Takung Art Co., Ltd - Quarter Report: 2020 June (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2020

or

For the transition period from _________________________ to_________________________

Commission File Number: 001-38036

TAKUNG ART CO., LTD

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Room 1105 Wing On Plaza, 62 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

+852 3158 0977

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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

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

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

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

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

APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY

PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PRECEDING FIVE YEARS:

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d)of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court. ¨    Yes ¨    No

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

The number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of August 7, 2020 is 11,271,379.

FORM 10-Q

TAKUNG ART CO., LTD

INDEX

PART I –FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

TAKUNG ART CO., LTD AND SUBSIDIARIES

INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Stated in U.S. Dollars except Number of Shares)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim condensed consolidated financial statements. 

TAKUNG ART CO., LTD AND SUBSIDIARIES

INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(Stated in U.S. Dollars except Number of Shares)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

TAKUNG ART CO., LTD AND SUBSIDIARIES

INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

(Stated in U.S. Dollars except Number of Shares)

(UNAUDITED)

TAKUNG ART CO., LTD AND SUBSIDIARIES

INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Stated in U.S. Dollars)

(UNAUDITED)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

TAKUNG ART CO., LTD AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

1. ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

Takung Art Co., Ltd and Subsidiaries (“Takung”), a Delaware corporation (formerly Cardigant Medical Inc.) through Hong Kong Takung Art Co., Ltd. (“Hong Kong Takung”), a Hong Kong company and its wholly owned subsidiary, operates an electronic online platform located at www.takungae.com for artists, art dealers and art investors to offer and trade in valuable artwork.

Hong Kong Takung was incorporated in Hong Kong on September 17, 2012 and operates an electronic online platform for offering and trading artwork. The Company generates revenue from its services in connection with the offering and trading of artwork on its system, primarily consisting of listing fees, trading commissions, and management fees. The Company conducts business primarily in Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China.

Takung (Shanghai) Co., Ltd (“Shanghai Takung”) is a limited liability company, with a registered capital of $1 million, located in the Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone. Shanghai Takung was incorporated on July 28, 2015. It is engaged in providing services to its parent company Hong Kong Takung by receiving deposits from and making payments to online artwork traders of Takung for and on behalf of Takung. Shanghai Takung was deregistered on May 8, 2020 and the Company merged the operations of Shanghai Takung with Takung Cultural Development (Tianjin) Co., Ltd.

Takung Cultural Development (Tianjin) Co., Ltd (“Tianjin Takung”) provides technology development services to Hong Kong Takung and also carries out marketing and promotion activities in mainland China. It is engaged in providing services to its parent company Hong Kong Takung by receiving deposits from and making payments to online artwork traders of Takung for and on behalf of Takung when Shanghai Takung was deregistered.

Hong Kong Takung Art Holdings Company Limited (“Takung Art Holdings”) was formed in Hong Kong on July 20, 2018 and operates as a holding company to control an online platform for offering, selling and trading whole piece of artwork. Takung Art Holdings was deregistered on April 29, 2020 due to deregistration of Art Era Internet Technology (Tianjin) Co., Ltd as discussed below.

Art Era Internet Technology (Tianjin) Co., Ltd (“Art Era”), formed in Tianjin on September 7, 2018, is a directly wholly owned subsidiary of Takung Art Holdings, and formed as a limited liability company with a registered capital of $2 million located in the Pilot Free Trade Zone in Tianjin. Art Era mainly focuses on developing its e-commerce platform for art. Art Era was deregistered on June 18, 2019 due to Company’s plan to put off the e-commerce platform development.

Hong Kong MQ Group Limited (“Hong Kong MQ”) was formed in Hong Kong on November 27, 2018 and currently has no operations. On June 19, 2019, as a result of a private transaction, one (1) share of common stock of Hong Kong MQ was transferred from Ms. Hiu Ngai Ma to the Company. The net asset of Hong Kong MQ was $nil as of the acquisition date. The consideration paid for the ownership transfer, which represent 100% of the issued and outstanding share capital of Hong Kong MQ, was $0.13 (HK$1). Hong Kong MQ became a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. 

MQ (Tianjin) Enterprise Management Consulting Co., Ltd. (“Tianjin MQ”) was incorporated in Tianjin, PRC on July 9, 2019 and is a directly wholly owned subsidiary of Hong Kong MQ. It was established as a limited liability company with a registered capital of $100,000 located in the Pilot Free Trade Zone in Tianjin. Tianjin MQ will focus on exploring business opportunities and promoting its artwork trading business.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019, which has been derived from audited financial statements, and the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2020 and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Certain information and disclosures, which are normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with United States (“U.S.”) generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. Management believes that the disclosures made are adequate to provide a fair presentation. The interim financial information should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, previously filed with the SEC.

Beginning in 2020, a strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) has spread globally and at this point, the extent to which the COVID-19 may impact operations of the Company is uncertain. The extent of the impact of the coronavirus on the Company's business and operations will depend on several factors, such as the duration, severity, and geographic spread of the pandemic, development of the testing and treatment and stimulus measures of the government. The Company is monitoring and assessing the evolving situation closely and evaluating its potential exposure. The operating results for the six months ended June 30, 2020 may not be indicative of the future operating results for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2020 or other future periods, particularly in light of the uncertain impact COVID-19 could have on the Company's business.

This basis of accounting involves the application of accrual accounting and consequently, revenues and gains are recognized when earned, and expenses and losses are recognized when incurred. The Company’s financial statements are expressed in U.S. Dollars.

In the opinion of management, all adjustments (which include normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present a fair statement of the Company’s interim condensed consolidated financial position as of June 30, 2020, its interim condensed consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, as applicable, have been made. The interim results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full fiscal year or any future periods. 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Except for the ASUs issued but not yet adopted disclosed in Note 2 to the financial statements on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, previously filed with the SEC, there is no ASU issued by the FASB that is expected to have a material impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements upon adoption. 

