在提交給 美國證券交易委員會於2024年11月19日
聯合 國
證券 交易委員會
華盛頓, 特區20549
形式
登記 根據1933年證券法發表的聲明
(確切的 章程中規定的註冊人名稱)
2833 | 不 適用 | |||
(國家 或其他司法管轄區 的 成立或組織) |
(小學 標準工業 分類 代碼號) |
(國稅局 僱主 識別 數量) |
(地址, 包括註冊人主要行政辦公室的郵政編碼和電話號碼(包括地區代碼) |
電話:
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(Name, 服務代理人的地址(包括郵政編碼)和電話號碼(包括地區代碼) |
近似 開始向公衆出售的日期: 在本註冊聲明生效日期後,在切實可行的範圍內儘快提交。
如果 根據第415條,在表格上登記的任何證券均應延遲或連續發售 1933年證券法,勾選以下方框
如果 提交本表格是爲了根據《證券法》第462(b)條登記發行的額外證券,請檢查以下內容 方框並列出同一發行的早期有效登記聲明的證券法登記聲明編號。 ☐
如果 本表格是根據《證券法》第462(c)條提交的生效後修正案,勾選以下方框並列出 同一發行的早期有效登記聲明的證券法登記聲明編號。☐
如果 本表格是根據《證券法》第462(d)條提交的生效後修正案,勾選以下方框並列出 同一發行的早期有效登記聲明的證券法登記聲明編號。☐
指示
勾選註冊人是否是1933年《證券法》第405條定義的新興成長型公司。
如果
一家根據美國公認會計原則編制財務報表的新興成長型公司,通過勾選標記表明註冊人是否
已選擇不使用延長的過渡期來遵守任何新的或修訂的財務會計準則 *
根據《證券法》第7(a)(2)(B)條。
副本 通訊對象:
馬克·克龍,Esq.
Joe·拉克索格,Esq.
克龍法律集團P.C.
第五大道500號,938套房
紐約州紐約州10110
電話:(646)861-7891
的 註冊人特此修改本註冊聲明,將其生效日期推遲至 註冊人應提交進一步修正案,其中明確規定本註冊聲明此後將有效 根據1933年《證券法》第8(a)條或直至登記聲明在該日期生效 正如委員會根據第8(a)條行事可以確定的那樣。
的 本初步招股說明書中的信息不完整,可能會更改。在註冊之前,我們可能不會出售這些證券 向美國證券交易委員會提交的聲明宣佈生效。本初步招股說明書並非 出售要約這些證券,並且在要約或出售的任何司法管轄區徵求任何購買這些證券的要約 是不允許的。
主題 至完成,日期[ ],2024年
招股說明書
Bon 自然生命有限公司
起來 至26,000,000美元普通股
這 招股說明書涉及出售高達26,000,000美元的我們普通股,面值0.001美元(「普通股」) 邦自然生命有限公司 (「公司」、「我們」或「我們」),由公司「盡最大努力」 基礎(「要約」)。公司預計公開發行價爲每股[ ]美元。供奉( 將於本招股說明書所屬的註冊聲明生效時開始)終止於[ ].該公司正在 在自營的基礎上出售股份。此次發行的總收益不會被託管或隔離,而是將被 立即提供給公司。沒有要求購買普通股的最低金額。詳細信息請參見 本文標題爲「分配計劃」和「收益使用」的部分。
這 發行具有高度投機性,普通股涉及高度風險,僅應由有能力的人考慮 承擔他們全部投資的損失。請參閱「風險因素」,從第10頁開始。
普通股的發行價格由我們任意確定。價格與我們的資產沒有任何關係,
賬簿價值、盈利或其他既定的公司估值標準。在確定擬發行的普通股數量時
和發行價格,我們考慮了我們的資本結構和實施業務所需的資金數量
佈局因此,發行價格不應被視爲我們證券實際價值的指示。
我們 既是適用美國聯邦證券下的「新興成長公司」又是「外國私人發行人」 法律並有資格降低上市公司報告要求。
投資 我們的普通股票涉及高度風險。請參閱第10頁開始的「風險因素」,了解您的因素 在購買我們的普通股之前應該考慮一下。
我們 不是中國的運營公司,而是開曼群島的控股公司。我們所有的業務都是通過我們的中國子公司進行的。 成立於內地的中國。2019年12月11日,天美生物根據開曼群島法律註冊爲 我們的離岸控股公司爲融資和離岸上市提供便利。天美生物隨後成立了一家全資公司 在華外商獨資企業中國xi安邁信息技術有限公司(xi安 CMIT“)。Xi安康泰是由我們在香港的直接子公司茶精全資擁有的。由於中國法律對外國公司的限制 擁有從事網絡銷售的公司中國,我們最初是通過國內的xi安App-Chem開展業務的 中國公司,通過可變的利益實體結構。然而,從2021年11月1日起,我們重組了公司結構 現爲xi安App-Chem的間接唯一股東。Xi安應用化學由兩家外商獨資企業全資擁有 Xi和xi安友品翠。每一家WFOEs都由我們的直接全資子公司Tea Essence全資擁有 在香港。Xi安App-Chem的財務結果按規定合併到我們的合併財務報表中 與美國公認會計准則合作,因爲我們通過茶精100%股權的方式控制了該實體,反過來,xi安 和xi安友品翠。
看到 「公司歷史和結構」了解更多詳細信息。
我們 組織結構對投資者來說涉及獨特的風險。中國監管機構可能會禁止我們的運營結構, 可能會導致我們的運營發生重大變化和/或我們普通股價值發生重大變化,並可能導致 我們普通股的價值大幅下降或變得一文不值。請參閱「風險因素-與在中國開展業務相關的風險」開頭 第頁的 本招股說明書15。
我們 面臨與我們幾乎所有業務都在中國相關的法律和運營風險。中國政府已 擁有對在中國開展業務的公司(包括我們)開展業務的能力施加影響的重大權力。變化 在中國,政治或社會狀況或政府政策可能會對我們的業務和業績產生重大不利影響 的運營。管理我們當前業務運營的中國法律法規有時模糊且不確定,因此, 這些風險可能會導致我們中國運營實體的運營發生重大變化、大幅折舊或完全損失 我們普通股的價值損失,或者完全阻礙我們向投資者發售或繼續發售我們股份的能力。
最近 中國政府的聲明表明,有意對海外進行的發行進行更多的監督和控制 和/或對中國發行人的外國投資。中國政府啓動一系列監管行動並公開了多項 關於中國商業運營監管的聲明幾乎沒有提前通知,包括打擊非法活動 在證券市場,加強對境外上市的中國公司可變利益實體結構監管, 採取新措施擴大網絡安全審查範圍,加大反壟斷執法力度。
持有 《外國公司責任法》
的 最近頒佈了《控股外國公司責任法案》(「HFCAA」),以及美國最近的聯合聲明 美國證券交易委員會(「SEC」)和PCAOb呼籲對新興市場應用額外嚴格的標準 通過評估未經PCAOb檢查的非美國核數師的資格來對公司進行市場營銷。根據HFCAA,我們的證券 如果我們的核數師不接受PCAOb的檢查,則可能會被禁止在納斯達克或其他美國證券交易所進行交易 連續三年上市,這最終可能導致我們的普通股在任何美國證券交易所退市。 2022年12月29日,拜登總統簽署了《2023年綜合撥款法案》,其中修改了HFCAA 將HFCAA的期限從連續三年減少到連續兩年。
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根據 對於HFCAA,PCAOB於2021年12月16日發佈了一份確定報告(《2021年確定報告》),發現 PCAOB無法檢查或調查總部設在內地的完全註冊會計師事務所中國是因爲 中國在大陸一個或多個當局所採取的立場。我們的核數師位於美國,不受2021年的限制 確定報告。2022年8月26日,中國證券監督管理委員會(「證監會」),財政部, 中國和PCAOB簽署了關於對中國和香港的審計公司進行檢查和調查的議定書。在12月 2022年15日,PCAOB發佈了新的認定報告(《2022年認定報告》),其中:(1)取消了2021年的認定 報告和(2)得出結論,PCAOB已能夠於2022年在中國全面進行檢查和調查。雖然 2022年確定報告推翻了2021年確定報告關於PCAOB執行能力的結論 全面檢查和調查總部設在內地和香港的註冊會計師事務所中國, 然而,2022年的確定報告警告說,中國當局可能隨時採取阻止PCAOB的立場 停止繼續檢查或徹底調查。根據HFCAA的要求,如果未來PCAOB確定它不能再 全面檢查或調查由於中國當局採取的立場,PCAOB將迅速採取行動考慮 它是否應該發佈一個新的決定。
的 本招股說明書中包含的截至2023年9月30日止年度的審計報告由YCM CPA Inc.發佈。(' YCM '), 這是一個美國-在PCAOb註冊的會計師事務所。YCom不受2021年決定報告的約束。我們有 未來無意解僱YCM,也無意聘請任何不在美國且不接受定期檢查的核數師 PCAOb。
現金 我們組織內的流動
我們 制定了明確的政策和程序,以確保有效的現金監督。我們的管理團隊直接負責監督 現金管理,而我們的財務部門負責制定指導方針和程序,供所有部門遵循 和經營實體。部門或經營單位需要現金時,必須先向指定單位提交現金需求計劃 我們公司內部的管理人員。該計劃概述了申請資金的具體數額和時間,以及指定的管理 成員根據可用的現金來源和需求的優先順序對請求進行評估。一旦批准,現金分配就會發送出去 提交給我們的財務部門進行第二次審查和進一步批准。爲了進一步確保有效的現金管理,我們定期審查 我們的現金狀況,並根據需要進行調整,以最大限度地利用可用資金。我們還與以下公司保持密切關係 我們的銀行合作伙伴將隨時了解銀行法規或要求的任何變化,這可能會影響我們的現金管理活動。
的 我們公司組織中各實體內部的現金流結構以及適用法規如下:
1. 我們的股權結構是直接控股結構,即在美國上市的海外實體,Bon Natural Life,直接控制 Xi CMIT和Xi優品翠(「WFOE」)以及其他境內運營實體通過香港公司, 茶精華。有關更多詳細信息,請參閱「公司歷史和結構」。
2. 在我們的直接控股結構中,我們集團內的跨境資金轉移符合 中華人民共和國法律法規。外國投資者的資金在發行證券後進入Bon Natural Life後, 資金可以直接轉入Tea Essence,然後通過WFOE轉入下屬運營實體。
如果 如果分配股息,我們將根據中華人民共和國法律法規將股息轉移給茶精, 然後Tea Essence將股息轉移給Bon Natural Life,股息將從Bon Natural Life分配給 所有股東分別按照其持有的股份比例,無論股東是美國投資者還是投資者 在其他國家或地區。
3. 截至2024年1月30日,Bon Natural Life Limited向其子公司進行的唯一現金轉移如下:1)6月29日, 2021年,9億美元從Bon Natural Life轉移到我們的香港子公司,然後轉移到我們的WOFE作爲注資。 這些資金隨後轉移至我們在中國的子公司。2)2021年7月9日,從Bon Natural Life轉出1億美元 轉讓給我們的香港子公司,然後進一步轉讓給我們的WOFE作爲注資。這些資金隨後被轉移到 我們在中國的子公司於2021年8月成立。3)2023年1月17日,Bon Natural Life向我們的香港子公司轉移了630,000美元 然後作爲出資轉讓給我們的WOFE。這些資金隨後於一月份轉移到我們在中國的子公司 2023.除上述外,Bon Natural Life沒有向我們的子公司或我們的子公司進行公司間現金轉移 Bon Natural Life的子公司。
到 截至目前,我們的子公司均未向Bon Natural Life派發任何股息或分配,我們也未派發任何股息或分配 致我們的股東。我們打算保留未來的任何收益來資助我們的業務擴張,並且我們預計不會有任何 現金股息將在可預見的未來支付給股東。
4. 根據開曼群島法律,公司可以從利潤或股份溢價中支付其股份股息,前提是 如果股息的支付將導致公司無法償還到期債務,則在任何情況下都不得支付股息 正常的業務過程。如果我們未來決定支付股息,作爲控股公司,我們將依賴於獲得股息 來自我們的中國子公司。
至 應對2016年第四季度持續的資本外流和人民幣對美元的貶值,人民 中國銀行和國家外匯管理局在2008年實施了一系列資本管制措施。 隨後的幾個月,包括對總部位於中國的公司匯出外匯進行海外收購的審查程序更加嚴格。 支付股息和償還股東貸款。中國政府可能會繼續加強其資本管制和我們的中國子公司 未來,股息和其他分配可能會受到更嚴格的審查。中國政府還對 人民幣兌換外幣和將貨幣匯出中國的業務。因此,我們可能會遇到困難 在完成從我們的利潤中獲取和匯出用於支付股息的外匯所需的行政程序時, 如果有的話。此外,如果我們在中國的附屬公司日後自行招致債務,管理該等債務的工具可能會限制 他們支付股息或支付其他款項的能力。
在……裏面 此外,企業所得稅法及其實施細則規定,適用10%的預提稅額 中國公司支付給非中國居民企業的股息,除非根據中國與中國之間的條約或安排而減少 中央政府和非中國居民企業納稅的其他國家或地區的政府。根據 根據內地中國與香港特別行政區的稅收協議, 中國企業支付給香港企業的股息可從10%的標準稅率降至5%。但是,如果 有關稅務機關認定,我們的交易或者安排以享受稅收優惠爲主要目的, 有關稅務機關今後可能會對優惠預提稅額進行調整。因此,不能保證減少的 5%的預扣稅率將適用於我們的香港子公司從我們的中國子公司收到的股息。這項預繳稅金將 減少我們可能從中國子公司獲得的股息金額。
當前 中國法規允許我們的中國直接子公司,或WFOE,僅向我們的香港子公司Tea Essence Limited(HK)支付股息 按照中國會計準則和規定確定的累計利潤。現金股利,如果 我們普通股上的任何股票都將以美元支付。中國政府還對人民幣兌換外匯實行管制。 貨幣和將貨幣匯出中國。根據現行的中華人民共和國外匯管理條例,經常項目的支付 項目,包括利潤分配、利息支付和與貿易有關的交易支出,可以用外幣支付。 未經中國國家外匯管理局(「外匯局」)事先批准,只要符合某些程序 符合要求。如果人民幣兌換成外幣並匯出,則需要得到有關政府部門的批准 拿出中國支付償還外幣貸款等資金支出。中華人民共和國政府可在其 自由裁量權,對經常帳戶交易使用外幣施加限制,如果未來發生這種情況,我們 可能無法以外幣(即美元)向我們的股東支付股息。此外,如果我們的中國實體因 在未來,管理債務的工具可能會限制他們支付股息或支付其他款項的能力。 由於上述限制,如果我們無法從我們的中國經營實體收到付款,我們將無法支付股息 對我們的股東來說,如果我們希望在未來這樣做的話。
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中國 政府通知和批准
我們 相信我們已從中國政府當局獲得了我們在中國的業務運營的所有實質許可和許可 廠房聯繫迄今爲止,我們尚未被拒絕任何此類許可證和許可證。然而,我們無法向您保證我們始終能夠成功 及時獲取、更新或更新我們業務所需的所有許可證或許可證,或者這些許可證或許可證 足以開展我們當前或未來的所有業務運營。如果我們(i)沒有收到或維護所需的許可,或 批准,(ii)無意中得出不需要此類許可或批准的結論,或(iii)適用的法律、法規或 解釋發生變化,我們需要在未來獲得此類許可或批准,我們可能會受到罰款、法律 制裁或暫停業務運營的命令,這可能會對我們的業務、財務狀況產生重大不利影響 和運營結果。
在……上面 2023年2月17日,中國證監會(以下簡稱證監會)發佈《試行管理辦法》 境內公司境外證券發行上市(《境外上市試行辦法》)及相關情況 五項指導方針,於2023年3月31日生效。根據《境外上市試行辦法》,境外上市的境內公司 尋求發行證券或在海外市場上市,無論是直接還是間接,都必須履行以下備案程序 中國證監會。在爲這些新規定舉行的新聞發佈會上,中國證監會官員澄清說,已經 在《境外上市試行辦法》生效之日(即2023年3月31日)前已在境外上市的,視爲 現有發行人,或現有發行人。現有的發行人無須立即完成填報程序,而他們 涉及再融資等後續事項的,應當向中國證監會備案。
作爲 作爲《境外上市試行辦法》下的現有發行人,我們只需向中國證監會完成備案程序 與2023年3月31日之後進行的新證券發行有關。鑑於海外上市試行辦法最近已出臺 然而,其解釋、適用和執行仍存在很大的不確定性。我們無法保證 未來頒佈的新規則或法規不會對我們提出任何額外要求或以其他方式收緊中國 對海外間接上市公司的國內法規。
到 我們在多大程度上遵守任何中國證監會批准、備案、其他政府授權或要求,無論與此相關 對於未來的證券發行或其他方式,我們無法向您保證我們可以獲得此類批准、完成此類備案或滿足 及時或根本滿足其他要求。如果我們未能在需要時獲得此類批准或完成此類文件或會面 其他及時要求,中國監管部門可能會對我們在中國的業務處以罰款和處罰, 限制我們在中國境外支付股息的能力、限制我們在中國的業務、推遲或限制收益的匯回 從向中國發行證券、迫使我們的普通股退市,或採取其他可能產生重大不利影響的行動 對我們的業務、財務狀況、運營業績和前景以及我們證券的交易價格的影響。
的 網絡安全審查措施規定,擁有個人信息至少一百萬條的網絡平台運營商 用戶如果打算在國外上市,必須申請CAC的網絡安全審查。因爲我們目前還沒有 擁有超過一百萬用戶的個人信息,我們不相信我們正在或將受到網絡安全的約束 CAC審查。此外,迄今爲止,我們尚未參與任何中國發起的任何網絡安全審查調查 監管機構,我們也沒有收到任何與網絡安全審查相關的詢問、通知或制裁 措施
這 招股說明書不構成也不會向開曼群島公衆發行證券。
既不 證券交易委員會或任何州證券委員會已批准或不批准這些證券或承諾 如果本招股說明書真實或完整。任何向反對派代表都是犯罪行爲。
的 本招股說明書日期爲2024年__
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表 內容
頁面 | |
招股說明書摘要 | 6 |
供品 | 9 |
危險因素 | 10 |
有關前瞻性陳述和行業數據的警告 | 38 |
收益的使用 | 38 |
發行價格的確定 | 38 |
股利政策 | 38 |
註冊人普通股市場及相關股東事宜 | 39 |
稀釋 | 39 |
管理層對財務狀況和經營結果的討論和分析 | 40 |
業務 | 66 |
條例 | 78 |
管理 | 92 |
主要股東 | 98 |
關聯方交易 | 100 |
股本說明 | 101 |
有資格未來出售的股票 | 103 |
稅務 | 104 |
論民事責任的可執行性 | 110 |
分配計劃 | 112 |
轉會代理和註冊處 | 112 |
與本次發行相關的費用 | 113 |
法律事務 | 113 |
專家 | 113 |
在那裏您可以找到更多信息 | 113 |
合併財務報表索引 | F-1 |
在 在做出投資決定時,您應僅依賴本招股說明書中包含的信息。我們沒有授權任何人 爲您提供任何其他或不同的信息。如果任何人向您提供的信息與您不同或不一致 鑑於本招股說明書中的信息,您不應依賴它。我們相信本招股說明書中的信息實質上完整 並從封面上的日期起更正。然而,我們無法保證該信息在該日期之後仍然正確。 因此,您應該假設本招股說明書中的信息僅截至封面日期是準確的,並且 以後可能仍然不準確。本文件僅適用於出售這些證券合法的情況。的信息 本招股說明書中包含的內容僅截至其日期有效,無論本招股說明書的交付時間或任何銷售的交付時間如何 我們的普通股
你 不應將本招股說明書的內容解釋爲法律、商業、投資或稅務建議。您應該諮詢您自己的 提供此類建議的顧問,並就您應該考慮的法律、稅務、商業、財務和其他問題與他們進行諮詢 在投資我們的普通股之前。
這 招股說明書不出售要約或請求要約購買要約所在的任何州或其他司法管轄區的任何普通股 或者招攬是非法的,或者提出要約的人沒有資格這樣做。
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招股書 總結
的 以下摘要的全部內容均由更詳細的信息和財務信息進行限定,並應與其一起閱讀 本招股說明書其他地方出現的陳述。除此摘要外,我們還敦促您仔細閱讀整個招股說明書, 特別是在決定是否投資之前,在「風險因素」項下討論的投資普通股的風險 在我們的普通股中。
公約 適用於本招股說明書
除非 另有說明或上下文另有要求,本招股說明書中提及:
● | 「Bon」 自然生活,「公司」,「我們的公司」或「我們的」 天美生物是開曼群島的一家公司、其子公司及其合併的關聯實體。 | |
● | 「中國」 或「中華人民共和國」是指中華人民共和國,包括香港和澳門,但不包括,爲此目的 僅在本招股說明書中,臺灣。 | |
● | “正在運行 子公司「或」中國子公司“係指中國公司xi應用化學生物(科技)有限公司及其子公司 在中國註冊成立的實體。 | |
● | 「普通的 股份」或「股份」是指我們的普通股,每股面值0.001美元; | |
● | 「人民幣,」 「人民幣」、「元」或「元」是以人民Republic of China爲法定貨幣的; | |
● | 「茶」 Essence“是指我們在香港註冊成立的直接全資附屬公司Tea Essence Limited。 | |
● | 「美元,」 「美元」、「美元」或「美元」是美國的法定貨幣; | |
● | 「WFOEs」 致xi安細胞分子信息技術有限公司和xi安優品翠生物科技有限公司。 | |
● | 「xi·安」 應用化學“是指xi應用化學生物(技術)有限公司,該公司是在中國註冊成立的實體,或視上下文而定, Xi安市應用化學生物(科技)有限公司及其子公司 | |
● | 「xi·安」 是給我們註冊成立的外商獨資企業之一的xi細胞分子信息技術有限公司 在中國 | |
● | 「Xi 優品翠」是Xi優品翠生物科技有限公司,有限公司,我們的另一家獨資企業註冊成立 於中國 |
我們 報告貨幣爲美元。我們在中國的運營子公司的功能貨幣爲人民幣。
我們的 業務
我們 通過Xi App-Chem Bio(Tech)Co.開始我們的天然產品和配料業務,有限公司(「Xi App-Chem」), 一家於2006年4月在中華人民共和國成立的公司。2006年4月23日,Xi App-Chem收到業務 許可證(註冊號:6101012116403)來自Xi市工商行政管理局。
在……上面 2019年12月11日,天美生物根據開曼群島的法律註冊爲我們的離岸控股公司,以 促進融資和離岸上市。天美生物隨後成立了一家外商獨資企業。 在中國,中國,xi安凱旋信息技術有限公司(「xi安凱旋」)。Xi安中國移動通信技術有限公司全資擁有 由我們在香港的直接子公司茶精。由於中國法律對從事在線業務的公司的外資所有權的限制 銷售中國,我們最初是通過xi安應用化學公司開展業務的,這是一家中國國內公司,通過可變權益 實體結構。然而,自2021年11月1日起,我們重組了我們在中國的公司結構,現在是間接獨資 Xi安應用化學的股東。Xi安App-Chem由兩位外商獨資企業xi安CMIT和xi安有品翠全資擁有。 每一家WFOEs均由我們在香港的直接全資子公司Tea Essence全資擁有。Xi安應用程序-化學 財務結果根據美國公認會計原則合併到我們的合併財務報表中,因爲我們控制着 該實體以100%股權的方式通過茶精控股,進而由xi安招商局和xi安友品翠持有。
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對 2021年6月28日,公司完成首次公開發行(「IPO」)220,000股普通股 *(面值) 每股0.001美元 *,公開發行價爲每股50.00美元 *,以及公司的普通股 自2021年6月24日起,開始在納斯達克資本市場以股票代碼「BON」交易。2021年7月2日,承銷商 行使超額配股選擇權以每股面值0.001美元 * 購買額外33,000股股份 * 每股50.00美元 *。公司首次公開募股的總收益,包括出售超額配股的收益 股票總計1265萬美元,扣除承銷折扣和其他相關費用,淨收益約爲1265萬美元 1130萬美元。(* 追溯性重述,以反映公司於2024年4月11日生效的1比10股份合併。)
所有 我們的實際業務運營的一部分是通過Xi App-Chem及其子公司進行的。邦自然人壽有限公司(開曼群島 Islands控股公司通過之前提交的招股說明書提供證券)、其香港子公司Tea Essence, Tea Essence的子公司Xi CMIT和Xi優品翠僅作爲控股公司運作。
這個 下圖顯示了截至本招股說明書日期的我們的公司結構:
Xi·安 App-Chem的業務重點是個人護理成分的製造,例如用於香水的植物提取香料化合物 和香料製造商,粉末飲料等天然保健品和主要用作食品的生物活性食品配料產品 由其客戶提供添加劑和營養補充劑。Xi安應用化學致力於提供高質量和有競爭力的價格 併爲功能食品、個人護理、天然醫藥等行業提供穩定的產品和服務。它提供了 這些產品和服務面向第三方客戶,也適用於其自有品牌。用「用自然滋養生命」 以「精華」爲經營理念,成爲天然功能成分的創新者(領導者)和 大健康產業供應商“爲目標,經過18年多的努力,xi安App-Chem已形成四大科技 分別爲天然產物大規模分離、天然產物安全性提升、天然產物活性增強、 和天然產物功能複合。其產品尚未被批准用於治療或預防任何健康問題 和/或疾病由中國的監管機構提供。
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我們 由中國國內天然產品行業高層管理團隊以及歸國專家共同創立 從國外過去10年來,我們聚焦天然產品行業的核心需求,強調技術創新 以及供應鏈整合。我們致力於以有競爭力的價格提供穩定的優質產品和服務供應 適用於功能性食品、個人護理、化妝品和製藥行業。「以自然精華滋養生命」是我們的 商業理念,以及「成爲天然功能性成分的創新領導者和健康綜合供應商 工業」是我們的目標。我們已經形成了以下四個技術平台:
1. | 商業 利用連續動態提取、分子提取等技術構建規模化天然成分提取分離平台 蒸餾和膜分離(「技術平台1」); | |
2. | 自然 提取安全改進和保障平台,採用去除重金屬、農藥和其他有害物質的技術設計 殘留物(「技術平台2」); | |
3. | 平台 天然提取物的生物活性成分增強與尋求提高人類吸收率的技術建立 通過增加成分的水溶解度和利用藥物輸送系統提取成分(「技術平台3」); 和 | |
4. | 自然 基於穩態技術的提取物配方技術平台,專注於天然抗氧化劑和功能性配方 低聚糖實現產量穩定、純度高、吸收率高(「技術平台4」)。 |
的 爲客戶提供的服務包括定製產品開發和配方以及售後和技術支持。這些 爲我們的客戶提供增值服務,以提高客戶忠誠度和我們在市場上的競爭力。
企業 信息
我們 地址:中國陝西省Xi市高科技區金業路69號瞪羚谷C座601室。我們的電話號碼是0086-29-88346301。 我們的網站是http://www.bnlus.com。我們網站上包含或通過我們網站提供的信息不構成其一部分,並且是 不被視爲以引用方式納入本招股說明書。我們在開曼群島的註冊辦事處位於Sertus辦事處 Incorporations(開曼)Limited,Sertus Chambers,Governors Square,Suite # 5-204,23 Lime Tree Bay Avenue,PO 2547號信箱,大開曼島 KY 1 -1104,開曼群島。我們在美國的流程服務代理是The Crone Law Group PC,列剋星敦大道420號,套房 2446,New York,NY 10170。
含意 成爲一家新興的成長型公司
我們 根據2012年的JumpStart Our Business Startups Act或JOBS Act,我們有資格成爲一家「新興成長型公司」。一個 與其他情況相比,新興成長型公司可能會利用特定的減少報告和其他要求 一般適用於上市公司。這些規定包括免除第404條下的核數師認證要求 在評估這家新興成長型公司的財務報告內部控制時,引用了2002年的薩班斯-奧克斯利法案。 就業法案還規定,新興成長型公司不需要遵守任何新的或修訂的財務會計準則 直至私人公司須遵守該新會計準則或經修訂的會計準則的日期爲止。然而,我們有 選擇「選擇退出」這一條款,因此,我們將根據需要遵守新的或修訂的會計準則 當它們被上市公司採用時。根據《就業法案》選擇退出延長過渡期的決定是不可撤銷的。
我們 將繼續是一家新興增長型公司,直到(a)我們擁有年度總毛額的財年最後一天(以最早日期) 收入至少爲10.7億美元;(b)本次發行完成五週年後我們財年的最後一天; (c)我們在前三年期間發行超過10億美元的不可轉換債務的日期;或(d) 根據修訂後的1934年證券交易法,我們被視爲「大型加速備案人」的日期, 或《交易法》,如果非關聯公司持有的我們股份的市值超過70000萬美元,就會發生這種情況 這是我們最近完成的第二財年的最後一個工作日。一旦我們不再是一家新興成長型公司,我們就不會 有權享受上述《工作法案》規定的豁免。
影響 我們的外國私人發行人狀態
由於我們是《交易法》規定的外國私人發行人,因此我們不受證券規則和法規的某些條款的約束 在美國適用於美國國內發行人的,包括:(i)《交易法》要求提交的規則 SEC提交的10-Q表格季度報告或當前8-k表格報告;(ii)《交易法》中規範招攬的部分 根據《交易所法》註冊的證券的代理、同意或授權;(iii)交易所的部分 要求內部人士公開報告其股票所有權和交易活動以及從中獲利的內部人士的責任的法案 短時間內進行的交易;和(iv)《監管》規定的重大非公開信息發行人的選擇性披露規則 FD。
我們 需要在每個財年結束後的四個月內以表格20-F提交年度報告。有關的新聞稿 財務業績和重大事件也將通過6-k表格提交給SEC。然而,我們需要提交的信息 與美國國內要求向美國證券交易委員會提交的文件相比,向美國證券交易委員會提交或向美國證券交易委員會提交的文件範圍較短,也較不及時 發行人。因此,您可能無法獲得與您投資時相同的保護或信息 在美國國內發行人中。
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這個 提供產品
證券 所提供 | 起來 至26,000,000美元的普通股。 | |
普通 之前已發行股份 提供 |
3,970,558 | |
普通 發行後發行在外的股票 | [ ] | |
提供 價格 | 每股普通股[ ]美元。 | |
提供 期間 | 從 本招股說明書日期至 __________, [ ]. | |
