Planet Green Holdings Corp. - Quarter Report: 2012 March (Form 10-Q)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.
20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended: March 31,
2012
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File No. 001-34449
AMERICAN LORAIN CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada | 87-0430320 |
(State or other jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer |
incorporation or organization) | Identification No.) |
Beihuan Road
Junan County
Shandong,
China 276600
(Address, including zip code, of principal executive
offices)
(86) 539-7318818
(Registrants telephone number,
including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes [ ] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one)
Large accelerated filer [ ] | Accelerated filer [ ] | Non-accelerated filer [ ] | Smaller reporting company [X] |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes [ ] No [X]
The numbers of shares outstanding of the issuers class of common stock as of May 15, 2011 was 34,507,874.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE | |
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION | |
ITEM 1 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 3 |
ITEM 2 MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS | 4 |
ITEM 3 QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK | 10 |
ITEM 4 CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES | 11 |
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION | |
ITEM 1 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS | 13 |
ITEM 1A RISK FACTORS | 13 |
ITEM 2 UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS | 13 |
ITEM 3 DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES | 13 |
ITEM 4 REMOVED AND RESERVED | 13 |
ITEM 5 OTHER INFORMATION | 13 |
ITEM 6 EXHIBITS | 13 |
SIGNATURES | 14 |
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AMERICAN LORAIN CORPORATION
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2012 AND DECEMBER 31, 2011
(Stated in US Dollars)
3
AMERICAN LORAIN CORPORATION
CONTENTS | PAGES |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM | F-2 |
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | F-3 - F-4 |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME | F-5 |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS | F-6 |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY | F-7 |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | F-8 F-27 |
F-1
REPORT OF REGISTERED INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To: | The Board of Directors and Stockholders of
American Lorain Corporation |
We have reviewed the accompanying interim consolidated balance sheets of American Lorain Corporation (the Company) as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, and the related statements of income, stockholders equity, and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011. These interim consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys management.
We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying interim consolidated financial statements for them to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
San Mateo, California | WWC, P.C. |
May 9, 2012 | Certified Public Accountants |
F-2
AMERICAN LORAIN CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE
SHEETS
AT MARCH 31, 2012 AND DECEMBER 31, 2011
(Stated in
US Dollars)
|
(Audited) | ||||||||
|
At March 31, | At December 31, | |||||||
ASSETS |
Note | 2012 | 2011 | ||||||
Current assets |
|||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
2(d) | $ | 19,497,808 | $ | 17,353,494 | ||||
Restricted cash |
3 | 15,070,555 | 13,017,371 | ||||||
Trade accounts receivable |
4 | 32,102,641 | 41,469,880 | ||||||
Other receivables |
5 | 6,514,104 | 6,147,550 | ||||||
Inventory |
6 | 35,900,495 | 34,348,997 | ||||||
Advance to suppliers |
17,632,219 | 15,772,736 | |||||||
Prepaid expenses and taxes |
264,620 | 132,710 | |||||||
Deferred tax asset |
165,438 | 164,394 | |||||||
Security deposits and other Assets |
16,477 | 16,373 | |||||||
Total current assets |
$ | 127,164,357 | $ | 128,423,505 | |||||
|
|||||||||
Non-current assets |
|||||||||
Investment |
475,270 | 472,270 | |||||||
Property, plant and equipment, net |
7 | 84,110,655 | 84,377,306 | ||||||
Land use rights, net |
8 | 5,417,572 | 5,425,252 | ||||||
TOTAL ASSETS |
$ | 217,167,854 | $ | 218,698,333 | |||||
|
|||||||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
|||||||||
Current liabilities |
|||||||||
Short-term bank loans |
9 | $ | 31,557,935 | $ | 36,018,450 | ||||
Long-term debt current portion |
12 | 57,428 | 57,066 | ||||||
Accounts payable |
3,996,907 | 3,900,317 | |||||||
Taxes payable |
10 | 2,656,413 | 4,237,142 | ||||||
Accrued liabilities and other payables |
11 | 1,113,921 | 1,938,759 | ||||||
Customers deposits |
728,314 | - | |||||||
Total current liabilities |
$ | 40,110,918 | $ | 46,151,734 | |||||
|
|||||||||
Long-term liabilities |
|||||||||
Long-term bank loans |
12 | 15,696,920 | 15,597,831 | ||||||
|
|||||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES |
$ | 55,807,838 | $ | 61,749,565 |
See Accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements and Accountants Report
F-3
AMERICAN LORAIN CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE THREE MONTH
PERIODS ENDED MARCH 31, 2012 AND 2011
(Stated in US Dollars)
|
(Audited) | ||||||||
|
At March 31, | At December 31, | |||||||
Note | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||
STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
|||||||||
Preferred Stock, $.001 par
value, 5,000,000 |
- | - | |||||||
Common
stock, $0.001 par value, 200,000,000 |
13 | 34,508 | 34,508 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
53,067,243 | 53,015,636 | |||||||
Statutory reserves |
2(r) | 14,658,073 | 13,976,899 | ||||||
Retained earnings |
69,522,079 | 65,939,713 | |||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
15,273,423 | 15,353,885 | |||||||
Non-controlling interests |
14 | 8,804,690 | 8,628,127 | ||||||
|
|||||||||
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
$ | 161,360,016 | $ | 156,948,768 | |||||
|
|||||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
$ | 217,167,854 | $ | 218,698,333 |
See Accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements and Accountants Report
F-4
AMERICAN LORAIN CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE THREE MONTH
PERIODS ENDED MARCH 31, 2012 AND 2011
(Stated in US Dollars)
March 31, | March 31, | ||||||||
|
Note | 2012 | 2011 | ||||||
Net revenues |
2(t),15 | $ | 37,141,031 | $ | 30,449,805 | ||||
Cost of revenues |
(29,683,226 | ) | (23,674,895 | ) | |||||
Gross profit |
$ | 7,457,805 | $ | 6,774,910 | |||||
|
|||||||||
Operating expenses |
|||||||||
Selling and marketing expenses |
(1,371,275 | ) | (1,362,686 | ) | |||||
General and administrative expenses |
(1,302,154 | ) | (1,475,947 | ) | |||||
|
(2,673,429 | ) | (2,838,633 | ) | |||||
|
|||||||||
Operating income |
$ | 4,784,376 | $ | 3,936,277 | |||||
|
|||||||||
Government subsidy income |
635,163 | 293,093 | |||||||
Interest income |
58,132 | 2,475 | |||||||
Other income |
396,668 | 44,609 | |||||||
Other expenses |
(18,734 | ) | (159,572 | ) | |||||
Interest expense |
(909,468 | ) | (653,123 | ) | |||||
|
161,761 | (472,518 | ) | ||||||
|
|||||||||
Earnings before tax |
$ | 4,946,137 | $ | 3,463,759 | |||||
|
|||||||||
Income tax |
2(q),16 | (1,187,209 | ) | (895,868 | ) | ||||
|
|||||||||
Net income |
$ | 3,758,928 | $ | 2,567,891 | |||||
|
|||||||||
Other comprehensive income: |
|||||||||
Foreign currency translation gain |
(80,463 | ) | 1,232,883 | ||||||
Comprehensive Income |
3,678,465 | 3,800,774 | |||||||
Net income attributable to: |
|||||||||
|
|||||||||
-Common stockholders |
$ | 3,582,365 | $ | 2,426,288 | |||||
-Non-controlling interest |
176,563 | 141,603 | |||||||
|
$ | 3,758,928 | $ | 2,567,891 | |||||
|
|||||||||
|
|||||||||
Earnings per share |
2(u), 17 | ||||||||
- Basic |
$ | 0.10 | $ | 0.07 | |||||
- Diluted |
$ | 0.10 | $ | 0.07 | |||||
|
|||||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding |
|||||||||
- Basic |
34,507,874 | 34,419,709 | |||||||
- Diluted |
34,507,874 | 35,155,958 |
See Accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements and Accountants Report
F-5
AMERICAN LORAIN CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
FOR THE THREE MONTH PERIODS ENDED MARCH 31,
2012 AND 2011
(Stated in US Dollars)
|
March 31, | March 31, | ||||
|
2012 | 2011 | ||||
Cash flows from operating activities |
||||||
Net income |
$ | 3,758,928 | $ | 2,567,891 | ||
Stock and share based compensation |
51,607 | 173,702 | ||||
Depreciation of fixed assets |
873,032 | 483,601 | ||||
Amortization of intangible assets |
55,010 | 44,886 | ||||
Write down of short-term investments |
- | 44,909 | ||||
Adjustment to statutory reserve |
678,175 | - | ||||
(Increase)/decrease in accounts & other receivables |
7,869,515 | 11,998,911 | ||||
(Increase)/decrease in inventories |
(1,551,498 | ) | (8,923,732 | ) | ||
Decrease/(increase) in prepayment |
(131,910 | ) | (238,013 | ) | ||
Decrease/(increase) in deferred tax asset |
(1,044 | ) | (977 | ) | ||
Increase/(decrease) in accounts and other payables |
(2,308,977 | ) | (2,390,331 | ) | ||
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities |
9,292,838 | 3,760,847 | ||||
|
||||||
Cash flows from investing activities |
||||||
Shandong Greenpia acquisition net of cash acquired |
||||||
Purchase of plant and equipment |
(606,381 | ) | (791,155 | ) | ||
Payment of construction in progress |
- | (380,266 | ) | |||
(Increase)/decrease in restricted cash |
(2,053,184 | ) | (2,549,882 | ) | ||
Payments for the purchase of land use rights |
(47,329 | ) | (51,902 | ) | ||
Payments for security deposits |
(104 | ) | 69,279 | |||
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments |
- | 1,698,341 | ||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(2,706,998 | ) | (2,005,585 | ) | ||
Cash flows from financing activities |
||||||
Repayment of notes |
- | (1,196,589 | ) | |||
Proceeds from issuance of notes |
- | 3,053,390 | ||||
Proceeds from bank borrowings |
4,193,799 | 11,449,469 | ||||
Repayment of bank borrowings |
(8,554,862 | ) | (10,376,859 | ) | ||
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities |
$ | (4,361,063 | ) | $ | 2,929,411 | |
|
||||||
Net Increase/(decrease) of Cash and Cash Equivalents |
2,224,777 | 4,684,673 | ||||
Effect of foreign currency translation on cash and cash equivalents |
(80,463 | ) | 1,187,973 | |||
|
||||||
Cash and cash equivalentsbeginning of year |
17,353,494 | 12,730,626 | ||||
Cash and cash equivalentsend of year |
$ | 19,497,808 | $ | 18,603,272 | ||
|
||||||
Supplementary cash flow information: |
||||||
Interest received |
$ | 58,132 | $ | 2,475 | ||
Interest paid |
$ | 1,159,514 | $ | 653,123 | ||
Income taxes paid |
$ | 2,604,089 | $ | 2,028,968 |
See Accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements and Accountants Report
F-6
AMERICAN LORAIN
CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
FOR YEARS ENDED DECEMBER
31, 2011 AND 2010
(STATED IN US DOLLARS)
Accumulated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number | Additional | Other | Non- | |||||||||||||||||||||
Of | Common | Paid-in | Statutory | Retained | Comprehensive | Controlling | ||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Stock | Capital | Reserves | Earnings | Income | Interests | Total | |||||||||||||||||
Balance, January 1, 2011 |
34,419,709 | $ | 34,420 | $ | 52,371,481 | $ | 11,340,739 | $ | 48,688,375 | $ | 9,475,745 | $ | 7,431,697 | $ | 129,342,457 | |||||||||
Issuance of share based compensation |
88,165 | 88 | 644,155 | - | - | - | - | 644,243 | ||||||||||||||||
Net income |
- | - | - | - | 21,083,928 | - | - | 21,083,928 | ||||||||||||||||
