Planet Green Holdings Corp. - Annual Report: 2019 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

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

For the fiscal year ended: December 31, 2019

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

For the transition period from ____________to ____________

Commission File Number: 001-34449

PLANET GREEN HOLDINGS CORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Suite 200, 9841 Washingtonian Blvd

Gaithersburg, MD 20878
(Address of principal executive office and zip code)

(202) 891-8907
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The number of shares and aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter were 3,881,060 and $18,163,361, respectively.

There were 9,227,765 shares of common stock outstanding as of May 13, 2020.

Documents Incorporated by Reference: None.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The registrant is relying on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Order under Section 36 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Modifying Exemptions from the Reporting and Proxy Delivery Requirements for Public Companies (Release No. 34-88465 dated March 25, 2020), which concerns exemptions from certain filing deadlines in light of COVID-19. The registrant could not file this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 on a timely basis because the outbreak of COVID-19 in China and restrictions on travel and operations, which included, among others, finance team were unable to complete the preparation of the registrant’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, caused delays in completing the required work.

FORM 10-K INDEX

PART I

Use of Certain Defined Terms

In this annual report on Form 10-K:

This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”), including, without limitation, statements regarding our expectations, beliefs, intentions or future strategies that are signified by the words “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe,” or similar language. All forward-looking statements included in this document are based on information available to us on the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Our business and financial performance are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

Overview of Our Business

We are headquartered in Gaithersburg, MD. After a series of acquisitions and dispositions in 2018 and 2019, our primary business, which is carried out by Taishan Muren and Xianning Bozhuang, is:

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

Recently, there is an ongoing outbreak of a novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) first identified in China and has since spread rapidly globally. The pandemic has resulted in quarantines, travel restrictions, and the temporary closure of stores and business facilities globally for the past few months. In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 as a pandemic. Given the rapidly expanding nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, and because substantially all of our business operations and our workforce are concentrated in China, our business, results of operations and financial condition have been and will continue to be adversely affected. Potential impact to our results of operations will also depend on future developments and new information that may emerge regarding the duration and severity of the COVID-19 and the actions taken by government authorities and other entities to contain the COVID-19 or mitigate its impact, almost all of which are beyond our control.

The impacts of COVID-19 on our business, financial condition, and results of operations include, but are not limited to, the following:

A prolonged disruption or any further unforeseen delay in our operations of the manufacturing, delivery and assembly process within any of our production facilities could continue to result in delays in the shipment of products to our customers, increased costs and reduced revenue.

We cannot foresee whether the outbreak of COVID-19 will be effectively contained, nor can we predict the severity and duration of its impact. If the outbreak of COVID-19 is not effectively and timely controlled, our business operations and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected as a result of the deteriorating market outlook, the slowdown in regional and national economic growth, weakened liquidity and financial condition of our customers or other factors that we cannot foresee. Any of these factors and other factors beyond our control could have an adverse effect on the overall business environment, cause uncertainties in the regions where we conduct business, cause our business to suffer in ways that we cannot predict and materially and adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Organizational Structure

PLAG was incorporated on February 4, 1986 and was formerly known as “American Lorain Corporation.” Effective November 12, 2009, PLAG reincorporated in Nevada from Delaware.

The following diagram illustrates our corporate structure as of the date of this annual report on Form 10-K, including our subsidiaries and our VIEs.

VIE Arrangement

On September 27, 2018, through Shanghai Xunyang, the Company entered into exclusive VIE agreements with Beijing Lorain, Luotian Lorain, Shandong Greenpia, Taishan Muren, and Shenzhen Lorain and their shareholders that give the Company the ability to substantially influence those companies’ daily operations and financial affairs and appoint their senior executives. The Company is considered the primary beneficiary of these operating companies.

On May 14, 2019, through Shanghai Xunyang, the Company entered into a series of VIE agreements with Xianning Bozhuang and its equity holders to obtain control and became the primary beneficiary of Xianning Bozhuang. The Company consolidated Xianning Bozhuang’s accounts as its VIE.

On December 20, 2019, we sold 100% of equity interest in Shanghai Xunyang and terminated its VIE agreements with Xianning Bozhuang, Shenzhen Lorain and Taishan Muren.

On December 20, 2019, through Lucky Sky Petrochemical, the Company entered into exclusive VIE agreements (“VIE Agreements”) with Taishan Muren, Xianning Bozhuang and Shenzhen Lorain, as well as their shareholders, which give the Company the ability to substantially influence those companies’ daily operations and financial affairs and appoint their senior executives. The Company is considered the primary beneficiary of these operating companies and it consolidates their accounts as VIEs. Each of the VIE Agreements is described in detail below:

Consultation and Service Agreement. Pursuant to the Consultation and Service Agreement, WFOE has the exclusive right to provide consultation and services to the operating entities in China in the area of business management, human resource, technology and intellectual property rights. WFOE exclusively owns any intellectual property rights arising from the performance of this Consultation and Service Agreement. The amount of service fees and payment term can be amended by the WFOE and operating companies’ consultation and the implementation. The term of the Consultation and Service Agreement is 20 years. WFOE may terminate this agreement at any time by giving 30 day’s prior written notice.

Business Cooperation Agreement. Pursuant to the Business Cooperation Agreement, WFOE has the exclusive right to provide complete technical support, business support and related consulting services, including but not limited to technical services, business consultations, equipment or property leasing, marketing consultancy, system integration, product research and development, and system maintenance. WFOE exclusively owns any intellectual property rights arising from the performance of this Business Cooperation Agreement. The rate of service fees may be adjusted based on the services rendered by WFOE in that month and the operational needs of the operating entities. The Business Cooperation Agreement shall maintain effective unless it was terminated or was compelled to terminate under applicable PRC laws and regulations. WFOE may terminate this Business Cooperation Agreement at any time by giving 30 day’s prior written notice.

Equity Pledge Agreements. Pursuant to the Equity Pledge Agreements among WFOE, operating entities and each of operating entities’ shareholder, shareholders of the operating entities pledge all of their equity interests in the operating entities to WFOE to guarantee their performance of relevant obligations and indebtedness under the Technical Consultation and Service Agreement and other control agreements. In addition, shareholders of the operating entities are in the process of registering the equity pledge with the competent local authority.