使用 所得 | 我們 本次發行的收益(扣除費用)將高達約26,000,000美元。我們打算將這些收益用作運營資金, 擴大我們的銷售網絡、研發並擴大我們的生產能力。請參閱「收益的使用」 了解更多信息。 | |
上市 | 我們 普通股在納斯達克資本市場上市,代碼爲「BON」。 | |
風險 因素 | 看到 「風險因素」和本招股說明書中的其他信息,用於討論您應該考慮的因素 在決定投資我們的普通股之前。 |
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風險 因素
一個 投資我們的普通股涉及重大風險。您應仔細考慮本招股說明書中的所有信息, 在投資我們的普通股之前,包括下文描述的風險和不確定性。以下任何風險 可能會對我們的業務、財務狀況和經營業績產生重大不利影響。在任何這種情況下,市場 我們普通股的價格可能會下跌,您可能會失去全部或部分投資。
風險 與我們的財務狀況和業務模式相關
因爲 我們的所有業務都在中國開展,我們的業務受到那裏複雜且快速發展的法律法規的約束。的 中國政府可能會對我們的業務行爲行使重大監督和自由裁量權,並可能干預或影響 我們的運營隨時可能導致我們的運營和/或普通股價值發生重大變化,可能 嚴重限制或完全阻礙我們向投資者提供或繼續提供證券並導致我們的價值的能力 證券大幅下跌或一文不值。
AS 作爲一家在中國運營的企業,我們必須遵守中國的法律和法規,這些法律和法規可能很複雜,而且發展迅速。中華人民共和國 政府有權對我們的業務進行重大的監督和自由裁量權,以及 我們受制於可能會迅速變化,並且幾乎不會通知我們或我們的股東。中華人民共和國的法律制度以成文法規爲基礎。 與普通法制度不同,它是一種判例價值有限的制度。20世紀70年代末,中國政府 開始頒佈全面規範經濟事務的法律法規體系。立法的整體效果 在過去的40年裏,大大加強了對各種形式的外國或私營部門投資的保護 在中國。由於相關法律法規相對較新,而中國的法律體系繼續快速發展,進展甚微 但是,許多法律、法規和規則的解釋並不總是統一的,這些法律、法規的執行 而規則中包含着不確定性。中華人民共和國政府有權對下列行爲行使重大監督和自由裁量權 我們的業務和我們所遵守的法規可能會迅速變化,而且幾乎不會通知我們或我們的股東。此外, 這些法律和法規可能會被不同的機構或當局解釋和應用不一致,並且與 我們目前的政策和做法。中國新的法律、法規和其他政府指令的遵守成本也可能很高, 而這種遵守或任何相關的查詢或調查或任何其他政府行動可能:
● | 延遲 或者阻礙我們的發展, | |
● | 結果 負面宣傳或增加我們的運營成本, | |
● | 渲染 我們很難或不可能通過新的證券發行籌集資金,從而阻礙了我們的發展, | |
● | 需要 大量的管理時間和注意力,以及 | |
● | 主題 我們尋求可能損害我們業務的補救措施、行政處罰甚至刑事責任,包括爲我們評估的罰款 當前或歷史運營,或者我們修改甚至停止業務實踐的要求或命令。 |
的 頒佈新的法律或法規,或對現有法律和法規的新解釋,在每種情況下都限制或其他 對我們開展業務的能力或方式產生不利影響,並可能要求我們改變業務的某些方面 爲了確保合規性,這可能會減少對我們產品的需求、減少收入、增加成本,需要我們獲得更多許可, 許可、批准或證書,或使我們承擔額外責任。如果需要採取任何新的或更嚴格的措施 如果實施,我們的業務、財務狀況和運營業績可能會受到不利影響,任何此類行動都可能會受到不利影響 嚴重限制或完全阻礙我們向投資者提供或繼續提供證券並導致此類證券價值的能力 證券大幅下跌或一文不值。
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我們 未能適當應對不斷變化的消費者偏好和對新產品或產品增強的需求可能會顯着 損害我們的客戶關係和產品銷售,並損害我們的財務狀況和經營業績。
我們的 商業受制於不斷變化的消費者趨勢和偏好,特別是在體重管理、有針對性的營養、能源、 運動、健身和其他營養產品。我們的持續成功在一定程度上取決於我們的預測和應對能力 這些變化,我們可能不會以及時或商業上適當的方式對這些變化做出反應。此外,營養補充劑 工業的特點是對產品的需求以及新產品的推出和改進的快速和頻繁的變化。我們的失敗 準確預測這些趨勢可能會對消費者對我們產品的看法產生負面影響,並導致銷售損失。我們的短期計劃 新產品開發主要集中在保健補充劑上,如尋求i)增強免疫力的各種粉末飲料產品; 二)防止消化不良;三)預防呼吸道感染;四)防止皮膚過敏反應;五)改善睡眠質量;六)預防 記憶力喪失和vii)緩解焦慮。我們的產品尚未被批准用於治療或預防任何健康問題 和/或疾病由中國的監管機構提供。在產品增強方面,我們還在努力提高產品的純度 我們的生物活性食品成分,例如我們的超純水蘇糖作爲嬰兒的膳食補充劑,黃烷醇尋求腸道健康 改善,原花青素b2尋求促進頭髮生長,高可溶性和低殘留的紅花內酯尋求體重管理。這個 我們的新產品和增強功能能否成功取決於多個因素,包括我們是否有能力:
● | 準確 預測客戶需求; | |
● | 創新 並開發滿足這些需求的新產品或產品增強; | |
● | 成功 及時將新產品或產品增強商品化; | |
● | 價格 我們的產品具有競爭力; | |
● | 製造 並及時提供足夠數量的產品;以及 | |
● | 區分 我們的產品與競爭對手的產品的區別。 |
如果 我們不會推出新產品或進行增強來及時滿足客戶不斷變化的需求,我們的一些產品 產品可能會過時,這可能會對我們的收入、財務狀況和經營業績產生負面影響。
如果 我們無法建立足夠的分銷網絡來滿足日益增長的產品需求、我們執行業務的能力 本招股說明書中概述的計劃將受到損害。
我們 通過我們的直銷隊伍和分銷渠道銷售我們的產品。儘管我們的銷售和分銷滿足了我們現有的業務 需求,隨着我們繼續發展業務,它們可能不足以滿足對我們產品的需求,這可能會導致對我們產品的傷害 我們的銷售和業務運營、財務狀況和運營結果。爲了降低此類風險,我們打算進行內部投資 從運營中產生現金,並籌集資金,爲我們的直銷隊伍增加更多團隊,擴大我們的地理覆蓋範圍 在中國境內其他省份和海外建立新的分銷渠道,並建立更多的在線銷售。如果我們計劃的努力 擴大我們的銷售和分銷渠道並不有效,我們執行業務計劃並實現持續的能力 增長受到損害。
生產 困難、質量控制問題、不準確的預測和對第三方供應商的依賴可能會損害我們的業務。
生產 困難、質量控制問題、不準確的預測以及我們對第三方供應商製造和交付產品的依賴 及時滿足我們的規範可能會損害我們的業務。我們可能會遇到生產困難 我們的產品,包括不符合我們規格的原材料、零部件、包裝和產品的供應,以及 質量控制標準。這些生產困難和質量問題可能會導致我們市場的庫存中斷或短缺 對於此類產品,損害我們的銷售,或對無法使用的產品進行庫存減記。
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的 無法以優惠的價格或根本無法獲得足夠的產品原材料供應,可能會產生重大不利影響 關於我們的業務、財務狀況或運營結果。
我們 從第三方供應商處購買我們生產產品所需的原材料。製造我們產品所用的材料 是通過採購訂單購買的,通常調用預先談判的供應協議。我們幾乎沒有達成長期協議。 這些材料的供應。我們的任何供應商都有可能停止向我們出售原材料。儘管我們相信 我們可以爲我們的大多數產品建立替代來源,在定位和與其他來源建立關係方面的任何延誤 可能導致產品短缺或延交產品訂單,從而造成淨銷售額損失。在某些情況下,我們可能需要 更改我們的產品或替代其他來源的不同產品。不能保證供應商會提供 我們所需要的原材料,按我們要求的數量或我們願意支付的價格計算。因爲我們做到了 不能控制某些原材料的實際生產,我們還會受到任何生產中斷造成的延誤 根據我們無法控制的條件,包括天氣、作物狀況、運輸中斷、罷工 供應商員工,以及自然災害或其他災難性事件。
我們 產品尚未經過臨床證明是安全或有效的,我們的質量控制工作僅限於確保成分 以及產品純度和一定的安全措施。如果我們的產品或其他公司分銷的類似產品得到了證明或斷言 如果不安全或無效,我們的業務就會受到損害。
我們的 產品包括由維生素、礦物質、草藥和其他物質製成的營養補充劑,這些物質對人體有很長的 人類消費史。我們的一些產品含有創新的成分或成分的組合。儘管我們相信 我們所有的產品在按指示服用時都是安全的,但人們對其中某些產品的長期消費經驗很少 產品成分或濃縮形式的成分組合。我們還沒有進行關於安全性或有效性的臨床試驗。 我們的產品的安全性和有效性,沒有任何有權力的政府機構對其安全性或有效性做出任何決定。我們的檢查 而質量控制努力僅限於確保成分和產品的純度和質量。我們遵循行業最佳實踐,通過檢查 根據《ISO22000食品安全管理》,採購原材料和成品,並制定我們的產品 《制度-採購控制程序》、《人民Republic of China國家標準-粉末飲料》、《人民醫院採購控制程序》 Republic of China內貿行業標準--「片糖」。除了我們的自我檢查外,我們還使用授權的國家 食品質量控制和安全檢測機構對我們的原料和成品進行檢驗。這些檢查和做法, 但是,這並不構成我們產品安全或有效的證據或保證。如果發生以下情況,我們可能會受到不利影響 我們的產品或其他公司分銷的類似產品已被證明或被斷言對消費者無效或有害 或因消費者使用或誤用而導致的疾病或其他不良影響的不良宣傳事件 我們的產品或競爭對手的類似產品。
中斷 Covid-19大流行對我們的運營業績產生了重大負面影響,並造成了持續的額外影響 對我們的運營構成風險。
在……裏面 2019年12月,武漢報告了一株新冠肺炎新毒株--中國。2020年3月11日,世界衛生組織將 這是一場大流行。爲了減少新冠肺炎的傳播,中國政府採取了包括城市封鎖、隔離、 旅行限制、商業活動暫停和學校停課。由於新冠肺炎爆發帶來的困難, 包括但不限於,從2月初開始暫時關閉公司的工廠和業務 來自公司員工的支持、延遲獲得原材料供應以及無法將產品交付給客戶 及時地,本公司的業務受到負面影響,並在以下期間產生較低的收入和淨收入 2020年2月至4月。公司於2020年3月2日恢復運營,並收到並履行了越來越多的客戶訂單 在2020財年下半年,特別是生物活性食品成分,包括水蘇糖,由於當地政府的建議 和不斷增加的消費需求。我們在2021財年的收入爲25,494,564美元,增長了7,274,605美元,增幅約爲39.9% 相比之下,2020財年爲18,215,959美元。我們的淨收入增長了48.8%,從2020財年的3,098,317美元增至4,609,453美元 在2021財年,因爲我們在2021財年完成了增加的銷售訂單,當時新冠肺炎在中國相對處於控制之下。 我們在2022財年的收入爲29,908,561美元,比上一財年的25,494,564美元增加了4,413,997美元,增幅約爲17.3% 2021年,由於客戶需求強勁。我們的淨收入從2021財年的4,609,453美元增加到2022財年的6,242,424美元。 截至本招股書日期,雖然新冠肺炎冠狀病毒爆發對我們業務的負面影響似乎是暫時的 在中國身上,中國和全球仍存在不確定性,可能會對商業和經濟造成破壞。經濟復甦可能會 對客戶合同的執行、客戶付款的收取或公司供應的中斷產生負面影響 鏈條。與COVID 19相關的持續不確定性可能導致公司的收入和現金流在 自我們2022年合併財務報表發佈之日起12個月內。新冠肺炎未來的影響程度是 仍然高度不確定,截至本報告日期無法預測。
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我們 可能會面臨來自資本資源更多的新公司和現有公司的日益激烈的競爭,這可能會影響我們的市場份額和盈利能力 如果我們不能成功應對競爭挑戰,我們就會衰落。
因爲 鑑於我們現有業務的強勁前景和最近的增長,我們可能會面臨來自一些同行的新的直接競爭 在其他類別的天然產品和配料業務,如來自中國的晨光生物科技,它從事的是天然 Colors,從事天然甜味劑的Layn,以及歐洲同行,如Koninklijke DSM N.V.,Symrise AG和Givaudan SA。 這些公司可能會在某種程度上尋求在現有業務上與xi安應用化學直接競爭。規模,財務實力, 上述公司的技術基礎和開發能力雄厚,潛在的競爭對手 在不久的將來,公司將是一個關鍵的競爭挑戰。此外,發展良好的大型食品和食品配料公司 可以尋求進入營養健康領域。這些公司可能會通過尋求確保關鍵原材料來源來挑戰我們 併爲其供應鏈獲得穩定性、可靠性和成本優勢。因爲雄厚的資本和品牌實力 在這些公司中,它們可能會在未來對我們構成挑戰。如果我們無法繼續擴展、創新和協作 爲了在新的競爭中提高我們的市場地位,我們的市場份額、收入和盈利能力都將受到不利影響。
如果 如果我們沒有獲得大量額外融資,我們執行本招股說明書中概述的業務計劃的能力將 受損的。
我們 業務擴張和發展計劃取決於我們籌集大量額外資本。我們的計劃需要重大的 對研發、營銷、擴大生產能力以及原材料和其他流動資金進行新投資 項目.管理層估計我們擴張的資本需求約爲4000萬美元。我們將被要求尋求額外的 投資、貸款或債務融資,以全面實施我們的業務計劃。我們可能無法按條件獲得此類額外投資 哪些是有利的或可接受的。如果我們無法滿足全部資本需求,我們全面實施業務計劃的能力 就會受到損害。
如果 我們無法留住關鍵人員並僱用新的關鍵人員,我們可能無法實施我們的業務計劃。
我們的 成功的能力取決於我們關鍵人員的經驗和貢獻,特別是我們的創始人兼首席執行官Mr.Hu。 如果這些人失去服務,如果他們得不到適當的替代,可能會對我們的財政產生重大的不利影響 條件、運營結果和前景。我們未來的成功還將取決於我們識別、吸引和留住 在我們擴大業務的同時,增加合格的人員。不能保證我們會成功地識別、吸引、 並留住這樣的人員。因此,失去這些人中的任何一個都可能對我們未來的成功產生重大影響 或者失敗。我們可能不得不招聘具有競爭力的薪酬、股權和其他福利的合格人員 這可能會影響我們運營的營運資金。管理層可能不得不尋求獲得外部獨立專業人員 協助他們評估任何業務建議的優點和風險,以及協助發展和運作多個 公司項目。不能保證我們將能夠以我們可以接受的條件獲得所需的援助。我們的失敗 吸引更多的合格員工或保留關鍵人員的服務可能會對我們的運營產生實質性的不利影響 業績和財務狀況。
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負 宣傳可能會損害我們的品牌和聲譽,並對我們的業務產生重大不利影響。
負性 關於我們的宣傳,包括我們的服務、管理、商業模式和做法,遵守適用的規則、法規和 政策,或我們的網絡合作夥伴可能會對我們的品牌和聲譽造成實質性的不利影響,並對我們的 公事。我們不能向您保證,我們將能夠在一段合理的時間內平息任何此類負面宣傳,或者根本不能。 此外,直接或間接針對我們的指控可能由任何人以匿名或匿名的方式發佈在互聯網上, 並且可以迅速廣泛傳播。張貼的信息可能不準確、誤導和對我們不利,並可能損害我們的聲譽, 業務或潛在客戶。傷害可能是直接的,而沒有給我們提供補救或糾正的機會。我們的聲譽可能是 由於公開傳播關於我們的負面的、可能不準確的或誤導性的信息而受到負面影響 業務和運營,這反過來可能會對我們與客戶、員工或業務合作伙伴的關係產生實質性的不利影響, 並對我們普通股的價格產生不利影響。
因爲 我們是一家「新興成長型公司」,我們可能會利用各種報告要求的某些豁免, 適用於非「新興成長型公司」的其他上市公司。
我們 是一家定義的「新興成長型公司」 啓動我們的創業法案 (「就業法案」)。 我們將在最多五年內保持「新興增長公司」的地位,或最早直到:
(i) | 的 我們的年總收入超過123.5億美元的第一個財年的最後一天, | |
(ii) | 的 我們成爲1934年《證券交易法》第120億.2條規定的「大型加速備案人」之日,該規定 如果非關聯公司持有的我們普通股的市值截至上次交易超過70000萬美元,就會發生 我們最近完成的第二財年的一天,或者 | |
(iii) | 的 我們在過去三年內發行了超過100億美元的不可轉換債務的日期。 |
作爲 作爲「新興成長型公司」,我們可能會利用適用的各種報告要求的某些豁免 非「新興成長型公司」的其他上市公司包括但不限於:
● | 不 被要求遵守第404(b)條的核數師認證要求 薩班斯-奧克斯利法案 (「薩班斯 Oxley」)(只要我們是「較小的」,我們也不會受到第404(b)條的核數師認證要求的約束 報告公司”,其中包括截至年最後一個營業日公開持股量低於7500萬美元的發行人 他們最近完成的第二財政季度); | |
● | 減少 我們的定期報告和委託書中有關高管薪酬的披露義務;以及 | |
● | 豁免 免受對高管薪酬進行非約束性諮詢投票和股東批准任何金降落傘的要求 以前未批准的付款。 |
在 此外,《就業法案》第107條規定,「新興成長型公司」可以利用延長的過渡期 1933年證券法(「證券法」)第7(a)(2)(B)條規定的遵守新的或修訂的期限 會計準則根據該規定,「新興成長型公司」可以推遲採用某些會計準則 直到這些標準適用於私營公司。然而,我們選擇「選擇退出」這種延長 過渡期,因此,我們將在採用的相關日期遵守新的或修訂的會計準則 非新興成長型公司需要此類標準。《就業法》第107條規定,我們選擇退出的決定 遵守新的或修訂的會計準則的延長過渡期是不可撤銷的。
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風險 與我們的公司結構相關
我們 當前的公司結構和業務運營可能會受到新頒佈的《外國投資法》的影響。
對 2019年3月15日,全國人民代表大會批准《外國投資法》,該法於2020年1月1日起施行。 與《外國投資法》、國務院頒佈的《外國投資法實施細則》和《解釋》一起 最高人民法院關於適用最高人民投資法幾個問題的裁決 人民法院於2020年1月1日生效。自《外國投資法》及其現行實施和解釋以來 規則相對較新,進一步應用和改進仍存在不確定性。
這個 外商投資法給予外商投資實體國民待遇,但經營的外商投資實體除外 在「負面清單」中被指定爲「限制」或「禁止」外商投資的行業。 目前尚不清楚根據外商投資法公佈的《負面清單》是否會與現行的 外商投資市場準入特別管理措施(負面清單)(2021年版)。《外商投資法》規定 在「受限」行業經營的外商投資實體將需要市場準入許可和其他審批 中國政府有關部門提供的信息。截至目前,我們中國子公司目前的業務活動不在 《負面清單》,允許外國投資者持有我們中國子公司100%的股權。 投資法。我們目前沒有計劃在未來大幅改變我們中國子公司的業務活動。 但是,我們是否會把那些列在負面清單中的商業活動,作爲 清單“可能會不時修改。
風險 與法律不確定性和在中國做生意有關
因爲 我們的所有業務都在中國開展,我們的業務受到那裏複雜且快速發展的法律法規的約束。的 中國政府可能會對我們的業務行爲行使重大監督和自由裁量權,並可能干預或影響 我們的運營隨時可能導致我們的運營和/或普通股價值發生重大變化,可能 嚴重限制或完全阻礙我們向投資者提供或繼續提供證券並導致我們的價值的能力 證券大幅下跌或一文不值。
作爲 作爲一家在中國運營的企業,我們須遵守中華人民共和國的法律和法規,這些法律和法規可能很複雜且發展迅速。中國 政府有權對我們的業務行爲以及所遵守的法規進行重大監督和自由裁量權 我們的主題可能會迅速變化,並且很少通知我們或我們的股東。中國政府可能會進行重大監督 並對我們的業務進行自由裁量權,並可能隨時干預或影響我們的運營。特別是中國 政府可能會對海外發行人的發行和外國投資施加更多控制,這可能會 導致我們的運營和所登記普通股價值發生重大變化。
作爲 因此,中國新的和現有的法律法規的適用、解釋和執行往往不確定。在 此外,不同機構或當局可能會不一致地解釋和適用這些法律和法規,並且不一致 與我們當前的政策和實踐相結合。中國的新法律、法規和其他政府指令的遵守成本也可能很高 此類合規或任何相關詢問或調查或任何其他政府行動可能:
● | 延遲 或者阻礙我們的發展, | |
● | 結果 負面宣傳或增加我們的運營成本, | |
● | 需要 大量的管理時間和注意力,以及 | |
● | 主題 我們尋求可能損害我們業務的補救措施、行政處罰甚至刑事責任,包括爲我們評估的罰款 當前或歷史運營,或者我們修改甚至停止業務實踐的要求或命令。 |
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的 頒佈新的法律或法規,或對現有法律和法規的新解釋,在每種情況下都限制或其他 對我們開展業務的能力或方式產生不利影響,並可能要求我們改變業務的某些方面 爲了確保合規性,這可能會減少對我們產品的需求、減少收入、增加成本,需要我們獲得更多許可, 許可、批准或證書,或使我們承擔額外責任。如果需要採取任何新的或更嚴格的措施 如果實施,我們的業務、財務狀況和運營業績可能會受到不利影響,任何此類行動都可能會受到不利影響 嚴重限制或完全阻礙我們向投資者提供或繼續提供證券並導致此類證券價值的能力 證券大幅下跌或一文不值。
如果 中國政府選擇對海外和/或外國投資進行更多監督和控制 在中國發行人中,此類行爲可能會嚴重限制或完全阻礙我們提供或繼續提供證券的能力 對投資者造成影響並導致此類證券的價值顯着下降或一文不值。
近期 中國政府的聲明表明,中國有意對在海外進行的股票發行施加更多監督和控制 和/或外國對中國發行人的投資。中國最近提出了新的規則,要求公司收集或持有 大量數據在外國上市前將接受網絡安全審查,此舉將顯著收緊 對總部位於中國的互聯網巨頭的監管。2021年7月10日,CAC發佈了《網絡安全審查辦法》修訂草案 對於公衆意見,除其他外,要求除「關鍵信息基礎設施的運營者」外, 任何「數據處理者」,控制着不少於一百萬用戶的個人信息,並尋求在外國上市 證券交易所也應接受網絡安全審查,並進一步闡述了在評估 存在國家安全風險的相關活動。2021年12月28日晚些時候,《網絡安全審查辦法(2021年版)》 頒佈並於2022年2月15日起施行,其中迭代規定,任何控制網絡平台經營者的 尋求在外國證券交易所上市的100萬以上用戶的個人信息也應受到網絡安全的保護 複習一下。2021年11月14日,CAC公佈了《網絡互聯網數據保護條例草案(徵求意見稿)》,重申 對在外國上市的100多萬用戶的個人信息進行處理的數據處理商應申請 網絡安全審查。
我們的 業務不涉及收集用戶數據、牽連網絡安全或涉及任何其他類型的受限行業和 我們不相信我們是「關鍵信息基礎設施的運營者」、「數據處理器」、“在線 平台運營者「或如上所述的」數據處理器“。然而,自《網絡安全審查辦法》(2021年)以來 新通過,《網絡互聯網數據保護條例草案(徵求意見稿)》正在審議中 目前尚不清楚中國有關政府當局將如何解釋、修訂和實施這一規定。因此,我們 我不能向您保證,我們不會被視爲「關鍵信息基礎設施的運營商」、「數據處理器」、 上面提到的「在線平台運營商」或「數據處理商」。我們相信,自本招股說明書發佈之日起, 本公司及其子公司,(1)經營或發行不需要獲得任何中國當局的許可或批准 向境外投資者出售本公司普通股;(2)不經中國證監會批准 (「中國證監會」)、中國網信辦(「網信辦」)或者其他需要批准的單位 我們的行動。截至本招股說明書日期,本公司及其中國子公司尚未參與任何有關網絡安全的調查 由CAC或相關政府監管部門發起的審查,尚未收到任何獲得許可的要求 任何中國當局不得向外國投資者發行我們的普通股,或任何中國當局拒絕給予該等許可。不確定因素 仍然存在,因爲中國的法律、法規或政策在未來可能會迅速變化。任何未來的行動 由中國政府擴大其境外證券發行須由 CRSC或CAC可能會顯著限制或完全阻礙我們向投資者提供或繼續提供證券的能力 並可能導致此類證券的價值大幅下降或一文不值。
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如果 中國政府將對向外國發行普通股實施新要求,要求中國當局批准 投資者或在外匯交易所上市,此類行爲可能會嚴重限制或完全阻礙我們提供或繼續提供的能力 向投資者提供證券並導致此類證券的價值大幅下降或一文不值。
最近, 中共中央辦公廳、國務院辦公廳聯合發佈 《關於依法嚴厲打擊非法證券活動的意見》或《意見》 將於2021年7月6日向公衆開放。《意見》強調要加強對非法證券活動的管理, 加強對中國企業境外上市監管的必要性。推進建設等有效措施 將採取相關監管制度應對中國概念海外上市公司的風險和事件以及網絡安全 以及數據隱私保護要求和類似事項。
對 2021年12月24日,中國證監會發布《國務院關於境外發行上市的管理規定》 境內企業證券(徵求意見稿)和《境外發行證券及上市備案辦法》 由國內企業(徵求意見稿)發佈,僅徵求公衆意見,徵求意見期已於1月到期 2022年23日。《境外上市規則草案》規定了直接和間接境外上市的備案監管安排 上市,明確境外市場間接境外上市的確定標準。
的 境外上市規則草案規定中資公司或發行人應履行備案程序 發行人申請首次公開發行股票並在境外市場上市後三個工作日內。所需的 首次公開發行股票並上市的備案材料至少應包括以下內容:備案報告及相關承諾; 相關行業主管監管部門出具的監管意見、備案、批准等文件(如果 適用);以及相關監管機構發佈的證券評估意見(如果適用);中國法律意見;和招股說明書。
在……裏面 此外,有下列情形之一的,禁止境外發行上市:(一)擬發行證券 國家法律、法規和有關規定明確禁止上市的;(二)擬發行的證券 經國家主管部門審查認定,列名可能對國家安全構成威脅或者危害 依法理事會;(三)股權、重大資產、核心技術等發生重大權屬糾紛的。 發行人;(四)境內企業或其控股股東、實際控制人在過去三年內 貪污、受賄、貪污、挪用財產或者其他擾亂社會主義秩序的刑事犯罪 市場經濟,或者目前因涉嫌刑事犯罪正在接受司法調查,或者正在因涉嫌犯罪正在接受調查 有重大違法行爲的;(五)近三年來,董事、監事、高級管理人員受到行政處罰的 嚴重違法,或目前因涉嫌刑事犯罪正在接受司法調查,或正在接受調查 涉嫌重大違法行爲;(六)國務院規定的其他情形。《管理規定》界定了 未履行備案義務或者欺詐備案行爲等違法行爲的法律責任,處 100元萬和1000元萬,嚴重違規的,並行責令暫停相關業務或停止運營 予以整改的,吊銷相關營業執照或經營許可證。
然而, 截至本次招股說明書發佈之日,境外上市規則草案尚未生效,具體如何實施仍不確定。 中國政府當局將對海外上市進行總體監管,以及我們是否需要獲得任何具體的監管 批准或滿足任何備案要求。有關海外上市的規則草案如獲通過,可能會使我們受到額外的限制。 未來的合規要求,我們不能向您保證我們將能夠根據 及時或根本不進行境外上市的規則草案。如果我們沒有收到任何所需的批准或備案,或者如果 我們錯誤地得出結論,認爲不需要審批或備案,或者如果中國證監會或其他監管機構發佈新規, 解釋或解釋要求我們事先獲得他們的批准或對本次發行和任何後續活動進行事後備案 ,我們可能無法獲得此類批准和備案,這可能會顯著限制或完全阻礙我們的能力 向我們的投資者提供或繼續提供證券。
此外, 中國政府部門可以加強對海外發行和/或外國投資的監督和控制 在像我們這樣的中國發行人中。中國政府當局採取的此類行動可能會干預或影響我們的任何業務 時間,這超出了我們的控制範圍。因此,任何此類行爲都可能對我們的運營產生不利影響,並嚴重限制或阻礙 我們提供或繼續提供證券並降低此類證券價值的能力。
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作爲 截至本招股說明書日期,我們和我們的中國子公司尚未參與任何針對網絡安全審查的調查 由中國網絡管理局或相關政府監管部門提供,尚未收到任何獲取要求 任何中國當局的許可向外國投資者發行我們的普通股,或被任何中國當局拒絕此類許可。 然而,鑑於當前中國監管環境,尚不確定何時以及是否需要我們或我們的中國子公司 獲得中國政府未來在美國交易所上市的許可,即使獲得此類許可,是否 它將被拒絕或撤銷。
我們 一直在密切關注中國的監管動態,以獲得中國證監會或其他中國政府的必要批准 海外上市所需的主管部門,包括此次發行。截至本招股說明書日期,除潛在的不確定因素外 於上文所披露,吾等並無收到中國證監會對本次發行的任何查詢、通知、警告、處分或監管反對 或其他中國政府機關。然而,在頒佈、解釋和執行方面仍然存在重大不確定性。 與海外證券發行和其他資本市場活動相關的監管要求。如果它是在 如本次發行需經中國證監會、中國民航總局或其他監管機構批准,本次發行將延期。 在我們獲得相關批准之前。我們也有可能無法獲得或保持這樣的批准 或者我們無意中得出了不需要這樣的批准的結論。如果在我們無意中得出結論時需要批准 不需要這種批准,或者如果適用的法律和法規或對這些的解釋被修改,以要求我們 如果未來獲得中國證監會的批准,我們可能面臨中國證監會、CAC或其他中國監管機構的制裁。這些監管規定 機構可能會對我們在中國的業務處以罰款和處罰,限制我們在中國以外的分紅能力,限制我們的業務 在中國,推遲或限制將本次發行所得資金匯回中國,或者採取其他可能具有重大意義的行動 對我們的業務、財務狀況、經營結果和前景以及我們證券的交易價格產生不利影響。 中國證監會、中國食品藥品監督管理委員會或其他中國監管機構也可以採取行動,要求或建議我們停止此次發行 在結算和交付我們的普通股之前。因此,如果你在預期中從事市場交易或其他活動 在結算和交付之前或之前,您這樣做的風險是結算和交付可能不會發生。另外,如果證監會, CAC或其他中國監管機構後來頒佈了新的規則,要求我們的此次發行必須獲得他們的批准,我們可以 如果建立了獲得此類豁免的程序,則無法獲得此類批准要求的豁免。任何不確定因素 和/或有關此類審批要求的負面宣傳可能會對我們證券的交易價格產生重大不利影響。
變化 中國的經濟、政治或社會狀況或政府政策可能對我們的業務產生重大不利影響 和運營。