Appropriations to statutory reserves |
- | - | - | 2,636,160 | (2,636,160 | ) | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||
Allocation to non-controlling interests |
- | - | - | - | (1,196,430 | ) | - | 1,196,430 | - | |||||||||||||||
Unrealized gain (loss) on investment |
- | - | - | - | - | (94,058 | ) | - | (94,058 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment |
- | - | - | - | - | 5,972,198 | - | 5,972,198 | ||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2011 |
34,507,874 | 34,508 | 53,015,636 | 13,976,899 | 65,939,713 | 15,353,885 | 8,628,127 | 156,948,768 | ||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, January 1, 2011 |
34,507,874 | 34,508 | 53,015,636 | 13,976,899 | 65,939,713 | 15,353,885 | 8,628,127 | 156,948,768 | ||||||||||||||||
Issuance of share based compensation |
- | - | 51,607 | - | - | - | - | 51,607 | ||||||||||||||||
Net income |
- | - | - | - | 3,758,928 | 3,758,928 | ||||||||||||||||||
Appropriations to statutory reserves |
- | - | - | 681,175 | - | - | - | 681,175 | ||||||||||||||||
Allocation to non-controlling interests |
- | - | - | - | (176,563 | ) | - | 176,563 | - | |||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment |
- | - | - | - | - | (80,463 | ) | - | (80,463 | ) | ||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, March 31, 2012 |
34,507,874 | 34,508 | 53,067,243 | 14,658,073 | 69,522,079 | 15,273,423 | 8,804,690 | 161,360,016 |
See Accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements and Accountants Report
F-7
AMERICAN LORAIN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2012 AND DECEMBER 31, 2011
(Stated in US Dollars)
1. |
ORGANIZATION, BASIS OF PRESENTATION, AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES |
|
(a) |
Organization history of American Lorain Corporation (formerly known as Millennium Quest, Inc.) |
|
American Lorain Corporation (the “Company” or “ALN”) was originally a Delaware corporation incorporated on February 4, 1986. From inception through May 3, 2007, the Company did not engage in any active business operations other than in search and evaluation of potential business opportunity to become an acquiree of a reverse-merger deal. On May 3, 2007, the Company entered into a share exchange agreement as described under “Reverse-Merger” below. On November 12, 2009, the Company filed a statement of merger in the state of Nevada to transfer the Company’s jurisdiction from Delaware to Nevada. |
||
(b) |
Organization History of International Lorain Holding Inc. and its subsidiaries |
|
ALN owns 100% of the equity of International Lorain Holding Inc. (“ILH”). ILH is a Cayman Islands company incorporated on August 4, 2006 and was wholly-owned by Mr. Hisashi Akazawa until May 3, 2007. ILH presently has two direct wholly-owned subsidiaries, Junan Hongrun and Luotian Lorain, and three indirectly wholly-owned subsidiaries through Junan Hongrun, which are Beijing Lorain, Dongguan Lorain, and Shandong Greenpia Foodstuff Co., Ltd. (“Shandong Greenpia”). |
||
In addition, the Company directly and indirectly has 80.2% ownership of Shandong Lorain. The rest of the 19.8%, which is owned by the State under the name of Shandong Economic Development Investment Co. Ltd., is not included as a part of the Group. |
||
On April 9, 2009, the Company, through its Junan Hongrun subsidiary, invested cash to establish Dongguan Lorain. Dongguan Lorain is indirectly 100% beneficially owned by the Company. |
||
On June 28, 2010, the Company signed an equity transfer agreement with Shandong Greenpia. Shandong Greenpia was originally directly owned by Taebong Inc. and Shandong Luan Trade Company. The Company paid $2,100,000 to Korean Taebong Inc. for 50% equity of Shandong Greenpia on September 20, 2010. On September 23, 2010, the Company issued 731,707 shares of restricted stock at an agreed price of $2.87 per share to the owner of Shandong Luan Trade Company, Mr. Ji Zhenwei, for the remaining 50% equity of Shandong Greenpia. Since September 23, 2010, Shandong Greenpia was directly owned by both Junan Hongrun and ILH. As a result, Shandong Greenpia is 100% owned by the Company. Accordingly, the Company booked a gain of $383,482 which is included in the statement of income as other income. |
||
(c) |
Reverse-Merger |
|
On May 3, 2007, the Company entered into a share exchange agreement with ILH whereby the Company consummated its acquisition of ILH by issuance of 697,663 Series B voting convertible preferred shares to the shareholders of ILH in exchange of 5,099,503 ILH shares. Concurrently on May 3, 2007, the Company also entered into a securities purchase agreement with certain investors and Mr. Hisashi Akazawa and Mr. Si Chen (each a “beneficial owner”) whereby the Company issued 319,913 (after reverse-split at 32.84 from 10,508,643) common shares to its shareholders as consideration of the Company’s reverse-merger with Lorain. |
||
The share exchange transaction is sometimes referred to hereafter as the “reverse-merger transaction.” The share exchange transaction has been accounted for as a recapitalization of ALN where the Company (the legal acquirer) is considered the accounting acquiree and ILH (the acquiree) is considered the accounting acquirer. As a result of this transaction, the Company is deemed to be a continuation of the business of ILH. |
||
Accordingly, the accompanying consolidated financial statements are those of the accounting acquirer, ILH. The historical stockholders’ equity of the accounting acquirer prior to the share exchange has been retroactively restated as if the share exchange transaction occurred as of the beginning of the first period presented. See also Note 14 Capitalization. |
F-8
AMERICAN LORAIN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2012 AND DECEMBER 31, 2011
(Stated in US Dollars)
(d) |
Business Activities | |
The Company develops, manufactures, and sells convenience foods (including ready-to-cook (or RTC) foods; ready-to-eat (or RTE) foods and meals ready-to-eat (or MRE); chestnut products; and frozen foods, in hundreds of varieties. The Company operates through indirect Chinese subsidiaries. The products are sold in 26 provinces and administrative regions in China and 42 foreign countries. Food products are categorized into three types: (1) chestnut products, (2) convenience food, and (3) frozen food. | ||
2. |
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | |
(a) |
Method of Accounting | |
The Company maintains its general ledger and journals with the accrual method accounting for financial reporting purposes. The financial statements and notes are representations of management. Accounting policies adopted by the Company conform to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America and have been consistently applied in the presentation of financial statements, which are compiled on the accrual basis of accounting. | ||
The Company regrouped certain accounts in its presentation of changes in assets and liabilities in the statement of cash flows for the period ended March 31, 2012 in order to be consistent with the presentation provided for the year ended December 31, 2011. There was no impact in earnings for the regrouping. | ||
(b) |
Principles of consolidation | |
The consolidated financial statements which include the Company and its subsidiaries are compiled in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The consolidated financial statements include 100% of assets, liabilities, and net income or loss of those wholly-owned subsidiaries; ownership interests of minority investors are recorded as minority interests. | ||
As of December 31, 2011, the detailed identities of the consolidating subsidiaries are as follows: |
Place of | Attributable equity | Registered | ||||||||
Name of Company |
incorporation | interest % | capital | |||||||
Shandong Lorain Co., Ltd |
PRC | 80.2 | $ | 12,733,926 | ||||||
Luotian Lorain Co., Ltd |
PRC | 100 | 3,987,343 | |||||||
Junan Hongrun Foodstuff Co., Ltd |
PRC | 100 | 47,101,050 | |||||||
Beijing Lorain Co., Ltd |
PRC | 100 | 1,574,233 | |||||||
Shandong Greenpia Foodstuff Co.,Ltd |
PRC | 100 | 2,418,022 | |||||||
Dongguan Lorain Co,,Ltd |
PRC | 100 | 157,423 | |||||||
International Lorain Holding Inc. |
Cayman Islands | 100 | 48,988,162 |
(c) |
Use of estimates |
The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Management makes these estimates using the best information available at the time the estimates are made; however actual results could differ materially from those estimates. |
F-9
AMERICAN LORAIN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2012 AND DECEMBER 31, 2011
(Stated in US Dollars)
(d) |
Cash and cash equivalents | |
The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. | ||
(e) |
Investment securities | |
The Company classifies securities it holds for investment purposes into trading or available-for-sale. Trading securities are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term. All securities not included in trading securities are classified as available-for-sale. | ||
Trading and available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value. Unrealized holding gains and losses on trading securities are included in the net income. Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the related tax effect, on available for sale securities are excluded from net income and are reported as a separate component of other comprehensive income until realized. Realized gains and losses from the sale of available-for-sale securities are determined on a specific-identification basis. | ||
A decline in the market value of any available-for-sale security below cost that is deemed to be other-than- temporary results in a reduction in carrying amount to fair value. The impairment is charged as an expense to the statement of income and comprehensive income and a new cost basis for the security is established. To determine whether impairment is other-than-temporary, the Company considers whether it has the ability and intent to hold the investment until a market price recovery and considers whether evidence indicating the cost of the investment is recoverable outweighs evidence to the contrary. Evidence considered in this assessment includes the reasons for the impairment, the severity and duration of the impairment, changes in value subsequent to year end, and forecasted performance of the investee. | ||
Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted over the life of the related available-for-sale security as an adjustment to yield using the effective-interest method. Dividend and interest income are recognized when earned. | ||
(f) |
Trade receivables | |
Trade receivables are recognized and carried at the original invoice amount less allowance for any uncollectible amounts. An estimate for doubtful accounts is made when collection of the full amount is no longer probable. Bad debts are written off as incurred. | ||
(g) |
Inventories | |
Inventories consisting of finished goods and raw materials are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Finished goods are comprised of direct materials, direct labor and an appropriate proportion of overhead. | ||
(h) |
Customer deposits and advances to suppliers | |
Customer deposits were received from customers in connection with orders of products to be delivered in future periods. | ||
Advance to suppliers is a good faith deposit paid to the supplier for the purpose of committing the supplier to provide product promptly upon delivery of the Companys purchase order for raw materials, supplies, equipment, building materials etc. Pursuant to the Companys arrangements with its suppliers, this deposit is generally 20% of the total amount contracted for. This type of transaction is classified as a prepayment category under the account name Advance to Suppliers until such time as the Companys purchase order is delivered, at which point this account is reduced by reclassification of the applicable amount to the appropriate asset account such as inventory or fixed assets or construction in progress. |