Equity Option Agreements. Pursuant to the Equity Option Agreements, WFOE has the exclusive right to require each shareholder of the operating companies to fulfill and complete all approval and registration procedures required under PRC laws for WFOE to purchase, or designate one or more persons to purchase, each shareholder’s equity interests in the operating companies, once or at multiple times at any time in part or in whole at WFOE’s sole and absolute discretion. The purchase price shall be the lowest price allowed by PRC laws. The Equity Option Agreements shall remain effective until all the equity interest owned by each operating entities shareholder has been legally transferred to WFOE or its designee(s).

Voting Rights Proxy Agreements. Pursuant to the Voting Rights Proxy Agreements, each shareholder irrevocably appointed WFOE or WFOE’s designee to exercise all his or her rights as the shareholders of the operating entities under the Articles of Association of each operating entity, including but not limited to the power to exercise all shareholder’s voting rights with respect to all matters to be discussed and voted in the shareholders’ meeting. The term of each Voting Rights Proxy Agreement is 20 years. WOFE has the right to extend each Voting Proxy Agreement by giving written notification.

As of December 31, 2019, the following entities were de-consolidated from the structure as a result of the termination agreements, dated as of December 11, 2019, to terminate the VIE arrangement between Shanghai Xunyang and Beijing Lorain, Luotian Lorain and Shandong Greenpia:

Products

We grew 32 herbs and spices on farmland that we lease in Guangdong Province, China. We sell sauces and other products developed from these herbs and spices. Customers use these products for seasoning, refining of foods and odor elimination, among other uses. 

We also offer a variety of food and beverage products, including packaged sauce, tea and brown rice syrup, to consumers and foodservice businesses.

Our tea products business is held by our newly acquired company, Xianning Bozhuang.

Our Manufacturing Facilities

General

We currently manufacture our products in Taishan City, Guangdong Province and Xianning City, Hubei Province, China.

The following table indicates the year that operations commenced at each of the facilities and the size of the facilities.

Production Lines

We currently manufacture our products using production lines. The production process for our sauce products involves sorting, cleaning the raw spice, mixing the spice based on our special formula, and grinding, boiling and final packaging. The production process for our dry spice products involves sorting, cleaning the raw spice and drying. We outsource the production of brown rice syrup and tea bag to third party factories, and we provide the manufacturer with the recipe and products standards. The production process for our cyan brick tea products involves, primary processing of fresh leaves, piling and fermenting, storing and aging, picking, pressing, and baking. The production process for our black tea products involves selecting and sorting the fresh leaves, withering, rolling, fermenting, baking and drying, grading according to color, prompting fragrance, packing and warehousing. The production process for our green tea products involves selecting and sorting the fresh leaves, airing, fixating, cooling, rolling, stir drying, selecting and grading, prompting fragrance, packing and warehousing.

The following table shows the number and types of production lines, the types of products produced and the production capacity as of the date of this report:

We operate our production lines year round. 

Agricultural Operations

We began growing herbs and spices by leasing land of 1,949 acres in Taishan City since 2016. We grow 32 species spices including roselle, mint, curry, pandan leave, lemon, citronella and others.

Raw Materials

Our Supply Sources

Our business depends on obtaining a reliable supply of various agricultural products of spice and tea. We believe that our raw materials are currently in adequate supply.

We obtain our spice raw materials primarily from our self-supply, and tea and other raw materials are mainly from external procurement. We produced approximately 290 metric tons and 440 metric tons of spice from our own agricultural operations in 2019 and 2018, respectively. We purchase approximately 400 tons of tea from suppliers in 2019.

We select suppliers based on price and product quality. We typically rely on numerous domestic suppliers, including some with whom we have a long-term relationship. Our suppliers generally include wholesale agricultural product companies, food production companies and tea bag processing companies. Our top ten suppliers accounted for 88.3% and 81.2% of the total procurement in 2019 and 2018 in value terms, respectively. We purchase rice syrup, tea and tea bags from suppliers and farmers pursuant to supply contracts and underlying purchase orders. We have not entered into any long-term contracts with any of our suppliers.

Our Customers

Our products are sold exclusively in Chinese domestic markets. Our top ten customers contributed 63% and 61% of our total revenues in 2019 and 2018, respectively.

We sell our agricultural products in first-tier cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin and Guangzhou. Our sales team sells our products directly to supermarket chains, mass merchandisers, large wholesalers, restaurants and others in these markets. In second-tier and third-tier cities, we currently sell our products to third-party distributors, such as food companies or trading companies with established distribution channels in such regions, rather than through our own sales team. The terms of a typical sales contract between us and our distributors provide that we are responsible for transportation costs and the distributors are responsible for storage costs. Furthermore, the distributors have the right to return products that fail to satisfy specified quality standards, at our cost. The majority of such contracts require the distributors to pay us in cash in full upon delivery, and the remaining contracts provide for short-term credit, usually two to three weeks. We also operate an online store on Tmall, an open business-to-consumer (B2C) platform in China, to sell tea products to consumers directly.

Our Sales and Marketing Efforts

We have not spent a significant amount of capital on advertising in the past, and our advertising budget continues to be limited. In 2019, our marketing and branding efforts mainly focus on internet advertising.

Competition and Market Position

The overall food market is diverse, both globally and in China. We do not have a significant market share in China.

Our spice, sauce and beverage products compete with both large agribusiness companies and natural and organic packaged foods companies. Many of these competitors have significantly greater resources. Large agribusiness companies include Guangzhou Baihua Spice Corp. and natural and organic packaged foods companies include Shanghai House Food Corp. and Ankee Food Corporation. Given limited retailer shelf space and merchandising events, competitors actively support their respective brands with marketing, advertising and promotional spending. In addition, most retailers market similar items under their own private label, which compete for the same shelf space.

Black tea is produced in Guangxi, Sichuan, Yunnan, Hunan, Hubei, Shanxi and Anhui provinces in China. Our black tea products are processed in our factory in Hubei province and distributed nationwide. There are few large players on the market but we face fierce competition from numerous small black tea manufactures and distributors. However, as our brand has over hundreds of year’s history, we have accumulated loyal consumers and gained favorable market reputation over years.