全 我們的資產和運營的大部分都位於中國。因此,我們的業務、財務狀況、經營結果和前景 中國總體上可能在很大程度上受到政治、經濟和社會條件的影響。中國經濟不同 與大多數發達國家的經濟在許多方面不同,包括政府的參與程度、發展水平、 增長速度、外匯管制和資源配置。儘管中國政府已經採取措施強調 利用市場力量進行經濟改革,減少生產性資產的國有所有權,建立 爲了改善企業的公司治理,中國的相當大一部分生產性資產仍然歸政府所有。 此外,中國政府繼續通過實施產業政策,在規範行業發展方面發揮重要作用。 中國政府還通過配置資源、控制經濟對中國的經濟增長實施重大控制 支付外幣債務,制定貨幣政策,併爲特定行業提供優惠待遇 或者是公司。
而當 在過去的幾十年裏,中國經濟經歷了顯著的增長,無論是在地理上還是在不同的國家之間,增長都是不平衡的 經濟部門的增長速度自2012年以來一直在放緩。中國經濟狀況的任何不利變化,在 中國政府的政策或中國的法律法規可能會對整體經濟產生實質性的不利影響 中國的成長。這些發展可能會對我們的業務和經營業績產生不利影響,導致對我們服務的需求減少 並對我們的競爭地位造成不利影響。中國政府實施了各種措施來鼓勵經濟增長和 引導資源配置。其中一些措施可能會對中國整體經濟有利,但可能會對我們產生負面影響。 舉例來說,我們的財政狀況和經營業績可能會因政府對資本投資的管制而受到不利影響。 或稅收法規的變化。此外,過去中國政府已經實施了一些措施,包括利率 調整,控制經濟增長速度。這些措施可能會導致中國的經濟活動減少,這可能會對 影響我們的業務和經營業績。
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我們 可能會招致重大產品責任索賠,這可能會增加我們的成本並損害我們的財務狀況和經營業績。
我們的 可食用產品包括牛奶薊提取物、蘋果多酚和其他成分,並被歸類爲食品或原材料 與處方藥不同,我們的產品配方不受上市前監管部門的批准 在中國醫療方面的努力,我們的產品就是在這裏分銷的。我們的產品可能含有受污染的物質,還有一些 我們的產品中含有一些人類消費歷史並不長的成分。我們依靠出版的和未出版的 安全信息,包括對我們產品中使用的成分的臨床研究。這些研究包括“阿司匹林的安全性和毒性 水飛薊素,水飛薊提取物的主要成分:最新綜述“[可在https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.6361],獲得 《蘋果多酚提取物的毒理學和安全性》[可在https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278691504000493?via%3Dihub],上查閱 《關於雨生紅球藻等新資源食品的公告》(食品安全標準評價部 和檢驗,“2010年10月29日發佈的第17號][可在http://www.nhc.gov.cn/sps/s7891/201011/7957c2f1326c4990b5e67ce2d3ceb783.shtml?from=singlemessage&isappinstalled=0]獲得 (表明水蘇糖是一種安全的普通食品)和其他獨立研究機構的報告。此外,水蘇糖 是經衛生部中國批准用於普通食品生產的。然而,我們不進行或贊助臨床研究。 我們的產品。人類食用這些成分可能會發生以前未知的不良反應。作爲一名營銷人員 被消費者攝取或塗在他們身體上的飲食和營養補充劑和其他產品,我們可能會受到 對各種產品責任索賠,包括(一)產品含有污染物,(二)產品說明不充分 關於其用途,或(Iii)產品中關於副作用和與其他物質相互作用的警告不充分。它 廣泛的產品責任索賠可能會增加我們的成本,並對我們的收入和運營收入產生不利影響。
食品 有關我們產品原成分的安全法規可能會限制、抑制或推遲我們銷售產品的能力。
之前 2018年,國家食品藥品監督管理總局,或 CFDA,擁有監管權力來監督、管理和執行所有 有關中國食品工業經營的法律、法規和規章。機構改革後,CFDA 已廢除,相關監管機構已由國家市場監管總局接管 薩姆爾, 隸屬於國務院。
這個 在中國,食品行業受到廣泛的監管。中華人民共和國管理食品行業的法律法規主要包括 的《中華人民共和國食品安全法》(2009),上一次修訂是在2018年;中華人民共和國食品安全法實施條例(2009), 或《食品安全條例》,經2019年修訂;食品生產許可管理辦法(2010),或 這個《食物生產許可證規則》,經2020年修訂;以及食品經營許可管理辦法(2015), 或食物業牌照規則,經2017年修訂。在.之下《中華人民共和國食品安全法》以及《食品安全條例》, 食品生產經營者應當取得規定的食品生產許可證 接受當地政府機構的定期質量檢查和監督,其產品許可證可能被吊銷 不符合食品生產經營標準和要求的,食品生產企業應當建立和 落實食材檢驗驗收、生產過程安全管理、倉儲等食品安全管理制度 管理、設備管理和不合格的產品管理制度;預包裝食品的包裝應當貼上 各州的製造許可證序列號;以及其他一些東西。國務院對食品生產實行許可制度 和分配。根據《食物生產許可證規則》,在參與之前必須獲得食品生產許可證 在中國從事食品生產活動。這個食物業牌照規則要求食物業經營者取得食物業 各經營主體從事食品經營的許可證。我們已獲得所需的食品生產許可證和食品 相關產品的營業執照。爲了使我們的業務繼續下去,我們必須繼續遵守政府的所有檢查 和許可要求。如果我們的檢查不令人滿意,或者沒有遵守政府的安全法規 在所有方面,我們繼續運營和繼續銷售我們產品的能力可能會受到抑制或推遲。此外, 《食品生產許可證》和《食品經營許可證》有效期爲5年。我們一直在密切監測所有許可證的狀態 並在相關許可證到期前申請續展。未能續簽相關許可證和/或註冊可能 使我們受到罰款或制裁,這將對我們的生產產生負面影響。
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任何 我們的工廠或供應商的工廠的中斷可能會對我們的業務和運營業績產生重大不利影響。
目前, 我們的產品主要在位於中國的工廠生產。我們還依賴供應商生產原材料和零部件 本公司產品的然而,自然災害或其他意想不到的災難性事件,包括風暴、火災、爆炸、地震, 恐怖襲擊和戰爭,以及政府對我們的工廠或供應商工廠所在土地規劃的變化 位於可能會嚴重損害我們製造產品和運營業務的能力。災難性事件也可能 銷燬儲存在這些供應商工廠的庫存。任何災難性事件的發生都可能導致 製造設施暫時或長期關閉,並嚴重擾亂我們的業務運營。
在……裏面 此外,這些工廠還受到消防和環境檢查和法規的約束。截至本招股說明書發佈之日, 我們不能向您保證所有工廠都嚴格遵守消防和環境檢查法規。 根據我們所知。該設施未整改並通過消防、環境檢查或符合有關規定的 消防和環保要求有關的生產活動及時進行的,可處以罰款,凝聚力強 整頓、停產和關閉,這可能會對我們工廠的生產造成實質性的不利影響,進而可能影響 我們的生意。中華人民共和國有關環境保護的法律、法規和/或政府政策發生變化, 對公司施加更嚴格的要求,我們可能不得不產生額外的成本和費用來遵守這些要求,以及 我們的業務和經營結果可能會受到不利影響。此外,這些設施也受到健康和安全的限制。 中國政府當局爲確保健康安全的生產環境而實施的法律和法規。不遵守規定 由於現有和未來的健康和安全法律法規可能會使工廠受到金錢損害和罰款,擾亂 生產計劃,暫停運營,這反過來可能會對我們的業務運營產生實質性的不利影響。此外, 如果該設施的現場人員被懷疑患有傳染病,如新冠肺炎,該設施可以 受臨時關閉和檢疫要求的限制,這反過來可能對我們的業務運營造成重大不利影響。
此外, 這些工廠在現場使用了各種特殊設備,如鍋爐、壓力容器、壓力管道和電梯,這些工廠 涉及高度的安全風險。使用特種設備的經營者應當在特種設備使用前或者使用後30日內 已投入使用的,向特種設備安全監督管理部門辦理登記 並取得註冊證。經營者和有關管理人員不得從事相應的經營管理活動 直至通過一定的考覈,取得特種作業人員證書。截至招股說明書發佈之日,我們不能保證 您確保所有此類特殊設備已按法律要求向當地政府當局或所有運營商進行登記 相關管理人員已取得相關資質。如果不遵守這些規定,工廠可能會受到 責令在規定的時間內採取糾正行動、罰款和暫停運營,這反過來可能會造成重大損失 並對我們的業務運營造成不利影響。
此外, 我們的一些工廠位於租賃物業上。儘管此類租約到期後可以續訂,但我們續訂現有租約的能力 到期的租賃對我們的生產活動、運營和盈利能力至關重要。如果我們無法談判 相關租賃的續簽,我們可能會被迫搬遷我們的生產基地,更換或更換可能會困難且成本高昂 及時搬遷工廠和設備。我們尚未登記與我們的工廠和辦公室相關的租賃協議 根據中國法律要求與中國政府當局溝通,因此我們可能會被中國政府當局責令整改 此類不合規行爲,否則我們可能會被中國政府當局處以罰款。另請參閱「我們面臨相關風險 我們租賃的房產。」
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如果 我們或我們的供應商遭遇任何意外中斷,或者如果我們無法續簽當前的租約,我們的生產將 受到嚴重干擾,這可能反過來對我們的業務、財務狀況和運營業績產生重大不利影響。
我們 受到與我們租賃財產相關的風險。
我們 從第三方租賃某些房地產,主要用於我們在中國的生產設施和辦公室,以及此類租賃協議 這些房產尚未按照中國法律的要求向中國政府當局登記。雖然沒能做到 因此本身並不使租賃無效,中國政府當局可能會命令我們糾正此類不合規行爲,如果 此類不合規行爲如果不在一定時間內得到糾正,我們可能會受到中國政府當局處以的罰款,範圍包括 尚未向相關中國政府部門登記的每份租賃協議的租金爲人民幣1,000元至人民幣10,000元。
這個 有關出租人並未向我們提供租賃物業的擁有權證明或其他類似證明。因此, 我們不能向您保證這些出租人有權將相關的房地產出租給我們。出租人無權承租的 吾等的不動產及該等不動產的擁有人拒絕認可吾等與彼等之間的租賃協議。 對於出租人,我們可能無法根據各自的租賃協議向業主強制執行我們對該等物業的租賃權利。 截至本招股說明書日期,吾等並不知悉任何第三方就使用本公司的 在沒有獲得適當所有權證明的情況下租賃的財產。如果我們的租賃協議被第三方聲稱爲無效, 如果是這些租賃房產的真正所有者,我們可能會被要求騰出房產,在這種情況下,我們只能 根據相關租賃協議向出租人提出違反相關租賃協議的賠償要求。 我們不能向您保證,以商業上合理的條款隨時可以找到合適的替代地點,或者根本不能,如果我們 如果無法及時重新安置我們的軍官,我們的行動可能會中斷。
我們 可能無法保護我們的知識產權。
我們 依靠商標、公平交易、專利、著作權和商業祕密保護法相結合的中國。知識產權 在中國身上,保護可能是不夠的。因此,我們可能無法有效地保護我們的知識產權或 在中國執行我們的專利權。此外,監管任何未經授權使用我們的知識產權的行爲是困難和耗時的。 我們所採取的步驟可能不足以防止我們的知識產權被盜用。在發生以下情況時 我們訴諸訴訟來執行我們的知識產權,這樣的訴訟可能會導致巨額費用和轉移 我們的管理和財務資源。我們不能保證我們會在這樣的訴訟中獲勝。另外,我們的貿易 機密可能被泄露,或以其他方式向我們的競爭對手提供,或被競爭對手獨立發現。任何在保護方面的失敗 或強制執行我們的知識產權可能會對我們的業務、財務狀況和結果產生實質性的不利影響 行動。
不確定 中國法律體系可能會對我們產生不利影響。
的 中華人民共和國法律體系是以成文法爲基礎的民法體系。與普通法制度不同,民事訴訟中的先前法院判決 法律體系可以引用,但先例價值有限。
在……裏面 1979年,中華人民共和國政府開始頒佈全面管理經濟事務的法律法規體系。這個 過去40年的立法總體效果顯著地加強了對各種形式的外國公民的保護 對中國的投資。然而,中國並沒有制定一套完全完整的法律體系,最近制定的法律法規可能會 沒有充分涵蓋中國經濟活動的方方面面。特別是,這些法律的解釋和執行以及 監管涉及不確定性。由於中華人民共和國行政和法院當局在解釋和執行 根據法律規定和合同條款,可能很難評價行政和法院訴訟的結果以及 我們享有的法律保護水平。這些不確定性可能會影響我們對法律要求的相關性和我們的能力的判斷 強制執行我們的合同權利或侵權索賠。此外,監管方面的不確定性可能會被不當或輕率地利用。 採取法律行動或威脅,試圖從我們那裏獲取付款或利益。
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此外, 中華人民共和國法律體系部分基於政府政策和內部規則,其中一些沒有及時發佈或 根本沒有,並且可能具有追溯作用。因此,我們可能直到某個時候才意識到我們違反了任何這些政策和規則 違規後。此外,中國的任何行政和法院訴訟都可能曠日持久,從而導致巨額費用 以及資源和管理注意力的轉移。
你 在送達法律程序、執行外國判決或在中國對我們提起訴訟時可能會遇到困難 或根據外國法律在報告中點名的我們的管理層。
我們 我們是一家根據開曼群島法律註冊成立的公司,我們幾乎所有業務都在中國進行,並且 我們的所有資產均位於中國。此外,我們所有高級管理人員很大一部分居住在中國 當時,大多數是中國國民。因此,我們的股東可能難以向我們送達訴訟程序,或 中國境內的那些人。此外,中國沒有規定相互承認和執行判決的條約 與開曼群島等許多國家和地區的法院建立聯繫。因此,判決在中國的承認和執行 就任何不受約束性仲裁條款約束的任何事項向任何非中國司法管轄區的法院提起訴訟可能很困難 或者不可能。
股東 在美國常見的索賠,包括證券法集體訴訟和欺詐索賠,通常很難追究 從中國的法律或實踐角度來看。例如,在中國,獲取信息存在重大法律和其他障礙 中國境外股東調查或訴訟或針對外國實體的其他情況所需。條規定 177個 《中華人民共和國證券法》 2019年12月修訂,境外證券監管機構不得直接進行 在中華人民共和國領域內進行調查或取證活動。因此,未經主管中國同意 證券監管機構和有關部門、任何組織和個人不得提供與證券有關的文件和材料 向海外各方提供商業活動,必要時沒有留下獲取信息或進行調查的機制。
我們 可能依賴我們中國子公司支付的股息和其他股權分配來爲我們可能的任何現金和融資需求提供資金 對我們的中國子公司向我們付款的能力的任何限制都可能對我們產生重大不利影響 開展我們業務的能力。
我們 是一家開曼群島控股公司,我們主要依靠我們中國子公司的股息和其他股權分配 我們的現金需求,包括償還我們可能產生的任何債務。我們子公司分配股息的能力是基於 基於其可分配的收益。中國現行法規允許我們的中國子公司向其各自的股東支付股息 只能從其根據中國會計準則和法規確定的累計利潤(如有)中提取。此外,我們的 中國子公司及其子公司必須每年至少撥出其稅後利潤的10%,以資助法定的 儲備金,直至儲備金達到註冊資本的50%。這些儲備不能作爲現金股息分配。一家公司 法定盈餘公積金的總和超過其註冊資本的50%時,可以停止出資。 公司法定公積金應當用於彌補公司的虧損,擴大公司的經營和生產 公司或被轉換爲額外資本。受制於上述限制並由董事會酌情決定, 分配法定盈餘公積金後的累積利潤分別爲18,693,477元、18,703,996元及14,695,422元 分別截至2024年3月31日、2023年9月30日和2022年。如果我們的中國子公司未來代表自己發生債務, 管理債務的工具可能會限制其向我們支付股息或其他付款的能力。對能力的任何限制 我們的中國子公司向其股東分配股息或其他付款可能會對我們的能力造成實質性的不利影響 發展、進行可能對我們的業務有益的投資或收購、支付股息或以其他方式資助和實施我們的 公事。截至2024年9月30日,我們中國子公司及其子公司的法定盈餘公積金佔其 各自的註冊資本,從2%到41%不等,平均總計25%。
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至 應對2016年第四季度持續的資本外流和人民幣對美元的貶值,人民 中國銀行和國家外匯管理局在2008年實施了一系列資本管制措施。 隨後的幾個月,包括對總部位於中國的公司匯出外匯進行海外收購的審查程序更加嚴格。 支付股息和償還股東貸款。例如,關於進一步完善外匯管理體制改革的通知 優化真實性和合規性驗證,或安全通告3,於2017年1月26日發佈,規定 銀行辦理境內企業向境外股東的股利匯出業務時,應在 5萬美元,審查該境內企業的相關董事會決議、納稅申報表原件和經審計的財務報表 以真實交易本金爲基礎。中國政府可能會繼續加強其資本管制和我們的中國子公司 未來,股息和其他分配可能會受到更嚴格的審查。對我們中國子公司能力的任何限制 向我們支付股息或進行其他分配可能會對我們的增長、投資或收購能力造成實質性的不利影響 這可能會對我們的業務有利,支付股息,或者以其他方式爲我們的業務提供資金和開展業務。
在……裏面 此外,還包括《中華人民共和國企業所得稅法》及其實施細則規定,按10%的稅率徵收預扣稅將 適用於中國公司支付給非中國居民企業的股息,除非根據條約或安排減少 中華人民共和國中央政府與非中國居民企業納稅的其他國家或地區政府之間的協議。 根據《內地中國與香港特別行政區關於避免雙重徵稅的安排 以及對所得的逃稅,中國企業向香港企業支付股息的預提稅率 可從10%的標準稅率降至5%,其中包括香港企業直接持有至少25% 中國企業。在.之下國家稅務總局關於股利分配有關問題的通知 稅收協定條款,或衛星通告第81號,由國家稅務總局於2月2日發佈 2009年20月20日,香港居民企業必須符合以下條件,才能申請減扣 稅率:(一)必須是一家公司;(二)必須在中國境內直接擁有規定比例的股權和投票權 常駐企業;及(Iii)必須在12年內直接持有中國常駐企業所要求的百分比 在收到股息前幾個月。非居民企業不需事先徵得有關稅務機關批准 以享受減徵的預提稅金。相反,非居民企業及其扣繳義務人可以通過自我評估 並在確認符合享受稅收協定優惠的規定標準後,直接適用減少的預扣稅 進行納稅申報時,提交必要的表格和證明文件,並接受納稅後的審查 由有關稅務機關代爲辦理。因此,我們的香港子公司可能會受益於5%的預扣稅率 從我們的中國子公司獲得的股息,如果它滿足Sat通告81號,及其他 有關稅收規章制度。然而,如果有關稅務機關認爲我們的交易或安排是爲了 享受稅收優惠的首要目的,有關稅務機關可以在 未來。因此,不能保證減少的5%將適用於我們的香港子公司從我們的 中國子公司。這項預扣稅將減少我們可能從中國子公司獲得的股息金額。
的 我們控制非有形資產(包括印章和印章)的保管人或授權使用者可能無法履行其職責, 或挪用或濫用這些資產。
下 中國法律、企業交易的法律文件,包括協議和合同,均使用印章或印章簽署 簽署實體或經指定已在中國相關市場登記備案的法定代表人簽署 監管當局。
在……裏面 爲了確保印章和印章的使用,我們制定了使用印章和印章的內部控制程序和規則。 在任何情況下,印章和印章打算使用,負責人將提交申請,然後將 根據我們的內部控制程序和規則,由授權員工進行驗證和批准。此外,爲了 爲了維護我們印章的物理安全,我們通常將其存儲在只有授權員工才能進入的安全位置。 雖然我們會監察這類獲授權的僱員,但有關程序可能不足以防止所有濫用或疏忽的情況。 我們的員工存在濫用職權的風險,例如,通過簽訂未經我們批准的合同或尋求 來控制我們的一家子公司。如果任何員工獲取、濫用或挪用我們的印章和印章或其他控制 無論出於何種原因,我們的正常業務運營都可能受到干擾。我們可能不得不採取集體行動 或法律行動,這可能涉及大量的時間和資源來解決和轉移我們運營的管理。
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中國 對離岸控股公司向中國實體提供貸款和直接投資的監管以及政府對貨幣兌換的控制 可能會延遲或阻止我們使用任何證券發行的收益向我們提供貸款或做出額外的注資 向我們的中國子公司提供資金,這可能會對我們的流動性以及爲我們的業務提供資金和擴大業務的能力產生重大不利影響。
我們 是一家離岸控股公司,通過我們的中國子公司在中國開展業務。我們可能會向我們的中國子公司提供貸款 經政府當局批准並限制金額,或者我們可以向我們的 中國在中國的子公司。
任何 貸款給我們在中國的中國子公司,根據中國法律被視爲外商投資企業,受中國法規的約束 和外匯貸款登記。例如,我們借給我們在中國的中國子公司的貸款,爲他們的活動提供資金,不能超過 法定限額,必須向當地外匯局登記。此外,外商投資企業還應使用 在其經營範圍內按照真實、自用的原則出資。外商投資企業的資本金 不得用於下列用途:(一)直接或間接用於超出企業經營範圍的支付 或者法律、法規禁止支付的;(二)直接或者間接用於證券投資的 除有關法律、法規另有規定外,銀行本金擔保產品除外; 對非關聯企業的貸款,但營業執照明確允許的除外;(四)支付有關費用 購買非自用房地產(外商投資房地產企業除外)。
安全 發佈《國家外匯管理局關於改革結算管理辦法的通知》 2015年6月起施行的《關於外商投資企業資本金的通知》或《國家外匯局第19號通知》,取代《關於 關於完善外商投資外幣資本支付結算管理的操作問題 企業,國家外匯管理局關於加強管理有關問題的通知 《關於進一步明確和規範外匯管理有關問題的通知》 某些資本項目外匯業務。儘管外管局第19號通知允許人民幣資本從外幣計價 外商投資企業註冊資本用於中國內部股權投資,並重申了這一原則 外商投資企業外幣資本折算的人民幣,不得直接或者間接使用 用於超出其業務範圍的目的。因此,目前尚不清楚外管局是否會允許這些資本用於 中國在實際工作中的表現。外匯局發佈《國家外匯管理局關於改革規範工作的通知》 2016年6月9日起施行的《資本項目外匯結算管理政策》,即外匯局第16號通知,重申 外匯局第19號通知中的一些規定,但改變了禁止使用外幣計價的人民幣資本的禁令 外商投資公司註冊資本發放人民幣委託貸款,禁止使用該資本發放貸款 給非關聯企業。違反國家外匯管理局第19號通知和第16號通知的行爲可能會受到行政處罰。安全通函 19和外管局第16號通函可能會大大限制我們轉移我們持有的任何外幣的能力,包括從 向我們的中國子公司出售我們的證券,這可能會對我們的流動性以及我們爲我們提供資金和擴大 在中國做生意。
對 2019年10月23日,外匯局發佈《國家外匯管理局關於進一步促進跨境便利化的通知》 貿易與投資,即外管局第28號通知,於同一天生效。國家外匯管理局第28號通知在某些條件下允許 經營範圍不包括投資的外資企業或非投資性外資企業 利用其資本金在中國進行股權投資。由於外管局第28號文最近才發佈,其解釋和 實踐中的實施仍然存在很大的不確定性。
在 鑑於中國法規對離岸控股公司向中國實體提供貸款和直接投資的各種要求, 我們無法向您保證我們能夠完成必要的政府登記或獲得必要的政府批准 及時(如果有的話)就未來向我們中國子公司提供的貸款或我們向中國子公司提供的未來注資 在中國因此,我們在需要時向中國子公司及時提供財務支持的能力存在不確定性。如果 我們未能完成此類登記或獲得此類批准,我們無法使用我們可能從任何證券發行中收到的收益 並資本化或以其他方式資助我們的中國業務可能會受到負面影響,這可能會對我們的流動性產生重大不利影響 以及我們資助和擴大業務的能力。
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雖然 本招股說明書中包含的審計報告是由美國核數師出具的,如果後來確定的話,這些核數師目前正在接受PCAOb的檢查 PCAOb無法徹底檢查或調查我們的核數師,投資者將被剝奪此類檢查的好處 我們的普通股可能會被退市或禁止交易。
這個 本招股說明書中包含的截至2023年9月30日的年度審計報告由YCM CPA Inc.出具。(‘YCM“), 這是一家總部位於美國的會計師事務所,在PCAOB註冊,可以接受PCAOB的檢查。我們並不打算駁回 或聘用不設在美國且不受PCAOB定期檢查的任何核數師。作爲一名核數師 在美國證券交易委員會註冊並在美國上市的公司和在美國上市公司會計準則委員會註冊的公司,我們的核數師 根據美國法律,PCAOB必須接受定期檢查,以評估其是否遵守 美國和美國的專業標準。如果我們未來聘請不同的核數師,我們將聘請一名核數師 總部設在美國,並接受PCAOB的全面檢查,所有與我們財務報表審計有關的材料都可以 PCAOB。然而,不能保證公司未來聘用的任何核數師都會繼續接受PCAOB的全面檢查 在我們訂婚的整個期間。在這種情況下,我們將聘請一名新的合格和全面檢查的核數師,這可能會導致 在我們推遲或重申我們的財務報表。
根據 如果SEC確定發行人,則應遵守2020年12月頒佈的《控股外國公司責任法案》(「HFCAA」) 已提交由註冊會計師事務所出具的審計報告,該事務所已有三年未接受PCAOb檢查 自2021年起,美國證券交易委員會將連續禁止其證券在全國性證券交易所或在全國性證券交易所交易 美國的場外交易市場。2022年12月29日,拜登總統簽署綜合撥款 2023年法案,除其他外,修訂了HFCAA,將HFCAA的期限縮短爲連續兩年,而不是 連續三年
在……上面 2021年12月16日,PCAOB出具認定報告,發現PCAOB無法全面檢查或調查 註冊會計師事務所總部設在:(1)中國的中國或香港,因某一職位由一人或多人擔任 中國當局;及(2)香港是中華人民共和國的特別行政區和屬地,因爲一個人的立場 或更多的香港當局。2022年12月15日,PCAOB發佈了新的認定報告,其中:(1)騰出12月16日, 2021年確定報告;以及(2)得出結論,PCAOB已能夠在 2022年在中國。然而,2022年12月15日的確定報告警告說,中國當局可能隨時採取行動 這將阻止PCAOB繼續進行全面檢查或調查。根據HFCAA的要求,如果未來PCAOB 由於中國當局採取的立場而確定不再能夠完全檢查或調查,PCAOB將 迅速採取行動,考慮是否應該發佈新的決定。
應該 PCAOb無法對我們在中國的核數師工作試卷進行全面檢查,這將使評估工作變得困難 我們的核數師審計程序或股權控制程序的有效性。投資者可能會因此失去對我們的信心 報告的財務信息和程序或財務報表的質量,這將對我們和我們的證券產生不利影響。
波動 匯率可能會對我們的運營業績和您的投資價值產生重大不利影響。
的 人民幣兌美元和其他貨幣的價值可能會波動,並受到政治變化等因素的影響 中國的經濟狀況以及中國的外匯政策。2005年7月21日,中華人民共和國政府改變了十年之久的 人民幣與美元掛鉤政策,人民幣兌美元升值超過20% 接下來的三年。2008年7月至2010年6月期間,這種升值停止,人民幣與人民幣之間的匯率下降 美國美元保持在窄幅區間內。自2010年6月以來,人民幣兌美元匯率一直波動,有時幅度較大 而且是不可預測的。很難預測市場力量或中華人民共和國或美國政府政策可能如何影響兩國之間的匯率 未來的人民幣和美元。
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顯著 人民幣升值可能會對您的投資產生重大不利影響。例如,到了我們需要轉換的程度 美國我們從任何證券發行中獲得的美元用於我們的運營,人民幣兌美元升值 美元將對我們從兌換中獲得的人民幣金額產生不利影響。相反,如果我們決定皈依 將我們的人民幣兌換成美元,以支付我們普通股的股息或出於其他業務目的, 美元兌人民幣升值將對我們可用的美元金額產生負面影響。
非常 中國提供的對沖選擇有限,以減少我們面臨的匯率波動風險。迄今爲止,我們尚未達成 任何對沖交易,以減少我們面臨的外幣兌換風險。雖然我們可能會決定進行對沖 在未來的交易中,這些對沖的可用性和有效性可能會受到限制,我們可能無法充分對沖 我們的暴露或根本。此外,我們的貨幣兌換損失可能會因中國限制 我們將人民幣兌換成外幣的能力。
政府 對貨幣兌換的控制可能會限制我們有效利用收入的能力並影響您的投資價值。
這個 中國政府對人民幣兌換外幣實施管制,在某些情況下,還對人民幣匯款實施管制 貨幣走出中國。我們幾乎所有的收入都是以人民幣計價的。在我們目前的公司結構下,我們的開曼群島 控股公司主要依賴我們中國子公司的股息支付,爲我們可能有的任何現金和融資需求提供資金。 根據中國現行的外匯法規,經常項目的支付,包括利潤分配、利息支付 與貿易和服務有關的外匯交易,可以在未經外匯局批准的情況下以外幣進行。 遵守某些程序要求的。具體地說,在現有的外匯限制下,未經外匯局事先批准, 我們在中國的中國子公司的運營產生的現金可能用於向我們公司支付股息。然而,來自中國的批准 或人民幣兌換成外幣並匯出時,需向有關政府部門登記。 拿出中國支付償還外幣貸款等資金支出。因此,我們需要獲得 外管局批准使用我們中國子公司運營產生的現金以其他貨幣償還各自的債務 向中國以外的單位支付人民幣欠款,或者以人民幣以外的其他貨幣支付中國以外的其他資本支出。 中國政府未來可能會酌情限制經常帳戶交易使用外幣。如果 外匯管制制度阻止我們獲得足夠的外匯來滿足我們的外匯需求,我們 可能無法以外幣支付股息給我們的股東,包括我們普通股的持有者。
某些 中國的法規可能會使我們更難通過收購尋求增長。
其中 其他的事情,外國投資者併購境內企業規定,或併購規則, 由六個中國監管機構於2006年頒佈,並於2009年修訂,確立了額外的程序和要求,可以 使外國投資者的併購活動更加耗時和複雜。這個併購規則要求,其中 其他外國投資者取得控制權的控制權變更交易,應當事先通知商務部 對於中國境內企業,如果(一)涉及重要行業,(二)該交易涉及具有或可能具有 對國家經濟安全的影響,或(3)此類交易將導致國內企業控制權的變化, 擁有著名商標或中國老字號。此外,反壟斷法由中央人民政府常務委員會發布 2008年生效的NPC要求,被視爲集中的交易涉及特定營業額的當事人 門檻必須由商務部清理後方可完成。此外,生效的《中華人民共和國國家安全審查規則》 2011年9月要求外國投資者收購從事軍事相關或某些其他行業的中國公司 在完成任何此類收購之前,必須對對國家安全至關重要的資產進行安全審查。我們可能會追求潛力 對我們的業務和運營起補充作用的戰略性收購。遵守本條例的要求以 完成此類交易可能會很耗時,任何所需的審批流程,包括從 商務部可能會延遲或抑制我們完成此類交易的能力,這可能會影響我們擴大業務的能力或 保持我們的市場份額。
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中國 有關中國居民設立離岸特殊目的公司的法規可能會使我們的中國居民受益 所有者或我們的中國子公司承擔責任或罰款,限制我們向我們的中國子公司注入資本的能力,限制我們的中國子公司 有能力增加其註冊資本或向我們分配利潤,或可能對我們產生不利影響。