F-10
AMERICAN LORAIN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2012 AND DECEMBER 31, 2011
(Stated in US Dollars)
(i) |
Property, plant and equipment | |
Plant and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method. Estimated useful lives of the plant and equipment are as follows: |
Buildings | 40 years | |
Landscaping, plant and tree | 30 years | |
Machinery and equipment | 10 years | |
Motor vehicles | 10 years | |
Office equipment | 5 years |
The cost and related accumulated depreciation of assets sold or otherwise retired are eliminated from the accounts and any gain or loss is included in the statement of income. The cost of maintenance and repairs is charged to income as incurred, whereas significant renewals and betterments are capitalized. | ||
(j) |
Construction in progress | |
Construction in progress represents direct and indirect construction or acquisition costs. The construction in progress is transferred to plant and equipment when substantially all the activities necessary to prepare the assets for their intended use are completed. No depreciation is provided until the asset is completed and ready for intended use. | ||
(k) |
Land Use Rights | |
Land use rights are carried at cost and amortized on a straight-line basis over a specified period. Amortization is provided using the straight-line method over 40-50 years. | ||
(l) |
Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets | |
The long-lived assets held by the Company are reviewed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Subtopic 360-10-35, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of assets may not be recoverable. It is reasonably possible that these assets could become impaired as a result of technology or other industry changes. Impairment is present if carrying amount of an asset is less than its undiscounted cash flows to be generated. | ||
If an asset is considered impaired, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair market value of the asset. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. The Company believes no impairment has occurred to its assets during 2011 and 2012 (through March). | ||
(m) |
Advertising | |
All advertising costs are expensed as incurred. | ||
(n) |
Shipping and handling | |
All shipping and handling are expensed as incurred. | ||
(o) |
Research and development | |
All research and development costs are expensed as incurred. |
F-11
AMERICAN LORAIN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2012 AND DECEMBER 31, 2011
(Stated in US Dollars)
(p) |
Retirement benefits | |
Retirement benefits in the form of contributions under defined contribution retirement plans to the relevant authorities are charged to the consolidated statement of income as incurred. | ||
(q) |
Income taxes | |
The Company accounts for income tax using an asset and liability approach and allows for recognition of deferred tax benefits in future years. Under the asset and liability approach, deferred taxes are provided for the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. A valuation allowance is provided for deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not these items will either expire before the Company is able to realize their benefits, or that future realization is uncertain. | ||
The Company has implemented ASC Topic 740, Accounting for Income Taxes. Income tax liabilities computed according to the United States and Peoples Republic of China (PRC) tax laws are provided for the tax effects of transactions reported in the financial statements and consists of taxes currently due plus deferred taxes related primarily to differences between the basis of fixed assets and intangible assets for financial and tax reporting. The deferred tax assets and liabilities represent the future tax return consequences of those differences, which will be either taxable or deductible when the assets and liabilities are recovered or settled. Deferred taxes also are recognized for operating losses that are available to offset future income taxes. A valuation allowance is created to evaluate deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that these items will either expire before the Company is able to realize that tax benefit, or that future realization is uncertain. | ||
Effective January 1, 2008, PRC government implemented a new 25% tax rate across the board for all enterprises regardless of whether domestic or foreign enterprise without any tax holiday which is defined as "two-year exemption followed by three-year half exemption" hitherto enjoyed by tax payers. As a result of the new tax law of a standard 15% tax rate, tax holidays terminated as of December 31, 2007. However, PRC government has established a set of transition rules to allow enterprises already started tax holidays before January 1, 2008, to continue enjoying the tax holidays until being fully utilized. | ||
The Company is subject to United States Tax according to Internal Revenue Code Sections 951 and 957. Corporate income tax is imposed on progressive rates in the range of: - |
Taxable Income | ||||
Rate | Over | But Not Over | Of Amount Over | |
15% | 0 | 50,000 | 0 | |
25% | 50,000 | 75,000 | 50,000 | |
34% | 75,000 | 100,000 | 75,000 | |
39% | 100,000 | 335,000 | 100,000 | |
34% | 335,000 | 10,000,000 | 335,000 | |
35% | 10,000,000 | 15,000,000 | 10,000,000 | |
38% | 15,000,000 | 18,333,333 | 15,000,000 | |
35% | 18,333,333 | - | - |
(r) |
Statutory reserves | |
Statutory reserves are referring to the amount appropriated from the net income in accordance with laws or regulations, which can be used to recover losses and increase capital, as approved, and are to be used to expand production or operations. The Company transferred $2,636,160 and $681,175 from retained earnings to statutory reserves during 2011 and the period ended March 31, 2012. PRC laws prescribe that an enterprise operating at a profit, must appropriate, on an annual basis, an amount equal to 10% of its profit. Such an appropriation is necessary until the reserve reaches a maximum that is equal to 50% of the enterprises PRC registered capital. |
F-12
AMERICAN LORAIN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2012 AND DECEMBER 31, 2011
(Stated in US Dollars)
(s) |
Foreign currency translation | |
The accompanying financial statements are presented in United States dollars. The functional currency of the Company is the Renminbi (RMB). The financial statements are translated into United States dollars from RMB at year-end exchange rates as to assets and liabilities and average exchange rates as to revenues and expenses. Capital accounts are translated at their historical exchange rates when the capital transactions occurred. |
3/31/2012 | 12/31/2011 | 3/31/2011 | ||||||||
Year end RMB : US$ exchange rate |
6.3122 | 6.3523 | 6.5501 | |||||||
Average yearly RMB : US$ exchange rate |
6.2976 | 6.4544 | 6.5713 |
The RMB is not freely convertible into foreign currency and all foreign exchange transactions must take place through authorized institutions. No representation is made that the RMB amounts could have been, or could be, converted into US Dollars at the rates used in translation. | ||
(t) |
Revenue recognition | |
The Companys revenue recognition policies are in compliance with Staff accounting bulletin (SAB) 104. Sales revenue is recognized at the date of shipment to customers when a formal arrangement exists, the price is fixed or determinable, the delivery is completed, no other significant obligations of the Company exist and collectibility is reasonably assured. Payments received before all of the relevant criteria for revenue recognition are satisfied are recorded as unearned revenue. | ||
The Companys revenue consists of invoiced value of goods, net of a value-added tax (VAT). The Company allows its customers to return products if they are defective. However, this rarely happens and amounts returned have been de minimis. | ||
The Company gradually switched its sales model from direct sales to third party distributor model and issues 1% sales incentive to distributors. The Company modified it accounting policy for the recognition of revenue accordingly. Given the circumstances of how the Company conducts its incentive program, the Company books the payments settled in cash as a contra account to Gross Revenue, and includes the amount in its reported net revenue. The Company has considered the guidance in FASB ASC 605-50 (EITF 01-9) and will account for its sales incentive program accordingly. | ||
(u) |
Earnings per share | |
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the sum of the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding and potential dilutive securities during the year. During the period ended March 31, 2012, no warrants were issued nor options were granted. For the year ended December 31, 2010, 81,155 warrants were issued to certain service providers. For the year ended December 31, 2009, 1,334,573 stock options were granted to employees pursuant to the Companys equity incentive plan; 2,255,024 warrants were issued to investors in connection with a PIPE financing. These warrants and options could be potentially dilutive if the market price of the Companys common stock exceeds the exercise price for these securities. | ||
The Company computes earnings per share (EPS) in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, Earnings per share (SFAS No. 128), and SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 98 (SAB 98). SFAS No. 128 requires companies with complex capital structures to present basic and diluted EPS. Basic EPS is measured as the income or loss available to common shareholders divided by the weighted average common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is similar to basic EPS but presents the dilutive effect on a per share basis of potential common shares (e.g., convertible securities, options, and warrants) as if they had been converted at the beginning of the periods presented, or issuance date, if later. Potential common shares that have an anti-dilutive effect (i.e., those that increase income per share or decrease loss per share) are excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS. |
F-13
AMERICAN LORAIN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2012 AND DECEMBER 31, 2011
(Stated in US Dollars)
(v) |
Financial Instruments | |
The Companys financial instruments, including cash and equivalents, accounts and other receivables, accounts and other payables, accrued liabilities and short-term debt, the carrying amounts approximate their fair values due to their short maturities. ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, requires disclosure of the fair value of financial instruments held by the Company. ASC Topic 825, Financial Instruments, defines fair value, and establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosures of fair value measurement that enhances disclosure requirements for fair value measures. The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for receivables and current liabilities each qualify as financial instruments and are a reasonable estimate of their fair values because of the short period of time between the origination of such instruments and their expected realization and their current market rate of interest. The three levels of valuation hierarchy are defined as follows: |
-
Level 1 inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
-
Level 2 inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.
-
Level 3 inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.