Competitive factors in our industry include product innovation, product quality, price, brand recognition and loyalty, product variety and ingredients, product packaging and package design, effectiveness of marketing and promotional activity, and our ability to identify and satisfy consumer tastes and preferences.

Intellectual Property

We take reasonable steps to protect our proprietary information and trade secrets, such as limiting disclosure of proprietary plans, methods and other similar information on a need-to-know basis and requiring employees with access to our proprietary technology to enter into confidentiality arrangements. We believe that our proprietary technology and trade secrets are adequately protected.

Our Employees

As of December 31, 2019, we had a total of 238 employees. Approximately 148 of our full-time employees are directly employed by our subsidiaries and VIEs and the remaining employees are employed by outsourcing agents that we use to meet our staffing needs. Compared to 2018, the total employees increased by 49% due to the acquisition of Xianning Bozhuang.

The following table sets forth the allocation of employees, both direct and leased, by job function.

We have not experienced any significant problems or disruption to our operations due to labor disputes, nor have we experienced any difficulties in recruitment and retention of experienced staff.

We compensate our production line employees by unit produced (piece work) and compensate other employees with a base salary and bonus based on performance. We also provide training for our staffs from time to time to enhance their technical and product knowledge, including knowledge of industry quality standards.

Our employees participate in state pension scheme and various types of social insurance organized by municipal and provincial governments. Outsourcing agents are responsible for contributions on behalf of the leased employees. 

Our Research and Development Activities

We have research and development staffs at each of our facilities. In total, 2 employees are dedicated to research and development.

We rely heavily on customer feedback to assist us in the modification and development of our products. We also utilize customer feedback to assist us in the development of new products.

The amount we spent on research and development activities during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was not a material portion of our total expenses for those years.

Government Regulation

As a manufacturer and distributor of food products, we are subject to regulations of China’s Agricultural Ministry and Ministry of Health. This regulatory scheme governs the manufacture (including composition and ingredients), labeling, packaging and safety of food. It also regulates manufacturing practices, including quality assurance programs, for foods through its current manufacturing practice regulations, and specifies the standards of identity for certain foods.

We have obtained approvals from Chinese authorities for products that requires the approval under regulations, including quality safety approval from government.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Not required for smaller reporting companies.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

Our primary facilities, which are owned except where otherwise indicated, are as follows:

In the aggregate, we currently have land use rights to, or lease, 2 properties with approximately 42,833 square meters, consisting of manufacturing facilities and office buildings for future expansion. We believe our current facilities provide adequate capacity for our current and projected needs.

All land in China is owned by the government. Individuals and companies are permitted to acquire land use rights for specific purposes. In the case of land used for industrial purposes, the land use rights are granted for a period of up to 50 years. This period may be renewed at the expiration of the initial and any subsequent terms. Granted land use rights are transferable and may be used as security for borrowings and other obligations. 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Not Applicable.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

PART II

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

Market for our Common Stock

Our common stock is quoted on the NYSE American (formerly known as the American Stock Exchange, the NYSE Amex Equities Exchange and the NYSE MKT) under the symbol “PLAG”.

Approximate Number of Holders of Our Common Stock

As of May 13, 2020, there were 321 stockholders of record of our common stock. This does not include the holders whose shares are held in a depository trust in “street” name.

Dividend

We have not declared or paid cash dividends other than the payment of a dividend in April 2007 in connection with our reverse merger. Any future decisions regarding dividends will be made by our Board of Directors. We currently intend to retain and use any future earnings for the development and expansion of our business and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

Issuances of Unregistered Securities

On May 9, 2019, we and Shanghai Xunyang entered into a share exchange agreement with Xianning Bozhuang and each of the original shareholders of Xianning Bozhuang. Such transaction closed on May 14, 2019. Pursuant to the share exchange agreement, we issued an aggregate of 1,080,000 shares of common stock of the Company to the Sellers in exchange for the transfer of all of the equity interest of Xianning Bozhuang to Shanghai Xunyang.

On June 17, 2019, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement, pursuant to which five individuals residing in the PRC agreed to purchase an aggregate of 1,300,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $5,460,000, representing a purchase price of $4.20 per share. The transaction closed on June 19, 2019.

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

We currently do not have any equity compensation plans.

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Not applicable.

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

Overview

We are headquartered in Gaithersburg, MD. After a series of acquisitions and dispositions in 2018 and 2019, our primary business, which is carried out by Taishan Muren and Xianning Bozhuang, is:

Results of Operations

The following tables set forth key components of our results of operations for the periods indicated, and the differences between the two periods expressed in dollars and percentages.

Year Ended December 31, 2019 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2018

Revenue

Net Revenues. Our net revenues amounted to $4.1 million in 2019, which represents a decrease of approximately $2.7 million, or 40%, from 2018, in which our net revenue was $6.8 million. This decrease was attributable to disposal and discontinue of certain subsidiaries and VIEs.

Cost of Revenues. In 2019, we experienced a decrease in cost of revenue of $3.5 million, in comparison to 2018, from approximately $6.5 million to $3.0 million, reflecting a decrease of 54%. This decrease was related to disposal and discontinue of certain subsidiaries and VIEs.

Gross Profit. Our gross profit increased by $0.83million, or 271%, to $1.13 million in 2019 from $0.31 million in 2018, attributable to the disposal of certain of our subsidiaries and VIEs and acquisition of Xianning Bozhuang.

Operating Expenses

Selling and Marketing Expenses. Our selling and marketing expenses increased by $0.03 million, or 186%, to $0.04 million in 2019, as compared to $0.01 million in 2018. The increase of our selling and marketing expenses is mainly due to an increase in sales activities because of the need to develop new customers.

General and Administrative Expenses. We experienced an increase in general and administrative expense of $1.0 million from $0.9 million to approximately $1.9 million in 2019, compared to 2018. The increase of our general and administrative expenses is mainly due to an increase in salary expenses and depreciation expenses.

Net Income

Our net income decreased by $13.9 million, or 82%, to a net income of $2.9 million in 2019 from $16.8 million in net income in 2018.Such decrease was primarily the result of provision for bad debts and disposal and discontinue of certain subsidiaries and VIEs.