3. PREPAYMENT AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS, NET

Prepayment and other current assets mainly consist of the prepaid tax, prepaid service fees, as well as staff advance.

No provision for doubtful accounts was recognized for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The Company has written off the doubtful account balance and deducted from bad debt provision related to the short-term borrowings to a third party in an amount of $54,193 during the six months ended June 30, 2020. 

4. ACCOUNT RECEIVABLES, NET

Account receivables consisted of the following:

No provision for doubtful accounts was recognized for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

The Company has written off the doubtful accounts balance and deducted from bad debt provision in an amount of $2,010,251 during the six months ended June 30, 2020.

5. LOAN RECEIVABLES

The following table sets forth a summary of the loan agreements in loan receivables balance:

The transactions with Friend Sourcing were aimed to meet the Company’s working capital needs in Hong Kong Dollars.

Through an understanding between Chongqing and Friend Sourcing, the HKD Loans are “secured” by the RMB Loans. It is the understanding between the parties that the HKD Loans and the RMB Loans will be repaid simultaneously. 

One of the loan receivables with a repayment due date of July 17, 2020 was overdue. The Company and Chongqing are currently in the process of negotiating a loan extension agreement.

6. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET

Property and equipment consisted of the following:

Depreciation expense was $119,060 and $157,687 for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $246,990 and $314,466 for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

7. ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER PAYABLES

Accrued expenses and other payables as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 consisted of the following:

8. SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS FROM A THIRD PARTY

In July 2019, Hong Kong Takung entered into HKD Loans with Friend Sourcing with interest accruing at a rate of 8% per annum. The HKD Loans are to provide Hong Kong Takung with sufficient HKD currency to meet its working capital requirements. Friend Sourcing is a non-related party to the Company.

In the meantime, Tianjin Takung entered interest-free RMB Loans to another third party as a guarantee for the HKD Loans. The loan amount was $1,981,571 (RMB 14,000,000). Through an understanding between the two third parties, the HKD Loans are “secured” by the RMB Loans. It is an understanding between the parties that when the HKD Loans are repaid, the RMB Loans will be repaid at the same time. 

The weighted average interest rate of outstanding short-term borrowings was 8% per annum as of June 30, 2020. The fair value of the short-term borrowings approximates their carrying amounts.

One of the short-term borrowings with a repayment due date of July 17, 2020 was overdue. The Company and Friend Sourcing are currently in the process of negotiating a loan extension agreement.

9. RELATED PARTY BALANCES AND TRANSACTIONS

The following is a list of director and related parties to which the Company has transactions with:

(a) Jianping Mao (“Mao”), the Human Resources Management Director of Hong Kong Takung.

(b) Shuhai Li (“Li”), the legal representative of Tianjin Takung, resigned on April 3, 2020.

(c) Jing Wang (“Wang”), the Chief Financial Officer of the Company since June 1, 2020 and the legal representative of Tianjin Takung since May 28, 2020.

Amount due from related parties, net

Amount due from related parties consisted of the following as of the years indicated:

Amount due to related parties

Amount due to related parties consisted of the following as of the years indicated:

On September 16, 2019, Hong Kong Takung entered into an interest-free loan agreement (the "HK Dollar Working Capital Loan") with Li for the loan of $6,451,530 (HK$50,000,000) to Hong Kong Takung. The purpose of the loan is to provide Hong Kong Takung with sufficient Hong Kong Dollar-denominated currency to meet its working capital requirements with the maturity date of the loan as May 15, 2020. On May 15, 2020, Hong Kong Takung entered into an extension agreement with Li to extend the HK Dollar Working Capital Loan with a maturity date on May 15, 2021. On May 29, 2020, the loan was transferred to Wang, the Chief Financial Officer of the Company and the legal representative of Tianjin Takung.

In the meantime, Tianjin Takung entered into an interest-free loan agreement (the "RMB Working Capital Loan") with Li for the loan of $5,749,246 (RMB40,619,000) with the maturity date of the loan as May 15, 2020. On May 15, 2020, Tianjin Takung entered into an extension agreement with Li to extend the RMB Working Capital Loan with a maturity date on May 15, 2021. On May 29, 2020, the loan was transferred to Wang.

Through an understanding between Wang and the Company, the HK Dollar Working Capital Loan is "secured" by the RMB Working Capital Loan. It is the understanding between the parties that the HK Dollar Working Capital Loan and the RMB Working Capital Loan will be repaid simultaneously. 

The amount due to Mao is primarily related to the lease from Mao. On May 13, 2019, the Company entered into a non-cancellable lease agreement with a related party, Mao for its office location in Tianjin, PRC. The leased office location is approximately 2,090.61 square meters. The lease will expire on May 12, 2021. The Company is charged rent at a rate of $0.55 per square meter per day. The agreement requires a lump sum payment of $205,211 (RMB1,449,838) every six months and a deposit of $102,606 (RMB724,919). On May 12, 2020, the Company terminated the lease early and recorded a $102,606 associated bad debt provision due to the remote likelihood of collecting the rent deposit. No related lease liability was recognized as of June 30, 2020.

On October 16, 2019, Tianjin MQ entered into a non-cancellable lease agreement with Ms. Mao for its office facility in Tianjin, PRC. The leased office location is approximately 1,475.67 square meters. The lease was terminated on February 15, 2020 and monthly rent payment is approximately $24,254 (RMB 170,563). As of June 30, 2020, the amount due to Mao pertinent to this lease agreement was $nil.

As of June 30, 2020, Mao also lent a startup deposit of $6,297 to Hong Kong MQ.

