translation rates applied to the statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 were 6.9790 RMB and 6.7468 RMB to $1.00, respectively. Cash flows from the Company’s operations are calculated based upon the local currencies using the average translation rate.

Earnings per share

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

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

Non-controlling interest

On February 15, 2015, China Agriculture invested RMB 400 million (approximately $65 million) into Pingtan Fishing and acquired an 8% equity interest in Pingtan Fishing. As of March 31, 2020, China Agriculture owned 8% of the equity interest of Pingtan Fishing, which was not under the Company’s control.

Related parties

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

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2020

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Comprehensive income

Comprehensive income is comprised of net income and all changes to the statements of stockholders’ equity, except those due to investments by stockholders, changes in paid-in capital and distributions to stockholders. For the Company, comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 included net income and unrealized gain from foreign currency translation adjustments.

Segment information

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

Commitments and contingencies

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

The Company’s management has evaluated all such proceedings and claims that existed as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, liquidity or results of operations.

Concentrations of credit, economic and political risks

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

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

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

As the Company has historically derived the majority of its revenue from Indonesian waters, the suspension of fishing operations in this area has had and will continue to have a significant negative impact on the Company.

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2020

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Recent Adopted Accounting Standards

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).” This guidance supersedes current guidance on revenue recognition in Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition.” In addition, there are disclosure requirements related to the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue recognition. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14 to defer the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 for all entities by one year. For public business entities that follow U.S. GAAP, the deferral results in the new revenue standard are being effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We applied the new revenue standard beginning January 1, 2018. We have analyzed the Company’s revenue from contracts with customers in accordance with the new revenue standard to determine the impact on our consolidated financial statements.

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 guarantee, 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 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 Dec. 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.

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2020

NOTE 3 – ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, accounts receivable consisted of the following:

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

NOTE 4 – INVENTORIES

At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, inventories consisted of the following:

Frozen fish and marine catches in warehouse represents fish inventory in cold storage warehouses located in China.

Frozen fish and marine catches work in progress represents fish inventory in vessels’ refrigerators, which has not been delivered to ports in China, nor applied for duty-exemption import into China.

Frozen fish and marine catches in transit represents fish inventory that obtained duty-exemption import permission and is in the process of being shipped to China.

As of March 31, 2020, our total inventory balance was $50,761,587 compared to $30,527,752 as of December 31, 2019. The change in the balance is mainly attributable to an increase in frozen fish and marine catches in warehouse by $9.05 million and an increase in frozen fish and marine catches in transit by $15.57 million, a large portion of which was booked as frozen fish and marine catches work in progress as of December 31, 2019.

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

NOTE 5 – COST METHOD INVESTMENT

At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, cost method investment amounted to $2,963,967 and $3,010,235, respectively. The investment represents the Company’s subsidiary, Pingtan Fishing’s minority interest in Fujian Pingtan Rural-Commercial Bank Joint-Stock Co., Ltd. (“Pingtan Rural-Commercial Bank’’), a private financial institution. Pingtan Fishing completed its registration as a shareholder on October 17, 2012 and paid RMB 21 million (approximately $3.0 million) to subscribe 5% of the common stock of Pingtan Rural-Commercial Bank. Pingtan Fishing held 15,113,250 shares and accounted for 4.8% investment in the total equity investment of the bank as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

In according to ASC 321, the Company elected to use the measurement alternative to measure such investments at cost, less any impairment, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments of the same issuer, if any. The Company monitors its investment in the non-marketable security and will recognize, if ever existing, a loss in value which is deemed to be other than temporary. The Company determined that there was no impairment on this investment as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

NOTE 6 – EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENT

At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, equity method investment amounted to $27,370,624 and $27,923,464, respectively. The investment represents the Company’s subsidiary, Pingtan Fishing’s interest in Global Deep Ocean. On June 12, 2014, Pingtan Fishing incorporated Global Deep Ocean with other two unrelated companies in PRC. On April 12, 2017, another unrelated party, Zhen Lin, purchased shares from existing shareholders. As of March 31, 2020, Pingtan Fishing and Zhen Lin accounted for 20% and 80% of the total ownership, respectively.