Non-Controlling Interest

Our non-controlling interest was $0 million in 2019 and negative $3.8 million in 2018. Such decrease was primarily the result of disposal of Shandong Greenpia.

Income/Loss attributable to common stockholders

Income attributable to common stockholders decreased approximately $17.6 million, or 86%, to $2.9 million in 2019 from $20.6 million in 2018, mainly due to provision for bad debts and disposal and discontinue of certain subsidiaries and VIEs.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

In the reporting period in 2019, our primary sources of financing have been cash generated from operations and private placements. We raised funds in the following private placement in the second quarter of 2019:

On June 17, 2019, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement, pursuant to which five individuals residing in the PRC agreed to purchase an aggregate of 1,300,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $5,460,000, representing a purchase price of $4.20 per share.

General

Management anticipates that our existing capital resources and anticipated cash flows from operations are adequate to satisfy our liquidity requirements for the next 12 months. Our primary capital needs have been to fund our working capital requirements. In the past, our primary sources of financing have been cash generated from operations and financing activities.

As of December 31, 2019, we had cash and cash equivalents (including restricted cash) of $7.40 million, as compared to $1.06 million as of December 31, 2018. The debt to assets ratio was 19.9% and 57.7% as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. We expect to continue to finance our operations and working capital needs in 2020 from cash generated from operations and, if needed, private financings. If available liquidity is not sufficient to meet our operating and loan obligations as they come due, our plans include pursuing alternative financing arrangements or reducing expenditures as necessary to meet our cash requirements. However, there is no assurance that we will be able to raise additional capital or reduce discretionary spending to provide liquidity, if needed. We cannot be sure of the availability or terms of any alternative financing arrangements.

The following table provides detailed information about our net cash flow for all financial statement periods presented in this report.

Cash Flows Data:

Operating Activities

Net cash used in operating activities was $3.9 million and $14.2 million for 2019 and 2018, respectively. The decrease in net cash used in operating activities was mainly due to a decrease of $5.5 million in accounts and other receivables, a decrease of $3.9 million in payables and other current liabilities, gain of $8.8 million from disposal of subsidiary and VIEs, write off receivables from disposal of former subsidiaries of $5.0 million.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities for 2019 was $0.5 million, representing an increase of $0.03 million in net cash used in investing activities from $0.5 million for the same period of 2018. This is mainly due to an increase in investment in fixed assets.

Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $10.8 million, representing a decrease of $4.7 million in net cash provided by financing activities from $15.5 million for the same period of 2018. This is mainly due to reduced financing.

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 the 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 the more significant judgments and estimates in the preparation of financial statements, including those set forth in Note 2 to the financial statements included herein.

The Company has evaluated the timing and the impact of the aforesaid guidance on the financial statements.

As of December 31, 2019, there were no other recently issued accounting standards not yet adopted that would or could have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance arrangements.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

Not applicable.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL DATA

The full text of our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2019 begins on page F-1 of this annual report on Form 10-K.

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

None.

ITEM 9A. 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 SEC’s 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 our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2019. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of December 31, 2019, 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

Management’s 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 Control-Integrated 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, 2019, our internal controls over financial reporting were not effective.

The material weakness and significant deficiency identified by our management as of December 31, 2019 relates to the ability of the Company to record transactions and provide disclosures in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). We did not have sufficient and skilled accounting personnel with an appropriate level of experience in the application of U.S. 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 will require substantial training to meet the demands of a U.S. public company and our staff’s 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 plan to continue to recruit experienced and professional accounting and financial personnel and participate in educational seminars, tutorials, and conferences and employ more qualified accounting staff in future.

Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting.

Other than as described above, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, there were no material changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation performed during the fiscal year covered by this annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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 U.S. GAAP. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

Management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our internal controls will prevent or detect all misstatements. 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 such 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 misstatements, if any, have been detected or prevented. Also, projections of 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 conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION.

None.

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Directors and Officers

The following table sets forth the name, age and position of each of our current directors and officers.

Mr. Bin Zhou has served as a director of the Company since May 2019. He has served as chairman of the board of directors of Xianning Bozhuang since March 2019. Mr. Zhou was the general manager and legal representative of Hubei Qianding Equipment Manufacturing Co., Ltd., a mechanical equipment manufacturing company, from March 2016 to March 2019. He also served as supervisor of Hubei Henghao Real Estate Development Co., Ltd., a real estate development company, from April 2014 to June 2018. Mr. Zhou received his Bachelor of Law degree from National Judges College in Beijing, China.

Ms. Lili Hu was appointed to serve as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company in June 2019. She has over ten years of accounting experience. Ms. Hu has served as the financial director of Xianning Bozhuang Tea Products Co., Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, since July 2018. From June 2016 to June 2018, Ms. Hu worked as an audit project manager with Hubei Puhua Lixin LLP, an audit firm in Hubei, China. From May 2014 to May 2016, Ms. Hu was a financial manager of Houfu Medical Device Co., Ltd., a medical device company in China. From January 2009 to December 2013, Ms. Hu served as the financial director of Hebei Rentian Gaopeng Mechanical Co., Ltd., a manufacturing company in China. From January 2006 to June 2008, Ms. Hu was the Chief Financial Officer of Hubei Hongfa Telecommunications Co., Ltd., a telecommunications company in China. Ms. Hu graduated from Hubei University of Science and Technology with a major in accounting. Ms. Hu is a Certified Public Accountant in China.

Mr. Daqi Cui was appointed to serve as the Chief Operating Officer of the Company in June 2019. He has significant experience in corporate finance and legal matters. From June 2013 to June 2019, Mr. Cui served as chief executive officer of Bezalel International LLC, a consulting firm based in the U.S. From December 2010 to June 2013, Mr. Cui served as counsel at Michael Lu Law Office. From September 2004 to December 2010, he practiced corporate law at Beijing Jiahao Law Firm. Mr. Cui obtained his LL.M degree from Temple Law School in 2004 and obtained his LL.B. degree from People’s Public Security University of China in 1988.