10. INCOME TAXES

Takung was incorporated in the State of Delaware and is therefore subject to United States income tax. Hong Kong Takung, Takung Art Holdings and Hong Kong MQ were incorporated in Hong Kong S.A.R. People’s Republic of China and are subject to Hong Kong profits tax. Shanghai Takung, Tianjin Takung and Tianjin MQ are PRC corporations and are subject to enterprise taxes in the PRC.

United States of America

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economy Security (CARES) Act (“the CARES Act, H.R. 748”) was signed into law on March 27, 2020. The CARES Act temporarily eliminates the 80% taxable income limitation (as enacted under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017) for net operation loss (“NOL”) deductions for 2018-2020 tax years and reinstated NOL carrybacks for the 2018-2020 tax years. Moreover, the CARES Act also temporarily increases the business interest deduction limitations from 30% to 50% of adjusted taxable income for the 2019 and 2020 taxable year. Lastly, the Tax Act technical correction classifies qualified improvement property as 15-year recovery period, allowing the bonus depreciation deduction to be claimed for such property retroactively as if it was included in the Tax Act at the time of enactment. The Company does not anticipate a material impact on its financial statements as of June 30, 2020 due to the recent enactment.

As of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company in the United States had $2,570,094 and $2,167,494 in net operating loss carry forwards available to offset future taxable income, respectively. For net operating losses arising after December 31, 2017, the Tax Act limits the Company’s ability to utilize NOL carryforwards to 80% of taxable income and carryforward the NOL indefinitely. NOLs generated prior to January 1, 2018 will not be subject to the taxable income limitation and will begin to expire in 2033 if not utilized.

Hong Kong

The two-tier profits tax rates system was introduced under the Inland Revenue (Amendment)(No.3) Ordinance 2018 (“the Ordinance”) of Hong Kong became effective for the assessment year 2018/2019. Under the two-tier profit tax rates regime, the profits tax rate for the first HKD 2 million (approximately $257,705) of assessable profits of a corporation will be subject to the lowered tax rate, 8.25% while the remaining assessable profits will be subject to the legacy tax rate, 16.5%. The Ordinance only allows one entity within a group of “connected entities” is eligible for the two-tier tax rate benefit. An entity is a connected entity of another entity if (1) one of them has control over the other; (2) both of them are under the control (more than 50% of the issued share capital) of the same entity; (3) in the case of the first entity being a natural person carrying on a sole proprietorship business-the other entity is the same person carrying on another sole proprietorship business. Since Hong Kong Takung, Takung Art Holdings and Hong Kong MQ are wholly owned and under the control of Takung U.S, these entities are connected entities. Under the Ordinance, it is an entity’s election to nominate the entity that will be subject to the two-tier profits tax rates on its profits tax return. The election is irrevocable. The Company elected Hong Kong Takung to be subject to the two-tier profits tax rates.

The provision for current income and deferred taxes of Hong Kong Takung has been calculated by applying the new tax rate of 8.25%. Takung Art Holdings and Hong Kong MQ still apply the original tax rate of 16.5% for its provision for current income and deferred taxes.

PRC

In accordance with the relevant tax laws and regulations of the PRC, a company registered in the PRC is subject to income taxes within the PRC at the applicable tax rate on taxable income. All the PRC subsidiaries were subject to income tax at a rate of 25%.

The income tax provision consists of the following components:

A reconciliation between the Company’s actual provision for income taxes and the provision at the Hong Kong statutory rate is as follows:

The effective tax rate was (102.1)% and 5.6% for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and (10.9)% and 3.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Uncertain tax positions

The reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions is as follows:

The Company files tax returns as prescribed by the tax laws of the jurisdictions in which it operates. In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to examination by the respective jurisdictions, where applicable. The statute of limitations for the tax returns varies by jurisdictions.

The amounts of uncertain tax liabilities listed above are based on the recognition and measurement criteria of ASC Topic 740, and the balance is presented as current liability in the interim condensed consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2020. The Company anticipated that the settlements with the taxing authority are remitted within one year.

Our policy is to include interest and penalty charges related to uncertain tax liabilities as necessary in the provision for income taxes. The Company has a liability for accrued interest of $nil as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

Our subsidiary, Hong Kong Takung, has been recently selected for routine examination for its tax years ended 31 December 2016 through 2018 by Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department (“IRD”). As of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company had $73,357 and $nil, respectively, of uncertain tax liabilities related to the different methodology of certain tax non-deductible expenses applied by the IRD. The examination is currently in progress. Due to the uncertain tax regulations, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of uncertain tax positions may result in an adverse finding and we would be subject to additional liability which could be materially different from these estimates. In such circumstances, we will record additional tax expense or tax benefit in the period in which such the resolution occurs. The Company does not expect the position of uncertain tax liabilities will significantly fluctuate within the next twelve months.

The statute of limitations for the Internal Revenue Services to assess the income tax returns on a taxpayer expires three years from the due date of the profits tax return or the date on which it was filed, whichever is later.

In accordance with the Hong Kong profits tax regulations, a tax assessment by the IRD may be initiated within six years after the relevant year of assessment, but extendable to 10 years in the case of potential willful underpayment or evasion.

In accordance with PRC Tax Administration Law on the Levying and Collection of Taxes, the PRC tax authorities generally have up to five years to assess underpaid tax plus penalties and interest for PRC entities’ tax filings. In the case of tax evasion, which is not clearly defined in the law, there is no limitation on the tax years open for investigation. Accordingly, the PRC entities remain subject to examination by the tax authorities based on the above.

11. LEASES

The Company has operating leases for its office facilities and artwork storages. The Company's leases have remaining terms of less than one year to approximately six years. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet; the Company recognizes lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company does not separate non-lease components from the lease components to which they relate, and instead accounts for each separate lease and non-lease component associated with that lease component as a single lease component for all underlying asset classes.