Global Deep Ocean will process, cold storage, and transport Deep Ocean fishing products. Total registered capital of Global Deep Ocean is RMB 1 billion (approximately $141.1 million) and as of March 31, 2020, Pingtan Fishing had contributed its share of registered capital of RMB 200 million (approximately $28.2 million). 

The Company treats the equity investment in the consolidated financial statements under the equity method. Under the equity method, the investment is initially recorded at cost, adjusted for any excess of the Company’s share of the incorporated-date fair values of the investee’s identifiable net assets over the cost of the investment (if any). Thereafter, the investment is adjusted for the post incorporation change in the Company’s share of the investee’s net assets and any impairment loss relating to the investment. For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company’s share of Global Deep Ocean’s net loss was $125,528 and $110,616, respectively, which was included in loss on equity method investment in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2020

NOTE 7 – PREPAYMENT FOR LONG-TERM ASSETS

At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, prepayment for long-term assets consisted of prepayment for fishing vessels’ construction. The Company reclassifies the prepayment for fishing vessels’ construction to construction-in-progress using the percentage of completion method. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company reclassified RMB109,610,000 (approximately $15.0 million) from prepayment for long-term assets to construction-in-progress.

For the three months ended March 31, 2020, a summary of activities in prepayment for long-term assets was as follows:

NOTE 8 – PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

On January 19, 2020, the Company received government subsidy for 30 completed fishing vessels amounted to RMB 146.9 million (approximately $20.7 million), the subsidy is related to assets requires deducting it from the carrying amount of the asset.

For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, depreciation expense amounted to $3,378,428 and $2,740,118, respectively, of which $2,666,995 and $1,517,957, respectively, was included in cost of revenue, and the remainder was included in general and administrative expense, respectively.

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2020

NOTE 8 – PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (continued)

The Company had 70 fishing vessels at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, with net carrying amount of approximately $164.9 million and $190.8 million, respectively, pledged as collateral for its bank loans.

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

In the first quarter of 2019, the Company dismantled 1 transport vessel and deregistered 6 fishing vessels and applied to the MOA for rebuilding 7 new vessels. As a result of the rebuilding projects, the Company assessed the recoverability of the 7 fishing vessels 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 nil and $2,229,502 for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

37 vessels in Indonesian waters, however, are not in operation because the licenses are currently inactive due to the moratorium. The Indonesian government’s moratorium on fishing license renewals in 2014 has had and will continue to have a significant negative impact on our results of operations and financial condition. By given the impact of the moratorium, the Company assessed the recoverability of these 37 vessels for the three months ended 2020 and 2019 based on the undiscounted future cash flows, these vessels are available for fishing in other fisheries by redeployment, the impairment test was carried out with reference to the relevant operation data of the Company’s comparable vessels, and considered upgrading and improvement costs based on the Company’s historical experience. As of the three months ended 2020 and 2019, the payback period of each vessel is less than its remaining useful life and the carrying value of the fishing vessels are expected to be recoverable. Therefore, no impairment loss was recognized.

NOTE 9 – RELATED PARTIES TRANSACTIONS

Due from related party

At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the due from related party amount consisted of the following:

Due from related party-Hong Long will be repaid within one year, with annual interest rate of 4.35%.

Accounts payable - related parties

At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, accounts payable - related parties consisted of the following:

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

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2020

NOTE 9 – RELATED PARTIES TRANSACTIONS (continued)

Due to related parties

At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the due to related parties amount consisted of the following:

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

Operating lease

On July 31, 2012, the Company entered into a lease for office space with Ping Lin, spouse of the Company’s CEO (the “Office Lease”). Pursuant to the Office Lease, the annual rent is RMB 84,000 (approximately $12,000) and the renewed Office Lease expires on July 31, 2021.