Mr. Hongxiang Yu has served as a director of the Company since August 2016 and the Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company since September 2018. Mr. Yu has served as the head of the internal auditing department of Hongrun Construction Group Co., Ltd., a company listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, and as general manager for Hongrun’s foundation engineering subsidiary, since August 2006. In September 2015, Mr. Yu established, and has been the Chairman of, Shanghai Highlights Asset Management Co., Ltd., a company engaged in assets management and private equity investment in China. Since April 2016, Mr. Yu has also served as the Vice Chairman of Tianjin Dragon Film Limited, a company engaged in investment in film industry including the both upstream and downstream chain of film production business in China. Mr. Yu received his Bachelor degree in International Trade in 2004 from University of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom and his Master degree in International Human Resources Management in 2006 from University of Portsmouth.

Ms. Chao Chen has served as a director of the Company since April 2019. She has been an attorney at Beijing QianCheng law firm since August 2019. Prior to that, she was an attorney at Beijing Lanpeng Law Firm from May 2015 to August 2019. Her practice includes litigation, mergers and acquisitions and general corporate representation. Ms. Chen served as the legal manager of LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd., an international online retail company that is listed on New York Stock Exchange, from November 2018 to January 2019. From September 2013 to May 2015, Ms. Chen served as the senior project manager of China Aviation Supplies Holding Company, a company that provides aircraft procurement and support services on aviation supplies, and was responsible for the planning, procurement and execution of cross-border projects. Ms. Chen received her Master of Law degree from Beijing Institute of Technology and her Bachelor of Law degree from Southwest University for Nationalities.

Mr. King Fai Leung has served as a director of the Company since July 2019. He has over 20 years’ experience in finance and accounting. He has been the executive director of Maxima Energy Limited, an energy company in Hong Kong, since December 2018. Mr. Leung has also served as an independent director since November 2017 and was re-designated in March 2019 as an executive director and Chief Financial Officer of Chineseinvestors.com, Inc., a financial information website for Chinese-speaking investors (OTCQB: CIIX). He has also served as an independent director, chairman of the audit committee and a member of the remuneration and nomination committee of Daisho Microline Holdings Ltd., a Hong Kong-based investment holding company principally engaged in the manufacture and sales of printed circuit boards (HKG: 0567), since June 2015. In addition, Mr. Leung served as directors in various public companies, including Kirin Group Holdings Limited, an investment holding company principally engaged in the financial related business (HKG: 8109), Biostar Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a pharmaceutical and medical nutrient products company (OTC Pink: BSPM), and Hao Wen Holdings Limited, an investment holding company principally engaged in the manufacture and trading of biomass fuel in China (HKG: 8019). Mr. Leung earned his Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Finance from Deakin University in Victoria, Australia. He is a Certified Public Account in both Hong Kong and Australia.

Ms. Yang Cao has served as a director of the Company since March 2020. She has been practicing commercial law as an attorney with Hubei Kaicheng Law Office since November 2019. Prior to that, she served as a legal counsel to Xianning High-Tech Industrial Zone, a municipal government authority providing infrastructure and resources to high-tech companies, from November 2016 to November 2019. From October 2015 to November 2016, Ms. Cao worked as a compliance officer at Qingdao Inter-Credit Group Wuhan Branch, a business consulting company. Ms. Cao received her LL.B. degree from Hankou College and an LL.M. degree from Central China Normal University

There are no arrangements or understandings between any of our directors, officers and any other person pursuant to which any director was selected to serve as a director or officers of our company. Directors are elected until their successors are duly elected and qualified. Our executive officers are appointed by our Board and serve at their discretion. There are no family relationships among our directors or officers.

Board of Directors

Our Board met on five occasions during fiscal year 2019. Each of the members of our Board attended more than 75% of the total number of meetings held by our Board and the committees on which each director served during fiscal year 2019.

Committees of the Board

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee assists our Board in monitoring:

King Fai Leung, Yang Cao and Chao Chen, all of whom are independent directors under SEC rules and the rules of NYSE American, are currently serving as members of the Audit Committee. Mr. Leung is the chairman of the Audit Committee and is our audit committee financial expert.

The Audit Committee has adopted a written charter, a copy of which is available on our website at www.planetgreenholdings.com, and a printed copy of which is available to any stockholder requesting a copy by writing to: Planet Green Holdings Corp., c/o Board of Director Office, Suite 200, 9841 Washingtonian Blvd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, our Audit Committee held 5 meetings.

Compensation Committee

The functions of the Compensation Committee are as follows:

The current members of the Compensation Committee are Chao Chen, King Fai Leung and Yang Cao. Ms. Chen is the chairman of the Compensation Committee. All current members of the Compensation Committee are independent directors, and all past members were independent directors at all times during their service on such Committee. None of the past or present members of our Compensation Committee are present or past employees or officers of the Company or any of our subsidiaries. No member of the Compensation Committee has had any relationship with us requiring disclosure under Item 404 of Regulation S-K. None of our executive officers serves on the Board of Directors or compensation committee of a company that has an executive officer that serves on our Board of Directors or Compensation Committee.

The Compensation Committee may not delegate its responsibilities to another committee, individual director or member of management.

The Compensation Committee meets on an annual basis and holds special meetings as needed. The Compensation Committee meetings may be called by the Committee chairman, the Chairman of the Board of Directors or a majority of Committee members. The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer also provide recommendations to the Compensation Committee relating to compensation of other executive officers. The Compensation Committee held five meetings in fiscal year 2019.

Nominating and Corporate Governance

The Nominating and Corporate Governance assists the Board of Directors in identifying individuals qualified to become our directors and in determining the composition of the Board of Directors and its committees. The Nominating and Corporate Governance is responsible for, among other things:

The current members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance are Yang Cao, Chao Chen and King Fai Leung. Ms. Cao is the chairman of the Compensation Committee. During the fiscal year 2019, our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee held five meetings.

Stockholder Nominations for Director

Stockholders may propose candidates for board membership by writing to: Planet Green Holdings Corp., c/o Board of Director Office, Suite 200, 9841 Washingtonian Blvd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878. Any such proposal shall contain the name, holdings of our securities and contact information of the person making the nomination; the candidate’s name, address and other contact information; any direct or indirect holdings of our securities by the nominee; any information required to be disclosed about directors under applicable securities laws and/or stock exchange requirements; information regarding related party transactions with our company and/or the stockholder submitting the nomination; any actual or potential conflicts of interest; the nominee’s biographical data, current public and private company affiliations, employment history and qualifications and status as “independent” under applicable securities laws and stock exchange requirements. Nominees proposed by stockholders will receive the same consideration as other nominees.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

None of our officers currently serves, or in the past year has served, as a member of the Board of Directors or compensation committee of any entity that has one or more officers serving on our Board of Directors.