The following table provides a summary of leases by balance sheet location as of June 30, 2020:

The operating lease expenses for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 were as follows:

Maturities of operating lease liabilities at June 30, 2020 were as follows:

12. LOSS PER SHARE 

Basic loss per share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted loss per share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted-average number of common shares and dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period.

Due to the loss for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, approximately 148,890 and 15,000 options and restricted shares, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share. 

Due to the loss for three and six months ended June 30, 2020 approximately 100,890 options were excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share. 

13. CONTINGENCIES

Around May and June 2020, the Company received two summonses regarding the institution of two individual proceedings against Shanghai Takung, Tianjin Takung and Hong Kong Takung in the Shanghai Pudong People’s Court, China, as a result of contractual disputes and misrepresentations over ownership units made by a certain service agent. The claims amounted to approximately $0.23 million. Subsequently, one of the plaintiffs with a claim amount of $0.15 million withdrew his claim against Tianjin Takung on July 1, 2020. The withdrawal was approved by the Shanghai Pudong People’s court on July 20, 2020. Meanwhile, the other litigation proceeding with a claim amount of approximately $0.08 million has been transferred to the Tianjin City Beicheng District People’s Court on July 22, 2020.

The Company hired legal counsel to evaluate the cases. The Company believes that both these claims are both without merit and intends to vigorously defend itself. Currently, the outstanding case is under review by the Tianjin City Beicheng District People’s Court.

On or around July 2020, a third claim was filed in the Shanghai Pudong People’s Court, China against Hong Kong Takung on the basis of, alleged breaches of contract. The claim amount has yet to be determined.

In the opinion of management, it is not probable that the Company will incur any losses arising from the above litigation cases. As such, as of June 30, 2020 the Company has not accrued any liability in connection with potential losses from the legal proceedings. 

Except for the above, as of June 30, 2020 and through the issuance date of the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q, the Company does not have any other significant indemnification claims.

14. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date of issuance of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements, there were no other subsequent events occurred that would require recognition or disclosure in the interim condensed consolidated financial statements. 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and related notes thereto.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains or may contain forward-looking statements and information that are based upon beliefs of, and information currently available to, our management as well as estimates and assumptions made by our management. When used in the report the words “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “future”, “intend”, “plan” or the negative of these terms and similar expressions as they relate to us or our management identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current view of our management with respect to future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors as they relate to our industry, our operations and results of operations, and any businesses that we may acquire. Should one or more of the events described in these risk factors materialize, or should our underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ significantly from those anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, intended or planned.

Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Except as required by applicable law, including the U.S. federal securities laws, we do not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements to conform them to actual results unless required by applicable securities regulations or rules. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the related notes filed herein.

Overview

Takung Art Co., Ltd and Subsidiaries (“Takung”) were incorporated in Delaware under the name Cardigant Medical Inc. on April 17, 2009. Our initial business plan was to focus on the development of novel biologic and peptide based compounds and enhanced methods for local delivery for the treatment of vascular disease including peripheral artery disease and ischemic stroke.

Hong Kong Takung Art Co., Ltd. (“Hong Kong Takung”) is a limited liability company incorporated on September 17, 2012 under the laws of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region, China. Although Takung was incorporated in 2012, it did not commence business operations until late 2013.

As a result of the transfer of the excluded assets pursuant to the Contribution Agreement and the acquisition of all the issued and outstanding shares of Hong Kong Takung, we are no longer conducting the Cardigant Business and have now assumed Hong Kong Takung’s business operations as it now our only operating wholly-owned subsidiary.

Hong Kong Takung operates an electronic online platform located at http://en.takungae.com/ for artists, art dealers and art investors to offer and trade in valuable artwork.

Through Hong Kong Takung, we offer on-line listing and trading services that allow artists/art dealers/owners to access a much bigger art trading market where they can engage with a wide range of investors that they might not encounter without our platform. Our platform also makes investment in high-end and expensive artwork more accessible to ordinary people without substantial financial resources.

We generate revenue from our services in connection with the offering and trading of artwork on our system, primarily consisting of listing fees, trading commissions, management fees and authorized agent subscription.

On July 28, 2015, Hong Kong Takung incorporated a wholly owned subsidiary, Takung (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Takung”), in Shanghai Free-Trade Zone (SFTZ) in Shanghai, China, with a registered capital of $1 million. Shanghai Takung assists in Hong Kong Takung’s operations by receiving deposits from and making payments to online artwork traders in mainland China on behalf of Hong Kong Takung. On January 27, 2016, Hong Kong Takung incorporated a wholly owned subsidiary, Takung Cultural Development (Tianjin) Co., Ltd (“Tianjin Takung”) in the Tianjin Free Trade Zone (TJFTZ) in Tianjin, China with a registered capital of $1 million. Tianjin Takung provides technology development services to Hong Kong Takung and Shanghai Takung, and also carries out marketing and promotion activities in mainland China. Management has recently determined to merge the operations of Shanghai Takung with Tianjin Takung’s and eventually dissolve Shanghai Takung in order to save costs. Shanghai Takung was deregistered on May 8, 2020.

Hong Kong Takung Art Holdings Company Limited (“Takung Art Holdings”) was incorporated in Hong Kong on July 20, 2018 and operates as a holding company to operate an e-commerce platform for offering, selling and trading whole pieces of artwork instead of units of artwork. Takung Art Holdings was deregistered on April 29, 2020 due to deregistration of Art Era Internet Technology (Tianjin) Co., Ltd as discussed below.