在 2014年7月,國家外匯局發佈《關於境內居民離岸外匯管理有關問題的通知》 通過特殊目的工具進行的投資融資和往返投資,或稱外管局第37號文,以取代《關於相關事項的通知》 境內居民離岸專項融資和往返投資外匯管理問題 目的工具,或國家外匯管理局第75號文,在國家外匯管理局第37號文發佈後停止生效。外管局第37號通知要求 中國居民(包括中國個人和中國法人實體)向國家外匯局當地分支機構登記 直接或間接的離岸投資活動。外管局第37號文適用於我們的中國居民股東,並且可能是 適用於我們未來進行的任何離岸收購。
下 安全通告第37號,控制或在外管局第37號通知實施前直接或間接控制的中華人民共和國居民 離岸特殊目的載體(SPV)的投資者將被要求向外匯局或其當地分支機構登記此類投資。這個 「管制」一詞安全通告第37號廣義上定義爲經營權、受益權或決策權 中國居民以收購、信託、代理、投票權、回購、可轉換債券或 其他安排。此外,作爲SPV直接或間接股東的任何中國居民都必須更新其備案 向外匯局當地分支機構登記該特殊目的機構,以反映任何重大變化。此外,該等公司的任何附屬公司 中國的特殊目的機構被要求敦促中國居民股東向外匯局當地分支機構更新他們的登記。如果有任何PRC 該特殊目的公司的股東未進行規定的登記或未更新先前登記的登記,其子公司 中國的特殊目的公司可以禁止分配其利潤或者減資、股權轉讓、清算的所得 對SPV,也可以禁止SPV向其在中國的子公司追加出資。在2月 2015年13日,外匯局發佈了《關於進一步簡化和完善直接投資外匯管理政策的通知, 或 安全通函13於2015年6月1日生效。下 安全通函13、外匯申請 外來外國直接投資和對外直接投資登記,包括安全 第37號通告,將在合格的銀行而不是外管局備案。符合條件的銀行將直接審查申請並 在外匯局的監督下接受登記。
這些 法規可能會對我們現在和未來的結構和投資產生重大影響。我們已經要求或打算採取一切 採取必要措施,要求我們的股東(據我們所知是中國居民)提出必要的申請、備案和 根據本規例的規定作出的修訂。然而,我們可能不會在任何時候都完全知道或被告知所有人的身份 我們的股東或實益擁有人被要求進行此類登記,而我們可能並不總是能夠迫使他們遵守 遵守所有相關的外匯法規。我們還打算以一種方式組織和執行我們未來的海外收購 與本條例和任何其他相關法律相一致。然而,因爲目前還不確定外管局的規定如何 未來有關離岸或跨境交易的任何立法都將由相關政府解釋和實施。 關於我們未來的離岸融資或收購,我們不能提供任何保證,我們將能夠 符合法規或其他法律所要求的、符合或獲得任何批准。此外,我們不能保證 貴公司的任何中國股東或我們所投資的任何中國公司將能夠遵守該等要求。 這些個人或實體未能或不能遵守外管局的規定,可能會對我們處以罰款或法律制裁, 例如對我們跨境投資活動的限制,或我們中國子公司向 從我們公司借來的外匯貸款,或阻止我們進行分配或支付股息。因此,我們的業務 運營和我們向您分發產品的能力可能會受到實質性的不利影響。
此外, 由於這些外匯管理規定還比較新,其解釋和實施也在不斷演變, 目前尚不清楚這些規定以及未來有關離岸或跨境交易的任何規定將如何解讀, 由有關政府主管部門修訂和實施。例如,我們可能會受到更嚴格的審查和批准 與我們的外匯活動有關的流程,如股息和外幣借款的匯款, 這可能會對我們的財務狀況和經營業績產生不利影響。此外,如果我們決定收購一家中國國內公司, 我們不能向您保證我們或該公司的所有人(視情況而定)能夠獲得必要的批准或完成 外匯管理條例規定的必要備案和登記。這可能會限制我們實現 收購戰略,並可能對我們的業務和前景產生不利影響。
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任何 未遵守中華人民共和國有關海外公開員工股票激勵計劃登記要求的規定 上市公司可能會對中國計劃參與者或我們處以罰款和其他法律或行政制裁。
根據 到 安全通告第37號,參與境外非上市公司股權激勵計劃的中國居民可提交 離岸特殊目的公司前向外匯局或其境內分支機構申請外匯登記 他們獲得激勵股或行使股票期權。與此同時,我們的董事、高管和其他員工 中國公民或非中國公民在中國連續居住一年以上,但不受限制 例外情況,以及已獲本公司授予獎勵股份獎勵的人士,可遵循國家外匯管理局的通知 關於境內個人參與股票激勵計劃外匯管理有關問題的交流 海外上市公司,或安全通告7,由外匯局於2012年發佈。根據《安全通告7, 在中國連續居住滿一年的中國公民和非中國公民參加任何股票 境外上市公司的激勵計劃,除少數例外情況外,必須通過境內機構向外匯局登記。 合格代理人,可以是該海外上市公司的中國子公司,並完成某些其他程序。此外, 必須聘請境外受託機構處理股票期權的行使或出售事宜,並 購買或出售股份和權益。由於我們是一家海外上市公司,根據安全通告7,我們的執行人員 在中國境內連續居住滿一年的中國公民或非中國公民的工作人員和其他僱員 年內及已獲授予期權的人士,將受本條例規限。未完成外匯局登記的可能會受到影響 對單位處以最高30萬元的罰款,對個人處以最高5萬元的罰款,並進行法律制裁,也可能限制我們的能力 向我們的中國子公司注入額外資本,並限制我們的中國子公司向我們分配股息的能力。
的 SAt已發佈有關員工購股權和限制性股份的某些通函。根據這些通知,我們的員工 在中國行使股票期權或被授予限制性股票的將繳納中國個人所得稅。我們的中國子公司 有義務向相關稅務機關提交與員工股票期權或限制性股票相關的文件並扣留 行使股票期權的員工的個人所得稅。如果我們的員工未能付款或我們未能扣留他們的工資 根據相關法律法規繳納所得稅,我們可能會面臨稅務機關或其他中國政府的制裁 當局
如果 就中國所得稅而言,我們被歸類爲中國居民企業,此類分類可能會導致不利的稅收後果 對我們和我們的非中國股東。
在……下面 這個《中華人民共和國企業所得稅法》及其實施細則,在中華人民共和國境外設立的企業具有 在中國境內的「管理機構」被視爲「居民企業」,將以企業收入爲準。 對其全球收入徵收25%的稅。實施細則「將」事實上的管理機構“定義爲主體。 對企業、生產、人員、賬目和財產實行全面和實質性的控制和全面管理 一個企業的。2009年,國家氣象局發佈了國家稅務總局關於認定有關問題的通知 中控境外註冊企業爲居民企業的現行組織標準 管理,或SAT通告82它提供了某些具體的標準來確定是否存在事實管理 一家在境外註冊成立的中國控股企業的「主體」位於中國。雖然本通告只適用於 由中國企業或中國企業集團控制的境外企業,而不是由中國個人或外國人控制的離岸企業 通知中提出的標準可反映SAT關於「事實上的管理機構」案文如何 應適用於確定所有離岸企業的納稅居民身份。根據SAT通告82,離岸 由中國企業或中國企業集團控制的註冊企業將因下列原因被視爲中國稅務居民 其「事實上的管理機構」設在中國,僅就其全球收入繳納中國企業所得稅 符合下列所有條件的:(一)高級管理部門和高級管理部門負責的地方 爲日常生產、經營和管理履行職責的企業主要位於境內 中華人民共和國;(2)與企業財務事項有關的決定(如借貸、融資和金融) 風險管理)和人力資源事項(如任命、解僱以及薪金和工資)的制定或有待批准 (三)企業的主要資產、會計賬簿和記錄、公司印章、 董事會和股東決議位於或維持在中國;及(Iv)至少50%有表決權的董事會成員或高級管理人員 慣常居住在中國。此外,國家氣象局還發布了國家稅務總局關於印發的公告 境外設立的中資控股居民企業所得稅管理辦法(試行) 2011年,提供了關於實施SAT通告82。本公告澄清了包括居民在內的事項 身份認定、崗位認定管理、主管稅務機關。2014年1月,Sat發佈了通報 國家稅務總局關於以實際標準確定居民企業有關問題的意見 管理機構,或SAT簡報9。根據SAT簡報9,一家由中國控制的離岸公司 符合下列條件的企業SAT通告82 要被承認爲中國納稅居民,必須 向主要投資者登記地的主管稅務機關申請被認定爲中國稅務居民 中國領土。
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我們 相信天美生物就中國稅務而言並非中國居民企業。見「法規-法規」 與稅收有關--企業所得稅。“但是,企業的納稅居民身份取決於以下方面的確定 關於「事實上的管理機構」一詞的解釋,中國稅務機關和不確定性依然存在。 如果中國稅務機關認定天美生物或我們的任何離岸子公司爲中國居民企業 就企業所得稅而言,本公司及我們的海外附屬公司將按其全球收入按 25%的稅率,這將大大減少我們的淨收入。此外,如果我們被視爲中國稅務居民企業,我們可以 被要求從我們支付給非居民企業股東的股息中預扣10%的預扣稅。此外, 非居民企業股東出售或以其他方式處置普通股實現的收益,可繳納中華人民共和國稅, 如果該收入被視爲來自中國境內。此外,如果我們被視爲中國居民企業,則應支付的股息 向我們的非中國個人股東出售普通股以及該等股東轉讓普通股所獲得的任何收益 中華人民共和國稅率爲20%,除非根據適用的稅收條約可獲得減稅稅率。目前尚不清楚非中國股東是否 天美生物的人將能夠要求享受其稅收居住國與中華人民共和國之間的任何稅收協定的好處 如果天美生物被視爲中國居民企業。
我們 可能會承擔未繳稅款的責任,包括利息和罰款。
在 在正常業務過程中,本公司可能會受到中國各稅務機關關於金額的質疑 應繳稅款。中華人民共和國稅務機關可能會認爲公司欠稅多於已繳納的稅款。公司記錄稅務負債 截至2024年3月31日250萬美元,主要包括應繳所得稅130萬美元和未繳增值稅120萬美元 (「增值稅」稅)。如果 中國當局確定我們需要支付利息和罰款,或者我們沒有支付正確的金額。在某種程度上我們 公司無法如期償還其稅務責任,或稅務機關評估的未繳稅務責任的利息和罰款 大大超出管理層的估計,我們的財務狀況和經營業績可能會受到負面影響。
我們 面臨非中國控股公司間接轉讓中國居民企業股權的不確定性。
在……上面 2015年2月3日,國家稅務總局發佈《國家稅務總局關於企業所得稅若干問題的公告》 關於非居民企業間接轉讓財產,或Sat公告7,於2015年2月3日生效,但 也將適用於其在中國的納稅處理尚未結束的情況。根據Sat公告7,一項間接的 轉讓中國資產,包括轉讓中國居民在非中國上市控股公司的股權 在下列情況下,非中國居民企業可以重新定性,並將其視爲基礎中國資產的直接轉移 這種安排沒有合理的商業目的,是爲了避免向中國企業付款而建立的 所得稅。因此,從這種間接轉讓中獲得的收益可能需要繳納中國企業所得稅,而受讓人或 其他有義務支付轉移費用的人有義務預扣適用的稅款,目前的稅率爲10% 中國居民企業股權轉讓。
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對 2017年10月17日,國家稅務總局發佈《國家稅務總局關於非居民預扣稅有關問題的公告》 源頭企業所得稅(SAt Bulletin 37),於2017年12月1日生效。SAt公告37進一步澄清 非居民企業所得稅預扣稅的做法和程序。
哪裏 非居民企業通過處置境外控股公司股權,間接轉讓中國境內應納稅資產, 非居民企業作爲轉讓方或者受讓方,或者股權轉讓的中國境內單位,可以間接申報 轉有關稅務機關辦理。根據「實質重於形式」的原則,中國稅務機關可以不理會 境外控股公司的存在,如果它缺乏合理的商業目的,並且設立的目的是減少, 避稅或遞延中國稅金。因此,從這種間接轉移中獲得的收益可能需要繳納中國企業所得稅,以及 受讓人或其他有義務支付轉讓款項的人有義務預扣適用的稅款,目前爲 中國居民企業股權轉讓的稅率爲10%。轉讓人和受讓人都可以受 如果受讓方未代扣代繳稅款,且受讓方未繳納稅款,將受到中國稅法的處罰。
我們 涉及中國應稅資產的某些過去和未來交易的報告和其他影響面臨不確定性。 如果我們的公司是此類交易的轉讓方,我們的公司可能會承擔備案義務或徵稅,並且我們可能會受到 如果我們公司是此類交易的轉讓人,則應承擔預扣稅義務,根據 SAT簡報7 和 SAT簡報37. 對於非中國居民企業投資者轉讓本公司股份,我們的中國子公司可能會被要求提供協助 在文件中 SAT簡報7 和 SAT簡報37.因此,我們可能需要花費寶貴的資源 遵守 SAT簡報7 和 SAT簡報37 或要求我們向其購買應稅資產的相關轉讓人 遵守這些通知,或確定我們的公司不應根據這些通知徵稅,這些通知可能具有重大意義 對我們的財務狀況和經營業績產生不利影響。
如果 我們的稅收優惠待遇和政府補貼被取消或不可用,或者如果我們的納稅義務的計算 如果被中國稅務機關成功質疑,我們可能會被要求支付超出稅收規定的稅款、利息和罰款。
這個 中國政府爲我們在中國的運營子公司提供了稅收優惠,包括降低企業所得稅稅率。爲 例如,在《中華人民共和國企業所得稅法》及其實施細則,法定企業所得稅稅率爲25%。 但是,被認定爲高新技術企業的企業,所得稅可以減至優惠 15%的稅率。根據中華人民共和國三大監管機構頒佈的《高新技術企業認定管理辦法》 包括SAT在內的機構,高新技術企業的資質有效期爲三年可續展。如果我們的運營 子公司未續展高新技術企業資質的,按法定企業所得稅率徵收 25%。此外,我們的運營子公司享受當地政府補貼。適用的企業所得稅稅率的任何提高 對我們在中國的子公司或我們在中國的經營子公司,或任何停產、追溯或未來的減少或退款 我們在中國的運營子公司目前享受的稅收優惠和地方政府補貼可能會對 影響我們的業務、財務狀況和經營結果。
此外, 在我們的日常業務過程中,我們受到複雜的所得稅和其他稅收法規的約束,需要做出重大判斷 在確定所得稅撥備時。儘管我們相信我們的稅收規定是合理的,但如果中國稅務機關 成功挑戰我們的地位,我們需要支付超過稅收規定、財務規定的稅款、利息和罰款 運營狀況和結果將受到重大不利影響。
我們 未能完全遵守中國勞動相關法律可能會使我們面臨潛在的處罰。
公司 在中國經營的企業必須參加市、省組織的強制性職工社會保障計劃 政府,包括養老保險、失業保險、生育保險、工傷保險、醫療保險 和住房公積金。中國的地方政府並沒有始終如一地實施這樣的計劃,因爲 不同地區的經濟發展水平不同,但一般都要求我們爲職工社保計劃繳費 按符合資格的全職員工的工資、獎金和某些津貼的特定百分比計算,最高限額爲 由當地政府不時指定。我們在財務報表中應計,但沒有爲社會做出全面貢獻 保險和住房公積金根據中國相關法律法規的要求,爲我們的合格全職員工提供保險和住房公積金。 截至本招股說明書日期,我們的子公司均未收到任何來自地方當局的通知或來自 這方面的員工。我們沒有全額繳納社會保險,沒有遵守適用的中華人民共和國與勞動有關的規定 有關住房公積金的法律可能會讓我們面臨拖欠還款的處罰和其他罰款或勞資糾紛,我們可能會被要求 彌補這些計劃的供款,這可能會對我們的財務狀況和運營結果產生不利影響。
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根據 根據適用的中華人民共和國法律法規,用人單位必須開立社會保險登記帳戶和住房養老金帳戶 併爲員工繳納社會保險和住房養老金。我們的中國子公司或其部分子公司尚未開設社交網絡 保險登記帳戶或住房養老金帳戶。我們可能會受到當地社會保險的處罰 有關部門和當地住房公積金管理中心未履行繳費義務 作爲僱主的社會保險和住房養老金。
我們 未能完全遵守中國建築相關法律可能會使我們面臨潛在的處罰。
我們的 中國子公司在陝西渭南租用了一家工廠,用作我們的渭南原材料和配料生產基地(見《歷史 和組織結構-物業、廠房和設備-渭南原材料和配料生產基地“)。 房東在未取得規劃許可、施工許可或前往的情況下,擅自修建了這個生產現場的一些建築 依照中華人民共和國法律法規辦理竣工備案、消防安全備案或者環境保護手續。 這種不遵守相關法律法規的行爲可能會使我們受到行政處罰,包括但不限於 繳納罰款,責令停止使用或者拆除此類建築物的。截至本招股說明書日期,我們的中國子公司及其 子公司沒有收到地方當局關於這類建築的任何通知或任何索賠。我們會催促房東 向當地政府申請相關許可,辦理相關手續或備案。
等 建築物大多用作倉庫。如果當地當局要求我們停止使用此類建築,我們將需要租用新的 倉庫,這可能會影響我們的正常運營並造成運營損失。但我們相信損失金額不會超過 公司銷售收入的3%。此外,該生產基地的租期將於2024年12月31日到期。在那個 屆時,我們可能不會續簽該生產基地的租約,並可能將生產轉移到新的生產基地。
風險 與我們的證券相關
的 我們普通股的交易價格可能會大幅波動,這可能會給投資者帶來重大損失。
我們 普通股在納斯達克資本市場上市,代碼爲「BON」。我們無法保證交易 我們普通股的價格不會下降。因此,我們證券的投資者可能會經歷收益顯着下降 其普通股的價值。
的 我們普通股的交易價格可能波動,並且可能因我們無法控制的因素而大幅波動。這可能是因爲 廣泛的市場和行業因素,包括其他有業務的公司的表現和市場價格波動 主要位於中國並已在美國上市的證券的業務。除了市場和行業因素外, 由於我們自身運營的特定因素,我們普通股的價格和交易量可能高度波動,包括 以下:
● | 變化 我們的收入、收益和現金流; | |
● | 公告 我們或我們的競爭對手的新投資、收購、戰略合作伙伴關係或合資企業; | |
● | 公告 我們或我們的競爭對手提供的新產品、解決方案和擴展; |
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● | 變化 證券分析師的財務估計; | |
● | 有害 關於我們、我們的服務或我們的行業的負面宣傳; | |
● | 添加 或關鍵人員離職; | |
● | 釋放 對我們的未償股權證券或出售額外股權證券的鎖定或其他轉讓限制;以及 | |
● | 潛在 訴訟或監管調查。 |
任何 這些因素中的一部分可能會導致我們普通股的交易量和價格發生巨大而突然的變化。
在 過去,上市公司的股東經常在期限後對這些公司提起證券集體訴訟 其證券市場價格不穩定。如果我們捲入集體訴訟,可能會轉移大量資金 我們管理層的注意力和業務和運營的其他資源,並要求我們承擔大量費用 爲訴訟辯護,這可能會損害我們的運營結果。任何此類集體訴訟,無論是否成功,都可能損害我們的利益 聲譽並限制我們未來籌集資金的能力。此外,如果對我們成功提出索賠,我們可能會 需要支付重大損害賠償,這可能會對我們的財務狀況和經營業績產生重大不利影響。
某些 現有股東對我們公司有重大影響力,他們的利益可能與我們其他股東的利益不一致 股東
我們 董事和高級職員總共擁有我們已發行普通股總投票權的13.56%。結果, 他們對我們的業務有着重大影響,包括重大的企業行動,例如合併、合併、銷售 我們的全部或幾乎全部資產、董事選舉和其他重大公司行動。
他們 可能採取不符合我們或我們其他股東最佳利益的行動。這種所有權集中可能會阻礙、推遲 或阻止我們公司控制權發生變化,這可能會剝奪我們的股東獲得溢價的機會 作爲我們公司出售的一部分,並可能會降低普通股的價格。即使是,也可能採取這些行動 遭到我們其他股東的反對。此外,股權的高度集中可能會對交易價格產生不利影響 由於投資者認爲可能存在或出現利益衝突而導致普通股的損失。更多地了解 我們的主要股東及其附屬實體,請參閱「主要股東」。
如果 證券或行業分析師不會發布有關我們業務的研究或報告,也不會對他們的建議做出不利改變 關於我們的普通股,我們的普通股的市場價格和交易量可能會下降。
的 我們普通股的交易市場將受到行業或證券分析師發佈的有關我們的研究或報告的影響 業務如果報道我們的一名或多名分析師下調我們的普通股評級,我們普通股的市場價格可能會下跌。 如果其中一名或多名分析師停止報道我們或未能定期發佈有關我們的報告,我們可能會在財務中失去知名度 市場,這反過來可能導致我們普通股的市場價格或交易量下降。
的 大量普通股的出售或可供出售可能會對其市場價格產生不利影響。
銷售 我們在公開市場上大量普通股,或者認爲可能發生這些出售,可能會產生不利影響 我們普通股的市場價格,並可能嚴重損害我們未來通過股票發行籌集資本的能力。 我們現有股東持有的普通股未來可能會在公開市場出售,但須遵守規則的限制 《證券法》第144條和第701條。我們無法預測我們所持證券的市場銷售有何影響(如果有的話) 股東或任何其他股東或這些證券可供未來出售的可用性將對我們普通股的市場價格產生影響 股
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因爲 我們預計不會在可預見的未來支付股息,您必須依靠我們普通股的價格上漲來獲得回報 你的投資。
我們 目前打算保留大部分(如果不是全部)可用資金和任何未來收益,以資助我們的發展和增長 業務因此,我們預計在可預見的未來不會支付任何現金股息。因此,你不應該依賴投資 作爲任何未來股息收入的來源。
我們 董事會對是否分配股息擁有完全的自由裁量權。即使我們的董事會決定宣佈和 支付股息、未來股息的時間、金額和形式(如果有的話)將取決於我們未來的經營結果和現金流, 我們的資本需求和盈餘、我們從子公司收到的分配金額(如果有)、我們的財務狀況, 合同限制和董事會認爲相關的其他因素。因此,您對我們的投資回報 普通股可能完全取決於普通股未來價格的上漲。不能保證我們的 普通股將升值,甚至維持您購買普通股的價格。你可能沒有意識到 您對我們普通股的投資回報,您甚至可能失去對我們普通股的全部投資。
你 在保護您的利益方面可能會面臨困難,並且您通過美國法院保護您權利的能力可能會受到限制,因爲 我們根據開曼群島法律註冊成立。
我們 是根據開曼群島法律註冊成立的豁免公司。我們的公司事務由我們的章程大綱和章程細則管理。 公司章程、開曼群島公司法(2020年修訂本)和開曼群島普通法。股東的權利 對開曼群島下的董事、小股東的訴訟以及董事對我們的受託責任採取行動 法律在很大程度上由開曼群島的普通法管轄。開曼群島的普通法部分源於 開曼群島和英格蘭普通法的司法先例相對有限,其法院的裁決 在開曼群島的一家法院具有說服力,但不具有約束力。我們股東和受託人的權利 我們董事在開曼群島法律下的職責沒有法規或司法先例所規定的那樣明確。 在美國的一些司法管轄區。特別是,開曼群島的證券法體系不如美國發達。 各州。美國的一些州,如特拉華州,比開曼群島擁有更完善的公司法機構和司法解釋 島嶼。此外,開曼群島公司可能沒有資格在聯邦法院提起股東派生訴訟。 美國。
股東 根據開曼群島法律,像我們這樣的開曼群島豁免公司沒有檢查公司記錄或獲取的一般權利 這些公司的股東名單副本。根據我們的公司章程,我們的董事有權決定是否 或不,以及在什麼情況下,我們的股東可能會檢查我們的公司記錄,但沒有義務提供它們 致我們的股東。這可能會使您更難獲得建立任何必要事實所需的信息 股東動議或就代理權競爭向其他股東征求代理權。
某些 我們的祖國開曼群島的公司治理實踐與公司的要求顯着不同 在美國等其他司法管轄區成立。在某種程度上,我們選擇遵循祖國有關 在公司治理問題上,我們的股東獲得的保護可能比規則和法規下的保護要少 適用於美國國內發行人。
作爲 由於上述原因,我們的公衆股東在採取行動時可能會更難保護自己的利益 管理層、董事會成員或控股股東比他們作爲註冊公司的公衆股東 在美國討論開曼群島公司法和開曼群島公司法條款之間的重大差異 適用於在美國註冊成立的公司及其股東的法律,請參閱「股本說明-差異 公司法。」
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一定的 我們股東獲得的對我們不利的判決可能無法強制執行。
我們 是一家開曼群島公司,我們幾乎所有資產都位於美國境外。基本上我們當前的所有 行動在中國進行。此外,我們所有現任董事和官員都是其他國家的國民和居民 比美國這些人的幾乎所有資產都位於美國境外。因此,它可能是 如果您在美國對我們或這些個人提起訴訟,您將很難或不可能對我們或這些個人提起訴訟 相信您的權利根據美國聯邦證券法或其他法律受到侵犯。即使您成功地將 此類訴訟,開曼群島和中國的法律可能會使您無法執行鍼對我們資產的判決,或 我們董事和高管的資產。有關開曼群島和中國相關法律的更多信息,請參閱「可執行性 民事責任。」
我們 是《交易法》規則含義內的外國私人發行人,因此我們不受某些條款的約束 適用於美國國內上市公司。
因爲 根據《交易法》,我們是外國私人發行人,我們不受證券規則和法規的某些條款的約束 在美國適用於美國國內發行人的,包括:(i)《交易法》要求提交的規則 SEC提交的10-Q表格季度報告或當前8-k表格報告;(ii)《交易法》中規範招攬的部分 根據《交易所法》註冊的證券的代理、同意或授權;(iii)交易所的部分 要求內部人士公開報告其股票所有權和交易活動以及從中獲利的內部人士的責任的法案 短時間內進行的交易;和(iv)《監管》規定的重大非公開信息發行人的選擇性披露規則 FD。
我們 必須在每個財年結束後的四個月內以表格20-F提交年度報告。此外,我們將繼續 通過新聞稿每季度發佈我們的業績,並根據納斯達克股票的規則和法規發佈 交易所與財務業績和重大事件相關的新聞稿也將以表格6-k的形式提交給SEC。但 與要求的信息相比,我們需要向SEC提交或提供的信息將不那麼廣泛、不及時 由美國國內發行人向SEC提交。因此,您可能無法獲得相同的保護或信息,而 如果您投資於美國國內發行人,則向您提供該信息。
作爲 作爲外國私人發行人,我們被允許並且將依賴納斯達克證券交易所某些公司治理的豁免 適用於美國國內發行人的標準。這可能會減少我們普通股持有人的保護。
我們 由於是外國私人發行人,因此豁免納斯達克證券交易所的某些公司治理要求。 我們需要簡要描述我們的公司治理實踐與企業治理實踐之間的重大差異 在納斯達克證券交易所上市的美國國內公司需要遵循的治理實踐。適用的標準 對我們來說與適用於美國國內發行人的標準有很大不同。例如,我們不需要:
● | 有 董事會的大多數成員是獨立的(儘管根據美國證券,審計委員會的所有成員都必須是獨立的 1934年《交易法》(經修訂)或《交易法》); | |
● | 有 完全由獨立董事組成的薪酬委員會或提名委員會或公司治理委員會; | |
● | 有 定期安排僅由獨立董事參加的高管會議;或 | |
● | 有 每年召開獨家獨立董事執行會議。 |
我們 已經依賴並打算繼續依賴其中一些豁免。因此,您可能無法獲得以下好處 納斯達克證券交易所的某些公司治理要求。
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如果 我們未能建立和維護適當的內部財務報告控制,以及我們編制準確財務報表的能力 或遵守適用法規可能會受到影響。
我們 管理層尚未完成對財務報告內部控制有效性的評估,並且我們的獨立 註冊會計師事務所尚未對我們的財務報告內部控制進行審計。審計過程中 截至2023年9月30日和2022年9月30日止年度的合併財務報表中,我們發現了幾個重大弱點 截至2023年9月30日,財務報告內部控制和其他控制缺陷。「物質弱點」 財務報告內部控制存在缺陷或缺陷組合,因此存在合理的可能性 不會及時防止或發現公司年度或中期財務報表的重大錯誤陳述 基礎
的 迄今爲止發現的重大弱點涉及缺乏具有適當知識的會計人員和資源 美國會計原則(「美國GAAP」)以及SEC報告和合規要求。
以下 識別重大弱點和控制缺陷後,我們採取了補救措施,包括(i)僱用更多合格的人員 具有相關美國GAAP和SEC報告經驗和資格的會計人員,以加強財務報告職能 並建立財務和系統控制框架;(ii)實施定期和持續的美國公認會計原則會計和財務報告 爲我們的會計和財務報告人員提供培訓計劃;及(iii)設立內部審計職能並參與 一家外部諮詢公司,協助我們評估薩班斯-奧克斯利法案合規要求並改進整體內部 控制
作爲 截至本招股說明書發佈之日,我們尚未完全解決上述弱點。然而,我們在實施方面取得了進展 補救措施,具體而言:
● | 我們 已於2020年底額外聘請了兩名中層財務人員,其中一名已在財務報告部門和 其他在內部控制部門。此外,我們於2023年4月17日任命Wallace Lee爲我們的首席財務官,他擁有豐富的財務經驗 以及在美國上市公司的稅務經驗,具有美國註冊會計師資格。 | |
● | 自.以來 2020年9月30日,我們的管理團隊,包括首席執行官胡永偉先生、首席財務官胡永偉先生。 華萊士·李和我們中國子公司及其在中國的子公司的其他管理團隊成員舉行了內部會議, 每月進行討論、培訓和研討會,以審查我們的財務報表和運營業績,並確定 改善我們的內部控制程序的領域。 | |
● | 我們 任命董事,成立審計委員會; | |
● | 在……裏面 2021年4月,我們聘請了均富(特別一般合夥企業)廈門分公司幫助我們建立我們的財務和系統 控制框架。均富已完成對我們現有財務和系統控制有效性的評估 並制定了擴大和加強控制和程序的實施方案。我們預計將全面完成 我們的財務和系統控制框架將於2024年12月31日之前完成。 |
我們 計劃於2024年12月31日之前全面實施上述措施。
這個 實施這些措施可能不能完全解決我們在財務報告內部控制方面的重大弱點,以及 我們不能得出結論,他們已經得到了完全的補救。我們未能糾正這些重大弱點或我們未能發現和 解決任何其他重大弱點可能會導致我們的財務報表不準確,也可能會削弱我們的合規能力 及時滿足適用的財務報告要求和相關的監管文件。因此,我們的業務、財務 經營狀況、經營結果和前景,以及我們普通股的交易價格,可能會對我們造成重大不利影響 受影響。此外,對財務報告的無效內部控制嚴重阻礙了我們防止欺詐的能力。此外, 一旦我們不再是《就業法案》中定義的「新興成長型公司」,我們的獨立註冊公衆 會計師事務所必須證明並報告我們的財務報告內部控制的有效性。我們的管理層可能會得出這樣的結論 我們對財務報告的內部控制是無效的。此外,即使我們的管理層得出結論,我們的內部控制 超額財務報告是有效的,我國獨立註冊會計師事務所在進行了自己的獨立測試後, 如果對我們的內部控制或我們的控制記錄的水平不滿意,可以出具合格的報告, 設計、操作或審查,或者它對相關要求的解釋與我們不同。另外,在我們成爲公衆之後, 作爲一家公司,我們的報告義務可能會給我們的管理、運營和財務資源及系統帶來巨大的壓力 在可預見的未來。我們可能無法及時完成評估測試和任何所需的補救措施。
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那裏 無法保證我們不會成爲一家被動外國投資公司(PFIC),就美國聯邦所得稅而言,用於任何應稅 這可能會對我們普通股的美國持有人產生不利的美國聯邦所得稅後果。