Code of Ethics

Our Board adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to all of our directors, executive officers, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer, and employees. The Code of Ethics addresses, among other things, honesty and ethical conduct, conflicts of interest, compliance with laws, regulations and policies, including disclosure requirements under the federal securities laws, confidentiality, trading on inside information, and reporting of violations of the code. The Code of Ethics is available on our website at http://www.planetgreenholdings.com, and a copy of the Code of Ethics is available to any stockholder requesting a copy by writing to: Planet Green Holdings Corp., c/o Board of Director Office, Suite 200, 9841 Washingtonian Blvd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878. We intend to disclose on our website, in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, amendments to, or waivers from, our Code of Ethics.

Legal Proceedings

To the Company’s knowledge, there are no material proceedings to which any of our directors and officers or affiliates of the Company is a party adverse to the Company or has a material interest adverse to the Company.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth information concerning all forms of compensation earned by our named executive officers during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 for services provided to us and our subsidiaries and VIEs. None of our current executive officers earned compensation that exceeded $100,000 during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019 or 2018.

On June 24, 2019, the Board appointed Lili Hu to serve as the Chief Financial Officer. Pursuant to the employment agreement with Ms. Hu, we are obligated to pay Ms. Hu a compensation of $48,000 per year.

On June 18, 2019, the Board appointed Daqi Cui to serve as the Chief Operating Officer. Pursuant to the employment agreement with Mr. Cui, we are obligated to pay Mr. Cui a compensation of $96,000 per year.

On May 14 and October 25, 2019, the Board appointed Bin Zhou as a member of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer, respectively. Pursuant to the employment agreement with Mr. Zhou, we are obligated to pay Mr. Zhou a compensation of $96,000 per year.

On September 27, 2018, the Board appointed Yu Li as the Chief Financial Officer. Pursuant to the employment agreement with Ms. Li, we are obligated to pay Ms. Li a compensation of $16,154 per year. Ms. Li resigned on June 24, 2019. 

On September 27, 2018, the Board appointed Hongxiang Yu to serve as the Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company. Pursuant to the employment agreement with Mr. Yu, we are obligated to pay Mr. Yu a compensation of $16,154 per year. Mr. Yu resigned on October 25, 2019.

On November 8, 2017, the Board appointed Yimin Jin as a member of the Board and the Chief Strategic Officer. Pursuant to the employment agreement with Mr. Jin, we are obligated to pay Mr. Jin a compensation of $16,154 per year. Mr. Jin resigned on May 14, 2019.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS

The following table sets forth information regarding beneficial ownership of our common stock as of May 13, 2020 (i) by each person who is known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our common stock; (ii) by each of our named executive officers and directors and (iii) by all of our officers and directors as a group. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC that deem shares to be beneficially owned by any person who has voting or investment power with respect to such shares. Except as otherwise indicated, the persons listed below have advised us that they have direct sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares listed as owned by them.

Unless otherwise specified, the address of each of the persons set forth below is c/o Planet Green Holdings Corp., Suite 200, 9841 Washingtonian Blvd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878.

In the table below, percentage ownership is based on 9,227,765 shares of our common stock outstanding as of May 13, 2020.

Changes in Control

There are currently no arrangements which would result in a change in control of us.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.

Related Party Transactions

On May 14, 2019, Bin Zhou, the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Company acquired 972,000 shares of common stock, in exchange for Mr. Zhou’s 90% equity ownership in Xianning Bozhuang, pursuant to a share exchange agreement, dated as of May 9, 2019.

As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the outstanding balance of $2,003,390 and $Nil due to Mr. Bin Zhou, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Company, respectively, was advances for working capital of the Company which were due on March 30, 2020, non-interest bearing, and unsecured, unless further disclosed. The advances were paid off on March 20, 2020.

Policy for Approval of Related Party Transactions

Our Audit Committee Charter provides that all related party transactions required to be disclosed under SEC rules are to be reviewed by the Audit Committee.

Director Independence

NYSE American listing standards require that a majority of our Board of Directors be independent. An “independent director” is defined generally as a person other than an officer or employee of the company or its subsidiaries or any other individual having a relationship which in the opinion of the company’s board of directors, would interfere with the director’s exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. Our Board of Directors has determined that Chao Chen, King Fai Leung, Yang Cao are “independent directors” as defined in the NYSE American listing standards and applicable SEC rules.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.

WWC, P.C. is the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019 and the accounting fees in each such period were $140,000 and $160,000. Such fees related to audit services provided by WWC, P.C. No audit-related or tax services were provided by WWC, P.C. during such periods.

PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a) (1 and 2) Financial Statement and Schedules

The financial statements contained in the “Audited Financial Statements” beginning on page F-1 of this annual report on Form 10-K.

(b) Exhibits

ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY

Not applicable. 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this annual report has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

PLANET GREEN HOLDINGS CORP.

AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

(Stated in US Dollars) 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Planet Green Holdings Corp.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Planet Green Holdings Corp. (the Company) as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the two year period ended December 31, 2019, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the two year period ended December 31, 2019, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ WWC, P.C.

Certified Public Accountants

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2007

San Mateo, California

May 13, 2020

PLANET GREEN HOLDINGS CORP.
AUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
(Stated in US Dollars)

See Accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements

PLANET GREEN HOLDINGS CORP.
AUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
(Stated in US Dollars)

See Accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements

PLANET GREEN HOLDINGS CORP.
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018

See Accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements

PLANET GREEN HOLDINGS CORP.
AUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
(STATED IN US DOLLARS)

See Accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements

PLANET GREEN HOLDINGS CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
(Stated in US Dollars)

Management has eliminated all significant inter-company balances and transactions in preparing the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Ownership interests of subsidiaries that the Company does not wholly-own are accounted for as non-controlling interests.