Art Era Internet Technology (Tianjin) Co., Ltd (“Art Era”), formed in Tianjin on September 7, 2018, is a directly wholly owned subsidiary of Takung Art Holdings, and formed as a limited liability company with a registered capital of $2 million located in the Pilot Free Trade Zone in Tianjin. Art Era mainly focuses on developing its e-commerce platform for art. Art Era was deregistered on June 18, 2019 due to Company’s plan to put off the e-commerce platform development.

Hong Kong MQ Group Limited (“Hong Kong MQ”) was formed in Hong Kong on November 27, 2018 and currently has no operations. On June 19, 2019, as a result of a private transaction, one (1) share of common stock of Hong Kong MQ was transferred from Ms. Hiu Ngai Ma to the Company. The net asset of Hong Kong MQ was $nil as of the acquisition date. The consideration paid for the ownership transfer, which represent 100% of the issued and outstanding share capital of Hong Kong MQ, was $0.13 (HK$1). Hong Kong MQ became a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.

MQ (Tianjin) Enterprise Management Consulting Co., Ltd (“Tianjin MQ”) was incorporated in Tianjin, PRC on July 9, 2019 and is a directly wholly owned subsidiary of Hong Kong MQ. It was established as a limited liability company with a registered capital of $100,000 located in the Pilot Free Trade Zone in Tianjin. Tianjin MQ will focus on exploring business opportunities and promoting our artwork trading business.

Our headquarters are located in Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region, People’s Republic of China and we conduct our business primarily in Hong Kong and Tianjin. Our principal executive offices are located at Room 1105 Wing On Plaza, 62 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong.

Our common stock began trading on the NYSE American under the symbol “TKAT” on March 22, 2017.

Recent Impacts of COVID-19 on Our Business

While the ongoing coronavirus pandemic is spreading throughout the world, the Company’s operations have fully resumed in March 2020 and we have not identified any significant decrease in the number of transactions on our platform since then. We have also maintained a stable number of new account openings.

The extent to which the COVID-19 impacts our operations is highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence. It will depend on various factors including the duration and severity of the outbreak, new information which may emerge concerning the severity of the coronavirus and the actions to contain the coronavirus or treat its impact, among others.

Although we do not expect that the virus will have a material adverse effect on our business or financial results at this time, COVID-19 may eventually affect the Company's 2020 overall business performance. The operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 may not be indicative of the future operating results for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2020 or other future periods, particularly in light of the uncertain impact COVID-19 could have on the Company's business.

Results of Operation of Takung

Hong Kong Takung operates a platform for offering and trading artwork. We generate revenue from our services in connection with the offering and trading of artwork ownership units on our system, primarily consisting of listing fees, trading commissions, and management fees. 

THREE-MONTH PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2020 COMPARED TO THREE-MONTH PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2019

The following tables set forth our interim condensed consolidated statements of income data with a percentage:

Revenue

The following table sets forth our interim condensed consolidated revenue by revenue source:

As of June 30, 2020, a total of 292 sets of artwork were listed for trade on our platform —comprising 67 sets of paintings and calligraphies from famous Chinese, Russian and Mongolian artists, with a total listing value of $28,489,331 (HK$221,100,000); 35 pieces of jewelry with a total listing value of $9,362,437 (HK$72,660,000); 134 pieces of precious stones with a total listing value of $17,013,710 (HK$132,040,000); 29 pieces of amber with a total listing value of $12,241,006 (HK$95,000,000); 4 pieces of antique mammoth ivory carvings with a total listing value of $670,034 (HK$5,200,000); 2 pieces of porcelain pastel paintings with a total listing value of $335,017 (HK$2,600,000); 7 pieces of porcelain with a total listing value of $1,095,248 (HK$8,500,000); 6 sets of Unit+ products with a total listing value of $1,328,987(HK$10,314,000); 1 piece of Yixing collectable with a listing value of $128,853 (HK$1,000,000); and 7 pieces of Sports memorabilia with a listing value of $1,096,459 (HK$8,509,400), of which 22.5%-48% (for 67 sets of paintings), 24%-48.5% (for the 134 pieces of precious stones), 29%-48% (for the 35 pieces of jewelry), 47%-48.5% (for 4 piece of antique mammoth ivory carvings), 32%-48% (for the 29 pieces of amber), 45%-46% (for the 2 pieces of porcelain pastel paintings), 25%-48% (for the 7 pieces of porcelain), 30.25%-45% (for the 6 sets of Unit+ products), 45% (1 piece of Yixing collectable) and 45% (for the 7 pieces of Sports memorabilia) of the listed values were charged as listing fees, respectively.

During the three months ended June 30, 2020, there were 5 new sets of paintings listed on our platform. Their total listing values were $1,675,085 (HK$13,000,000) for the paintings, of which 22.90-23% (for the paintings) of the listed values were charged as listing fees.

As of June 30, 2019, a total of 285 sets of artwork were listed for trade on our platform —comprising 60 sets of paintings and calligraphies from famous Chinese, Russian and Mongolian artists, with a total listing value of $25,768,858 (HK$202,100,000); 35 pieces of jewelry with a total listing value of $9,264,548 (HK$72,660,000); 134 pieces of precious stones with a total listing value of $16,835,824 (HK$132,040,000); 29 pieces of amber with a total listing value of $12,113,021 (HK$95,000,000); 4 pieces of antique mammoth ivory carvings with a total listing value of $663,029 (HK$5,200,000); 2 pieces of porcelain pastel paintings with a total listing value of $331,514 (HK$2,600,000); 7 pieces of porcelains with a total listing value of $1,083,797 (HK$8,500,000); 6 sets of Unit+ products with a total listing value of $1,315,092 (HK$10,314,000); 1 piece of Yixing collectable with a listing value of $127,505 (HK$1,000,000); and 7 pieces of Sports memorabilia with a listing value of $1,084,995 (HK$8,509,400), of which 22.5%-48% (for 60 sets of paintings), 24%-48.5% (for the 134 pieces of precious stones), 29%-48% (for the 35 pieces of jewelry), 47%-48.5% (for 4 piece of antique mammoth ivory carvings), 32%-48% (for the 29 pieces of amber), 45%-46% (for the 2 pieces of porcelain pastel paintings), 25%-48% (for the 7 pieces of porcelains), 30.25%-45% (for the 6 sets of Unit+ products), 45% (1 piece of Yixing collectable) and 45% (for the 7 pieces of Sports memorabilia) of the listed values were charged as listing fees, respectively. 