一個 在任何課稅年度,非美國公司將是被動外國投資公司,或稱PFIC,條件是:(1)至少佔其總收入的75% 該年度的收入包括某些類型的「被動」收入;或(2)至少佔其資產價值的50%(以 按資產的季度平均價值計算)可歸因於產生被動收入或被持有的資產 用於生產被動收入(「資產測試」)。根據我們目前和預期的收入和資產,我們目前不 預計在本課稅年度或可預見的未來成爲PFIC。然而,在這方面不能給予保證,因爲 我們是否是或將成爲PFIC的決定是每年進行的事實密集調查,這在一定程度上取決於, 根據我們的收入和資產的構成。我們普通股市場價格的波動可能會導致我們成爲PFIC 本課稅年度或以後課稅年度的資產價值,因爲在進行資產測試時,我們的資產價值可能會以參考方式厘定。 降至我們普通股的市價。我們的收入和資產的構成也可能受到我們的方式和速度的影響 利用我們的流動資產。
如果 我們將在美國持有人(定義見「稅收-美國聯邦」)的任何應稅年度成爲或成爲PFIC 所得稅考慮因素”)持有我們的普通股,某些不利的美國聯邦所得稅後果可能適用於此類 美國刀杆.請參閱「稅收-美國聯邦所得稅考慮-被動外國投資公司規則」。
風險 與我們的證券和本次發行相關
的 我們普通股的交易價格可能會大幅波動,這可能會給投資者帶來重大損失。
我們 普通股在納斯達克資本市場上市,代碼爲「BON」。我們無法保證交易 我們普通股的價格不會下降。因此,我們證券的投資者可能會經歷收益顯着下降 其普通股的價值。
的 我們普通股的交易價格可能波動,並且可能因我們無法控制的因素而大幅波動。這可能是因爲 廣泛的市場和行業因素,包括其他有業務的公司的表現和市場價格波動 主要位於中國並已在美國上市的證券的業務。除了市場和行業因素外, 由於我們自身運營的特定因素,我們普通股的價格和交易量可能高度波動,包括 以下:
● | 變化 我們的收入、收益和現金流; | |
● | 公告 我們或我們的競爭對手的新投資、收購、戰略合作伙伴關係或合資企業; | |
● | 公告 我們或我們的競爭對手提供的新產品、解決方案和擴展; | |
● | 變化 證券分析師的財務估計; | |
● | 有害 關於我們、我們的服務或我們的行業的負面宣傳; |
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● | 添加 或關鍵人員離職; | |
● | 釋放 對我們的未償股權證券或出售額外股權證券的鎖定或其他轉讓限制;以及 | |
● | 潛在 訴訟或監管調查。 |
任何 這些因素可能會導致我們股票的交易量和價格發生巨大和突然的變化。
在 過去,上市公司的股東經常在期限後對這些公司提起證券集體訴訟 其證券市場價格不穩定。如果我們捲入集體訴訟,可能會轉移大量資金 我們管理層的注意力和業務和運營的其他資源,並要求我們承擔大量費用 爲訴訟辯護,這可能會損害我們的運營結果。任何此類集體訴訟,無論是否成功,都可能損害我們的利益 聲譽並限制我們未來籌集資金的能力。此外,如果對我們成功提出索賠,我們可能會 需要支付重大損害賠償,這可能會對我們的財務狀況和經營業績產生重大不利影響。
某些 現有股東對我們公司有重大影響力,他們的利益可能與我們其他股東的利益不一致 股東
我們 董事和高級職員總共擁有我們已發行普通股總投票權的50.95%。結果, 他們對我們的業務有着重大影響,包括重大的企業行動,例如合併、合併、銷售 我們的全部或幾乎全部資產、董事選舉和其他重大公司行動。
他們 可能採取不符合我們或我們其他股東最佳利益的行動。這種所有權集中可能會阻礙、推遲 或阻止我們公司控制權發生變化,這可能會剝奪我們的股東獲得溢價的機會 作爲我們公司出售的一部分,並可能會降低普通股的價格。即使是,也可能採取這些行動 遭到我們其他股東的反對。此外,股權的高度集中可能會對交易價格產生不利影響 由於投資者認爲可能存在或出現利益衝突而導致普通股的損失。更多地了解 我們的主要股東及其附屬實體,請參閱「主要股東」。
如果 證券或行業分析師不會發布有關我們業務的研究或報告,也不會對他們的建議做出不利改變 關於我們的普通股,我們的普通股的市場價格和交易量可能會下降。
的 我們普通股的交易市場將受到行業或證券分析師發佈的有關我們的研究或報告的影響 業務如果報道我們的一名或多名分析師下調我們的普通股評級,我們普通股的市場價格可能會下跌。 如果其中一名或多名分析師停止報道我們或未能定期發佈有關我們的報告,我們可能會在財務中失去知名度 市場,這反過來可能導致我們普通股的市場價格或交易量下降。
的 大量普通股的出售或可供出售可能會對其市場價格產生不利影響。
銷售 我們在公開市場上大量普通股,或者認爲可能發生這些出售,可能會產生不利影響 我們普通股的市場價格,並可能嚴重損害我們未來通過股票發行籌集資本的能力。 我們現有股東持有的普通股未來可能會在公開市場出售,但須遵守規則的限制 《證券法》第144條和第701條。我們無法預測我們所持證券的市場銷售有何影響(如果有的話) 股東或任何其他股東或這些證券可供未來出售將對我們股份的市場價格產生影響。
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警示 關於前瞻性陳述和行業數據的註釋
這 招股說明書包含涉及風險和不確定因素的前瞻性陳述。我們使用諸如預期,相信,計劃, 預期、未來、打算和類似的表達將識別此類前瞻性陳述。實際結果可能大相徑庭。 來自我們的前瞻性陳述。我們的實際結果很可能與這些前瞻性報告中預期的結果大不相同。 由於許多原因,包括我們在本風險因素部分和本招股說明書其他地方所描述的我們面臨的風險。 本招股說明書還包含我們從各種政府和私人出版物獲得的某些數據和信息。統計 這些出版物中的數據還包括基於若干假設的預測。中國的營養補充劑和膳食補充劑 市場可能不會以市場數據預測的速度增長,或者根本不會。如果這個市場不能以預期的速度增長,可能會產生 對我們的業務和我們股票的市場價格產生重大和不利的影響。此外,營養成分的性質迅速變化 而膳食補充劑行業導致與增長前景相關的任何預測或估計都存在重大不確定性 或者我們市場的未來狀況。此外,如果市場數據背後的任何一個或多個假設後來被發現是 不正確的實際結果可能與基於這些假設的預測不同。你不應該過分依賴這些前瞻性的觀點 發言。
使用 收益的比例
因爲 此次發行是一次盡力而爲的發行,在自我承保的基礎上進行,不得出售最低數量的普通股 以便發行繼續進行。
我們 打算將淨收益用於以下用途:
● | 4.2美元 百萬用於銷售網絡擴張; | |
● | 8.3美元 研究與開發百萬美元; | |
● | 5.5美元 百萬用於產能擴張;以及 | |
● | 8.0美元 運營資金百萬美元。 |
我們 管理層將對本次發行淨收益的使用擁有廣泛的自由裁量權。
測定 關於報價
我們 目前預計發行價爲我們根據本招股說明書發行的每股普通股[ ]美元。
的 普通股的發行價格由董事會任意確定,與任何目標無關 價值標準。該價格與公司的資產、賬面價值、歷史收益或淨值沒有任何關係。 在確定發行價格時,董事會考慮了缺乏普通股近期交易價格等因素 股票、董事會對我們未來前景的看法、過去和預期的經營業績、目前的財務資源和 出售由此提供的普通股股份的可能性。因此,發行價格不應被視爲指示 公司或普通股的實際價值。
作爲 如上所述,您不應將發行價格視爲我們普通股價值的指示。您不應該假設或期望 發行後,我們的普通股在任何特定時間段內的交易價格將達到或高於發行價。的市場價格 我們的普通股可能會在發行期間或之後下跌,並且您可能無法出售在發行期間購買的普通股 以等於或高於發行價格的價格發行。
股息 政策
我們 尚未就我們的股票支付任何現金股息。作爲開曼群島公司,我們只能宣佈和支付股息,除非公司 破產或將因此破產,或者申報或付款將違反 我們的公司章程。股息只能從盈餘中宣佈和支付;但如果沒有盈餘,股息可以 從宣佈股息的財年和上一財年的淨利潤中宣佈或支付。我們目前 預計我們將保留任何可用資金來資助我們業務的增長和運營,並且我們預計不會付款 可預見的未來的任何現金股息。此外,我們在國外持有的現金可能會受到某些控制限制 或遣返要求,限制了我們使用這些現金支付股息的能力。
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市場 註冊人的普通股份及相關股東事宜
市場 信息
我們 普通股目前在納斯達克資本市場上市,代碼爲「BON」。我們普通的市場價格 由於我們的經營業績、市場總體趨勢和其他因素的變化,股票會出現大幅波動 因素,其中許多因素我們幾乎沒有或根本無法控制。此外,市場廣泛波動以及總體經濟、商業 和政治狀況,可能會對我們普通股的市場產生不利影響,無論我們的實際或預期業績如何。
持有人 記錄
作爲 截至2024年11月19日,共有3,970,558股已發行普通股,由約[ ] 記錄保持者。
對 2024年11月18日,我們普通股的收盤價爲1.41美元。
稀釋
如果 您在本次發行中購買了普通股,您的投資將被稀釋至您購買和 每股普通股的價格以及本次發行後我們普通股的有形淨賬面價值。
作爲 的[ ],我們的有形淨淨資產爲[ ]美元,對應於有形淨資產爲[ ] 每股普通股。有形淨資產代表我們的有形資產總額減去我們的總負債,不包括 無形資產和非控制性權益。
的 下表說明了本次發行中普通股對購買者的稀釋情況,假設爲100%、75%、50% 25%的發行股份以每股[ ]美元的價格出售。
100% | 75% | 50% | 25% | |||||||||||||
普通股每股公開發行價 | $ | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | |||||||||||
發行前有形淨資產 | $ | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | |||||||||||
發行後有形淨資產 | $ | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | |||||||||||
每股普通股增加 | $ | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | |||||||||||
對新投資者的每股普通股稀釋度 在這個提供 | $ | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] |
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管理層的 財務狀況和運營結果的討論和分析
關鍵 財務表現指標
在 在評估我們的財務業績時,我們考慮各種財務業績指標,包括淨收入的本金增長 和毛利潤,我們控制成本和運營費用以提高運營效率和淨利潤的能力。我們的審閱 這些指標有助於及時評估我們的業務績效以及有效溝通結果和關鍵決策, 使我們的企業能夠迅速響應競爭激烈的市場條件以及客戶的不同需求和偏好。 我們用於評估業務績效的關鍵指標如下所述,並在 「運營結果」:
淨 收入
我們 淨收入由客戶數量、銷量、售價和銷售產品組合的變化推動。我們的產品 出售時沒有退貨權,我們不向客戶提供其他積分或銷售激勵。
我們 向客戶銷售我們的產品分爲三大類:芳香化合物、健康補充粉飲料和生物活性劑 食品配料,佔截至2024年3月31日止六個月總收入的8.5%、20.9%和70.6%,分別爲48.1%、32.4% 佔截至2023年3月31日止六個月總收入的19.5%,佔年終總收入的48.5%、29.5%和22.0% 2023年9月30日,佔截至2022年9月30日止年度總收入的45.8%、23.9%和30.3%,佔50.0%、26.1% 和截至2021年9月30日止年度總收入的23.9%。
銷售 截至2024年3月31日止六個月,我們所有生物活性食品成分的產量與同期相比增加了2.4% 2023年,由於強勁的客戶需求和我們的銷售努力,以促進具有保護肝臟和健康功效的乳薊提取物的銷售 降低血糖。但我們的芳香化合物和保健補充粉飲料銷量下降了87.0%和52.0%, 分別由於客戶和市場需求下降。六個月內客戶總數分別爲81家和94家 截至2024年3月31日和2023年3月31日,受市場需求變化影響,同比下降13.8%。因此 其中產品結構變化、銷量變化、平均售價和匯率變化,我們的總收入下降 截至2024年3月31日止六個月與2023年同期相比增長了28.0%。
銷售額 我們所有產品,即香料化合物、保健補充粉飲料和生物活性食品配料的產量都有所增加 與2022年同期相比,截至2023年9月30日的年度分別增長43.8%、31.0%和110.7 客戶需求和擴大產品供應。然而,我們香料化合物和生物活性食品配料的平均售價 因此,截至2023年9月30日的年度與2022年同期相比分別下降了21.8%和63.3% 隨着原材料採購成本的增加和市場變化,我們調整了定價策略。客戶總數 截至2023年9月30日及2022年9月30日止年度的客戶分別爲126名及142名,因業務關係減少16%或11.3% 中國的環境。由於產品結構的這些變化、銷售量的變化、平均售價和交換的變化 除差餉外,截至2023年9月30日止年度的總收入較2022年同期下降1.3%。
銷售額 截至9月底止年度,我們的保健補充粉飲品及生物活性食品配料銷量分別增加1.0%及27.3% 2022年與2021年同期相比,由於客戶需求強勁和客戶數量增加。然而,銷售量 我們的香料減少了15.1%,原因是異常潮溼的天氣導致材料供應短缺,以及物流中斷 2022年初由新冠肺炎大流行死灰復燃引起。我們的芳香化合物、保健補充粉飲料的平均售價 與截至2022年9月30日的年度相比,生物活性食品成分分別增加了27.5%、7.0%和17.4% 2021年同期,由於我們調整了定價策略,以應對原材料採購成本和市場的增加 變化。截至2022年9月30日及2021年9月30日止年度,客戶總數分別爲142名及132名客戶增加 由於我們的營銷努力,下降了10%或9.1%。由於這些產品組合的變化,銷售量的變化,平均 銷售價格和客戶數量的變化,我們的總收入在截至2022年9月30日的一年中增長了17.3% 至2021年同期。
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毛 利潤
毛 利潤等於淨收入減去銷售成本。銷售商品成本主要包括庫存成本(原材料、勞動力、 包裝成本、折舊和攤銷、第三方產品採購價格、運費和管理費用)。一般銷售商品成本 隨着我們的生產成本的變化而變化,因爲這些受到原材料市場價格、勞動生產率、 以及客戶和產品組合的變化。我們的收入成本佔六個月總收入的70.9%和66.7% 分別截至2024年3月31日和2023年3月31日。收入成本佔本財年總收入的70.1%、68.5%和72.1% 分別爲2023年、2022年和2021年。
我們 截至2024年3月31日止六個月的毛利率爲29.1%,較截至2024年3月31日止六個月的毛利率33.3%下降4.2% 2023年3月31日,由於我們的銷量下降、產品結構發生變化以及成本較高的產品增加 根據市場變化調整銷售策略。
我們 截至2023年9月30日止年度的毛利率爲29.9%,較截至9月止年度的毛利率31.5%下降1.6% 2022年30日,由於產品結構發生變化,以及我們爲應對增長而調整定價策略導致售價上漲 原材料採購成本和市場變化。
我們 截至2022年9月30日止年度的毛利率爲31.5%,較截至9月止年度的毛利率27.9%增長3.6% 2021年30日,由於產品結構發生變化,以及我們爲應對增長而調整定價策略導致售價上漲 原材料採購成本和市場變化。
操作 費用
我們 運營費用包括銷售費用、一般和行政費用以及研發費用。
我們 銷售費用主要包括支付給銷售人員的工資和福利費用、增加的廣告費用 我們的品牌知名度、運輸廣告投放費用、商務旅行、餐飲和其他促銷費用 以及營銷活動相關費用。截至六個月,銷售費用佔總收入的1.0%和1.0% 分別爲2024年3月31日和2023年3月31日。截至目前,我們的銷售費用佔我們總收入的1.0%、0.7%和0.5% 分別爲2023年、2022年和2021年9月30日。我們預計銷售費用,包括但不限於工資和廣告 由於我們計劃加大營銷力度來獲得新客戶和推廣,因此在可預見的未來,費用將繼續增加 我們的銷售。
我們的 一般和行政費用主要包括員工工資、福利和保險費用、折舊、壞賬準備金。 費用、檢查和維修費、辦公用品和水電費、商務差旅和餐飲費、土地和財產 稅金和專業服務費。一般及行政開支分別佔本公司上半年收入的18.6%及10.4% 分別於2024年3月31日和2023年3月31日結束。一般及行政開支分別佔本年度收入的7.9%、7.5%及5.2% 分別於2023年9月30日、2022年9月30日和2021年9月30日結束。我們預計我們的一般和行政費用,包括,但不限於 在可預見的將來,工資和商業諮詢費將繼續增加,因爲我們計劃招聘更多的人員 併產生與擴大我們的業務運營相關的額外費用。我們希望我們的法律專業費用, 自2021年7月以來,隨着我們成爲上市公司,審計和諮詢服務將增加。
我們 研發費用主要包括支付給參與 研發活動、開發和測試我們新產品時使用的材料和用品、折舊和 其他雜項費用。截至3月31日的六個月,研發費用分別佔我們收入的8.7%和0.9%, 分別爲2024年和2023年。截至9月份的年度,研發費用分別佔我們收入的1.0%、1.4%和1.0% 分別爲2023年、2022年和2021年。我們預計我們的研究和開發費用,包括但不限於工資和材料 由於我們計劃開發新產品並改進生產工藝,因此在可預見的未來,費用將繼續增加。
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比較 截至2024年和2023年3月31日止六個月的中期財務業績
的 下表總結了截至2024年3月31日和2023年3月31日的六個月內我們的運營結果,並提供了 有關這些時期美元和百分比增加或(減少)的信息。
截至3月31日的6個月, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2024 | 2023 | 方差 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
量 | 佔收入的百分比 | 量 | 佔收入的百分比 | 量 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
收入 | 10,183,553 | 100.0 | % | 14,149,967 | 100.0 | % | (3,966,414 | ) | (28.0 | )% | ||||||||||||||
收入成本 | (7,215,116 | ) | (70.9 | )% | (9,432,619 | ) | (66.7 | )% | (2,217,503 | ) | (23.5 | )% | ||||||||||||
毛利 | 2,968,437 | 29.1 | % | 4,717,348 | 33.3 | % | (1,748,911 | ) | (37.1 | )% | ||||||||||||||
運營費用 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
銷售費用 | (103,096 | ) | (1.0 | )% | (136,164 | ) | (1.0 | )% | (33,068 | ) | (24.3 | )% | ||||||||||||
一般及行政開支 | (1,890,452 | ) | (18.6 | )% | (1,465,955 | ) | (10.4 | )% | 424,497 | 29.0 | % | |||||||||||||
研發費用 | (890,384 | ) | (8.7 | )% | (129,995 | ) | (0.9 | )% | (760,389 | ) | 584.9 | % | ||||||||||||
總運營支出 | (2,883,932 | ) | (28.3 | )% | (1,732,114 | ) | (12.3 | )% | 1,151,818 | 66.5 | % | |||||||||||||
營業收入(虧損) | 84,505 | 0.8 | % | 2,985,234 | 21.0 | % | (2,900,729 | ) | (97.2 | )% | ||||||||||||||
其他收入(費用) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
利息支出,淨額 | (143,586 | ) | (1.4 | )% | (169,825 | ) | (1.2 | )% | (26,239 | ) | (15.5 | )% | ||||||||||||
其他收入(支出),淨額 | 108,017 | 1.1 | % | (202,676 | ) | (1.4 | )% | 249,786 | 123.2 | % | ||||||||||||||
其他費用合計(淨額) | (35,569 | ) | (0.3 | )% | (372,501 | ) | (2.6 | )% | (276,025 | ) | (74.1 | )% | ||||||||||||
所得稅前收入撥備 | 48,936 | 0.5 | % | 2,612,733 | 18.4 | % | (2,563,797 | ) | (98.1 | )% | ||||||||||||||
所得稅撥備 | (90,734 | ) | (0.9 | )% | (510,077 | ) | (3.6 | )% | (419,343 | ) | (82.2 | )% | ||||||||||||
淨(虧損)收益 | (41,798 | ) | (0.4 | )% | 2,102,656 | 14.8 | % | (2,144,454 | ) | (102.0 | )% |
收入
我們 目前爲客戶生產三大產品類別的產品:芳香化合物、健康補充劑(粉末 飲料)和生物活性食品成分。
總計 截至2024年3月31日的6個月,收入爲10,183,553美元,與14,149,967美元相比,減少了3,966,414美元,降幅約爲28.0% 在2023年同期。具體而言,收入減少的主要原因是:(I)銷售量總體減少 由於消費者和市場的下降,香精和保健粉飲料的銷量分別下降了87.0%和52.0% 需求;(Ii)在截至2024年和2023年3月31日的六個月內,我們分別向81和94名客戶銷售了我們的產品,相當於 下降13.8%。在採購訂單規模方面,我們客戶的平均採購訂單從大約 截至2023年3月31日的6個月每個客戶150,000美元至截至3月31日的6個月每個客戶約126,000美元, 2024年。截至2024年3月31日止六個月,兩家客戶分別佔公司總收入的58.2%及20.0%。 截至2023年3月31日止六個月,三家客戶分別佔公司總收入的43.3%、32.9%及14.2%; (三)人民幣兌換美元的平均匯率發生變化時,外幣波動產生的3.3%負面影響被抵消 從截至2023年3月31日的6個月的1美元到6.9761元人民幣,到2024年同期的1美元到7.2064元人民幣。
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的 下表總結了所示期間按類別分類的收入細目。
收入 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
截至3月31日的6個月, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2024 | 2023 | 變化 | 變化 | |||||||||||||||||||||
量 | % | 量 | % | 量 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
香料化合物 | $ | 866,192 | 8.5 | % | $ | 6,810,374 | 48.1 | % | $ | (5,944,182 | ) | (87.3 | )% | |||||||||||
健康補充劑(粉末飲料) | 2,126,147 | 20.9 | % | 4,583,272 | 32.4 | % | (2,457,125 | ) | (53.6 | )% | ||||||||||||||
生物活性食品成分 | 7,192,214 | 70.6 | % | 2,756,321 | 19.5 | % | 4,434,893 | 160.9 | % | |||||||||||||||
總收入 | $ | 10,183,553 | 100.0 | % | $ | 14,149,967 | 100.0 | % | $ | (3,966,414 | ) | (28.0 | )% |
收入 來自我們的芳香化合物產品的銷售
我們 芳香化合物產品主要包括從植物中提取的天然化合物,用於化妝品應用,例如紅丁香 和安布羅克特,一種可持續的龍鬚草替代品(抹香鯨的分泌物)。
收入 截至2024年3月31日止六個月,我們的芳香化合物產品的銷售額下降了87.3%,即5,944,182美元至866,192美元 2023年同期爲6,810,374美元。這一下降歸因於以下原因:(i)銷量從20,093下降87.0% 截至2023年3月31日止六個月的銷量從2024年同期的2,604公斤,主要原因是下降 市場需求以及我們的銷售策略戰略戰略轉變,專注於我們的生物活性食品成分部門;和(ii)3.3%的負增長 年,人民幣兌換成美元的平均匯率從1美元變爲6.976人民幣時,外幣波動的影響 截至2023年3月31日的六個月爲2024年同期1美元兌7.2064林吉特。
收入 來自我們的保健品(粉末飲料)產品的銷售
我們 健康補充劑(粉末飲料)產品主要包括益生元系列,具有腸道更新和益生菌等益處 加速擴散。
收入 截至3月份的六個月,保健補充劑(粉末飲料)產品銷售額下降了53.6%,即2,457,125美元,至2,126,147美元 2024年31日,2023年同期爲4,583,272美元。這一下降歸因於以下原因:(i)銷售額下降52.0% 銷量從截至2023年3月31日止六個月的195,035箱增加到2024年同期的93,569箱,主要是由於 市場需求下降;和(ii)當採用平均匯率時,外幣波動產生3.3%的負面影響 將林吉特兌換成美元從截至2023年3月31日止六個月的1美元兌換6.976林吉特更改爲同期的1美元兌換7.2064林吉特 2024年。
收入 來自我們的生物活性食品成分產品的銷售
我們 生物活性食品成分產品主要包括濃縮果汁和提取物,具有多種無法實現的健康益處 充分來源於日常飲食攝入,例如水果濃縮物、蘋果多酚,富含抗氧化劑並源自 蘋果、薊提取物具有保護肝臟和降低血糖的功效,以及根皮素(一種可使皮膚變色的抗氧化劑 從蘋果、梨和其他水果的葉子和根中提取的效果。
收入 截至3月31日的六個月,我們的生物活性食品成分產品的銷售額增長了160.9%,即4,434,893美元,達到7,191,214美元, 2024年,2023年同期爲2,756,321美元。增長主要歸因於以下原因:(i)銷售額增長2.4% 由於客戶強勁,產量從截至2023年3月31日的六個月的55,104公斤增加到2024年同期的56,444公斤 需求和我們的銷售努力促進具有保護肝臟和降低血糖益處的乳薊提取物的銷售;(ii) 當將人民幣兌換成人民幣時,外幣波動帶來3.3%的負面影響抵消了這一增長 截至2023年3月31日止六個月,美元匯率從1美元兌6.976林吉特變爲2024年同期的1美元兌7.2064林吉特。
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成本 收入
我們 收入成本主要包括庫存成本(原材料、勞動力、包裝成本、折舊和攤銷、運費 成本和管理費用)和營業稅。收入成本通常會隨着我們的生產成本的變化而變化,這受因素的影響 包括原材料的市場價格或勞動生產率,以及客戶和產品結構的變化。
我們 截至2024年3月31日止六個月的收入成本從同期的9,432,619美元減少2,217,503美元或23.5%至7,215,116美元 2023年。收入成本下降主要歸因於以下原因:(i)芳香化合物產品的銷量 和健康補充粉飲料截至2024年3月31日止六個月分別下降87.0%和52.0% 2023年同期,由於市場需求下降,以及我們努力推動具有效益的乳薊提取物的銷售 保護肝臟,導致生物活性食品成分的銷量增加;和(ii)來自外國的3.3%負面影響 截至六個月,將人民幣兌換成美元的平均匯率從1美元變爲6.976人民幣時的貨幣波動 2023年3月31日至2024年同期爲1美元兌7.2064林吉特。
截至3月31日的6個月, | ||||||||||||||||
2024 | 2023 | 變化 | ||||||||||||||
量 | 量 | 量 | % | |||||||||||||
收入成本-芳香化合物產品 | $ | 607,500 | 4,785,695 | $ | (4,178,195 | ) | (87.3 | )% | ||||||||
收入成本-健康補充劑(粉末飲料) | 1,471,617 | 3,168,714 | (1,697,097 | ) | (53.6 | )% | ||||||||||
收入成本-生物活性食品成分 | 5,135,999 | 1,478,210 | (3,657,789 | ) | 247.4 | % | ||||||||||
收入總成本 | $ | 7,215,116 | 9,432,619 | $ | (2,217,503 | ) | (23.5 | )% |
成本 銷售芳香化合物產品的收入