The Company analyzes all financial instruments with features of both liabilities and equity under ASC 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity, and ASC 815. | ||
As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company did not identify any assets and liabilities that were required to be presented on the balance sheet at fair value. | ||
(w) |
Commitments and contingencies | |
Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines and penalties and other sources are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the assessment can be reasonably estimated. | ||
(x) |
Comprehensive income | |
Comprehensive income is defined to include all changes in equity except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Among other disclosures, all items that are required to be recognized under current accounting standards as components of comprehensive income are required to be reported in a financial statement that is presented with the same prominence as other financial statements. The Companys current component of other comprehensive income includes the foreign currency translation adjustment and unrealized gain or loss. | ||
The Company uses FASB ASC Topic 220, Reporting Comprehensive Income. Comprehensive income is comprised of net income and all changes to the statements of stockholders equity, except the changes in paid- in capital and distributions to stockholders due to investments by stockholders. Comprehensive income for the periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 included net income and foreign currency translation adjustments. |
F-14
AMERICAN LORAIN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2012 AND DECEMBER 31, 2011
(Stated in US Dollars)
(y) |
Recent accounting pronouncements | |
In May 2011, FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs, which is not expected to have a material impact on the Companys consolidated financial statements upon adoption. | ||
In June 2011, FASB issued ASU 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (ASC Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income. Under the amendments in this update, an entity has the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. Under both options, an entity is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income along with a total for other comprehensive income and a total amount for comprehensive income. In a single continuous statement, the entity is required to present the components of net income and total net income, the components of other comprehensive income and a total for other comprehensive income, along with the total of comprehensive income in that statement. In the two- statement approach, an entity is required to present components of net income and total net income in the statement of net income. The statement of other comprehensive income should immediately follow the statement of net income and include the components of other comprehensive income and a total for other comprehensive income, along with a total for comprehensive income. In addition, the entity is required to present on the face of the financial statements reclassification adjustments for items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income in the statement(s) where the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income are presented. The amendments in this update should be applied retrospectively and are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company has assessed the effect that the adoption of this pronouncement will have on its financial statements. | ||
In September 2011, FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (ASC Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment, to simplify how entities test goodwill for impairment. ASU No. 2011-08 allows entities to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If greater than 50 percent likelihood exists that the fair value is less than the carrying amount then a two-step goodwill impairment test as described in Topic 350 must be performed. The guidance provided by this update becomes effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted, including for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed as of a date before September 15, 2011. The Company has assessed the effect that the adoption of this pronouncement will have on its financial statements and does not expect it to have a material impact on the Companys consolidated financial position and results of operations. | ||
3. |
RESTRICTED CASH | |
Restricted Cash represents interest bearing deposits placed with banks to secure banking facilities in the form of loans and notes payable. The restriction of funds is based on time. The funds that collateralize loans are held for 60 days in savings account that pay interest at the prescribed national daily savings account rate. For funds that underline notes payable, the cash is deposited in six month time deposits that pay interest at the national time deposit rate. |
F-15
AMERICAN LORAIN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2012 AND DECEMBER 31, 2011
(Stated in US Dollars)
4. |
TRADE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE |
3/31/2012 | 12/31/2011 | ||||||
Trade accounts receivable | $ | 32,484,745 | $ | 41,849,573 | |||
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts | (382,104 | ) | (379,693 | ) | |||
$ | 32,102,641 | $ | 41,469,880 | ||||
Allowance for bad debt: | 3/31/2012 | 12/31/2011 | |||||
Beginning balance | $ | (379,693 | ) | $ | (335,902 | ) | |
Additions to allowance | (2,411 | ) | (43,791 | ) | |||
Bad debt written-off | - | - | |||||
Ending balance | $ | (382,104 | ) | $ | (379,693 | ) |
The Company offers credit terms of between 30 to 60 days to most of their domestic customers, including supermarkets and wholesalers, around 90 days to most of their international customers, and between 0 to 15 days for most of the third-party distributors the Company works with. | |
5. |
OTHER RECEIVABLES |
Other receivables consisted of the following as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011: |
|
3/31/2012 | 12/31/2011 | |||||
Advances to employees for job/travel disbursements |
1,133,735 | 577,237 | |||||
Amount due by a non-related enterprise |
158,424 | 157,424 | |||||
Other non-related receivables |
68,579 | 319,639 | |||||
Other related receivables |
242,242 | 213,128 | |||||
Short-term investment sale receivable |
4,911,124 | 4,880,122 | |||||
$ | 6,514,104 | $ | 6,147,550 |
Advances to employees for job/travel disbursements consisted of advances to employees for transportation, meals, client entertainment, commissions, and procurement of certain raw materials. The advances issued to employees may be carried for extended periods of time because employees may spend several months out in the field working to procure new sales contracts or fulfill existing contracts.
Specifically, the company uses every available employee to arrange purchases with desirable chestnut or other raw material growers. However, because many of these growers are in rural farming areas of China where traditional banking and credit arrangements are difficult to implement, the Company must utilize cash purchases and also must contract for its future needs by placing a good faith deposit in cash with the growers. However none of these advances to employees for delivery to the growers on behalf of the Company are personal loans to the employees. Advances to employees for purchase of materials in other receivables are adjusted to advances to suppliers as of March 31, 2012.
Related party receivable consisted of the following as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:
3/31/2012 | 12/31/2011 | ||||||
Chen, Si | $ | 130,892 | $ | 133,070 | |||
Lu, Yundong | - | 896 | |||||
Liu, Lihua | 79,212 | 78,712 | |||||
You, Huadong | 31,685 | - | |||||
Junan Hot & Roll Fast Food | 453 | 450 | |||||
$ | 242,242 | $ | 213,128 |
F-16
AMERICAN LORAIN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2012 AND DECEMBER 31, 2011
(Stated in US Dollars)
Related party receivable represented advances issued by management for job or travel disbursement in the normal course of business. The receivable had no impact on earnings. As with other employees, officers sign notes when cash is issued to them as job or travel disbursement. | |
In order to satisfy certain criteria for obtaining the long-term loan with DEG, as noted in footnote 12, Junan Hongrun lent money to Mr. Chen, Si and Ms. Liu, Lihua to purchase life insurance. | |
Related party receivable amounts are disclosed as other related receivables in other receivables. | |
On March 13, 2011, the Company entered into an agreement with Jiangsu Heng An Industrial Investment Group Co., Ltd. to sell the Companys short-term investment in the amount of $ 7,764,577 (RMB 49,604,000) of a parcel of land located in Junan Town, Shandong Province, to construct residential buildings. The land was sold to Jiangsu Heng An at a total sale price of RMB 69,604,000 and a guaranteed gross profit of RMB 20,000,000 without consideration of profit/loss of the residential building project. The gain on the sale of the short-term investment excluding taxes payable is recorded as other income on the statements of income and comprehensive income. Title of the land transferred from the Company to Jiangsu Heng An with receipt of an initial deposit of RMB 15,000,000. As of March 31, 2012, a total of RMB 38,000,000 has been paid and RMB 31,000,000 (USD 4,911,124) is classified as Other Receivable. According to the contract, the Company will be entitled to receive RMB 9,000,000 within 5 days after the title transfer and construction approval is complete, and RMB 27,000,000 within 5 days after the residential building main frame is completed | |
6. |
INVENTORIES |
Inventories consisted of the following as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011: |
3/31/2012 | 12/31/2011 | ||||||
Raw materials | $ | 11,898,572 | $ | 10,470,187 | |||
Finished goods | 24,001,923 | 23,878,810 | |||||
$ | 35,900,495 | $ | 34,348,997 |
7. |
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT |
Property, plant, and equipment consisted of the following as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011: |
3/31/2012 | 12/31/2011 | ||||||
At Cost: | |||||||
Buildings | $ | 75,994,462 | $ | 75,509,164 | |||
Landscaping, plant and tree | 7,929,636 | 7,879,579 | |||||
Machinery and equipment | 11,116,758 | 10,976,564 | |||||
Office equipment | 623,577 | 618,558 | |||||
Motor vehicles | 470,384 | 467,415 | |||||
$ | 96,134,817 | $ | 95,451,279 | ||||
Less: Accumulated depreciation | |||||||
Buildings | (4,597,271 | ) | (4,141,133 | ) | |||
Landscaping, plant and tree | (1,510,230 | ) | (1,303,707 | ) | |||
Machinery and equipment | (5,247,969 | ) | (4,988,873 | ) | |||
Office equipment | (410,630 | ) | (391,272 | ) | |||
Motor vehicles | (258,062 | ) | (248,987 | ) | |||
(12,024,163 | ) | (11,073,972 | ) | ||||
Construction in Progress | - | - | |||||
$ | 84,110,655 | $ | 84,377,306 |
F-17
AMERICAN LORAIN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2012 AND DECEMBER 31, 2011
(Stated in US Dollars)
Landscaping, plants, and trees accounts for the orchards that the Company has developed for agricultural operations. These orchards as well as the young trees which were purchased as nursery stock are capitalized into fixed assets. The depreciation is then calculated on a 30-year straight-line method when production in commercial quantities begins. The orchards have begun production in small quantities and the Company has accounted for depreciation commencing July 1, 2010. | |
8. |
LAND USE RIGHTS, NET |
Land use rights consisted of the following as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011: |
3/31/2012 | 12/31/2011 | ||||||
Land use rights, at cost |
6,289,859 | $ | 6,242,530 | ||||
Less: Accumulated amortization |
(872,287 | ) | (817,278 | ) | |||
$ | 5,417,572 | $ | 5,425,252 |
All lands are owned by the government in China. Land use rights represent the Companys purchase of usage rights for a parcel of land for a specified duration of time, typically 50 years. The land use rights are then amortized over the period of usage. Amortization expense for the periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were $55,010 and $44,886, respectively. | |
9. |
SHORT-TERM BANK LOANS |
Short-term bank loans consisted of the following as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011: |
Remark | 3/31/2012 | 12/31/2011 | ||||||||
Loans from Junan County Construction Bank, |
||||||||||
Interest rate at 6.710% per annum due 1/25/2012 |
- | 1,479,779 | ||||||||
Interest rate at 6.100% per annum due 2/19/2012 |
- | 944,540 | ||||||||
Interest rate at 6.710% per annum due 5/2/2012 |
712,905 | - | ||||||||
Interest rate at 7.015% per annum due 6/7/2012 |
- | 3,337,374 | ||||||||
Interest rate at 6.666% per annum due 11/5/2012 |
1,093,121 | 1,086,221 | ||||||||
Interest rate at 6.666% per annum due 11/23/2012 |
792,117 | 787,116 | ||||||||
|
||||||||||
Loan from Junan County Agriculture Bank, |
||||||||||
Interest rate at 7.320% per annum due 1/10/2012 |
A | - | 3,148,466 | |||||||
|
||||||||||
Loan from Junan County Industrial and Commercial Banks, |