For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, rent expense related to the Office Lease amounted to $3,009 and $3,113, respectively. The future minimum rental payment required under the Office Lease is as follows:

Rental and related administrative service agreement

On July 1, 2013, the Company entered into a service agreement with Hai Yi Shipping Limited that allowed the Company to use a portion of the premises located in Hong Kong as office and provided related administrative services (the “Service Agreement”). Pursuant to the Service Agreement, the monthly payments are HK$298,500 (approximately $38,000) and the Service Agreement expired on December 31, 2017. 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 expires on February 28, 2021.

For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, rent expense and corresponding administrative service charge related to the Service Agreement amounted to $115,200 and $114,167, respectively.

As of March 31, 2020, future minimum lease payments on operating leases were as follows

The remaining lease terms (in years) and discount rates consisted of the following:

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2020

NOTE 9 – RELATED PARTIES TRANSACTIONS (continued)

Purchases from related parties

During the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, purchases from related parties were as follows:

NOTE 10 – BANK LOANS

Short-term bank loans

Short-term bank loans represent the amounts due to various banks that are due within one year. These loans can be renewed with the banks upon maturities. The Company is in compliance with all debt covenants. At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, short-term bank loans consisted of the following:

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2020

NOTE 10 – BANK LOANS (continued)

Long-term bank loans

Long-term bank loans represent the amounts due to various banks lasting over one year. Usually, the long-term bank loans cannot be renewed with these banks upon maturities. The Company is in compliance with all long-term bank loan covenants. At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, long-term bank loans consisted of the following:

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

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2020

NOTE 10 – BANK LOANS (continued)

The weighted average interest rate for short-term bank loans was approximately 4.3% and 6.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

The weighted average interest rate for long-term bank loans was approximately 4.8% and 5.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, interest expense related to bank loans amounted to $3,142,755 and $550,985, respectively, of which $243,859 and $21,819 was capitalized to construction-in-progress, respectively.

NOTE 11 – ACCRUED LIABILITIES AND OTHER PAYABLES

At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, accrued liabilities and other payables consisted of the following:

NOTE 12 – CERTAIN RISKS AND CONCENTRATIONS

Credit risk

At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company’s cash included bank deposits in accounts maintained within the PRC and Hong Kong where there are currently no rules or regulations in place for obligatory insurance to cover bank deposits in event of bank failure. However, the Company does not experience any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant risks on its cash in bank accounts.

Major customers

The following table sets forth information as to each customer that accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s sales for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019.

Three customers accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s total outstanding accounts receivable at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

PINGTAN MARINE ENTERPRISE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2020

NOTE 12 – CERTAIN RISKS AND CONCENTRATIONS (continued)

Major suppliers

The following table sets forth information as to each supplier that accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s purchases for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019.

Four suppliers, whose outstanding accounts payable accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s total outstanding accounts payable and accounts payable – related parties at March 31, 2020, accounted for 89.0% of the Company’s total outstanding accounts payable and accounts payable – related parties at March 31, 2020.

Two suppliers, whose outstanding accounts payable accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s total outstanding accounts payable and accounts payable – related parties at December 31, 2019, accounted for 76.0% of the Company’s total outstanding accounts payable and accounts payable – related parties at December 31, 2019. 

NOTE 13 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Severance payments

The Company has employment agreements with certain employees that provided severance payments upon termination of employment under certain circumstances, as defined in the applicable agreements. The Company has estimated its possible severance payments of approximately $10,000 as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, which have not been reflected in its consolidated financial statements. 

Operating lease

See note 9 for related party operating lease commitment.

Rental payment and related administrative service charge

See note 9 for related party rental and related administrative service agreement commitment.

NOTE 14 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The situation created by the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an unprecedented economic uncertainty globally. However, the extent of the impact on the Company’s 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 outbreak, its impact on the Company’s customers and exporters, how quickly normal economic conditions, operations, and the demand for the Company’s products can resume and whether the pandemic leads to recessionary conditions in China. Some of the Company’s customers are fish processing plants that exports processed fish products to foreign countries. These customers tended to reduce or postpone their purchases from the Company in the initial stage of the pandemic and have now started adjusting their business strategies in relation to exportation or domestic sale. Although the market activity in China is beginning to recover, the Company expects its full year 2020 results of operations to be adversely affected by the pandemic.