During the three months ended June 30, 2019, there were no new artworks listed on our platform.

The listing fees charged increased to $380,846 during the three months ended June 30, 2020 compared to $nil for the same period ended June 30, 2019. Compared to those for the three months ended June 30, 2019, the number of new listing of paintings and the value of the artworks were higher during the same period in 2020. There were five sets of paintings listed during the three months ended June 30, 2020 while there was no new artworks listed on our platform during the same period in 2019.

We generate commission fee from non-VIP traders and selected traders as follows:

For non-VIP traders, the commission revenue was calculated based on a percentage of transaction value of artworks, where we charge trading commissions for the purchase and sale of the ownership shares of the artworks. The commission is typically 0.3% of the total amount of each transaction, we currently charge a reduced fee of 0.2% (resulting in an aggregate of 0.4% for both buy and sell transactions) of the total transaction amount with the minimum charge of $0.0013 (HK$0.01).

For selected traders, starting from April 1, 2016, we charged a predetermined monthly fee (unlimited trades for specific artworks) for specific artworks. These traders are selected by authorized agents and reviewed by us. After review, we negotiate individually with each one of them to determine a fixed monthly fee. Different traders may have different rates but once negotiated and agreed to, the monthly fee is fixed. Using the output method, we recognize the monthly commission revenue when the selected traders receive access to our trading platform to make unlimited trades for specific artwork.

We define traders as “inactive” if they meet the following criteria;

Once an inactive trader has been assessed and identified, his/her contract will be reassessed pursuant to ASC 606-10-25-5 because there has been a significant change in fact and circumstances and pursuant to ASC 606-10-25-1)e), his/her contract will not be deemed to exist and revenue will not be recognized until consideration is received in accordance with ASC 606-10-25-7(a) as we would have already performed our obligations ahead of receiving consideration.

We charge a non-transactional transfer commission on the transfer of the ownership of an artwork. The commission amount is calculated based on 0.3% of the close value of the artwork and each artwork unit. For the large volume of transfer or under certain special circumstances, we charge at an agreed-upon percentage of artworks units.

We used to offer commissions to traders and service agents. Effective January 1, 2019, we no longer offered commission to our traders. For service agents, we offer a total of 40% to 75% of the commission earned from transactions with new traders to the service agents when they bring in an agreed number of traders to the trading platform.

The commission paid to the service agents and discounts are recognized as a cost of revenue in the same period the related revenue is recognized.

Total commission revenue increased by $655,573 or 123% for the three months ended June 30, 2020 to $1,188,313 compared to $532,740 for the three months ended June 30, 2019. For the three months ended June 30, 2020, the trading amount was approximately $2,215,309,610 (HK$17,192,574,819) compared to $825,532,976(HK$6,474,490,023) in the same period in 2019. The number of active traders increased by 27,171, from 38,786 in the three months ended June 30, 2019 to 65,957 in the same period in 2020.

We charge traders a management fee to cover the costs of insurance, storage, and transportation for artwork and trading management of artwork units, which are calculated at $0.0013 (HK$0.01) per 100 artwork units per day. The management fee is deducted from proceeds from the sale of artwork units.

During the three-month period ended June 30, 2020 management fee revenue increased by $16,663, from $93,343 for the three months ended June 30, 2019 to $110,006 due to the increase in trading.

Revenue by customer type

The following table presents our revenue by customer type:

Cost of Revenue

Cost of revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019 was $754,062 and $441,028, respectively. The increase in cost of revenue by $313,034, for the three months ended June 30, 2020 compared to June 30, 2019, was mainly due to an increase in commissions paid to service agents by $366,616 because of increase in trading transactions during the three months ended June 30, 2020 as discussed above. Such increase was primarily offset by a decrease in depreciation by $33,518 due to some of our computer equipment and trading systems having been fully depreciated, a decline in internet service charges by $10,801 and a decrease of artwork storage costs by $9,432.

Gross Profit

Gross profit was $925,103 or 55.1% of the total revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2020 compared to $185,055 or 29.6% of the total revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2019.

Listing fees contributed 22.7% of the total revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2020 compared to 0% in the corresponding period in 2019, while commission revenue contributed 70.8% for the three months ended June 30, 2020 compared to 85.1% in the corresponding period in 2019. Our management fee contributed to 6.5% of the total revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2020 compared to 14.9% in the same period in 2019. Although the percentages of commission and management fee revenues were higher for the three months ended June 30, 2019 compared to those in the same period in 2020, the dollar amount of those revenue were higher in the three months ended June 30, 2020. Particularly, our commission revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2020 increased by $655,573 from $532,740 for the three months ended June 30, 2019 to $1,188,313 in same period in 2020. Moreover, our cost of revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2020 was 44.9% of the total revenue compared to 70.4% for the same period in 2019. Consequently, we posted a higher gross profit and gross profit margin of $925,103 or 55.1%, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2020 compared to $185,055 or 29.6%, respectively, for the same period in 2019.