On May 18, 2018, the Company incorporated Planet Green Holdings Corporation, a limited company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands. On September 27, 2018, the Company acquired Lucky Sky HK and Shanghai Xunyang, a wholly foreign-owned enterprise incorporated in Shanghai, China. The formation and acquisition of these companies was to implement the Company’s restructuring plans.

On August 12, 2019, through Lucky Sky HK, the Company established Lucky Sky Petrochemical, a wholly foreign-owned enterprise incorporated in Xianning City, Hubei Province, China.

On December 20, 2019, we sold 100% of equity interest in Shanghai Xunyang

Consolidation of Variable Interest Entity

VIEs are entities that lack sufficient equity to finance their activities without additional financial support from other parties or whose equity holders lack adequate decision-making ability. Any VIE with which the Company is involved must be evaluated to determine the primary beneficiary of the risks and rewards of the VIE. Management makes ongoing reassessments of whether the Company is the primary beneficiary. 

On September 27, 2018, through Shanghai Xunyang Internet Technology Co. Ltd., the Company entered into exclusive arrangements with Beijing Lorain Co., Ltd., Luotian Lorain Co., Ltd., Shandong Greenpia Foodstuff Co., Ltd., Taishan Muren Agriculture Co. Ltd., and Lorain Foodstuff (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. and its shareholders that give the Company the ability to substantially influence Shenzhen Lorain’s daily operations and financial affairs and appoint its senior executives. The Company is considered the primary beneficiary of these companies and it consolidates its accounts as a VIE.

On May 9, 2019, the Company entered into a Share Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Bin Zhou, Wuyuan Zuo, Gongwei Lu (collectively “Sellers”) and Xianning BoZhuang Tea Products Co., Ltd. (“BoZhuang”), a company incorporated in China engaging in the sale of tea products. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, Planet Green Holdings Corporation shall issue an aggregate of 1,080,000 shares of Planet Green Holdings Corporation’s common stock to the BoZhuang Shareholders, in exchange for BoZhuang Shareholders’ agreement to enter into, and their agreement to cause BoZhuang to enter into, certain VIE Agreements (the “BoZhuang VIE Agreements”) with Shanghai Xunyang Internet Technology Co., Ltd. WFOE, through which Shanghai Xunyang Internet Technology Co., Ltd. WFOE shall have the right to control, manage and operate BoZhuang in return for a service fee approximately equal to 100% of BoZhuang’s net income (“Acquisition”). On May 14, 2019, Shanghai Xunyang Internet Technology Co., Ltd. WFOE, the Company’s subsidiary, entered into a series of VIE Agreements with BoZhuang and the BoZhuang Shareholders. The VIE Agreements are designed to provide Shanghai Xunyang Internet Technology Co., Ltd WFOE with the power, rights and obligations equivalent in all material respects to those it would possess as the sole equity holder of BoZhuang, including absolute rights to control the management, operations, assets, property and revenue of BoZhuang. The Acquisition closed on May 14, 2019. Starting on May 14, 2019, the Company’s business activities added the production line of green tea and black tea and sales of tea products, of which business activities are carried out in Xianning City, Huibei Province, PRC. The Company is considered the primary beneficiary of these operating companies and it consolidates their accounts as VIEs.

On May 14, 2019, through Shanghai Xunyang, the Company entered into a series of VIE agreements with Xianning Bozhuang and its equity holders to obtain control and become the primary beneficiary of Xianning Bozhuang. The Company consolidated Xianning Bozhuang’s accounts as its VIE.

On December 20, 2019, through Lucky Sky Petrochemical, the Company entered into exclusive VIE agreements with Taishan Muren,Xianning Bozhuang and Shenzhen Lorain and their shareholders that give the Company the ability to substantially influence those companies’ daily operations and financial affairs and appoint their senior executives. The Company is considered the primary beneficiary of these operating companies and it consolidates their accounts as VIEs.

Consultation and Service Agreement

Pursuant to the Consultation and Service Agreement, WFOE has the exclusive right to provide consultation and services to the operating entities in China in the area of business management, human resource, technology and intellectual property rights. WFOE exclusively owns any intellectual property rights arising from the performance of this Consultation and Service Agreement. The amount of service fees and payment term can be amended by the WFOE and operating companies’ consultation and the implementation. The term of the Consultation and Service Agreement is 20 years. WFOE may terminate this agreement at any time by giving 30 day’s prior written notice.

Business Cooperation Agreement

Pursuant to the Business Cooperation Agreement, WFOE has the exclusive right to provide complete technical support, business support and related consulting services, including but not limited to technical services, business consultations, equipment or property leasing, marketing consultancy, system integration, product research and development, and system maintenance. WFOE exclusively owns any intellectual property rights arising from the performance of this Business Cooperation Agreement. The rate of service fees may be adjusted based on the services rendered by WFOE in that month and the operational needs of the operating entities. The Business Cooperation Agreement shall maintain effective unless it was terminated or was compelled to terminate under applicable PRC laws and regulations. WFOE may terminate this Business Cooperation Agreement at any time by giving 30 day’s prior written notice.

Equity Pledge Agreements

Pursuant to the Equity Pledge Agreements among WFOE, operating entities and each of operating entities’ shareholder, shareholders of the operating entities pledge all of their equity interests in the operating entities to WFOE to guarantee their performance of relevant obligations and indebtedness under the Technical Consultation and Service Agreement and other control agreements. In addition, shareholders of the operating entities are in the process of registering the equity pledge with the competent local authority.

Equity Option Agreements

Pursuant to the Equity Option Agreements, WFOE has the exclusive right to require each shareholder of the operating companies to fulfill and complete all approval and registration procedures required under PRC laws for WFOE to purchase, or designate one or more persons to purchase, each shareholder’s equity interests in the operating companies, once or at multiple times at any time in part or in whole at WFOE’s sole and absolute discretion. The purchase price shall be the lowest price allowed by PRC laws. The Equity Option Agreements shall remain effective until all the equity interest owned by each operating entities shareholder has been legally transferred to WFOE or its designee(s).