On April 30, 2020, the Company received a loan of $18.34 million from The Export-Import Bank of China. The loan is due on April 21, 2028 with annual interest rate of 4.65%.

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

The following discussion and analysis of the results of operations and financial condition of Pingtan Marine Enterprise Ltd. for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 should be read in conjunction with the Pingtan Marine Enterprise Ltd. unaudited financial statements and the notes thereto contained elsewhere in this report. Our discussion includes forward-looking statements based upon current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties, such as our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those set forth under the Risk Factors, Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Business sections in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 16, 2020. We use words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “continuing,” “ongoing,” “expect,” “believe,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements.

Unless otherwise indicated, references to the “Company,” “us” or “we” refer to Pingtan Marine Enterprise Ltd. and its subsidiaries. All amounts expressed below are in US dollars.

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 construction of 3 new vessels, purchase of 72 licensed vessels and acquisition of 20-year exclusive operation rights to 20 vessels. Our fishing fleet consists of vessels of diversified fishing methods ranging from trawling, drift netting, light luring seine, long line fishing to squid jigging. 

From 2017 to 2018, we purchased 2 refrigerated transport vessels and 4 squid jigging vessels. Of those vessels, 2 transport vessels and 2 squid jigging vessels finished renovation in subsequent years and were deployed to international waters. The remaining 2 vessels’ ownership transfer was 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 MOA to operate in the 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 MOA to operate in the international waters after completion of modification and rebuilding. The 30 vessels were rebuilt and modified into 15 squid jigging vessels and 15 seine vessels. All the 30 vessels finished renovation in 2019 and were deployed to international waters for operation. In late 2019, we applied to the MOA for permits to modify and rebuild 10 fishing vessels. 

In January 2020, we purchased 1 refrigerated transport vessel and started modifying and rebuilding the vessel. We expect the modification and rebuilding project to be completed in November 2020, and the transport vessel will then be deployed to international waters.

As of March 31, 2020, we owned 41 squid jigging vessels, 26 trawlers, 25 seine vessels, 13 drifters, 4 longline fishing vessels, and 2 transport vessels, had exclusive operating license rights to 20 drifters, and also had 10 squid jigging vessels and 1 transport vessel which were in the modification and rebuilding project. 

Among the 142 vessels, 69 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 the remaining 11 vessels were in the modification and rebuilding projects.

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, 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 entered into an exclusive strategic cooperation agreement 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 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. 

Significant factors affecting our results of operations

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Comparison of results of operations for the three months ended March 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 the frozen fish and other marine catches identified in the contract are picked up by the customers at our cold storage warehouse, 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 three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, our revenue by species of fish was as follows (dollars in thousands, except for average price):

For the three months ended March 31, 2020, we had revenue of $17,307,000, as compared to revenue of $18,424,209 for the three months ended March 31, 2019, a decrease of $1,117,209, or 6.1%. Sales volumes in the three months ended March 31, 2020 increased 54.9% to 13,539,283 kg from 8,742,946 kg in the three months ended March 31, 2019. Average unit sale price decreased 39.3% in the three months ended March 31, 2020 as compared to the three months ended March 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 the first quarter of 2020; and an increase in the number of fishing vessels catching Indian Ocean squid on the market led the increased supply, which pulled down the average unit sale price. For the three months ended March 31, 2020, the slight decrease in revenue was primarily attributable to the different sales mix, average unit sale price decreased, despite increase in sales volume as more vessels in operations, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2019.

Cost of revenue

Our cost of revenue primarily consists of fuel cost, depreciation, direct labor cost, fishing vessels maintenance fees, other overhead costs, and reserve for inventories. Fuel cost, depreciation, and labor cost 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 three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 (dollars in thousands):

Cost of revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was $11,554,443, representing a decrease of $2,789,115 or 19.4%, as compared to $14,343,558 for the three months ended March 31, 2019, which was primarily due to 8 of our first group of 27 modified and rebuilt fishing vessels moving to designated waters by the end of first quarter 2019, which drove up refueling costs and other related costs of revenue.