Operating Expenses

General and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2020 were $929,728 compared to $888,460 for the three months ended June 30, 2019. The increase in general and administrative expenses by $41,268 or 5% was attributable to an increase in office, insurance and rental expenses by $38,155 due to a new office being leased by Tianjin Takung in mid-May 2019, an increase in legal and professional fees by $46,362 due to higher audit fee, an increase in share-based compensation expense by $5,543 due to the additional shares issued for legal fees, an increase in non-deductible input VAT expenses by $35,919 as a result of an increase in service fees paid to Tianjin Takung and an increase in others by $112,515. The overall increase was offset by a fall in salaries and welfare by $136,333 as a result of salary reductions for our executives, a reduction in consultancy fees by $32,089 attributable to lower consulting fee charged by our consultants of Tianjin Takung, a decrease in depreciation by $5,109 and a decrease in travel and accommodation fees by $23,695 due to lower overseas travel and accommodation during the three months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019.

The following table sets forth the main components of the Company’s general and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019.

Other income (expenses)

Other income for the three months ended June 30, 2020 was $58,902, compared to other expenses of $486,931 for the same period in 2019. The significant increase in other income for the three months ended June 30, 2020 is predominantly due to a significant increase in foreign currency exchange gain by $440,369, arising from the depreciation of the Renminbi against the US dollar and sundry income by $159,343, slightly offset by loan interest for our third party financing since the third quarter 2019.

Income tax (expenses) benefits

The Company’s effective tax rate varies due to the multiple jurisdictions in which it books its pretax income or losses. The Company was subject to a U.S. income tax rate of 21%, Hong Kong profits tax rate of 8.25% for the first HK$ 2 million (approximately $257,705) assessable profits and at 16.5% for assessable profits above HK$ 2 million (approximately $257,705) and PRC enterprise income tax rate of 25%.

The effective tax rates for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 were (102.1)% and 5.6%, respectively.  

The income tax expense and income tax benefit were $7,461 and $66,584 for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The income tax expense was due to Hong Kong Takung generating operating income before tax for the three months ended June 30, 2020, while all subsidiaries incurred losses before income tax in the same period in 2019.

Net loss

We recorded a net loss of $14,769 and $1,127,536 for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

The decrease in the net loss by $1,112,767 during this current period compared to the same period in 2019 was predominantly due to a growth in total revenues by $1,053,082 and an increase in exchange gain by $440,369.

 SIX-MONTH PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2020 COMPARED TO SIX-MONTH PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2019

The following tables set forth our condensed consolidated statements of income data:

Revenue

The following table sets forth our condensed consolidated revenue by revenue source:

As of June 30, 2020, a total of 292 sets of artwork were listed for trade on our platform —comprising 67 sets of paintings and calligraphies from famous Chinese, Russian and Mongolian artists, with a total listing value of $28,489,331 (HK$221,100,000); 35 pieces of jewelry with a total listing value of $9,362,437 (HK$72,660,000); 134 pieces of precious stones with a total listing value of $17,013,710 (HK$132,040,000); 29 pieces of amber with a total listing value of $12,241,006 (HK$95,000,000); 4 pieces of antique mammoth ivory carvings with a total listing value of $670,034 (HK$5,200,000); 2 pieces of porcelain pastel paintings with a total listing value of $335,017 (HK$2,600,000); 7 pieces of porcelain with a total listing value of $1,095,248 (HK$8,500,000); 6 sets of Unit+ products with a total listing value of $1,328,987(HK$10,314,000); 1 piece of Yixing collectable with a listing value of $128,853 (HK$1,000,000); and 7 pieces of Sports memorabilia with a listing value of $1,096,459 (HK$8,509,400), of which 22.5%-48% (for 67 sets of paintings), 24%-48.5% (for the 134 pieces of precious stones), 29%-48% (for the 35 pieces of jewelry), 47%-48.5% (for 4 piece of antique mammoth ivory carvings), 32%-48% (for the 29 pieces of amber), 45%-46% (for the 2 pieces of porcelain pastel paintings), 25%-48% (for the 7 pieces of porcelain), 30.25%-45% (for the 6 sets of Unit+ products), 45% (1 piece of Yixing collectable) and 45% (for the 7 pieces of Sports memorabilia) of the listed values were charged as listing fees, respectively.

During the six months ended June 30, 2020, there were 7 new sets of paintings listed on our platform. Their total listing values were $2,448,201 (HK$19,000,000) for the paintings, of which 22.83-23% (for the paintings) of the listed values were charged as listing fees.

As of June 30, 2019, a total of 285 sets of artwork were listed for trade on our platform -comprising 60 sets of paintings and calligraphies from famous Chinese, Russian and Mongolian artists, with a total listing value of $25,768,858 (HK$202,100,000); 35 pieces of jewelry with a total listing value of $9,264,548 (HK$72,660,000); 134 pieces of precious stones with a total listing value of $16,835,824 (HK$132,040,000); 29 pieces of amber with a total listing value of $12,113,021 (HK$95,000,000); 4 pieces of antique mammoth ivory carvings with a total listing value of $663,029 (HK$5,200,000); 2 pieces of porcelain pastel paintings with a total listing value of $331,514 (HK$2,600,000); 7 pieces of porcelains with a total listing value of $1,083,797 (HK$8,500,000); 6 sets of Unit+ products with a total listing value of $1,315,092 (HK$10,314,000); 1 piece of Yixing collectable with a listing value of $127,505 (HK$1,000,000); and 7 pieces of Sports memorabilia with a listing value of $1,084,995 (HK$8,509,400), of which 22.5%-48% (for 60 sets of paintings), 24%-48.5% (for the 134 pieces of precious stones), 29%-48% (for the 35 pieces of jewelry), 47%-48.5% (for 4 piece of antique mammoth ivory carvings), 32%-48% (for the 29 pieces of amber), 45%-46% (for the 2 pieces of porcelain pastel paintings), 25%-48% (for the 7 pieces of porcelains), 30.25%-45% (for the 6 sets of Unit+ products), 45% (1 piece of Yixing collectable) and 45% (for the 7 pieces of Sports memorabilia) of the listed values were charged as listing fees, respectively.