||||||||||
Interest rate at 6.405% per annum due 4/9/2012 |
B | 1,029,752 | 1,023,251 | |||||||
Interest rate at 6.405% per annum due 4/24/2012 |
B | 554,482 | 550,982 | |||||||
Interest rate at 6.410% per annum due 4/24/2012 |
B | 633,693 | 629,693 |
F-18
AMERICAN LORAIN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2012 AND DECEMBER 31, 2011
(Stated in US Dollars)
Interest rate at 6.410% per annum due 5/10/2012 |
B | 1,346,599 | 1,338,098 | |||||||
Interest rate at 6.410% per annum due 6/12/2012 |
B | 1,584,234 | 1,574,233 | |||||||
Interest rate at 6.405% per annum due 6/21/2012 |
B | 1,267,387 | - | |||||||
Interest rate at 6.405% per annum due 7/10/2012 |
B | 1,029,752 | - | |||||||
|
||||||||||
Loan from Linyi Commercial Bank, |
||||||||||
Interest rate at 12.201% per annum due 1/10/2012 |
- | 708,405 | ||||||||
Interest rate at 11.152% per annum due 12/11/2012 |
3,168,467 | 3,148,466 | ||||||||
Interest rate at 12.201% per annum due 12/13/2012 |
792,117 | 787,116 | ||||||||
Interest rate at 12.136% per annum due 12/29/2012 |
712,905 | 708,405 | ||||||||
Interest rate at 13.776% per annum due 12/10/2012 |
792,117 | - | ||||||||
Interest rate at 12.136% per annum due 1/10/2013 |
712,905 | - | ||||||||
|
||||||||||
Loan from China Minsheng Bank Corporation, Linyi Branch |
||||||||||
Interest rate at 8.203% per annum due 4/14/2012 |
2,376,351 | 2,361,349 | ||||||||
|
||||||||||
Loan from China Agricultural Bank, Luotian Branch |
||||||||||
Interest rate at 6.372% per annum due 9/12/2012 |
950,540 | 944,540 | ||||||||
|
||||||||||
Bank of Beijing, |
||||||||||
Interest rate at 6.672% per annum due 11/16/2012 |
633,693 | 629,693 | ||||||||
|
||||||||||
Shenzhen Development Bank, |
||||||||||
Interest rate at 6.710% per annum due 2/13/2012 |
237,635 | 236,135 | ||||||||
Interest rate at 6.710% per annum due 3/15/2012 |
- | 787,116 | ||||||||
Interest rate at 6.435% per annum due 6/8/2012 |
2,376,351 | 2,361,349 | ||||||||
Interest rate at 6.588% per annum due 9/6/2012 |
792,117 | - | ||||||||
|
||||||||||
Luotian Sanliqiao Credit Union, |
||||||||||
Interest rate at 9.360% per annum due 1/6/2013 |
950,540 | - | ||||||||
|
||||||||||
Beijing Rural Commercial Bank, Shilibao Branch, |
||||||||||
Interest rate at 7.434% per annum due 9/6/2012 |
1,584,234 | 2,046,503 | ||||||||
|
||||||||||
China Agricultural Bank, Shandong Branch |
||||||||||
Interest rate at 7.544% per annum due 12/23/2012 |
1,584,234 | 1,574,233 | ||||||||
Interest rate at 7.544% per annum due 12/29/2012 |
681,220 | 676,920 | ||||||||
China Everbright Bank, Qingdao Branch | ||||||||||
Interest rate at 7.930% per annum due 5/13/2012 | 3,168,467 | 3,148,467 | ||||||||
$ | 31,557,935 | $ | 36,018,450 |
F-19
AMERICAN LORAIN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2012 AND DECEMBER 31, 2011
(Stated in US Dollars)
The short-term loans, which are denominated in the functional currency Renminbi (RMB), were primarily obtained for general working capital. | |
Remark: | |
A: A parcel of 12,726 square meters land use right and an 8,162 square meters building was used as collateral for this loan. | |
B: Accounts Receivable in the amount of $1,650,000 was used as collateral for this loan | |
10. |
TAXES PAYABLES |
Taxes payable consisted of the following as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011: |
3/31/2012 | 12/31/2011 | ||||||
Value added tax payable | $ | 64,482 | $ | 255,327 | |||
Corporate income tax payable | 1,425,693 | 2,822,321 | |||||
Employee payroll tax withholding | 4,120 | 6,105 | |||||
Property tax payable | 48,647 | 46,192 | |||||
Stamp tax payable | 1,438 | 9,369 | |||||
Business tax payable | 153,841 | 152,869 | |||||
Land use tax payable | 34,564 | 23,988 | |||||
Import tariffs | 1,794 | 4,956 | |||||
Capital gain tax payable | 921,834 | 916,015 | |||||
$ | 2,656,413 | $ | 4,237,142 |
11. |
ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER PAYABLE |
Accrued expenses and other payables consisted of the following as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011: |
3/31/2012 | 12/31/2011 | ||||||
Accrued salaries and wages | $ | 126,638 | $ | 774,206 | |||
Accrued utility expenses | 171,359 | 74,927 | |||||
Accrued interest expenses | 10,805 | 303,701 | |||||
Accrued transportation expenses | 167,336 | 172,094 | |||||
Other accruals | 71,084 | 95,371 | |||||
Business and other taxes | 484,352 | 422,100 | |||||
Disbursement payable | 13,337 | 38,804 | |||||
Accrued staff welfare | 69,010 | 57,554 | |||||
$ | 1,113,921 | $ | 1,938,759 |
12. |
LONG-TERM DEBT |
Current portions of long-term debt consisted of the following as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011: |
F-20
AMERICAN LORAIN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2012 AND DECEMBER 31, 2011
(Stated in US Dollars)
|
3/31/2012 | 12/31/2011 | |||||
Loans from Luotian Agricultural Development Bank |
|||||||
Interest rate at 2.100% per annum due 12/11/2011 |
57,428 | 57,066 | |||||
|
|||||||
Loans from East West Bank (Formerly United Commercial Bank), China Branch |
|||||||
Interest rate at 5.494% per annum due 1/14/2011 |
- | - | |||||
|
|||||||
$ | 57,428 $ | 57,066 |
Non-current portions of long-term debt consisted of the following as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:
3/31/2012 | 12/31/2011 | ||||||
Loans from Deutsche Investitions-und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH (DEG) |
|||||||
Interest rate at 5.510% per annum due 9/16/2016 |
15,696,920 | 15,597,831 | |||||
$ | 15,696,920 $ | 15,597,831 |
The Companys loan with DEG will be repaid in semi-annual installments beginning September 15, 2012. The loan was collateralized with the following terms:
|
(a.) |
Create and register a first ranking mortgage in the amount of about USD 12,000,000 on its land and building in favor of DEG. |
|
(b.) |
Undertake to provide a share pledge of Mr. Si Chen shares in the sponsor in the amount of about USD 12,000,000 and being the majority shareholder in the sponsor in form and substance satisfactory to DEG |
|
(c.) |
The total amount of the first ranking mortgage as indicated in the Loan Agreement (Article 12(1)(a)) and the value of the pledged shares of Mr. Si Chen (Loan Agreement (Article 12(1)(a))) should be at least USD 24,000,000. |
|
(d.) |
Undertake to provide a guarantee from the Shareholder in form and substance satisfactory to DEG. |
As of March 31, 2012, the value of the pledged shares has not fulfilled the required amount; therefore, the borrower and sponsor are in breach of the loan agreement and security contracts. Despite these breaches, DEG has not accelerated the loan. | |
13. |
CAPITALIZATION |
Dating back to May 3, 2007, the Company underwent a reverse-merger and a concurrent financing transaction that resulted in 24,923,178 shares of outstanding common stock that remained unchanged until through December 31, 2007. In connection with the financing, the Company also issued 1,037,858 and 489,330 warrants to the PIPE investors and placement agent, respectively. During 2008, several holders of warrants issued in connection with the financing transaction exercised their rights to purchase shares at the prescribed exercise price. The holders of the warrants exercised the right to purchase a total of 360,207 shares; however, because the holders did not pay in cash for the warrants, 110,752 of those shares were cancelled as consideration in lieu of the warrant holders paying in cash. Ultimately, 249,455 of new shares were issued to those who exercised their warrant. The Company also made an adjustment to its outstanding share count for rounding errors as result of the split and reverse splits made at the time of the reverse merger. The number of shares in the adjustment was an addition of seven shares. The Company believes the adjustment of seven shares is immaterial to both prior and current earnings per share calculation. As detailed in the table below, the total number of outstanding shares at March 31, 2012 was 34,507,874. | |
During the year 2009, the Company issued 56,393 shares of stock to its employees and vendors and 5,011,169 shares to investors. The Company issued 1,334,573 stock options to employees on July 28, 2009; 1,753,909 shares of Series A warrants and 501,115 shares of Series B warrants were issued to investors on October 28, 2009. | |
During the year 2010, the Company issued 2,000 shares to a service provider on February 10, 2010 and 81,155 warrants to various service providers on January 5, 2010. The Company issued to investors 3,440,800 shares at an agreed price of $2.80 per share for a PIPE financing on September 10, 2010. This financing brought $8,955,730 net proceeds to the Company. The Company issued 5,000 shares to its employee on September 23, 2010. 731,707 shares of restricted stock were issued to the owner of Shandong Greenpia, Mr. Ji Zhenwei on September 24, 2010 as part of acquisition cost. |
F-21
AMERICAN LORAIN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2012 AND DECEMBER 31, 2011
(Stated in US Dollars)
For the year 2010, the Company transferred 5,161,176 from retained earnings to additional paid up capital and 2,445,262 from retained earnings to statutory reserve. These transfers are to be used for future company development, recovery of losses and increase of capital, as approved, to expand production or operations.
The total number of shares issued and outstanding is 34,507,874 as of December 31, 2011. For the period ended December 31, 2011, the Company transferred 2,636,160 from retained earnings to statutory reserve. These transfers are to be used for future company development, recovery of losses and increase of capital, as approved, to expand production or operations.
American Lorain Corporation
Capitalization Reconciliation
Table
Par value authorized | Issuance date | Shares outstanding | ||
Common stock at 1/1/2009 | 200,000,000 | 25,172,640 | ||
New shares issued to employees and vendors during 2009 | Various dates | 56,393 | ||
New shares issued to PIPE investors | 10/28/2009 | 5,011,169 | ||
New shares issued to service provider during 2010 | 2/10/2010 | 2,000 | ||
New shares issued to PIPE investors | 9/10/2010 | 3,440,800 | ||
New shares issued to employee | 9/23/2010 | 5,000 | ||
New shares issued as acquisition consideration | 9/24/2010 | 731,707 | ||
New shares issued to service provider during 2011 | 5/5/2011 | 25,000 | ||
New shares issued to employees per stock incentive plan | 7/20/2011 | 27,092 | ||
New shares issued to employees per stock incentive plan | 11/21/2011 | 36,073 | ||
Common stock at 3/31/2012 | 34,507,874 |
Warrants and options | Number of
warrants or options |
Issuance date | Expiration date | |
Warrants issued to investors in 2007 PIPE | 1,037,858 | 5/3/2007 | 5/2/2010 | |
Warrants issued to placement agent in 2007 PIPE | 489,330 | 5/3/2007 | 5/2/2010 | |
Employee stock options | 1,334,573 | 7/28/2009 | 7/27/2014 | |
Warrants issued to investors in 2009 PIPE - Series A | 1,753,909 | 10/28/2009 | 4/28/2015 | |
Warrants issued to investors in 2009 PIPE - Series B | 501,115 | 10/28/2009 | 10/28/2012 | |
Issued to service provider A during 2010 | 50,722 | 1/5/2010 | 1/2/2014 | |
Issued to service provider B during 2010 | 20,289 | 1/5/2010 | 1/2/2014 | |
Issued to service provider C during 2010 | 10,144 | 1/5/2010 | 1/2/2014 | |
Total warrants and options | 5,197,940 |
F-22
AMERICAN LORAIN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2012 AND DECEMBER 31, 2011
(Stated in US Dollars)
14. |
NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS |
The non-controlling interest represents the 19.8% equity of Shandong Lorain held by the Shandong Economic Development Investment Corporation, which is a state-owned interest. | |
15. |
SALES BY PRODUCT TYPE |
Sales by categories of product consisted of the following as of March 31, 2012 and 2011: |
Category | 3/31/2012 | 3/31/2011 | |||||
Chestnut | $ | 16,005,159 | $ | 15,050,593 | |||
Convenience food | 12,842,809 | 10,003,660 | |||||
Frozen food | 8,293,063 | 5,395,552 | |||||
Total | $ | 37,141,031 | $ | 30,449,805 |
Revenue by geography consisted of the following as of March 31, 2012 and 2011:
Country |
3/31/2012 | 3/31/2011 | |||||
Australia | $ | 12,744 | $ | 48,395 | |||
Belgium | 1,323,480 | 505,511 | |||||
China | 29,322,470 | 22,673,210 | |||||
France | 147,902 | 224,221 | |||||
Germany | - | 89,270 | |||||
Hong Kong | 6,402 | 11,770 | |||||
Indonesia | - | 20,686 | |||||
Israel | - | 14,718 | |||||
Japan | 3,284,003 | 3,435,980 | |||||
Malaysia | 390,663 | 387,286 | |||||
Netherlands | - | 293,123 | |||||
Philippines | 77,965 | 96,140 | |||||
Poland | 154,454 | 43,446 | |||||
Saudi Arabia | 306,614 | - | |||||
Singapore | 122,162 | 227,394 | |||||
South Korea | 1,254,386 | 1,180,692 | |||||
Spain | 88,378 | - | |||||
Taiwan | 127,811 | 553,701 | |||||
United Kingdom | 487,504 | 541,342 | |||||
United States | 34,094 | 102,920 | |||||
Total | $ | 37,141,031 | $ | 30,449,805 |
F-23
AMERICAN LORAIN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2012 AND DECEMBER 31, 2011
(Stated in US Dollars)
16. |
INCOME TAXES |
All of the Companys operations are in the PRC, and in accordance with the relevant tax laws and regulations of PRC, the corporate income tax rate is 25%.