Gross profit

Our gross profit is affected primarily by changes in production costs. Fuel cost, labor cost and depreciation together accounted for about 87.4% and 84.4% of cost of revenue for the three months ended March 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 three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019.

Gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was $5,752,557, representing an increase of $1,671,906 or 41.0%, as compared to gross profit of $4,080,651 for the three months ended March 31, 2019 due to the decrease in our unit production cost of fish.

Gross margin increased to 33.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2020 from 22.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The increase in gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2020 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2019 was primarily attributable to a drop of unit production cost by 48.0% as a result of new fishing vessels that were deployed by the end of first quarter 2019 and drove up the refueling cost and other related costs of revenue. However, no revenue was generated because the vessels were not yet in operation during that time.

Selling expense

Our selling expense mainly includes shipping and handling fees, insurance, customs clearance charge and storage fees. Our sales activities are conducted through direct selling by our internal sales staff. Because of the strong demand for our products and services, we typically do not aggressively market and distribute our products. As a result, our selling expense has been relatively small as a percentage of our revenue. 

Selling expense totaled $901,651 for the three months ended March 31, 2020, as compared to $709,929 for the three months ended March 31, 2019, an increase of $191,722 or 27.0%. Selling expense as a percentage of revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2020 increased to 5.2% from 3.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2019, which was mainly attributable to the increase of shipping and handling fees in selling expenses. Selling expense for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 consisted of the following:

General and administrative expense

General and administrative expense totaled $1,981,576 for the three months ended March 31, 2020, as compared to $4,817,551 for the three months ended March 31, 2019, a decrease of $2,835,975, or 58.9%. General and administrative expense for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 consisted of the following:

Subsidy

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 small miscellaneous subsidies from the Chinese government. For the three months ended March 31, 2020, subsidy increased by $7,773,993, or 100.0% as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2019. We have received subsidies during the three months ended March 31, 2020 due to government's time schedule.

Income (loss) from operations

As a result of the factors described above, for the three months ended March 31, 2020, income from operations amounted to $10,643,323 as compared to loss from operations of $1,446,829 for the three months ended March 31, 2019, an increase of $12,090,152, or 835.6%.

Other income/expense

Other income/expense mainly include interest income from bank deposits, interest expense generated from short-term and long-term bank borrowings, foreign currency transaction gain, and loss on equity method investment. 

For the three months ended March 31, 2020, other expense, net, amounted to $2,226,247 as compared to other expense, net, of $521,510 for the three months ended March 31, 2019, a change of $1,704,737, or 326.9%, which was primarily attributable to an increase in interest expenses of approximately $2,370,000, an increase in foreign currency transaction loss of approximately $456,000, an increase in loss on equity method investment of approximately $15,000 and an increase in other expenses of approximately $61,000. Offset by an increase in interest income of approximately $1,198,000.

Income taxes

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

Net income (loss)

As a result of the factors described above, our net income was $8,417,076 for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to net loss of $1,968,339 for the three months ended March 31, 2019, an increase of $10,385,415 or 527.6%.

Net income (loss) attributable to owners of the Company

The net income attributable to owners of the Company was $7,664,690, or $0.10 per ordinary share (basic and diluted), for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to net loss attributable to owners of the Company of $1,887,239, or $0.02 per ordinary share (basic and diluted), for the three months ended March 31, 2019, an increase of $9,551,929 or 506.1%.

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. As a result of foreign currency translations, which are a non-cash adjustment, we reported a foreign currency translation loss of $1,688,439 for the three months ended March 31, 2020, as compared to a foreign currency translation gain $2,899,349 for the three months ended March 31, 2019. This non-cash gain had the effect of increasing/decreasing our reported comprehensive income/loss.