的 87.3我們的芳香化合物產品的收入成本下降%,從截至2023年3月31日的六個月的4,785,695美元降至607,500美元 2024年同期主要原因:(i)銷量較20,093公斤下降87.3% 截至2023年3月31日止六個月銷量爲2024年同期的2,604公斤,主要原因是市場下滑 需求和銷售策略的戰略轉變,專注於生物活性食品成分部門;和(ii)加權下降2.0% 平均單位成本從截至2023年3月31日的六個月的238.2美元增至2024年同期的233.3美元。
成本 我們的保健品(粉末飲料)產品銷售收入
的 我們的健康補充劑(粉末飲料)產品的收入成本從截至3月31日的六個月的3,168,714美元下降了53.6%, 2023年至2024年同期的1,471,617美元主要歸因於以下原因:(i)銷量較2024年同期下降52.0% 截至2023年3月31日的六個月內售出195,035箱,至2024年同期售出93,569箱,主要原因是下降 市場需求;及(ii)該產品類別的加權平均單位成本較截至六個月的16.3美元下降3.2% 2023年3月31日至2024年同期的15.7美元。
成本 銷售生物活性食品成分產品的收入
的 截至2023年3月31日止六個月,我們生物活性食品成分產品的收入成本從1,478,210美元增加247.4% 2024年同期增至5,135,999美元,主要歸因於以下原因:(i)加權平均單位增加15.2% 受此變化影響,原材料採購價格上漲,導致我們的生物活性成分產品成本 截至2024年3月31日止六個月的產品結構;及(ii)六個月銷量從55,104公斤增長2.4% 由於強勁的客戶需求和我們爲促進銷售所做的銷售努力,截至2023年3月31日,2024年同期的產量達到56,444公斤 乳薊提取物具有保護肝臟和降低血糖的作用。
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毛 利潤
截至3月31日的6個月, | ||||||||||||||||
2024 | 2023 | 變化 | ||||||||||||||
量 | 量 | 量 | % | |||||||||||||
毛利潤-芳香化合物產品 | $ | 258,692 | $ | 2,024,679 | $ | (1,765,987 | ) | (87.2 | )% | |||||||
毛利潤-健康補充劑(粉末飲料) | 654,530 | 1,414,558 | (760,028 | ) | (53.7 | )% | ||||||||||
毛利潤-生物活性食品成分 | 2,055,215 | 1,278,111 | 777,104 | 60.8 | % | |||||||||||
毛利總額 | $ | 2,968,437 | $ | 4,717,348 | $ | (1,748,911 | ) | (37.1 | )% | |||||||
毛利率 | 29.1 | % | 33.3 | % | (4.2 | )% |
我們的 在截至2024年3月31日的6個月中,毛利潤下降了1,748,911美元,降幅爲37.1%,從同期的4,717,348美元降至2,968,437美元 2023年的。我們的毛利率也從截至2023年3月31日的6個月的33.3%下降到2024年同期的29.1%,降幅爲4.2%。 毛利減少的主要原因是:(I)由於市場下跌,所有產品的銷售量整體下降1.9% 如上所述的需求和銷售策略的變化;(Ii)總成本下降23.5%,原因是我們的銷售額從 成本產品;以及(Iii)在將人民幣兌換成 美元在截至2023年3月31日的6個月中從1美元兌6.976元人民幣,到2024年同期的1美元兌7.2064元人民幣。
毛 我們的芳香化合物產品的銷售利潤
毛收入 在截至2023年3月31日的6個月內,我們香水化合物產品的利潤下降了1,765,987美元,降幅爲87.2%,從2,024,679美元下降到 2024年同期爲258,692美元。減少的主要原因是:(I)銷售量從20,093公斤下降了87.0% 截至2023年3月31日的6個月售出至上述2024年同期售出的2604公斤;(Ii)下降2.0% 加權平均單位成本由截至2023年3月31日的6個月的238.2元增至2024年同期的233.3元;及 3.3%人民幣兌美元平均匯率從1美元變爲1美元時外幣波動帶來的負面影響 2023年3月31日止六個月人民幣6.976元至2024年同期1至7.2064元人民幣。 對於我們的香水化合物產品,從截至2023年3月31日的6個月的29.7%保持相對不變,到2023年3月31日的29.9% 2024年期間。
毛 我們的保健品(粉末飲料)產品銷售利潤
毛收入 我們的保健品(粉狀飲料)產品的利潤從截至3月的6個月的1,414,558美元下降了760,028美元或53.7% 2023年同期爲654,530美元。減少的主要原因是:(I)銷售量減少52.0% 從截至2023年3月31日的6個月內售出的195,035箱,到2024年同期的93,569箱,如上所述;(2) 該產品類別的加權平均單位成本下降3.2%;及(Iii)外幣波動帶來3.3%的負面影響 在截至2023年3月31日的6個月中,用於將人民幣兌換成美元的平均匯率從1美元兌6.976元人民幣變爲1美元 到2024年同期的7.2064元人民幣。
毛 銷售我們的生物活性食品成分產品的利潤
毛收入 我們生物活性食品配料產品的利潤從截至2023年3月31日的6個月的1,278,111美元增加了777,104美元或60.8%, 2024年同期爲2,055,215美元。這一增長主要是由於:(I)銷售量從55,104公斤增加了2.4% 在截至2023年3月31日的6個月中,2024年同期爲56,444公斤,如上所述;(2)3.3%的負面影響 從六年來人民幣兌換美元的平均匯率從1美元變化到6.976元人民幣的外幣波動 截至2023年3月31日的3個月,2024年同期爲1美元至7.2064元人民幣;及(3)增加15.2%抵銷 我們的生物活性成分產品的加權平均單位成本因購買價格的提高而受到 產品組合。
45 |
賣 費用
截至3月31日的6個月, | 變化 | |||||||||||||||
(美元,百分比除外) | 2024 | 2023 | 量 | % | ||||||||||||
銷售費用 | 103,096 | 136,164 | $ | (33,068 | ) | (24.3 | )% | |||||||||
佔收入的百分比 | 1.0 | % | 1.0 | % |
賣 支出從截至2023年3月31日的6個月的136,164美元減少到2024年同期的103,096美元,減少了33,068美元,降幅爲24.3%。 減少的主要原因是:(1)工作人員薪金總額減少21.6%,從截至2023年3月31日的6個月的57,305美元降至44,944美元 至2024年同期,由於我們減少了銷售工作,並在截至3月的6個月中將員工人數從11人減少 與2024年同期相比:(2)運輸和裝卸費用從6個月的42,491美元下降了62.4% 截至2023年3月31日,與2024年同期相比,我們的銷售額下降到15,965美元。
一般 及行政開支
截至3月31日的6個月, | 變化 | |||||||||||||||
(美元,百分比除外) | 2024 | 2023 | 量 | % | ||||||||||||
一般和行政費用 | $ | 1,890,452 | 1,465,955 | 424,497 | 29.0 | % | ||||||||||
佔收入的百分比 | 18.6 | % | 10.4 | % |
一般信息 行政費用從截至2023年3月31日的6個月的1,465,955美元增加到2023年3月31日的1,890,452美元,增加了424,497美元,增幅爲29.0% 2024年同期,主要原因是:(1)專業服務和諮詢費增加59.6%,即485 534美元,增至1 300 608美元 在截至2024年3月31日的6個月內,從2023年同期的815,074美元增加;及(2)增加的款額被 與2024年同期相比,工作人員薪金總額從2023年3月31日終了六個月的297 624美元增加到220 236美元。
研究 和開發(「R & D」)費用
截至3月31日的6個月, | 變化 | |||||||||||||||
(美元,百分比除外) | 2024 | 2023 | 量 | % | ||||||||||||
研究和開發費用 | $ | 890,384 | $ | 129,995 | $ | 760,389 | 584.9 | % | ||||||||
佔收入的百分比 | 8.7 | % | 0.9 | % |
研究 開發費用增加了760,389美元,約爲584.9%,從截至2023年3月31日的6個月的129,995美元增加到890,384美元 在2024年同期。增加的主要原因是:(1)工作人員薪金總額從6個月的52,585美元增加了33.1%,即17,428美元 截至2023年3月31日;及(Ii)外包研發活動增加1,643.0%,即743,619美元 從截至2023年3月31日的6個月的45,260美元增加到2024年同期的788,879美元。漲幅 在員工工資總額和外包研發活動主要歸因於我們的努力,投資於新產品的研究。這個 研發材料和檢查費的減少抵消了增加的影響,研發材料和檢查費減少了92.5%,即減少了21,584美元,低於 截至2023年3月31日的6個月至2024年同期的1,757美元,主要歸因於我們將研發計劃從內部開發更改爲 爲了外包。
46 |
其他 收入(費用)
其他 收入(費用)主要包括銀行存款產生的利息收入、從銀行借款產生的利息費用 各類銀行和金融機構、政府補貼收入、租金收入、技術轉讓收入、未實現對外 出口銷售產生的貨幣兌換收益以及短期投資的投資收益。
For the six months ended March 31, | Change | |||||||||||||||
(in US dollars, except percentage) | 2024 | 2023 | Amount | % | ||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | (143,586 | ) | (169,825 | ) | (26,239 | ) | (15.5 | )% | ||||||||
Foreign currency exchange (loss) gain | (2,747 | ) | 8,452 | (11,199 | ) | (132.5 | )% | |||||||||
Other income, net | ||||||||||||||||
-Government grants | 61,081 | 11,916 | 49,165 | 412.6 | % | |||||||||||
- Other income (expenses) | 49,683 | (223,043 | ) | 272,726 | 122.3 | % |
Interest expense, net, decreased by $26,239 or approximately 15.5% in the six months ended March 31, 2024 as compared to 2023. The decrease was mainly attributable to decreased average loan balances in long-term loan that we carried during the six months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the same period of 2023.
Government subsidies received totaled $11,916 in the six months ended March 31, 2023 comparing to $61,081 in the six months ended March 31, 2024, representing an increase of 412.6%. We recognize government subsidies as other operating income when they are received because they are not subject to any past or future conditions, there are no performance conditions or conditions of use, and they are not subject to future refunds.
Other income for the six months ended March 31, 2024 were $49,683 comparing to other expenses of $223,043 for the six months ended March 31, 2023. We recognized a one-time tax related charges of $252,682 in the six months ended March 31, 2023, which was nil for the six months ended March 31, 2024.
The overall changes in our other income (expenses) reflected the above major factors.
Provision for Income Taxes
Our provision for income taxes was $90,734 in the six months ended March 31, 2024, a decrease of $419,343 or 82.2% from $510,077 in the same period of 2023 mainly due to our decreased taxable income.
Net (loss) income
As a result of the foregoing, we had a net income of $2,102,656 in the six months ended March 31, 2023 compared to a net loss of $41,798 in the same period of 2024.
47 |
Comparison of Results of Operations for the Years Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022
The following table summarizes the results of our operations during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and provides information regarding the dollar and percentage increase or (decrease) during such periods.
For the Years Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | Variance | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Amount | % of revenue | Amount | % of revenue | Amount | % | |||||||||||||||||||
REVENUE | $ | 29,522,353 | 100.0 | % | $ | 29,908,561 | 100.0 | % | (386,208 | ) | (1.3 | )% | ||||||||||||
COST OF REVENUE | 20,682,326 | 70.1 | % | 20,484,996 | 68.5 | % | 197,330 | 1.0 | % | |||||||||||||||
GROSS PROFIT | 8,840,027 | 29.9 | % | 9,423,565 | 31.5 | % | (583,538 | ) | (6.2 | )% | ||||||||||||||
OPERATING EXPENSES | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Selling expenses | 293,719 | 1.0 | % | 218,822 | 0.7 | % | 74,897 | 34.2 | % | |||||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 2,329,198 | 7.9 | % | 2,239,967 | 7.5 | % | 89,231 | 4.0 | % | |||||||||||||||
Research and development expenses | 298,469 | 1.0 | % | 424,558 | 1.4 | % | (126,089 | ) | (29.7 | )% | ||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 2,921,386 | 9.9 | % | 2,883,347 | 9.6 | % | (38,039 | ) | 1.3 | % | ||||||||||||||
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS | 5,918,641 | 20.0 | % | 6,540,218 | 21.9 | % | (621,577 | ) | (9.5 | )% | ||||||||||||||
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | (228,805 | ) | (0.8 | )% | (445,492 | ) | (1.5 | )% | % | |||||||||||||||
Other income, net | (134,856 | ) | (0.5 | )% | 1,414,723 | 4.7 | % | % | ||||||||||||||||
Total other income (expenses), net | (366,661 | ) | (1.2 | )% | 969,231 | 3.2 | % | (1,332,892 | ) | (137.5 | )% | |||||||||||||
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX PROVISION | 5,554,980 | 18.8 | % | 7,509,449 | 25.1 | % | (1,050,357 | ) | (27.3 | )% | ||||||||||||||
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES | 1,002,298 | 3.4 | % | 1,267,025 | 4.2 | % | (264,727 | ) | (20.9 | )% | ||||||||||||||
NET INCOME | $ | 4,552,682 | 15.4 | % | $ | 6,242,424 | 20.9 | % | (1,689,742 | ) | (27.1 | )% |
Revenues
We currently produce our products for our customers in three broad product categories: fragrance compounds, health supplemental (powder drinks) and bioactive food ingredients.
Total revenues were $29,522,353 in fiscal year 2023, a decrease of $386,208, or approximately 1.3% as compared to $29,908,561 in fiscal year 2022. Specifically, the decrease in revenues was primarily attributable to (i) an decrease in average selling price of fragrance compound, health supplemental powder drinks and bioactive food ingredients by 27.3%, 7.1% and 65.9%, respectively, as we sold more low price products during fiscal 2023 ; (ii) the decrease in average price is offset by the increase in sales volume of fragrance compound, health supplemental powder drinks and bioactive food ingredients by 43.8%, 31.1% and 110.7%, respectively as customers were drawn by the lower price products; (iii) We sold our products to 126 and 142 customers in fiscal year 2022 and 2021, respectively. In terms of purchase order size, average purchase order by our customers increased by 11.1% from approximately $210,624 per customer in fiscal year 2022 to approximately $234,304 per customer in fiscal year 2023.
The following table summarizes the breakdown of revenues by categories for the periods indicated.
Revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
For the Years Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | Change | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||
Amount | % | Amount | % | Amount | % | |||||||||||||||||||
Fragrance compounds | 14,315,810 | 48.5 | % | $ | 13,710,556 | 45.8 | % | 605,254 | 4.4 | % | ||||||||||||||
Health supplements (powder drinks) | 8,704,468 | 29.5 | % | 7,145,708 | 23.9 | % | 1,558,760 | 21.8 | % | |||||||||||||||
Bioactive food ingredients | 6,502,075 | 22.0 | % | 9,052,297 | 30.3 | % | (2,550,222 | ) | (28.2 | )% | ||||||||||||||
Total Revenue | 29,522,353 | 100 | % | $ | 29,908,561 | 100.0 | % | (386,208 | ) | (1.3 | )% |
48 |
Revenues from sales of our fragrance compound products
Our fragrance compound products primarily include natural compounds extracted from plants for cosmetic applications, such as sclareolide and ambroxide, a sustainable replacement to ambergris, a secretion by sperm whales.
Revenues from sales of our fragrance compound products increased by 4.4% or $605,254 to $14,315,810 in fiscal year 2023 from $13,710,556 in the same period of 2022. This increase was attributable to the following: (i) an increase in average purchase order by our customers by 43.8% in fiscal year 2023 as compared to fiscal year 2022, mainly attributable to the increase sales in our of low-price products (ii) as more low-price products were sold during the fiscal year of 2023, the average selling price of our fragrance compound products decreased by 21.8% in fiscal year 2023 as compared to fiscal year 2022 (iii) as discussed above, the average unit cost of our fragrance compound products also decreased by 24.1% in fiscal year 2023 as compared to fiscal year 2022.
Revenues from sales of our health supplement (powder drinks) products
Our health supplement (powder drinks) products primarily include Prebiotics series with benefits such as intestine rejuvenation and probiotic proliferation acceleration.
Revenues from sales of health supplement (powder drinks) products increased by 21.8% or $1,558,760 to $8,704,468 in fiscal year 2023 from $7,145,708 in the same period of 2022. This increase was attributable to the following: (i) a 31.1% increase in sales volume from 286,026 cases sold in fiscal year 2022 to 375,035 cases sold in the same period of 2023 due to strong customer demand (ii) the increase in sales volume affected our average unit cost of health supplement (powder drinks) products in response to increased raw materials purchase price due to general inflation.
Revenues from sales of our bioactive food ingredient products
Our bioactive food ingredient products primarily include fruit juice concentrates and extracts for a variety of health benefits that can’t be sufficiently sourced from daily dietary intakes, such as fruit concentrates, apple polyphenol, rich in anti-oxidant and derived from apple, milk thistle extracts with benefits to protect liver and lower blood sugar, and phloretin, an anti-oxidant with skin discoloration effect extracted from leaves and roots of apple, pear and other fruits.