During the six months ended June 30, 2019, there were 6 new sets of paintings listed on our platform. Their total listing values were $1,147,549 (HK$9,000,000) for the paintings, of which 22.9%-28% (for the paintings) of the listed values were charged as listing fees.

The listing fees revenue rose to $557,789 during the six months ended June 30, 2020 compared to $284,090 for the same period ended June 30, 2019. During the six months ended June 30, 2020, we had 7 new sets of paintings listed on our online platform.

We generate commission fee from non-VIP traders and selected traders as follows:

For non-VIP traders, the commission revenue was calculated based on a percentage of transaction value of artworks, where we charge trading commissions for the purchase and sale of the ownership shares of the artworks. The commission is typically 0.3% of the total amount of each transaction, we currently charge a reduced fee of 0.2% (resulting in an aggregate of 0.4% for both buy and sell transactions) of the total transaction amount with the minimum charge of $0.0013 (HK$0.01).

For selected traders, starting from April 1, 2016, we charged a predetermined monthly fee (unlimited trades for specific artworks) for specific artworks. These traders are selected by authorized agents and reviewed by us. After review, we negotiate individually with each one of them to determine a fixed monthly fee. Different traders may have different rates but once negotiated and agreed to, the monthly fee is fixed. Using the output method, we recognize the monthly commission revenue when the selected traders receive access to our trading platform to make unlimited trades for specific artwork.

We defined a selected trader as an inactive trader who meets one of the following criteria:

Once an inactive trader has been assessed and identified, his/her contract will be reassessed pursuant to ASC 606-10-25-5 because there has been a significant change in fact and circumstances and pursuant to ASC 606-10-25-1)e), his/her contract will not be deemed to exist and revenue will not be recognized until consideration is received in accordance with ASC 606-10-25-7(a) as we would have already performed our obligations ahead of receiving consideration.

We charge a non-transactional transfer commission on the transfer of the ownership of an artwork. The commission amount is calculated based on 0.3% of the close value of the artwork and each artwork unit. For the large volume of transfer or under certain special circumstances, we charge at an agreed-upon percentage of artworks units.

We used to offer commissions to traders and service agents. Effective January 1, 2019, we no longer offered commission to our traders. For service agents, we offer a total of 40% to 75% of the commission earned from transactions with new traders to the service agents when they bring in an agreed number of traders to the trading platform.

The commission paid to the service agents and discounts are recognized as a cost of revenue in the same period the related revenue is recognized.

Total commission revenue grew by $1,373,056 or 192% for the six months ended June 30, 2020 to $2,089,136 compared to $716,080 for the six months ended June 30, 2019 chiefly due to higher trading transaction amount incurred and more active traders involved during the six months ended June 30, 2020. Total transaction amounts for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 were $3,884,557,747 (HKD30,163,968,248) and $989,151,757 (HKD7,757,719,400), respectively. Total active traders involved for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 were 126,334 and 53,860, respectively.

We charge traders a management fee to cover the costs of insurance, storage, and transportation for an artwork and trading management of artwork units, which are calculated at $0.0013 (HK$0.01) per 100 artwork units per day. The management fee is deducted from proceeds from the sale of artwork units.

During the six-month period ended June 30, 2020, management fee revenue increased by $51,912, from $161,614 for the six months ended June 30, 2019 to $213,526, due to the higher trading transactions in the current quarter.

Revenue by customer type

The following table presents our revenue by customer type:

Cost of Revenue

Cost of revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019 was $1,410,576 and $708,307, respectively. The rise in cost of revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2020 compared to June 30, 2019 was mainly due to an increase in the commissions paid to service agents by $809,301. This increase was driven by an increase in trading transactions during the six months ended June 30, 2020 as discussed above. Such increase was offset by a decrease in depreciation by $59,359 due to some of our computer equipment and trading systems having been fully depreciated, a decline in internet service charges by $27,143 and a decrease of artwork storage costs by $20,404. 

Gross Profit

Gross profit was $1,449,875 or 50.7% of the total revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2020, compared to $453,477 or 39.0% of the total revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2019. The increase in gross profit and margin was mainly due to the growth in total revenue.

Overall total revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2020 rose by $1,698,667 or 146.2% compared to the same period in 2019. Compared to the same period in 2019, there was a significant increase in commission revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2020 by $1,373,056 or 191.7%. Consequently, we posted a gross profit margin of 50.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2020 compared to 39.0% for the same period in 2019.

Operating Expenses

General and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2020 were $2,040,175, compared to $2,163,045 for the six months ended June 30, 2019. The reduction in general and administrative expense by $122,870 or 5.7% was attributed to a decrease in salary and welfare by $259,098 due to salary reductions for our executives, a decrease in consultancy fee by $102,130 due to the lower consulting fee charged by our consultants of Tianjin Takung, a decrease in legal and professional fees by $38,518 due to reduced audit and legal fees incurred by Hong Kong Takung, a decrease in travel and accommodation fees by $8,212 due to lower overseas travel and accommodation, a fall in share-based compensation by $5,322 as there were no additional stock options granted and a decrease in depreciation by $8,117 as some of our furniture and fixtures and computer equipment had been fully depreciated. The overall decline in general and administrative expenses was offset by an increase in office, insurance and rental expenses by $182,794 due to a new office being leased by Tianjin Takung in mid-May 2019 and an increase in non-deductible input VAT expense by $62,981 as a result of an increase in service fees paid to Tianjin Takung.

The following table sets forth the main components of the Company’s general and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019.