The following tables provide the reconciliation of the differences between the statutory and effective tax expenses for the periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:
3/31/2012 | 3/31/2011 | ||||||
Income attributed to PRC | $ | 5,015,198 | $ | 3,745,126 | |||
Loss attributed to US* | (69,060 | ) | (281,367 | ) | |||
Income before tax | 4,946,138 | 3,463,759 | |||||
8888 | |||||||
PRC Statutory Tax at 25% Rate | 1,187,209 | 895,868 | |||||
Effect of tax exemption granted | - | ||||||
Income tax | $ | 1,187,209 | $ | 895,868 |
Per Share Effect of Tax Exemption
3/31/2012 | 3/31/2011 | ||||||
Effect of tax exemption granted | $ | - | $ | - | |||
Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding Basic | 34,507,874 | 34,419,709 | |||||
Per share effect | $ | 0.03 | $ | 0.02 |
The difference between the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate and the Companys effective tax rate was as follows for the periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:
2012 | 2011 | ||||||
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate | 35% | 35% | |||||
Lower rates in PRC, net | -10% | -10% | |||||
Tax holiday for foreign investments | -1.00% | -0.86% | |||||
The Companys effective tax rate | 24.00% | 25.86% |
Effective January 1, 2008, the PRC government implemented a new 25% tax rate across the board for all enterprises regardless of whether domestic or foreign enterprise without any tax holiday which is defined as two-year exemption followed by three-year half exemption hitherto enjoyed by tax payers. As a result of the new tax law of a standard 25% tax rate, tax holidays were terminated as of December 31, 2007. However, PRC government has established a set of transition rules to allow enterprises already started tax holidays before January 1, 2008, to continue enjoying the tax holidays until being fully utilized.
The Company has accrued a deferred tax asset as a result of its net operating loss in 2009 because the Company planned to setup operations in the United States. The company anticipates that the operations within the United States will generate income in the future so that it will be able to take full advantage of the accrued asset. Accordingly the Company has not provided a valuation allowances for the accrued tax asset.
The Companys has detailed the tax rates for its subsidiaries for 2011 and 2010 in the following table.
Income Tax Rate | 2012 | 2011 | |||||
International Lorain | 0% | 0% | |||||
Junan Hongran | 25% | 25% | |||||
Luotian Lorain | 25% | 25% | |||||
Beijing Lorain | 25% | 15% | |||||
Shandong Lorain | 25% | 25% | |||||
Shandong Greenpia | 25% | 25% | |||||
Dongguan Lorain | 25% | 25% |
F-24
AMERICAN LORAIN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2012 AND DECEMBER 31, 2011
(Stated in US Dollars)
17. |
EARNINGS PER SHARE |
Components of basic and diluted earnings per share were as follows: |
|
3 months | 3 months | |||||
|
ended | ended | |||||
|
March 31, | March 31, | |||||
|
2012 | 2011 | |||||
|
|||||||
Basic Earnings Per Share Numerator |
|||||||
Net Income |
$ | 3,582,365 | $ | 2,426,288 | |||
Income Available to Common Stockholders |
$ | 3,582,365 | $ | 2,426,288 | |||
|
|||||||
Diluted Earnings Per Share Numerator |
|||||||
Income Available to Common Stockholders |
$ | 3,582,365 | $ | 2,426,288 | |||
|
|||||||
Income Available to Common Stockholders on Converted Basis |
$ | 3,582,365 | $ | 2,426,288 | |||
|
|||||||
Original Shares: |
|||||||
Additions from Actual Events |
|||||||
-Issuance of Common Stock |
34,507,874 | 34,419,709 | |||||
Basic Weighted Average Shares Outstanding |
34,507,874 | 34,419,709 | |||||
|
|||||||
Dilutive Shares: |
|||||||
Additions from Potential Events |
|||||||
Exercise of Investor Warrants & Placement Agent Warrants |
- | 81,520 | |||||
Exercise of Employee & Director Stock Options |
- | 654,729 | |||||
Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding: |
34,507,874 | 35,155,958 | |||||
|
|||||||
Earnings Per Share |
|||||||
- Basic |
$ | 0.10 | $ | 0.07 | |||
- Diluted |
$ | 0.10 | $ | 0.07 | |||
|
|||||||
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding |
|||||||
- Basic |
34,507,874 | 34,419,709 | |||||
- Diluted |
34,507,874 | 35,155,958 |
18. |
SHARE BASED COMPENSATION |
On July 27, 2009, the Companys Board of Directors adopted the American Lorain Corporation 2009 Incentive Stock Plan (the Plan). The Plan provides that the maximum number of shares of the Companys common stock that may be issued under the Plan is 2,500,000 shares. The Companys employees, directors, and service providers are eligible to participate in the Plan. | |
For the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company recorded a total of $166,346 of shared based compensation expense. The Company issued warrants that upon exercise would result in the issuance of 1,334,573 common shares. These stock options vest over three years, where 33.33% vest annually. The expense related to the stock options was $107,375. The Company also recorded expense of $58,971 for the issuance of 56,393 common shares to participants, respectively. The common shares vested immediately. Given the materiality and nature of share based compensation, the entire expense has been recorded as general and administrative expenses. For the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company recorded a total of $890,209 stock option and its related general and administrative expenses. |
F-25
AMERICAN LORAIN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2012 AND DECEMBER 31, 2011
(Stated in US Dollars)
During the period ended March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company recorded a total of $51,607 and $644,243 stock option and its related general and administrative expenses.
The range of the exercise prices of the stock options granted since inception of the plan are shown in the following table:
Price Range | Number of Shares | ||
$0 - $4.99 | 1,334,573 shares | ||
$5.00 - $9.99 | 0 shares | ||
$10.00 - $14.99 | 0 shares |
No tax benefit has yet to be accrued or realized. For the period ended March 31, 2012 the Company has yet to repatriate its earnings, accordingly it has not recognized any deferred tax assets or liability in regards to benefits derived from the issuance of stock options.
The Company used the Black-Scholes Model to value the warrants granted. The following shows the weighted average fair value of the grants and the assumptions that were employed in the model:
Weighted-average fair value of grants: | $ | 1.1551 | ||
Risk-free interest rate: | 1.04% | |||
Expected volatility: | 4.48% | |||
Expected life in months: | 36.00 |
19. |
LEASE COMMITMENTS |
The Company entered into an operating lease agreement leasing a factory building located in Dongguan, China. The lease was signed by Shandong Lorain on behalf of Dongguan Lorain and expires on August 9, 2018. | |
The minimum future lease payments for this property at March 31, 2012 are shown in the following table: |
From | To | Lease payment | |||||
4/1/2012 | 12/31/2012 | $ | 63,149 | ||||
1/1/2013 | 12/31/2013 | 87,536 | |||||
1/1/2014 | 12/31/2014 | 92,685 | |||||
1/1/2015 | 12/31/2015 | 92,685 | |||||
1/1/2016 | 12/31/2016 | 92,685 | |||||
1/1/2017 | 12/31/2017 | 92,685 | |||||
1/1/2018 | 8/9/2018 | 56,641 | |||||
$ | 578,066 |
The outstanding lease commitment as of December 31, 2011 was $578,066.
The minimum future lease payments for this property at December 31, 2011 are shown in the following table:
From | To | Lease payment | |||||
1/1/2012 | 12/31/2012 | $ | 84,259 | ||||
1/1/2013 | 12/31/2013 | 87,536 | |||||
1/1/2014 | 12/31/2014 | 92,685 | |||||
1/1/2015 | 12/31/2015 | 92,685 | |||||
1/1/2016 | 12/31/2016 | 92,685 | |||||
1/1/2017 | 12/31/2017 | 92,685 | |||||
1/1/2018 | 8/9/2018 | 56,641 | |||||
$ | 599,176 |
F-26
AMERICAN LORAIN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2012 AND DECEMBER 31, 2011
(Stated in US Dollars)
The outstanding lease commitment as of December 31, 2011 was $599,176. | ||
20. |
RISKS | |
A. |
Credit risk | |
Since the Companys inception, the age of account receivables have been less than one year indicating that the Company is subject to minimal risk borne from credit extended to customers. | ||
B. |
Interest risk | |
The company subject to the interest rate risk when their short term loans become due and require refinancing. | ||
C. |
Economic and political risks | |
The Companys operations are conducted in the PRC. Accordingly, the Companys business, financial condition, and results of operations may be influenced by changes in the political, economic, and legal environments in the PRC. | ||
The Companys operations in the PRC are subject to special considerations and significant risks not typically associated with companies in North America and Western Europe. These include risks associated with, among others, the political, economic and legal environment and foreign currency exchange. The Companys 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 abroad, and rates and methods of taxation, among other things. | ||
D. |
Environmental risks | |
The Company has procured environmental licenses required by the PRC government. The Company has both a water treatment facility for water used in its production process and secure transportation to remove waste off site. In the event of an accident, the Company has purchased insurance to cover potential damage to employees, equipment, and local environment. | ||
E. |
Inflation Risk | |
Management monitors changes in prices levels. Historically inflation has not materially impacted the companys financial statements; however, significant increases in the price of raw materials and labor that cannot be passed on the Companys customers could adversely impact the Companys results of operations. |
F-27
ITEM 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the factors described in the section captioned Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as anticipates, believes, could, estimates, expects, intends, may, plans, potential, predicts, projects, should, would and similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are based on assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.
Also, forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this report. You should read this report completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect.
Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements publicly, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.
Overview
We are an integrated food manufacturing company with
headquarters in Shandong Province, China. We develop, manufacture and sell the
following types of food products:
- chestnut products,
- convenience foods
(including ready-to-cook foods, ready-to-eat foods, and meals ready-to-eat); and
- frozen foods.
We conduct our production activities in China. Our products are sold in 26 provinces and administrative regions in China and 42 foreign countries. We believe that we are the largest processed chestnut foods manufacturer in China. We have developed brand equity for our chestnut products in China, Japan and South Korea over the past 10 to 15 years. We produced over 50 high value-added processed chestnut products in the first quarter of 2012. We derive most of our revenues from sales in China, Japan and South Korea. Our primary strategy for 2012 is to continue building our brand recognition in China through consistent marketing efforts towards supermarkets, wholesalers, and significant customers, enhancing the cooperation with other manufacturers and factories and enhancing the turnover for our existing chestnut, convenience and frozen food products. In addition, we are working to expand our marketing efforts in Asia, North America, Europe and the Middle East. We currently have limited sales and marketing activity in the United States, although our long-term plan is to significantly expand our activities there.
Sales in the first quarter of 2012 benefited from continued growth in the domestic market, with domestic sales accounting for 78.9% for the first quarter of 2012, as compared to 74.5% over same period of last year. In the coming quarters, American Lorain anticipates higher demand for its traditional chestnut product line along with its fast growing convenience business line, including the bean products, lunch boxes, and pickle vegetables.
Frozen foods sold primarily to select export markets in Europe and supermarkets and wholesale customers in China contributed approximately 22.3% in revenues for the quarter compared to 17.7% in the first quarter of 2011, primarily driven by strong sales of frozen vegetable and fruit products.
Production Factors that Affect our Financial and Operational Condition
Our business depends on obtaining a reliable supply of various agricultural products, including chestnuts, vegetables, fruits, red meat, fish, eggs, rice, flour and packaging products. During the first quarter of 2012, the cost of our raw materials increased from $21.2 million to $26.8 million, as compared to the first quarter of 2011, for an increase of approximately 26.4% . We may have to increase the number of our suppliers of raw materials and expand our own agricultural operations in the future to meet growing production demands. Despite our efforts to control our supply of raw materials and maintain good relationships with our suppliers, we could lose one or more of our suppliers at any time. The loss of several suppliers may be difficult to replace and could increase our reliance on higher cost or lower quality suppliers, which could negatively affect our profitability. In addition, if we have to increase the number of our suppliers of raw materials in the future to meet growing production demands, we may not be able to locate new suppliers who could provide us with sufficient materials to meet our needs. Any interruptions to, or decline in, the amount or quality of our raw materials supply could materially disrupt our production and adversely affect our business and financial condition and financial prospects.
4
Seasonality
Chestnut season in China lasts from September to January. We purchase and produce raw chestnuts during these months and store them in our refrigerated storage facilities throughout the year. Once we obtain a purchase order during the rest of the year, we remove the chestnuts from storage, process them and ship them within one day of production. Since most chestnuts are produced and sold in the fourth quarter, the Company generally performs best in the fourth quarter.
We have been working to reduce the seasonality in our business primarily by putting more efforts in expanding our convenience food business line. The percentage revenue contribution from convenience food increased from 32.9% in the first quarter of 2011 to 34.6% in the first quarter of 2012, while revenue contribution from chestnuts declined from 49.4% to 43.1% over the same period of time.
Uncertainties that Affect our Financial Condition
We spend a significant amount of cash on our operations, principally to procure raw materials for our products. Many of our suppliers, including chestnut, vegetable and fruit farmers, and suppliers of packaging materials, require us to prepay for their supplies in cash or pay on the same day that such supplies are delivered to us. However, some of the suppliers with whom we have a long-standing business relationship allow us to pay on credit. We fund the majority of our working capital requirements out of cash flow generated from operations. If we fail to generate sufficient sales, or if our suppliers stop offering us credit terms, we may not have sufficient liquidity to fund our operating costs and our business could be adversely affected.
We funded approximately 36.3% of our working capital from the proceeds of short-term loans from Chinese banks in the first quarter of 2012, as compared to 23.0% over the same period last year. We expect to continue to fund our working capital requirements with such loans in the future. Such loans are generally secured by our fixed assets, receivables and/or guarantees by third parties. Our balance of short-term bank loans as of March 31, 2012 was approximately $31.6 million. The term of almost all such loans is one year or less. Historically, we have rolled over such loans on an annual basis. However, commencing 2010, the Chinese government is implementing more stringent credit policies to curb inflation and soaring property prices, which could negatively impact our ability to obtain or roll over these short term loans, and hence not having sufficient funds available to pay all of our borrowings upon maturity. Failure to roll over our short-term borrowings at maturity or to service our debt could result in the imposition of penalties, including increases in rates of interest, legal actions against us by our creditors, or even insolvency. In addition, we completed two private placement financings in September 2010 and October 2009 with net proceeds of $9.0 million and $10.9 million, respectively, the proceeds of which were primarily used as working capital. We also secured a $15 million loan from Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellshaft (“DEG”) in May 2010, which we have fully drawn down as of December 2011.We can provide no assurances that we will be able to enter into any future financing or refinancing agreements on terms favorable to us, especially considering the current instability of the capital markets.
We anticipate that our existing capital resources and cash flows from operations and current and expected short-term bank loans will be adequate to satisfy our liquidity requirements for the next 12 months. However, if available liquidity is not sufficient to meet our operating and loan obligations as they come due, our plans include obtaining alternative financing arrangements or further reducing expenditures as necessary to meet our cash requirements. However, there is no assurance that, if required, we will be able to raise additional capital or reduce discretionary spending to provide the required liquidity. Currently, the capital markets for small capitalization companies are extremely difficult and banking institutions have become stringent in their lending requirements. Accordingly, we cannot be sure of the availability or terms of any third party financing.
The crisis of the financial and credit markets worldwide in the second half of 2008 has led to a severe economic recession worldwide. Furthermore, the European countries experienced severe debt crisis during 2010 and 2011 which further weighed on the global economic conditions as well as the financial market. The outlook for 2012 is still uncertain, but continuation or worsening of unfavorable economic conditions, including the ongoing global economy and capital markets disruptions, could have an adverse impact on our business, operating results or financial condition in a number of ways. For example, we may experience declines in revenues, profitability and cash flows as a result of reduced orders, delays in receiving orders, delays or defaults in payment or other factors caused by the economic problems of our customers and prospective customers. We may experience supply chain delays, disruptions or other problems associated with financial constraints faced by our suppliers and subcontractors. In addition, changes and volatility in the equity, credit and foreign exchange markets and in the competitive landscape make it increasingly difficult for us to predict our revenues and earnings into the future.
In 2008 and 2009, some of our customers, including some of our large supermarket customers, delayed their payments for up to 60 to 90 days beyond their term. Our cash flow suffered while waiting for such payments. Consequently, at times we had to delay payments to our suppliers and to postpone business expansion as a result of these delayed payments. Starting in 2008 and through 2011, we gradually shortened credit terms for many of our international and domestic customers from between 30 and 180 days to between 30 and 60 days. Our large customers may fail to meet these shortened credit terms, in which case we may not have sufficient cash flow to fund our operating costs and our business could be adversely affected.
Results of Operations
Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
The following table summarizes the results of our operations during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011, respectively and provides information regarding the dollar and percentage increase or (decrease) from the three-month period ended March 31, 2012 compared to the three-month period ended March 31, 2011.
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(All amounts, other than percentages, stated in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Three months ended March | Increase / | Increase / | ||||||||||
31, | Decrease | Decrease | ||||||||||
(In Thousands of USD) |
2012 | 2011 | ($) | (%) | ||||||||
Net revenues |
37,141 | 30,450 | 6,691 | 22.0% | ||||||||
Cost of revenues |
-29,683 | -23,675 | -6,008 | 25.4% | ||||||||
Gross profit |
7,458 | 6,775 | 683 | 10.1% | ||||||||
Operating expenses |
||||||||||||
Selling and marketing expenses |
-1,371 | -1,363 | -9 | 0.6% | ||||||||
General and administrative expenses |
-1,302 | -1,476 | 174 | -11.8% | ||||||||
Operating Income |
4,784 | 3,936 | 848 | 21.5% | ||||||||
Government subsidy income |
635 | 293 | 342 | 116.7% | ||||||||
Interest and other income |
455 | 47 | 408 | 865.9% | ||||||||
Other expenses |
-19 | -160 | 141 | -88.3% | ||||||||
Interest expense |
-909 | -653 | -256 | 39.2% | ||||||||
Earnings before tax |
4,946 | 3,464 | 1,482 | 42.8% | ||||||||
Income tax |
-1,187 | -896 | -291 | 32.5% | ||||||||
Income before minority interests |
3,759 | 2,568 | 1,191 | 46.4% | ||||||||
Minority interests |
177 | 142 | 35 | 24.7% | ||||||||
Net income |
3,582 | 2,426 | 1,156 | 47.6% |
Revenue
Net Revenues. Our net revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2012 amounted to $37.1 million, which represents an increase of approximately $6.7 million, or 22.0%, from the three-month period ended on March 31, 2011, in which our net revenue was $30.4 million. This increase was attributable to the increased revenues generated from sales of each of our product segments, as reflected in the following table:
Three | ||||||||||||
months | ||||||||||||
ended | ||||||||||||
(in thousands of U.S. dollars) | 3/31/2012 | 3/31/2011 | ||||||||||
Category | ($) | ($) | ($) | (%) | ||||||||
Chestnut | 16,005,159 | 15,050,593 | 954,566 | 6.3% | ||||||||
Convenience food | 12,842,809 | 10,003,660 | 2,839,149 | 28.4% | ||||||||
Frozen food | 8,293,063 | 5,395,552 | 2,897,511 | 53.7% | ||||||||
Total | 37,141,031 | 30,449,805 | 6,691,226 | 22.0% |
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Cost of Revenues. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, we experienced an increase in cost of revenue of $6.0 million, in comparison to the three months ended March 31, 2011, from approximately $23.7 million to $29.7 million, reflecting an increase of approximately 25.4% . Approximately 93.3%, or $5.6 million, of this increase was attributable to an increase in raw material costs, which increased from $21.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2011 to $26.8 million, or approximately 26.4%, during the three months ended March 31, 2012.
The factors that contributed to the remaining 6.7% increase in cost of revenues were: an increase in wage expense for factory workers, an increase in depreciation expenses for capital equipment and an increase in the cost of consumables used in conjunction with capital equipment.
Gross Profit. Our gross profit increased $682,895, or 10.1%, to $7.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 from $6.8 million for the same period in 2011 as a result of higher revenues, offset by higher costs of revenues, for the reasons indicated immediately above. Our gross margins decreased from 22.2% to 20.1% due to increased inflation pressure. Gross profit margins by product segment during the three months ended March 31, 2012 were: 25-28% for chestnuts, 22-24% for convenience foods and 16-18% for frozen foods.