Revenues from sales of our bioactive food ingredient products decreased by 28.2% or $2,550,222 to $6,502,075 in fiscal year 2023 from $9,052,297 in the same period of 2022. The decrease was mainly attributable to the following: (i) a 63.3% decrease in average selling price for the fiscal year 2023 as compared to fiscal year 2022, mainly attributable to increased sales of our apple juice extracts. In April and May 2023, frost damage impacted apple production, resulting in a shortage of small apples. To address this, we procured a significant quantity of large apples. Extracting high-concentration apple polyphenols from these larger apples posed technical challenges, prompting a shift to producing low-concentration apple polyphenol juice. Despite meeting some customer needs, the product’s lower added value and profit margin significantly contributed to a decline in the overall revenue (ii) In October 2022, strict pandemic control measures nationwide, prompted by Xinjiang’s pandemic spillover, severely hindered our procurement of key raw materials like bota cabbage for water-soluble thistle sugar. The shortage of critical ingredients, essential for functional foods like water-soluble thistle sugar and apple polyphenols, significantly impacted production over the past year, which leads to a decline in sales revenue.
Cost of Revenues
Our cost of revenues primarily consists of inventory costs (raw materials, labor, packaging cost, depreciation and amortization, freight costs and overhead) and business tax. Cost of revenues generally changes as our production costs change, which are affected by factors including the market price of raw materials, or labor productivity, and as the customer and product mix changes.
Our cost of revenues increased by $197,330, or 1.0 %, from $20,484,996 in fiscal year 2022 to $20,682,326 in the same period of 2023. The increase in our cost of revenues was mainly attributable to the following: (i) an increase of 43.8%, 31.1%, and 110.7% in the sales volume of our fragrance compound products, health supplement products and bioactive food ingredients products, respectively (ii) partially offset by the decrease of unit cost in our fragrance compound products and bioactive food ingredients products, which decreased by 24.1% and 60.5%, respectively in fiscal year 2023 as compared to fiscal year 2022.
For the Years Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | Change | ||||||||||||||
Amount | Amount | Amount | % | |||||||||||||
Cost of revenues – Fragrance compound products | $ | 10,087,289 | $ | 9,954,572 | 132,717 | 1.3 | % | |||||||||
Cost of revenues – Health supplement (powder drinks) | 6,223,508 | 4,874,409 | 1,349,099 | 27.7 | % | |||||||||||
Cost of revenues – Bioactive food ingredients | 4,371,529 | 5,656,015 | (1,284,486 | ) | (22.7 | )% | ||||||||||
Total cost of revenues | $ | 20,682,326 | $ | 20,484,996 | 197,330 | 1.0 | % |
49 |
Cost of Revenues from sales of our fragrance compound products
The 1.3% increase in cost of revenues for our fragrance compound products from $9,954,572 in fiscal year 2022 to $10,087,289 in the same period of 2023 was mainly attributable to the following: (i) an increase in average purchase order by our customers by 43.8% from 38,284 kilograms sold in fiscal year 2022 to 55,038 kilograms sold in the same period of 2023, mainly attributable to our offering of low-price products; (ii) the increase was partially offset by the decrease in average unit cost, which decreased by 24.1% in fiscal year 2023 as compared to fiscal year 2022.
Cost of Revenues from sales of our health supplement (powder drinks) products
The 27.7% increase in cost of revenues for our health supplement (powder drinks) products from $4,874,409 in fiscal year 2022 to $6,223,508 in the same period of 2023 was mainly attributable to the following: (i) an increase of 31.1% in sales volume from 286,026 cases sold in fiscal year 2022 to 375,035 cases sold in the same period of 2023 due to strong customer demand (ii) an slight increase of 4.8% in weighted average unit cost for this product category mainly due to higher raw material purchase costs as affected by general inflation.
Cost of Revenues from sales of our bioactive food ingredient products
The 22.7% decrease in cost of revenues for our bioactive food ingredient products from $5,656,015 in fiscal year 2022 to $4,371,529 in the same period of 2023, which was mainly attributable to the following: (i) a 60.5% decrease in weighted average unit cost of our bioactive ingredient products in fiscal year 2023 as compared to fiscal year 2022, mainly attributable to our increased sales in apple juice extracts with lower unit cost (ii) the decrease is offset by the increase in sales volume, which increased by 110.7% from 154,464 kilograms in fiscal year 2022 to 325,384 kilograms in the same period of 2023.
Gross Profit
For the Years Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | Change | ||||||||||||||
Amount | Amount | Amount | % | |||||||||||||
Gross Profit – Fragrance compound products | $ | 4,230,768 | $ | 3,755,984 | $ | 472,537 | 12.6 | % | ||||||||
Gross Profit – Health supplement (powder drinks) | 2,480,960 | 2,271,300 | 209,661 | 9.2 | % | |||||||||||
Gross Profit – Bioactive food ingredients | 2,130,546 | 3,396,281 | (1,265,736 | ) | (37.3 | )% | ||||||||||
Total Gross Profit | $ | 8,842,274 | $ | 9,423,565 | $ | (583,538 | ) | (6.2 | )% | |||||||
Gross Profit Margin | 29.9 | % | 31.5 | % | (1.6 | )% |
Our gross profit in fiscal year 2023 decreased by $583,538, or 6.2%, to $8,842,274, from $9,423,565 in the same period of 2022. Our gross margin decreased slightly by 1.6% from 31.5% in fiscal year 2022 to 29.9% in the same period of 2023. The decrease in gross profit was due to (i) an increase of 43.8% in sales volume of fragrance compound products due to stronger demand and change in sales strategy as discussed above; (ii) gross profit margin of our fragrance compound products, which increased by 2.1% due to decrease in average unit cost in response to the product mix change as discussed above.
50 |
Gross profit from sales of our fragrance compound products
Gross profit of our fragrance compound products increased by $472,537 or 12.6% from $3,755,984 in fiscal year 2022 to $4,230,768 in the same period of 2023. The increase was primarily attributable to (i) a 43.8% increase in sales volume as more of the low-price products were sold during the fiscal year 2023 (ii) the increase is partially offset by the decrease of 21.8% of average selling price of our fragrance compound products as discussed above. As a result of the above, gross margin for our fragrance compound products increased by 2.1 percentage point from 27.4% in fiscal year 2022, to 29.5% in the same period of 2023.
Gross profit from sales of our health supplement (powder drinks) products
Gross profit of our health supplement (powder drinks) products increased by $209,661 or 9.2% from $2,271,300 in fiscal year 2022, to $2,480,960 in the same period of 2023. The increase was primarily attributable to (i) the increase of 31.1% in sales volume due to strong customer demand (ii) the increase is partially offset by the increase of 4.8% in average unit cost as material price increased due to general inflation. As a result of the above, gross margin for our health supplement (powder drinks) products decreased by 3.3 percentage point from 31.8% in fiscal year 2022, to 28.5% in the same period of 2023.
Gross profit from sales of our bioactive food ingredient products
Gross profit of our bioactive food ingredient products decreased by $1,265,736 or 37.3%, from $3,396,281 in fiscal year 2022, to $2,130,546 in fiscal year 2023. This decrease was primarily due to (i) in October 2022, pandemic control measures were strictly enforced nationwide due to a spillover of the pandemic in Xinjiang, affecting regions like Ningxia, Yinchuan, and Gansu. The main raw material for water-soluble thistle sugar, bota cabbage, is predominantly produced in Ningxia and Yinchuan, leading to significant disruptions in our procurement of these raw materials. The critical role of water-soluble thistle sugar and apple polyphenols as essential ingredients in functional foods resulted in a severe shortage of raw materials, impacting the production of functional foods throughout the past year. This shortage, in turn, caused a dual decline in sales revenue and profit margins for this category, constituting the primary reasons for the substantial decrease in gross margins in fiscal year 2023 compared to the previous fiscal year. (ii) in October 2022, strict pandemic control measures nationwide, prompted by Xinjiang’s pandemic spillover, severely hindered our procurement of key raw materials like bota cabbage for water-soluble thistle sugar. The shortage of critical ingredients, essential for functional foods like water-soluble thistle sugar and apple polyphenols, significantly impacted production over the past year. This scarcity led to a dual decline in sales revenue and profit margins, contributing to the substantial decrease in gross margins in fiscal year 2023 compared to the previous fiscal year. As a result of the above, gross margin for our bioactive food ingredient products decreased by 4.8 percentage point from 37.5% in fiscal year 2022, to 32.8% in the same period of 2023.
Selling expenses
For the Years Ended September 30, | Change | |||||||||||||||
(in US dollars, except percentage) | 2023 | 2022 | Amount | % | ||||||||||||
Selling Expenses | $ | 293,719 | $ | 218,822 | 74,898 | 34.2 | % | |||||||||
as a percentage of revenues | 1.0 | % | 0.7 | % | 0.3 | % |
Selling expenses increased by $74,898, or 3.4%, from $218,822 in fiscal year 2022, to $293,719 in the same period of 2023, mainly attributable to (i) an increase of $41,266 in delivery expense as we shipped more samples and marketing material during fiscal year 2023 (ii) an increase of $57,537 in salaries and social benefits as overall compensation increased for the sales staff. (iii) the increase was offset by the decrease of $34,062 in advertising expenses as we changed our marketing strategy by attending less trade show.
51 |
General and administrative expenses
For the Years Ended September 30, | Change | |||||||||||||||
(in US dollars, except percentage) | 2023 | 2022 | Amount | % | ||||||||||||
General and Administrative Expenses | $ | 2,329,198 | $ | 2,239,967 | 89,231 | 4.0 | % | |||||||||
as a percentage of revenues | 7.9 | 7.5 | % | 0.4 | % |
General and administrative expenses increased by $89,231, or 7.5%, from $2,329,198 in fiscal year 2023, to $2,239,967 in the same period of 2023, mainly attributable to (i) an increase of $71,890 in salaries and social benefits as the overall compensation increased (ii) an increase of $173,242 professional service fees such as legal consulting expense, financial consultant and etc. (iii) the increase is offset by a decreased of $40,016 stock options granted to independent directors and stock option expense in fiscal year 2023 compared to the same period of 2022.
Research and development (“R&D”) expenses
For the Years Ended September 30, | Change | |||||||||||||||
(in US dollars, except percentage) | 2023 | 2022 | Amount | % | ||||||||||||
Research and Development Expenses | $ | 298,469 | 424,558 | (126,089 | ) | (1.4 | )% | |||||||||
as a percentage of revenues | 1.0 | 1.4 | % | (0.4 | )% |
Research and development expenses decreased by $126,089, or approximately 1.4%, from $424,558 in fiscal year 2022, to $298,469 in the same period of 2023. The decrease was mainly due to (i) a decrease of $85,427 in outsourcing R&D activities to external consulting firms (ii) a decrease of $70,029 in material used for R&D activities.
Other income (expenses)
Other income (expenses) primarily includes interest income generated from our bank deposits, interest expenses incurred on our borrowings from various banks and financial institutions, government subsidy income, rental income, income from technology transfer, unrealized foreign currency exchange gain due to our export sales, and investment income of short-term investment.
For the Years Ended September 30, | Change | |||||||||||||||
(in US dollars, except percentage) | 2023 | 2022 | Amount | % | ||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | (228,805 | ) | $ | (445,492 | ) | (216,687 | ) | (48.6 | )% | |||||||
Foreign currency exchange gain (loss) | 35,008 | 18,831 | 16,177 | 85.9 | % | |||||||||||
Other income, net | ||||||||||||||||
-Government grants | 25,415 | 1,306,627 | (1,281,212 | ) | (98.1 | )% | ||||||||||
-Others | (195,279 | ) | 68,922 | (264,201 | ) | (383.3 | )% | |||||||||
-Investment income | - | $ | 20,343 | $ | (20,343 | ) | (100.0 | )% |
Interest expense, net, decreased by $216,687, or approximately 48.6% in fiscal year 2023 as compared to 2022, mainly attributable to decreased average loan balances we carried during fiscal year 2023 compared to the same period of 2022.
Government subsidy income primarily relate to local government’s cash award to HNTEs based on their financial performance to promote entrepreneurship and stimulate local economies. Such awards are granted on a case-by-case basis by various local governments. Our subsidiary, Xi’an App-chem was approved as a HNTE and received government subsidy in the form of an export sales refund and cash awards based on our annual financial performance. We recognize government subsidies as other operating income when they are received because they are not subject to any past or future conditions, there are no performance conditions or conditions of use, and they are not subject to future refunds. Government subsidies received in the form of a grant and recognized as other operating income totaled $25,415 and $1,306,627 during fiscal year 2023 and 2022, respectively.
52 |
Investment income related to income generated by our short-term investments, amounted to Nil and $20,343 during fiscal year 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The overall changes in our other income (expenses) reflected the above major factors.
Provision for Income Taxes
Our provision for income taxes was $1,002,298 during fiscal year 2023, a decrease of $264,727, or 20.9% from $1,267,025 in the same period of 2022 due to our increased taxable income. Under the EIT Law, domestic enterprises and FIEs are usually subject to a unified 25% enterprise income tax rate while preferential tax rates, tax holidays and even tax exemption may be granted on a case-by-case basis. EIT grants preferential tax treatment to “HNTEs”. Under this preferential tax treatment, HNTEs are entitled to an income tax rate of 15%, subject to a requirement that they re-apply for their HNTE status every three years. The corporate income taxes for the years ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 were reported at a blended reduced rate as a result of Xi’an App-chem being approved as a HNTE and enjoying a 15% reduced income tax rate, but subsidiaries of Xi’an App-chem are subject to a 25% income tax rate. The impact of the tax holidays noted above decreased foreign taxes by $667,258 and $825,899 for the years ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The benefit of the tax holidays on net income per share (basic and diluted) $0.15 and $0.108 for the years ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Net income
As a result of the foregoing, our net income decreased to $4,552,680 in fiscal year 2023 from $6,242,424 in fiscal year 2022.
Comparison of Results of Operations for the Years Ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
The following table summarizes the results of our operations during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and provides information regarding the dollar and percentage increase or (decrease) during such periods.
For the Years Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2022 | 2021 | Variance | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Amount | % of revenue | Amount | % of revenue | Amount | % | |||||||||||||||||||
REVENUE | $ | 29,908,561 | 100.0 | % | $ | 25,494,564 | 100.0 | % | $ | 4,413,997 | 17.3 | % | ||||||||||||
COST OF REVENUE | 20,484,996 | 68.5 | % | 18,382,637 | 72.1 | % | 2,102,359 | 11.4 | % | |||||||||||||||
GROSS PROFIT | 9,423,565 | 31.5 | % | 7,111,927 | 27.9 | % | 2,311,638 | 32.5 | % | |||||||||||||||
OPERATING EXPENSES | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Selling expenses | 218,822 | 0.7 | % | 138,530 | 0.5 | % | 80,292 | 58.0 | % | |||||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 2,239,967 | 7.5 | % | 1,323,726 | 5.2 | % | 916,241 | 69.2 | % | |||||||||||||||
Research and development expenses | 424,558 | 1.4 | % | 249,050 | 1.0 | % | 175,508 | 70.5 | % | |||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 2,883,347 | 9.6 | % | 1,711,306 | 6.7 | % | 1,172,041 | 68.5 | % | |||||||||||||||
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS | 6,540,218 | 21.9 | % | 5,400,621 | 21.2 | % | 1,139,597 | 21.1 | % | |||||||||||||||
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | (445,492 | ) | (1.5 | )% | (414,059 | ) | (1.6 | )% | (31,433 | ) | 7.6 | % | ||||||||||||
Other income, net | 1,414,723 | 4.7 | % | 443,822 | 1.7 | % | 970,901 | 218.8 | % | |||||||||||||||
Total other income (expenses), net | 969,231 | 3.2 | % | 29,763 | 0.1 | % | 939,468 | 3156.5 | % | |||||||||||||||
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX PROVISION | 7,509,449 | 25.1 | % | 5,430,384 | 21.3 | % | 2,079,065 | 38.3 | % | |||||||||||||||
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES | 1,267,025 | 4.2 | % | 820,931 | 3.2 | % | 446,094 | 54.3 | % | |||||||||||||||
NET INCOME | $ | 6,242,424 | 20.9 | % | $ | 4,609,453 | 18.1 | % | $ | 1,632,971 | 35.4 | % |
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Revenues
We currently produce our products for our customers in three broad product categories: fragrance compounds, health supplemental (powder drinks) and bioactive food ingredients.
Total revenues were $29,908,561 in fiscal year 2022, an increase of $4,413,997, or approximately 17.3% as compared to $25,494,564 in fiscal year 2021. Specifically, the increase in revenues was primarily attributable to (i) an increase in average selling price of fragrance compound, health supplemental powder drinks and bioactive food ingredients by 27.5%, 7.0% and 17.4%, respectively, as we raised our selling prices in response to the rising raw material costs and market change as affected by the COVID-19, as well as product mix change of fragrance compounds and bioactive food ingredients; (ii) an increase in sales volume of bioactive food ingredients and Health supplements by 27.3% and 1% respectively, due to strong customer demand and our sales effort to promote sales of milk thistle extracts with benefits to protect liver and lower blood sugar; (iii) We sold our products to 142 and 132 customers in fiscal year 2022 and 2021, respectively. In terms of purchase order size, average purchase order by our customers increased by 9.1% from approximately $193,141 per customer in fiscal year 2021 to approximately $210,754 per customer in fiscal year 2022, and (iv) partially offset by the decrease in sales volume of our fragrance compounds by 15.1% in fiscal year 2022 as compared to the same period of 2021 due to shortage of material supply caused by abnormal wet weather, and disruption of logistics caused by COVID-19 pandemic resurgence in early 2022.
The following table summarizes the breakdown of revenues by categories for the periods indicated.
Revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
For the Years Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2022 | 2021 | Change | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||
Amount | % | Amount | % | Amount | % | |||||||||||||||||||
Fragrance compounds | $ | 13,710,556 | 45.8 | % | $ | 12,744,029 | 50.0 | % | $ | 966,527 | 7.6 | % | ||||||||||||
Health supplements (powder drinks) | 7,145,708 | 23.9 | % | 6,655,982 | 26.1 | % | 489,726 | 7.4 | % | |||||||||||||||
Bioactive food ingredients | 9,052,297 | 30.3 | % | 6,094,553 | 23.9 | % | 2,957,744 | 48.5 | % | |||||||||||||||
Total Revenue | $ | 29,908,561 | 100.0 | % | $ | 25,494,564 | 100.0 | % | $ | 4,413,997 | 17.3 | % |
Revenues from sales of our fragrance compound products
Our fragrance compound products primarily include natural compounds extracted from plants for cosmetic applications, such as sclareolide and ambroxide, a sustainable replacement to ambergris, a secretion by sperm whales.
Revenues from sales of our fragrance compound products increased by 7.6% or $966,527 to $13,710,556 in fiscal year 2022 from $12,744,029 in the same period of 2021. This increase was attributable to the following: (i) a 27.5% increase in average selling price of our fragrance compound products in response to increased raw materials purchase price as affected by COVID-19 impact and product mix change, we put more selling effort in sales of high value added product ambroxide with higher selling price. Weighted average unit cost for this product category increased by 20.5% in fiscal year 2022, as compared to that in same period of 2021 mainly due to higher raw material purchase costs and product mix change in 2022; (ii) an increase in average purchase order by our customers by 9.1% in fiscal year 2022 as compared to fiscal year 2021 as discussed above; and (iii) partially offset by a decrease of 15.1% in sales volume from 45,070 kilograms sold in fiscal year 2021 to 38,284 kilograms sold in the same period of 2022. Our principal raw material, clary sage, which is used to produce sclareolide and ambroxide, is mainly planted in in North China, which suffered abnormal wet weather in the second half of 2021. Along with disruption of logistics caused by COVID-19 pandemic resurgence in early 2022, we have experienced a shortage of material supply for our fragrance compounds in fiscal year 2022.
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Revenues from sales of our health supplement (powder drinks) products
Our health supplement (powder drinks) products primarily include Prebiotics series with benefits such as intestine rejuvenation and probiotic proliferation acceleration.
Revenues from sales of health supplement (powder drinks) products increased by 7.4% or $489,726 to $7,145,708 in fiscal year 2022 from $6,655,982 in the same period of 2021. This increase was attributable to the following: (i) a 7.0% increase in average selling price of health supplement (powder drinks) products in response to increased raw materials purchase price as affected by COVID-19 impact and general inflation. Weighted average unit cost for this product category increased by 5.7% in fiscal year 2022, as compared to that in same period of 2021 mainly due to higher raw material purchase costs in 2022; and (ii) an increase of 1.0% in sales volume from 283,283 cases sold in fiscal year 2021 to 286,026 cases sold in the same period of 2022 due to strong customer demand.
Revenues from sales of our bioactive food ingredient products
Our bioactive food ingredient products primarily include fruit juice concentrates and extracts for a variety of health benefits that can’t be sufficiently sourced from daily dietary intakes, such as fruit concentrates, apple polyphenol, rich in anti-oxidant and derived from apple, milk thistle extracts with benefits to protect liver and lower blood sugar, and phloretin, an anti-oxidant with skin discoloration effect extracted from leaves and roots of apple, pear and other fruits.
Revenues from sales of our bioactive food ingredient products increased by 48.5% or $2,957,744 to $9,052,297 in fiscal year 2022 from $6,094,553 in the same period of 2021. The increase was mainly attributable to the following: (i) a 27.3% increase in sales volume from 121,323 kilograms in fiscal year 2021 to 154,464 kilograms in the same period of 2022 due to strong customer demand and our sales effort to promote sales of milk thistle extracts with benefits to protect liver and lower blood sugar; and (ii) a 17.4% increase in average selling price of our bioactive ingredient products as a result of increased raw materials purchase price as affected by COVID-19 impact and market change, as well as change in product mix, more milk thistle extracts products with higher price were sold in fiscal year 2022.
Cost of Revenues
Our cost of revenues primarily consists of inventory costs (raw materials, labor, packaging cost, depreciation and amortization, freight costs and overhead) and business tax. Cost of revenues generally changes as our production costs change, which are affected by factors including the market price of raw materials, or labor productivity, and as the customer and product mix changes.
Our cost of revenues increased by $2,102,359, or 11.4%, from $18,382,637 in fiscal year 2021 to $20,484,996 in the same period of 2022. The increase in our cost of revenues was mainly attributable to the following: (i) an increase of 20.5%, 5.7% and 12.1% in the average unit cost of our fragrance compound products, health supplement products and bioactive food ingredients products, respectively, due to the increase in raw material purchase costs, as well as product mix change of fragrance compounds and bioactive food ingredients; (ii) sale volume of our bioactive food ingredients products increased by 27.3% in fiscal year 2022 compared to the same period of 2021 due to strong customer demand and our sales effort to promote sales of milk thistle extracts with benefits to protect liver and lower blood sugar, and (iii) partially offset by the decrease in sales volume of our fragrance compounds by 15.1% in fiscal year 2022 as compared to the same period of 2021 due to shortage of material supply caused by abnormal wet weather in North China and disruption of logistics caused by COVID-19 pandemic resurgence in early 2022 as discussed above.
For the Years Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||
2022 | 2021 | Change | ||||||||||||||
Amount | Amount | Amount | % | |||||||||||||
Cost of revenues – Fragrance compound products | $ | 9,954,572 | $ | 9,793,767 | $ | 160,805 | 1.6 | % | ||||||||
Cost of revenues – Health supplement (powder drinks) | 4,874,409 | 4,599,228 | 275,181 | 6.0 | % | |||||||||||
Cost of revenues – Bioactive food ingredients | 5,656,015 | 3,989,642 | 1,666,373 | 41.8 | % | |||||||||||
Total cost of revenues | $ | 20,484,996 | $ | 18,382,637 | $ | 2,102,359 | 11.4 | % |
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Cost of Revenues from sales of our fragrance compound products
The 1.6% increase in cost of revenues for our fragrance compound products from $9,793,767 in fiscal year 2021 to $9,954,572 in the same period of 2022 was mainly attributable to the following: (i) an increase of 20.5% in weighted average unit cost for this product category mainly due to higher raw material purchase costs as affected by the COVID-19 impact and product mix change, we put more selling effort in sales of high value added product ambroxide with higher cost of revenue; and (ii) partially offset by a decrease of 15.1% in sales volume from 45,070 kilograms sold in fiscal year 2021 to 38,284 kilograms sold in the same period of 2022. Our principal raw material, clary sage, which is used to produce sclareolide and ambroxide, is mainly planted in in North China, which suffered abnormal wet weather in the second half of 2021. Along with disruption of logistics caused by COVID-19 pandemic resurgence in early 2022, we have experienced a shortage of material supply for our fragrance compounds in fiscal year 2022.
Cost of Revenues from sales of our health supplement (powder drinks) products
The 6.0% increase in cost of revenues for our health supplement (powder drinks) products from $4,599,228 in fiscal year 2021 to $4,874,409 in the same period of 2022 was mainly attributable to the following: (i) an increase of 5.7% in weighted average unit cost for this product category mainly due to higher raw material purchase costs as affected by the COVID-19 impact and general inflation; and (ii) an increase of 1.0% in sales volume from 283,283 cases sold in fiscal year 2021 to 286,026 cases sold in the same period of 2022 due to strong customer demand.
Cost of Revenues from sales of our bioactive food ingredient products
The 41.8% increase in cost of revenues for our bioactive food ingredient products from $3,989,642 in fiscal year 2021 to $5,656,015 in the same period of 2022 was mainly attributable to the following: (i) a 27.3% increase in sales volume from 121,323 kilograms in fiscal year 2021 to 154,464 kilograms in the same period of 2022 due to strong customer demand and our sales effort to promote sales of milk thistle extracts with benefits to protect liver and lower blood sugar; and (ii) an increase of 12.1% in weighted average unit cost of our bioactive ingredient products as a result of increased raw materials purchase price as affected by COVID-19 impact and general inflation, as well as change in product mix, more milk thistle extracts products with higher average unit cost were sold in fiscal year 2022.
Gross Profit
For the Years Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||
2022 | 2021 | Change | ||||||||||||||
Amount | Amount | Amount | % | |||||||||||||
Gross Profit – Fragrance compound products | $ | 3,755,984 | $ | 2,950,262 | $ | 805,722 | 27.3 | % | ||||||||
Gross Profit – Health supplement (powder drinks) | 2,271,300 | 2,056,754 | 214,546 | 10.4 | % | |||||||||||
Gross Profit – Bioactive food ingredients | 3,396,281 | 2,104,911 | 1,291,370 | 61.4 | % | |||||||||||
Total Gross Profit | $ | 9,423,565 | $ | 7,111,927 | $ | 2,311,638 | 32.5 | % | ||||||||
Gross Profit Margin | 31.5 | % | 27.9 | % | 3.6 | % |
Our gross profit in fiscal year 2022 increased by $2,311,638, or 32.5%, to $9,423,565, from $7,111,927 in the same period of 2021. Our gross margin increased by 3.6% from 27.9% in fiscal year 2021 to 31.5% in the same period of 2022. The increase in gross profit was due to (i) an increase of 27.3% in sales volume of bioactive food ingredient products due to stronger demand and change in sales strategy as discussed above; (ii) gross profit margin of our fragrance compound products, health supplement products and bioactive food ingredient products increased by 4.2, 0.9 and 3.0 percentage point due to increase in average selling price in response to increased raw materials purchase price and product mix change as discussed above; and (iii) partially offset by the decrease in sales volume of our fragrance compounds by 15.1% in fiscal year 2022 as compared to the same period of 2021 due to shortage of material supply as discussed above. The increase in our gross margin by 3.6% from 27.9% in fiscal year 2021 to 31.5% in the same period of 2022 was due to changes in product mix and increase in selling price.
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Gross profit from sales of our fragrance compound products
Gross profit of our fragrance compound products increased by $805,722 or 27.3% from $2,950,262 in fiscal year 2021 to $3,755,984 in the same period of 2022. The increase was primarily attributable to (i) a 27.5% increase in average selling price of our fragrance compound products in response to increased raw materials purchase price as affected by COVID-19 impact and product mix change as discussed above, while weighted average unit cost for this product category increased by 20.5% in 2022; and (ii) partially offset by a decrease of 15.1% in sales volume due to shortage of material supply as discussed above As a result of the above, gross margin for our fragrance compound products increased by 4.2 percentage point from 23.2% in fiscal year 2021, to 27.4% in the same period of 2022.