Voting Rights Proxy Agreements

Pursuant to the Voting Rights Proxy Agreements, each shareholder irrevocably appointed WFOE or WFOE’s designee to exercise all his or her rights as the shareholders of the operating entities under the Articles of Association of each operating entity, including but not limited to the power to exercise all shareholder’s voting rights with respect to all matters to be discussed and voted in the shareholders’ meeting. The term of each Voting Rights Proxy Agreement is 20 years. WOFE has the right to extend each Voting Proxy Agreement by giving written notification.

As of December 31, 2019, the following entities were de-consolidated from the structure as a result of the sale agreement executed on December 11, 2019:

As a result of sale agreement, the accumulated deficit of Luotian Green Foodstuff Co., Ltd. and Shangdong Greenpia Foodstuff Co., Ltd. with total amount of $18,622,782 are written off. In addition, the Company also recognized a long-term investment loss with total amount of $9,838,934. The net effect is a gain on disposal of VIEs with the total amount of $8,783,848. 

Discontinued operations

See financial note 16.

Use of estimates

The preparation of the financial statements 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. 

Cash and cash equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

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.

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.

Inventories

Inventories consist of raw materials and finished goods which are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Finished goods are comprised of direct materials, direct labor, inbound shipping costs, and allocated overhead. The Company applies the weighted average cost method to its inventory. 

Advances and prepayments to suppliers

The Company makes advance payment to suppliers and vendors for the procurement of raw materials. Upon physical receipt and inspection of the raw materials from suppliers the applicable amount is reclassified from advances and prepayments to suppliers to inventory.

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. The Company typically applies a salvage value of 0% to 10%. The estimated useful lives of the plant and equipment are as follows:

The cost and related accumulated depreciation of assets sold or otherwise retired are eliminated from the accounts, and any gain or loss are included in the Company’s results of operations. The costs of maintenance and repairs are recognized to expenses as incurred; significant renewals and betterments are capitalized.

Intangible assets

Intangible assets are carried at cost less accumulated amortization. Amortization is provided over their useful lives, using the straight-line method. The estimated useful lives of the intangible assets are as follows: 

Construction in progress and prepayments for equipment

Construction in progress and prepayments for equipment represent direct and indirect acquisition and construction costs for plants, and costs of acquisition and installation of related equipment. Amounts classified as construction in progress and prepayments for equipment are transferred to plant and equipment when substantially all the activities necessary to prepare the assets for their intended use are completed. Depreciation is not provided for assets classified in this account.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired in a business combination. The Company conducts an annual assessment of its goodwill for impairment. If the carrying value of its goodwill exceeds its fair value, then impairment has incurred; accordingly, a charge to the Company’s results of operations will be recognized during the period. Fair value is generally determined using a discounted expected future cash flow analysis.

Accounting for the impairment of long-lived assets

The Company annually reviews its long-lived assets for impairment or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of assets may not be recoverable. Impairment may be the result of becoming obsolete from a change in the industry, introduction of new technologies, or if the Company has inadequate working capital to utilize the long-lived assets to generate the adequate profits. Impairment is present if the carrying amount of an asset is less than its expected future undiscounted cash flows.

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 are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.

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. PRC laws prescribe that an enterprise operating at a profit must appropriate and reserve, 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 enterprise’s PRC registered capital.

Foreign currency translation

The accompanying financial statements are presented in United States dollars. The functional currency of the Company is the Renminbi (RMB). The Company’s assets and liabilities are translated into United States dollars from RMB at year-end exchange rates, and its revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate during the period. Capital accounts are translated at their historical exchange rates when the capital transactions occurred.

The RMB is not freely convertible into foreign currencies and all foreign exchange transactions must be conducted through authorized financial institutions.

Revenue recognition

The Company adopted ASC 606 “Revenue Recognition”, and recognizes revenue when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.

The Company derives its revenues from the sale of fresh foods, spices, convenience foods and tea products. The Company applies the following five steps in order to determine the appropriate amount of revenue to be recognized as it fulfils its obligations under each of its agreements:

Advertising

All advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

Shipping and handling

All outbound shipping and handling costs are expensed as incurred.

Research and development

All research and development costs are expensed as incurred.

Retirement benefits

Retirement benefits in the form of mandatory government sponsored defined contribution plans are charged to the either expenses as incurred or allocated to inventory as part of overhead.

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. 

Comprehensive income

The Company uses Financial Accounting Standards Board (“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.

Earnings per share

The Company computes earnings per share (“EPS”) in accordance with ASC Topic 260, “Earnings per share”. 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 presents the dilutive effect on a per share basis from the potential conversion of convertible securities or the exercise of options and or warrants; the dilutive effects of potentially convertible securities are calculated using the as-if method; the potentially dilutive effect of options or warrants are calculated using the treasury stock method. Securities that are potentially 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.

Financial instruments

The Company’s financial instruments, including cash and equivalents, accounts and other receivables, accounts and other payables, accrued liabilities and short-term debt, have carrying amounts that 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:

On May 14, 2019, the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary Shanghai Xunyang Internet Technology Co., Ltd. entered into a series of VIE agreements with Xianning Bozhuang and its equity holders to obtain control and become the primary beneficiary of Xianning Bozhuang. The Company consolidated Xianning Bozhuang’s accounts as its VIE. Pursuant to the VIE agreements, the Company issued an aggregate of 1,080,000 shares of common stock of the Company to the equity holders of Xianning Bozhuang in exchange for the transfer of all of the equity interest of Xianning Bozhuang to the Shanghai Xunyang Internet Technology Co., Ltd. The significant terms of these VIE agreements are summarized in “Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” above.

The Company’s acquisition of Xianning Bozhuang was accounted for as a business combination in accordance with ASC 805. The Company has allocated the purchase price of Xianning Bozhuang based upon the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the acquisition date. Other current assets and current liabilities were valued using the cost approach. Management of the Company is responsible for determining the fair value of assets acquired, liabilities assumed, plant and equipment, and intangible assets identified as of the acquisition date and considered a number of factors including valuations from independent appraisers. Acquisition-related costs incurred for the acquisitions are not material and have been expensed as incurred in general and administrative expense.

The following table summarizes the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date, which represents the net purchase price allocation at the date of the acquisition of BoZhuang:

As of the date of the acquisition, the net asset acquired $5,639,158 is more than total consideration at fair value $4,784,292. The difference of $854,866 will be added to the additional paid in capital.