Comprehensive income

As a result of our foreign currency translation adjustment, we had comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2020 of $6,728,637, compared to comprehensive income of $931,010 for the three months ended March 31, 2019.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Liquidity is the ability of a company to generate funds to support its current and future operations, satisfy its obligations and otherwise operate on an ongoing basis. Our principal liquidity demands are based on the capital needs of Pingtan Fishing related to the acquisition or construction of new fishing vessels and continuously upgrading and renovating existing vessels, and our general corporate purposes. We historically relied on cash flow provided by operations and bank loans to supplement our working capital. We also receive government 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 operation of our customers and optimizing the collection of accounts receivable. For new customers, we adopt the policy of receiving payment before pick-up. At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we had cash balances of approximately $32,763,999 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. 

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

Our working capital deficit decreased by $22,877,315 to a working capital deficit of $1,572,148 at March 31, 2020 from a 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 $6,219,000, an increase in accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, of approximately $961,000, an increase in due from related parties of approximately $45,993,000, an increase in inventories, net of reserve for inventories, of approximately $20,234,000 due to our business expansion resulting from more fishing vessels put in operations, a decrease in accounts payable of approximately $4,888,000, a decrease in accounts payable - related parties of approximately $64,000, a decrease in long-term bank loans - current portion approximately of $1,584,000 due to the repayment schedule, a decrease in accrued liabilities and other payables of approximately $1,591,000, a decrease in lease liability of approximately $60,000 and a decrease in due to related parties of approximately $150,000, offset by a decrease in prepaid expenses of approximately $391,000, a decrease in other receivables of approximately $567,000 and a significant increase in short-term bank loans of approximately $80,579,000.

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 project 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.

The Company meets its day-to-day working capital requirements through cash flow provided by operations, bank loans and related parties’ advances. The Indonesian government’s moratorium on fishing licenses renewals creates uncertainty over fishing operations in Indonesian waters. The Company’s forecasts and projections 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 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 57 fishing vessels, 2 transport vessels and another 10 fishing vessels are modification and rebuilding project, 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 project and reimbursement of certain operating expenses from government, as an encouragement of the development of ocean fishing industry.

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.

Cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2019

The following summarizes the key components of our cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019:

Net cash flow used in operating activities was $17,085,677 for the three months ended March 31, 2020 as compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $10,390,185 for the three months ended March 31, 2019, a change of $27,475,862.

Net cash flow provided by investing activities was $12,342,057 for the three months ended March 31, 2020 as compared to net cash flow used in investing activities was $23,551,607 for the three months ended March 31, 2019. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, we received proceeds from government subsidies for fishing vessels construction of approximately $21,052,000, offset by payments made for purchase of property, plant and equipment of approximately $8,710,000. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we made payments for the purchase of property, plant and equipment of approximately $21,353,000, made payments for the purchase of intangible assets of approximately $4,358,000, offset by proceeds from government subsidies for fishing vessels construction of approximately $2,159,000.

Net cash flow provided by financing activities was $33,438,772 for the three months ended March 31, 2020 as compared to net cash flow used in financing activities of $87,610,178 for the three months ended March 31, 2019. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, we received proceeds from short-term bank loans of approximately of $81,960,000 and proceeds from long-term bank loans of approximately of $8,162,000, offset by the repayments of long-term bank loans of approximately $10,961,000, loans issued to related parties of approximately $45,722,000. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we received long-term bank loans of approximately of $83,002,000, and received advances from related parties of approximately $5,534,000, offset by the repayments of long-term bank loans of approximately $926,000.

Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Contractual obligations

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

The following tables summarize our contractual obligations as of March 31, 2020 (dollars in thousands), 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

Inventories

Frozen fish and marine catches in warehouse represents fish inventory in cold storage warehouses located in China.

Frozen fish and marine catches work in progress represents fish inventory in vessels’ refrigerators, which has not been delivered to ports in China, nor applied for duty-exemption import into China.

Frozen fish and marine catches in transit represents fish inventory that obtained duty-exemption import permission and is in the process of being shipped to China.