Operating Expenses
Selling and Marketing Expenses. Our selling and marketing expenses saw a modest $8,588 increase during the first quarter of 2012, as compared to the same period over last year. The following table reflects the main factors that contributed to the increase as well as the dollar amount that each factor contributed to this increase:
Increase in Costs in the Three | |||
Months Ended March 31, 2012 over | |||
the Three Months Ended Mar 31, | |||
(in U.S. dollars) | 2011 | ||
Wage | 43,159 | ||
Advertising | 22,615 | ||
Storage Rental | 279,511 |
The decreases listed in the table above were mostly offset by the decreases in transportation and supermarket fees.
General and Administrative Expenses. We experienced an decrease in general and administrative expense of $173,793 from approximately $1.5 million to approximately $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011. The following table reflects the main factors that contributed to this decrease as well as the dollar amount that each factor contributed to this decrease:
Factor | Dollar Decrease | ||
Social Security | 75,281 | ||
Repairment Fees | 35,391 | ||
Port Fees | 20,422 |
The decrease listed in the table above were partially offset by increases in dollar amount of other factors, including entertainment fees, audit expense, etc.
Income Before Taxation and Minority Interest
Income before taxation and minority interest increased $1.5 million, or 42.8%, to $4.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 from $3.5 million for the same period of 2011. The increase was mainly attributable to the increase of our sales revenue as well as decrease in operating expenses as described above in the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011.
Income Taxes
Income taxes increased $291,341, or 32.5%, to $1.2 million in the first quarter of 2012, as compared to $0.9 million in the first quarter of 2011, primarily attributable to the higher earnings before tax.
Effective January 1, 2008, the PRC government implemented a new 25% tax rate across the board for all enterprises, without any tax holiday. However, the PRC government has established a set of transition rules to allow enterprises that already started tax holidays before January 1, 2008 to continue utilizing such tax holidays until they are fully utilized.
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The income tax rates applicable to our Chinese operating subsidiaries in 2012 and 2011 are depicted in the following table:
2012 | 2011 | |
Junan Hongrun | 25% | 25% |
Luotian Lorain | 25% | 25% |
Beijing Lorain | 25% | 15% |
Shandong Lorain | 25% | 25% |
Dongguan Lorain | 25% | 25% |
Shandong Greenpia | 25% | 25% |
Net Income
Net income increased $1.2 million, or 47.6%, to $3.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 from $2.4 million for the same period of 2011. The increase was attributable to increased sales revenue and partially offset by increased cost of goods sold, and lower operating expenses in the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of March 31, 2012, we had cash and cash equivalents (including restricted cash) of $34.6 million. Our cash and cash equivalents increased by approximately $4.2 million from December 31, 2011 primarily due to cash generated from operations, partially offset by cash used in financing activities. The following table provides detailed information about our net cash flow for all financial statements periods presented in this report.
Cash Flow (in thousands)
Three Months Ended | ||||||
March 31, | ||||||
2012 | 2011 | |||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |
9,293 | 3,761 | ||||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities |
(2,707 | ) | (2,006 | ) | ||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
(4,361 | ) | 2,929 | |||
Net cash flow (outflow) |
2,225 | 4,685 |
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities was $9.3 million for the three months period ended March 31, 2012 and net cash provided by operating activities in the first quarter of 2011 was approximately $3.7 million. The increase of approximately $5.5 million in net cash flows provided by operating activities in the first three months of 2012 was primarily a result of less increase in inventory of $7.4 million, partially offset by less decrease in accounts and other receivables of approximately $4.1 million as compared to the same period in 2011.
Investing Activities
Our main uses of cash for investment activities are payments for the acquisition of property, plants and equipment.
Net cash used in investing activities for the three months period ended March 31, 2012 was $2.7 million, representing an additional increase of $0.7 million from net cash used in investing activities of $2.0 million for the same period of 2011. The difference was primarily due to $1.7 million proceeds from short term investment in 2011, offset by $0.5 million less increase in restricted cash in 2012.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities for the three months period ended March 31, 2012 was $4.4 million, representing an decrease of $7.3 million from $2.9 million net cash provided by financing activities during the same period in 2011. The decrease of the net cash provided by financing activities was primarily a result of higher net repayment of bank borrowings in the first quarter of 2012.
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Loan Facilities
As of March 31, 2012, the amounts and maturity dates for our short-term bank loans are as set forth in the Notes to the Financial Statements. The total amounts outstanding were $31.6 million as of March 31, 2012, compared with $36.0 million as of December 31, 2011. In addition, we are also carrying a long term loan of $15 million from DEG due in March 2016, with eight equal semi-annual principal payments commencing September 2012. .
We believe that our currently available working capital, after receiving the aggregate proceeds of the credit facilities referred to above, should be adequate to sustain our operations at our current levels through at least the next twelve months.
Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles requires our management to make assumptions, estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in our financial statements, including the notes thereto, and related disclosures of commitments and contingencies, if any. We consider our critical accounting policies to be those that require significant judgments and estimates in the preparation of financial statements, including the following:
Method of Accounting -- We maintain our general ledger and journals with the accrual method accounting for financial reporting purposes. Accounting policies adopted by us conform to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States and have been consistently applied in the presentation of our financial statements, which are compiled on the accrual basis of accounting.
Use of estimates -- The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Management makes these estimates using the best information available at the time the estimates are made; however, actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Principles of consolidation -- Our consolidated financial statements, which include information about our company and our subsidiaries, are compiled in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Our consolidated financial statements include 100% of assets, liabilities, and net income or loss of our wholly-owned subsidiaries. Ownership interests of minority investors are recorded as minority interests.
As of March 31, 2012, the details pertaining to our subsidiaries were as follows:
Place of | Attributable equity | Registered | |||||||
Name of Company |
incorporation | interest % | capital | ||||||
Shandong Lorain Co., Ltd |
PRC | 80.2 | $ | 12,733,926 | |||||
Luotian Lorain Co., Ltd |
PRC | 100 | 3,987,343 | ||||||
Junan Hongrun Foodstuff Co., Ltd |
PRC | 100 | 47,101,050 | ||||||
Beijing Lorain Co., Ltd |
PRC | 100 | 1,574,233 | ||||||
Shandong Greenpia Foodstuff Co.,Ltd |
PRC | 100 | 2,418,022 | ||||||
Dongguan Lorain Co,,Ltd |
PRC | 100 | 157,423 | ||||||
International Lorain Holding Inc. |
Cayman Islands | 100 | 48,988,162 |
Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets -- The long-lived assets held and used by us are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of assets may not be recoverable. It is reasonably possible that these assets could become impaired as a result of technology or other industry changes. Determination of recoverability of assets to be held and used is by comparing the carrying amount of an asset to future net undiscounted cash flows to be generated by the assets.
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If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. During the reporting period, there was no impairment loss.
Revenue recognition -- Our revenue recognition policies are in compliance with Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) 104. Sales revenue is recognized at the date of shipment to customers when a formal arrangement exists, the price is fixed or determinable, the delivery is completed, no other significant obligations of ours exist and collectability is reasonably assured. Payments received before all of the relevant criteria for revenue recognition are satisfied are recorded as unearned revenue.
Our revenue consists of invoiced value of goods, net of a value-added tax. No product return or sales discount allowance is made as products delivered and accepted by customers are normally not returnable and sales discount is normally not granted after products are delivered.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2011, FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs, which is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements upon adoption.
In June 2011, FASB issued ASU 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (ASC Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income. Under the amendments in this update, an entity has the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. Under both options, an entity is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income along with a total for other comprehensive income and a total amount for comprehensive income. In a single continuous statement, the entity is required to present the components of net income and total net income, the components of other comprehensive income and a total for other comprehensive income, along with the total of comprehensive income in that statement. In the two-statement approach, an entity is required to present components of net income and total net income in the statement of net income. The statement of other comprehensive income should immediately follow the statement of net income and include the components of other comprehensive income and a total for other comprehensive income, along with a total for comprehensive income. In addition, the entity is required to present on the face of the financial statements reclassification adjustments for items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income in the statement(s) where the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income are presented. The amendments in this update should be applied retrospectively and are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company has assessed the effect that the adoption of this pronouncement will have on its financial statements.
In September 2011, FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (ASC Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment, to simplify how entities test goodwill for impairment. ASU No. 2011-08 allows entities to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If greater than 50 percent likelihood exists that the fair value is less than the carrying amount then a two-step goodwill impairment test as described in Topic 350 must be performed. The guidance provided by this update becomes effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted, including for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed as of a date before September 15, 2011. The Company has assessed the effect that the adoption of this pronouncement will have on its financial statements and does not expect it to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance arrangements.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Not required.
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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SECs rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including to our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
As required by Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2012. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of March 31, 2012, and as of the date that the evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures was completed, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective due to the material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting described below.
Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting
Managements Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based upon the framework in Internal ControlIntegrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on that evaluation, our management concluded that, as of December 31, 2011, our internal controls over financial reporting are not effective.
The material weakness and significant deficiency identified by our management as of December 31, 2011 relates to the ability of the Company to record transactions and provide disclosures in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We did not have sufficient and skilled accounting personnel with an appropriate level of technical accounting knowledge and experience in the application of US GAAP commensurate with our financial reporting requirements. For example, our staff members do not hold licenses such as Certified Public Accountant or Certified Management Accountant in the U.S., have not attended U.S. institutions for training as accountants, and have not attended extended educational programs that would provide sufficient relevant education relating to U.S. GAAP. Our staff needs substantial training to meet the demands of a U.S. public company and our staffs understanding of the requirements of U.S. GAAP-based reporting are inadequate.
Remediation Initiative
We plan to provide U.S. GAAP training sessions to our accounting team. The training sessions will be organized to help our corporate accounting team gain experience in U.S. GAAP reporting and to enhance their awareness of new and emerging pronouncements with potential impact over our financial reporting. We also plan to engage a certified public accounting firm in the United States to act as a consultant to provide advice regarding U.S. GAAP and internal controls over financial reporting.
Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting.
During the three months ended March 31, 2012, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation performed during the fiscal year covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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Inherent Limitations Over Internal Controls.
Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
(i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;
(ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and
(iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our internal controls will prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of internal controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. Also, any evaluation of the effectiveness of controls in future periods are subject to the risk that those internal controls may become inadequate because of changes in business conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
From time to time, we have disputes that arise in the ordinary course of business. Currently, there are no material legal proceedings to which we are a party, or to which any of our property is subject.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Not applicable.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
None
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None
ITEM 4. REMOVED AND RESERVED
Not applicable
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Date: May 15, 2012
AMERICAN LORAIN CORPORATION
/s/ Si
Chen
Si Chen
Chief Executive Officer
/s/ David
She
David She
Chief Financial Officer
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