As of March 31, 2020, our total inventory balance was $50,761,587 compared to $30,527,752 as of December 31, 2019. The change in the balance is mainly attributable to an increase in frozen fish and marine catches in warehouse by $9.05 million and an increase in frozen fish and marine catches in transit by $15.57 million, a large portion of which was booked as frozen fish and marine catches work in progress as of December 31, 2019.

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

Property, plant and equipment

37 vessels in Indonesian waters are not in operation because their licenses are currently inactive due to the moratorium. The Indonesian government’s 2014 moratorium on fishing license renewals has had, and will continue to have, a significant negative impact on our results of operations and financial condition. Given the impact of the moratorium, the Company assessed the recoverability of these 37 vessels for the year ended December 31, 2019 based on the undiscounted future cash flows and the availability of the vessels for redeployment in other fisheries. The impairment test was carried out with reference to the relevant operation data of the Company’s comparable vessels and took into account upgrading and improvement costs based on the Company’s historical experience. As of December 31, 2019, the payback period of each vessel is less than its remaining useful life and the carrying value of the fishing vessels are expected to be recoverable. Therefore, no impairment loss was recognized.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).” This guidance supersedes current guidance on revenue recognition in Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition.” In addition, there are disclosure requirements related to the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue recognition. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14 to defer the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 for all entities by one year. For public business entities that follow U.S. GAAP, the deferral results in the new revenue standard are being effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We applied the new revenue standard beginning January 1, 2018. We have analyzed the Company’s revenue from contracts with customers in accordance with the new revenue standard to determine the impact on our consolidated financial statements.

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 guarantee, 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 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.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

Commodity price risk

Oil costs account for approximately 63.7% of our total cost of revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2020. We are primarily exposed to oil price volatility caused by supply conditions, political and economic variables and other unpredictable factors. We purchase oil used by our vessels at prevailing market prices. We do not have formal long-term purchase contracts with our suppliers and, therefore, we are exposed to the risk of fluctuating oil prices.

We did not have any commodity price derivatives or hedging arrangements outstanding at March 31, 2020 and did not employ any commodity price derivatives in the three months ended March 31, 2020.

Foreign currency exchange rate risk 

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

The value of the RMB against the USD and other currencies is affected by, among other things, changes in the PRC’s political and economic conditions. Since July 2005, the RMB has not been pegged to the USD. Although the People’s Bank of China regularly intervenes in the foreign exchange market to prevent significant short-term fluctuations in the exchange rate, the RMB may appreciate or depreciate significantly in value against the USD in the medium to long term. Moreover, it is possible that in the future, PRC authorities may lift restrictions on fluctuations in the RMB exchange rate and lessen intervention in the foreign exchange market.

If the RMB depreciates against the USD, the value of our RMB revenue, earnings and assets as expressed in our USD financial statements will decline. A 1% average appreciation (depreciation) of the RMB against the USD would decrease (increase) our comprehensive gain by $67,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2020 based on our revenue, costs and expenses, and assets and liabilities denominated in RMB as of March 31, 2020. To date, we have not entered into any hedging transactions to reduce our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk. While we may decide to enter into hedging transactions in the future, the availability and effectiveness of these hedging transactions may be limited and we may not be able to successfully hedge our exposure at all.

Interest rate risk

We are exposed to interest rate risk arising from short-term and long-term variable rate borrowings from time to time. Our future interest expense will fluctuate in line with any change in our borrowing rates. Our bank borrowings amounted to $301.9 million at March 31, 2020. Based on the variable nature of the underlying interest rate, the bank borrowings approximated fair value at that date.

A hypothetical 100 basis point change in interest rates would impact our interest on our borrowings by approximately $28,000. The potential change in interest amount is calculated based on the change in the interest amount over a one year period due to an immediate 100 basis point change in interest rates.

Inflation risk

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

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

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

In connection with the preparation of the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020, our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, which are defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Based on this evaluation, management concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2020.

Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

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

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

For a description of legal proceedings, refer to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 filed with the SEC on March 16, 2020.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in this report are described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 filed with the SEC on March 16, 2020.

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

None.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

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

Exhibit