Gross profit from sales of our health supplement (powder drinks) products
Gross profit of our health supplement (powder drinks) products increased by $214,546 or 10.4% from $2,056,754 in fiscal year 2021, to $2,271,300 in the same period of 2022. The increase was primarily attributable to: (i) weighted average unit cost for this product category increased by 5.7%, while average selling price increased by 7.0%; and (ii) an increase of 1.0% in sales volume due to shortage of material supply as discussed above.
Gross profit from sales of our bioactive food ingredient products
Gross profit of our bioactive food ingredient products increased by $1,291,370 or 61.4%, from $2,104,911 in fiscal year 2021, to $3,396,281 in fiscal year 2022. This increase was primarily due to (i) a 27.3% increase in sales volume from 121,323 kilograms in fiscal year 2021 to 154,464 kilograms in the same period of 2022 due to strong customer demand and our sales effort to promote sales of milk thistle extracts with benefits to protect liver and lower blood sugar; and (ii) a 17.4% increase in average selling price of our bioactive ingredient products as a result of increased raw materials purchase price as affected by COVID-19 impact and market change, as well as change in product mix, more milk thistle extracts with higher gross margin were sold in fiscal year 2022, while weighted average unit cost increased by 12.1% compared to the same period of 2021.
Selling expenses
For the Years Ended September 30, | Change | |||||||||||||||
(in US dollars, except percentage) | 2022 | 2021 | Amount | % | ||||||||||||
Selling Expenses | $ | 218,822 | $ | 138,530 | $ | 80,292 | 58.0 | % | ||||||||
as a percentage of revenues | 0.7 | % | 0.5 | % | 0.2 | % |
Selling expenses increased by $80,292, or 58.0%, from $138,530 in fiscal year 2021, to $218,822 in the same period of 2022, mainly attributable to increase of $37,708 in advertising expense as we attended more trade shows when COVID-19 outbreak and spread in China subdued, as well as $36,717 in salaries and social benefits as we recruited a selling director and two selling assistants to promote our product in fiscal year 2022.
General and administrative expenses
For the Years Ended September 30, | Change | |||||||||||||||
(in US dollars, except percentage) | 2022 | 2021 | Amount | % | ||||||||||||
General and Administrative Expenses | $ | 2,239,967 | $ | 1,323,726 | $ | 916,241 | 69.2 | % | ||||||||
as a percentage of revenues | 7.5 | % | 5.2 | % | 2.3 | % |
General and administrative expenses increased by $916,241, or 69.2%, from $1,323,726 in fiscal year 2021, to $2,239,967 in the same period of 2022, mainly attributable to increase of $543,241 in professional service fees such as directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, investor relations management, legal consulting expense, etc. as we become a public company since we completed the IPO in July 2021. From June 2021 to June 2022, we granted stock options to independent directors and stock option expense increased by $125,973 in fiscal year 2022 compared to the same period of 2021.
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Research and development (“R&D”) expenses
For the Years Ended September 30, | Change | |||||||||||||||
(in US dollars, except percentage) | 2022 | 2021 | Amount | % | ||||||||||||
Research and Development Expenses | $ | 424,558 | $ | 249,050 | $ | 175,508 | 70.5 | % | ||||||||
as a percentage of revenues | 1.4 | % | 1.0 | % | 0.4 | % |
Research and development expenses increased by $175,508, or approximately 70.5%, from $249,050 in fiscal year 2021, to $424,558 in the same period of 2022. The increase was mainly due to an increase of $140,504 in outsourcing R&D activities to external consulting firms.
Other income (expenses)
Other income (expenses) primarily includes interest income generated from our bank deposits, interest expenses incurred on our borrowings from various banks and financial institutions, government subsidy income, rental income, income from technology transfer, unrealized foreign currency exchange gain due to our export sales, and investment income of short-term investment.
For the Years Ended September 30, | Change | |||||||||||||||
(in US dollars, except percentage) | 2022 | 2021 | Amount | % | ||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | $ | (445,492 | ) | (414,059 | ) | (31,433 | ) | 7.6 | % | |||||||
Foreign currency exchange gain (loss) | 18,831 | (45,124 | ) | 63,955 | (141.7 | )% | ||||||||||
Gain on disposal of fixed assets | 725 | - | 725 | - | ||||||||||||
Other income, net | ||||||||||||||||
-Government grants | 1,306,627 | 449,972 | 856,655 | 190.4 | % | |||||||||||
-Rental income | 68,179 | 38,409 | 29,770 | 77.5 | % | |||||||||||
-Investment income | $ | 20,361 | $ | 565 | $ | 19,796 | 3503.7 | % |
Interest expense, net, increased by $31,433, or approximately 7.6% in fiscal year 2022 as compared to 2021. The increase was mainly attributable to increased average loan balances we carried during fiscal year 2022 compared to the same period of 2021.
Government subsidy income primarily relate to local government’s cash award to HNTEs based on their financial performance to promote entrepreneurship and stimulate local economies. Such awards are granted on a case-by-case basis by various local governments. Our subsidiary, Xi’an App-chem was approved as a HNTE and received government subsidy in the form of an export sales refund and cash awards based on our annual financial performance. We recognize government subsidies as other operating income when they are received because they are not subject to any past or future conditions, there are no performance conditions or conditions of use, and they are not subject to future refunds. Government subsidies received in the form of a grant and recognized as other operating income totaled $1,306,627 and $449,972 during fiscal year 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Our subsidiary, Xi’an App-Chem, leased office space to a third-party and recorded rental income of $68,179 and $38,409 during fiscal year 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Investment income related to income generated by our short-term investments, amounted to $20,361 and $565 during fiscal year 2022 and 2021, respectively.
The overall changes in our other income (expenses) reflected the above major factors.
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Provision for Income Taxes
Our provision for income taxes was $1,267,025 during fiscal year 2022, an increase of $446,094, or 54.3% from $820,931 in the same period of 2021 due to our increased taxable income. Under the EIT Law, domestic enterprises and FIEs are usually subject to a unified 25% enterprise income tax rate while preferential tax rates, tax holidays and even tax exemption may be granted on a case-by-case basis. EIT grants preferential tax treatment to “HNTEs”. Under this preferential tax treatment, HNTEs are entitled to an income tax rate of 15%, subject to a requirement that they re-apply for their HNTE status every three years. The corporate income taxes for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 were reported at a blended reduced rate as a result of Xi’an App-chem being approved as a HNTE and enjoying a 15% reduced income tax rate, but subsidiaries of Xi’an App-chem are subject to a 25% income tax rate. The impact of the tax holidays noted above decreased foreign taxes by $825,899 and $514,327 for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The benefit of the tax holidays on net income per share (basic and diluted) $0.10 and $0.08 for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As reflected in our consolidated financial statements, we are currently constructing a new manufacturing plant. As of September 30, 2023, we had future minimum capital expenditure commitments on our construction-in-progress (“CIP”) project of $5,000,000 within the next twelve months. Our Yumen project is estimated to be completed in December 2024. The amount of working capital requirement related to these projects will be $5.0 million. We also had unpaid tax liabilities of approximately $2.7 million, which are expected to be settled with local tax authorities within one year. As a result, there is a possibility that our revenue and cash flows may underperform in the next 12 months.
In assessing our liquidity, management monitors and analyzes our cash on-hand, our ability to generate sufficient revenue sources in the future, and our operating and capital expenditure commitments. In June 2021, we closed the initial public offering and received net proceeds of approximately $11.3 million. In January 2023, we closed a private offering of ordinary shares and received subscription proceeds of $2.2 million.
As of March 31, 2024, we had cash on hand of $717,879. The following table sets forth a summary of our cash flows for the periods indicated:
For the Six Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
Net cash used in operating activities | $ | (1,884,173 | ) | $ | (2,177,992 | ) | ||
Net cash used in investing activities | (693 | ) | (18,101 | ) | ||||
Net cash provided by financing activities | 2,511,853 | 1,914,916 | ||||||
Effect of exchange rate change on cash | (21,858 | ) | (17,412 | ) | ||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash | 605,128 | (298,589 | ) | |||||
Cash, beginning of period | 112,751 | 840,861 | ||||||
Cash, end of period | $ | 717,879 | $ | 542,272 |
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash used in operating activities during the six months ended March 31, 2024 was $1,884,173, primarily attributable to net loss of $41,798 for the six months ended March 31, 2024, non-cash charges of depreciation and amortization of $686,038, stock based compensation of $1,009,836, an increase of $3,464,205 in accounts receivable due to increased sales orders in months in March 2024, and an increase in inventory of $498,736 due to an increase of the raw materials stockpile in order to prepare for an anticipated increase in production to fulfill sales orders from customers.
Net cash used in operating activities during the six months ended March 31, 2023 was $2,177,992, primarily attributable to net income of $2,102,656 for the six months ended March 31, 2023, our taxes payable increased by $386,510 primarily due to the increase in income and VAT in the six months ended March 2023, an increase of $2,198,450 in accounts receivable due to increased sales in the six months ended March 31, 2023, an increase in inventory of $124,601 due to increase of the raw materials stockpile in order to prepare for anticipated increase in production to fulfill increased sales orders from customers, and an increase of $3,335,205 in accrued expenses and other current liabilities.
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Cash flows from investing activities
Net cash used in investing activities during the six months ended March 31, 2024 was $693 which was attributable to purchase of property and equipment in the amount of $693.
Net cash used in investing activities during the six months ended March 31, 2023 was $18,101 which was primarily attributable to purchase of property and equipment in the amount of $15,131.
Cash flows from financing activities
Net cash provided by financing activities during the six months ended March 31, 2024 was $2,511,853 and primarily includes proceeds from short-term loans of $3,619,267, proceeds from long-term loans of $854,514, repayment of short-term loans of $1,534,052 and repayment of long-term loans of $508,629.
Net cash provided by financing activities during the six months ended March 31, 2023 was $1,914,916 and primarily includes net proceeds from issuance of Ordinary Shares in an initial public offering of $2,200,000, proceeds from short-term loans of $259,767, repayment of long-term loans of $437,412, repayment of short-term loans of $79,165 and principal payment from capital lease of $27,236.
During the six months ended March 31, 2024, we experienced a net increase in cash of $605,128 compared to a net decrease in cash of $298,589 in the six months ended March 31, 2023.
As of September 30, 2023, we had cash on hand of $112,751. We also had outstanding accounts receivable of approximately $4.6 million, of which approximately $3.5 million or 75.8% has been subsequently collected as of the date of this filing.
As of September 30, 2023, we had outstanding bank loans of approximately $3.8 million from several PRC banks (including short-term bank loans of $2.9 million, current portion of long-term bank loans of approximately $2.5 million and long-term loan of $0.4 million). Management expects that it would be able to renew all of its existing bank loans upon their maturity based on past experience and our good credit history. In addition to the current borrowings, from December 2022 to January 2023, we secured an aggregate of $1.7 million of short-term loans with PRC banks as working capital loan.
Based on the current operating plan, management believes that the above-mentioned measures, including cash on hand of $112,751, $2.2 million proceeds from our private offering of ordinary shares in January 2023 and the $2.4 million unused line of credit, collectively will provide sufficient liquidity for us to settle the tax liabilities with local government, to meet our future liquidity and capital expenditure requirement on the CIP project for at least 12 months from the date our consolidated financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2023 are issued.
The following table sets forth summary of our cash flows for the periods indicated:
For the Years Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities | (651,912 | ) | $ | (187,121 | ) | $ | 4,053,124 | |||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (1,185,665 | ) | (3,055,651 | ) | (7,443,745 | ) | ||||||
Net cash provided by financing activities | 1,155,247 | 2,261,516 | 5,352,682 | |||||||||
Effect of exchange rate change on cash | (45,780 | ) | (81,750 | ) | (111,301 | |||||||
Net (decrease) increase in cash | (728,110 | ) | (1,063,006 | ) | 1,850,761 | ) | ||||||
Cash, beginning of year | 840,861 | 1,903,867 | 53,106 | |||||||||
Cash, end of year | 112,751 | $ | 840,861 | $ | 1,903,867 |
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Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash used in operating activities during the year ended September 30, 2023 was $651,912, primarily attributable to net income of $4,552,682 for the year ended September 30, 2023, our taxes payable increased by $1,561,946 primarily due to increased sales in the year ended September 30, 2023, an decrease of $2,081,376 account receivable due to increased account receivable settlement during the year ended September 30, 2023, and increase in advance to suppliers of $11,510,450 due to the advance payment to our suppliers and contractors.
Net cash used in operating activities during the year ended September 30, 2022 was $187,121, primarily attributable to net income of $6,242,424 for the year ended September 30, 2022, our taxes payable decreased by $3,632,922 primarily due to income and VAT tax paid in fiscal year 2022, an increase of $1,300,942 account receivable due to increased sales in the year ended September 30, 2022, and decrease in deferred revenue of $875,295 due to changes in customer payment pattern related with COVID-19.
Net cash provided by operating activities during the year ended September 30, 2021 was $4,053,124, primarily attributable to net income of $4,609,453 for the year ended September 30, 2021, offset by an increase of $399,262 in advance payment to suppliers for raw material purchase, an increase in inventory of $209,011 to increase the raw materials stockpile in order to prepare for anticipated increase in production to fulfill increased sales orders from customers, a decrease of $969,414 in accounts payable for raw material purchase as we made payment to suppliers during the year ended September 30, 2021 and accordingly we reduced the credit purchase from suppliers. In addition, our taxes payable increased by $410,716 primarily due to increased taxable income. As of September 30, 2021, we had accrued tax liabilities of approximately $5.1 million, mostly related to the unpaid value added tax and income tax in China. We initially expected to settle the unpaid income tax liabilities in May 2021 when the 2020 annual income tax return is to be filed with local tax authority, and settle the unpaid VAT tax liabilities before September 30, 2021. In May 2021, we negotiated with local tax authorities and submitted a settlement extension application in accordance with the notices issued by local government to encourage enterprises to conduct public offerings. For the unpaid income tax and VAT tax liabilities, the Company obtained an approval from local tax authority to extend the tax liability settlement date from May 2021 to December 31, 2021. In December 2021, due to recent COVID-19 resurgence which caused strict city lockdown in Xi’an where the Company is headquartered, the Company re-negotiated with local tax authorities and submitted a settlement extension application in accordance with the notices issued by the State Administration of Taxation to encourage micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in manufacturing industry. For the unpaid income tax and VAT tax liabilities, we obtained an approval from local tax authority to further extend the tax liability settlement date from December 31, 2021 to June 30, 2022 without interest and penalty during this extended time period.
Cash flows from investing activities
Net cash used in investing activities during the year ended September 30, 2023 was $1,185,665 which was primarily attributable to the purchase of intangible assets during the year ended September 30, 2023 of $669,190 as well as the capital expenditure on CIP of $460,125.
Net cash used in investing activities during the year ended September 30, 2022 was $3,055,651 which was primarily attributable to (i) capital expenditure on construction-in-progress in the amount of $4,708,138. As of September 30, 2022, we had two CIP projects associated with construction of new manufacturing facilities in Tongchuan and Yumen City, respectively (see Note 8). Our future minimum capital expenditures on these two CIP projects are estimated to be $728,470, among which $196,809 is required for the next 12 months; (2) purchase of short-term investments in the amount of $5,097,816 because we purchased wealth management financial products from PRC banks to earn investment income and (iii) partially offset by proceeds upon redemption of short-term investments in the amount of $6,776,385.
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Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended September 30, 2021 was $7,443,745 which was primarily attributable to (i) capital expenditure on construction-in-progress in the amount of $4,432,941. As of September 30, 2021, we had two CIP projects associated with construction of new manufacturing facilities in Tongchuan and Yumen City, respectively (see Note 8), these CIP projects are expected to be completed in late 2022. Our future minimum capital expenditures on these two CIP projects are estimated to be approximately $5.1 million, among which approximately $2.3 million is required for the next 12 months; (2) purchase of short-term investments in the amount of $2,159,920 because we purchased wealth management financial products from PRC banks to earn investment income and (iii) payment of acquisition deposit of $1,000,000. On July 6, 2021, we entered into a consulting agreement with a New York based consulting firm, pursuant to which, the consulting firm will help the Company to (i) identify appropriate business partner candidates in New York or California in order to jointly establish a research and development center in the United States for future new product development; (ii) find opportunities to establish business relationship with U.S based companies with OEM demand and utilize the Company’s manufacturing strength and capability to manufacture healthcare ingredient products for U.S companies under the OEM arrangement and (iii) help the Company to purchase or lease appropriate commercial facilities in the U.S., etc. The consulting firm will be compensated with $30,000 in exchange for performing these designated consulting services. Given the fact that the Company lacks credit track in the U.S, the Company is required to make a deposit of $1.5 million to the consulting firm. Due to recent COVID-19 resurgence in Xi’an City and government mandatory quarantine and city lockdown, on January 20, 2022, we and the consulting firm signed a supplemental agreement to lower down the required deposit from original $1.5 million to $1 million. As a result, we do not have further obligation to make additional deposit to the consulting firm. As of September 30, 2021, we have made deposit of $1 million to the consulting firm and recorded it as acquisition deposit on the balance sheets. Such deposit is fully refundable if the acquisition target or commercial facilities introduced by the consulting firm does not meet our expectation.
Cash flows from financing activities
Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended September 30, 2023 was $1,155,247, primarily include net proceeds from issuance of our ordinary shares of $2,027,544, proceeds from short-term loans of $2,879,809, proceeds from long-term loans of $1,132,803, offset by repayment of long-term loans of $2,143,046, and repayment of short-term loans of $2,728,836.
Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended September 30, 2022 was $2,261,516, primarily include proceeds from short-term loans of $2,631,890, proceeds from long-term loans of $578,343, offset by repayment of long-term loans of $637,147, and principal payment of capital lease of $173,961.
Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended September 30, 2021 was $5,352,682, primarily include net proceeds from issuance of Ordinary Shares in initial public offerings of $11,271,480, proceeds from short-term loans of $1,257,225, proceeds from long-term loans of $1,245,871, offset by repayment of short-term loans of $2,563,433, repayment of long-term loans of $2,522,101, repayment of borrowings from related parties in the amount of $2,262,378, and repayment of borrowings from third party loans in the amount of $721,484.
During the year ended September 30, 2023, we experienced a net decrease in cash of $728,110 as compared to 2022.
Legal proceedings
We are currently not a party to any material legal or administrative proceedings. We may from time to time be subject to various legal or administrative claims and proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Litigation or any other legal or administrative proceeding, regardless of the outcome, may result in substantial cost and diversion of our resources, including our management’s time and attention.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements. These financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of our assets and liabilities and revenues and expenses, to disclose contingent assets and liabilities on the date of the consolidated financial statements, and to disclose the reported amounts of revenues and expenses incurred during the financial reporting period. The most significant estimates and assumptions include the valuation of accounts receivable and inventories, useful lives of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, the recoverability of long-lived assets, provision necessary for contingent liabilities, and revenue recognition. We continue to evaluate these estimates and assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. We rely on these evaluations as the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Since the use of estimates is an integral component of the financial reporting process, actual results could differ from those estimates. Some of our accounting policies require higher degrees of judgment than others in their application. We believe critical accounting policies as disclosed in this report reflect the more significant judgments and estimates used in preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
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Risks and Uncertainties
Our main operation is located in the PRC. Accordingly, our business, financial condition, and results of operations may be influenced by political, economic, and legal environments in the PRC, as well as by the general state of the PRC economy. Our results may be adversely affected by changes in the political, regulatory and social conditions in the PRC. Although we have not experienced losses from these situations and believes that we are in compliance with existing laws and regulations including our organization and structure, this may not be indicative of future results.
Our business, financial condition and results of operations may also be negatively impacted by risks related to natural disasters, extreme weather conditions, health epidemics and other catastrophic incidents. Our operations may be further affected by the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. Although the Company resumed its operations since March 2, 2020 and the COVID-19 impact on the Company’s operating results and financial performance for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 seems to be temporary, a resurgence could negatively affect the execution of customer contracts, the collection of customer payments, or disruption of our supply chain. The continued uncertainties associated with COVID-19 may cause our revenue and cash flows to underperform in the next 12 months. The extent of the future impact of COVID-19 is still highly uncertain and cannot be predicted as of the financial statement reporting date.
The development and commercialization of natural and healthy extracts and compounds products is highly competitive, and the industry currently is characterized by rapidly changing technologies, significant competition and a strong emphasis on intellectual property. We may face competition with respect to our current and future pharmaceutical product candidates from major pharmaceutical companies in China.
The following critical accounting policies rely upon assumptions and estimates and were used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements:
Uses of estimates
In preparing the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”), management makes 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 period. These estimates are based on information as of the date of the consolidated financial statements. Significant estimates required to be made by management include, but are not limited to, the allowance for estimated uncollectible receivables, realizability of advance to suppliers, inventory valuations, useful lives of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, the recoverability of long-lived assets, provision necessary for contingent liabilities, revenue recognition and realization of deferred tax assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Accounts receivable, net
Accounts receivable are presented net of allowance for doubtful accounts. We determine the adequacy of reserves for doubtful accounts based on individual account analysis and historical collection trend. We establish a provision for doubtful receivables when there is objective evidence that we may not be able to collect amounts due. The allowance is based on management’s best estimate of specific losses on individual exposures, as well as a provision on historical trends of collections. Actual amounts received may differ from management’s estimate of credit worthiness and the economic environment. Delinquent account balances are written-off against the allowance for doubtful accounts after management has determined that the collection is not probable, Nil, Nil and $99,528 uncollectable account receivable was written-off during the years ended September 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Allowance for uncollectable balances amounted to $13,004 and $13,337 as of September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
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Inventories, net
Inventories are stated at net realizable value using weighted average method. Costs include the cost of raw materials, freight, direct labor and related production overhead. Any excess of the cost over the net realizable value of each item of inventories is recognized as a provision for diminution in the value of inventories. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the normal course of business less any costs to complete and sell products. We evaluate inventories on a quarterly basis for its net realizable value adjustments, and reduces the carrying value of those inventories that are obsolete or in excess of the forecasted usage to their estimated net realizable value based on various factors including aging, expiration dates, as applicable, taking into consideration historical and expected future product sales. We recorded inventory reserve of $1,079 and $6,869 as of September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Revenue recognition
On October 1, 2017, we adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606 using the modified retrospective approach.
To determine revenue recognition for contracts with customers, we perform the following five steps : (i) identify the contract(s) with the customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, including variable consideration to the extent that it is probable that a significant future reversal will not occur, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the respective performance obligations in the contract, and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) we satisfy the performance obligations.
In accordance to ASC 606, we recognize revenue when it transfers its goods and services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in such exchange. We account for the revenue generated from sales of its products to its customers, in which we are acting as a principal in these transactions, is subject to inventory risk, has latitude in establishing prices, and is responsible for fulfilling the promise to provide customers the specified goods. All of our contracts have single performance obligation as the promise is to transfer the individual goods to customers, and there are no other separately identifiable promises in the contracts. Our revenue streams are recognized at a point in time when title and risk of loss passes and the customer accepts the goods, which generally occurs at delivery. Our products are sold with no right of return and we do not provide other credits or sales incentive to customers. Our sales are net of value added tax (“VAT”) and business tax and surcharges collected on behalf of tax authorities in respect of product sales.
Contract Assets and Liabilities
Payment terms are established on our pre-established credit requirements based upon an evaluation of customers’ credit. Contract assets are recognized for in related accounts receivable. Contract liabilities are recognized for contracts where payment has been received in advance of delivery. The contract liability balance can vary significantly depending on the timing when an order is placed and when shipment or delivery occurs. As of September 30, 2022 and 2021, other than accounts receivable and advances from customers, we had no other material contract assets, contract liabilities or deferred contract costs recorded on its consolidated balance sheet. Costs of fulfilling customers’ purchase orders, such as shipping, handling and delivery, which occur prior to the transfer of control, are recognized in selling, general and administrative expense when incurred.
Disaggregation of Revenues
We disaggregate our revenue from contracts by product types, as we believe it best depicts how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of the revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors. The summary of our total revenues by product categories for the years ended September 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was as follows:
Revenue by region
The summary of our total revenues by region for the years ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
For Six Months ended March 31, | ||||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
PRC | $ | 10,118,562 | $ | 13,918,608 | ||||
Overseas | 64,857 | 231,359 | ||||||
Total revenue | $ | 10,183,553 | $ | 14,149,967 |
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The summary of our total revenues by region for the years ended September 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was as follows:
For Years ended September 30, | ||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
PRC | $ | 28,971,115 | $ | 28,756,333 | $ | 23,704,259 | ||||||
Overseas | 551,238 | 1,152,228 | 1,790,305 | |||||||||
Total revenue | $ | 29,522,353 | $ | 29,908,561 | $ | 25,494,564 |
Revenue by product categories
The summary of our total revenues by product categories for the years ended September 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was as follows:
For Years ended September 30, | ||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
Fragrance compounds | $ | 14,315,810 | $ | 13,710,556 | $ | 12,744,029 | ||||||
Health supplements (solid drinks) | 8,704,468 | 7,145,708 | 6,655,982 | |||||||||
Bioactive food ingredients | 6,502,075 | 9,052,297 | 6,094,553 | |||||||||
Total revenue | $ | 29,522,353 | $ | 29,908,561 | $ | 25,494,564 |
Income Tax
We account for current income taxes in accordance with the laws of the relevant tax authorities. Deferred income taxes are recognized when temporary differences exist between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period including the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.
An uncertain tax position is recognized only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded. Penalties and interest incurred related to underpayment of income tax are classified as income tax expense in the period incurred. As of September 30, 2022, we had income tax payable of $576,098, primarily related to the unpaid income tax in China.
Our operating subsidiaries in China are subject to the income tax laws of the PRC. No significant income was generated outside the PRC for the years ended September 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021. As of September 30, 2023 and 2023, all of the tax returns of our PRC subsidiary remain open for statutory examination by PRC tax authorities.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326), which requires entities to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. This replaces the existing incurred loss model and is applicable to the measurement of credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost. ASU 2016-13 was subsequently amended by ASU 2018-19, ASU 2019-04, ASU 2019-05, ASU 2019-10 and ASU 2020-02. For public entities, ASU 2016-13 and its amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. For all other entities, this guidance and its amendments will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application will be permitted for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the effects of the guidance on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
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In October 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-10, “Codification Improvements to Subtopic 205-10, presentation of financial statements”. The amendments in this Update improve the codification by ensuring that all guidance that requires or provides an option for an entity to provide information in the notes to financial statements is codified in the disclosure section of the codification. That reduce the likelihood that the disclosure requirement would be missed. ASU 2020-10 is effective for the Company for annual and interim reporting periods beginning January 1, 2022. Early application of the amendments is permitted for any annual or interim period for which financial statements are available to be issued. The amendments in this Update should be applied retrospectively. An entity should apply the amendments at the beginning of the period that includes the adoption date. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this new standard on Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
Business
Overview
Xi’an App-Chem’s business focuses on the manufacturing of personal care ingredients, such as plant extracted fragrance compounds to perfume and fragrance manufacturers, natural health supplements such as powder drinks and bioactive food ingredient products mostly used as food additives and nutritional supplements by its customers. Xi’an App-Chem is devoted to providing high quality and competitive prices and a stable supply of products and services for the functional food, personal care, natural medicine and other industries. It provides these products and services for third party customers, as well as for its own proprietary brands. With “nourish life with natural essence” as the business concept, and “becoming an innovator (leader) of natural functional ingredients and an integrated supplier of great health industry” as the goal, after more than 18 years of efforts, Xi’an App-Chem has formed four technology platforms respectively for natural product large-scale separation, natural product safety improvement, natural product activity enhancement, and natural product function compounding. Its products have not been approved as effective in treating or preventing any health conditions and/or diseases by a regulatory agency in the PRC.
We were co-founded by a team of top-level executives from China’s domestic natural products industry, together with experts returned from overseas. For the past 10 years, we have focused on the core needs of the natural products industry, emphasizing technological innovation and supply chain integration. We are devoted to providing a stable supply of high-quality products and services at competitive prices for the functional food, personal care, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. “Nourish life with natural essence” is our business concept, and “Becoming an innovative leader of natural functional ingredients and an integrated supplier for the health industry” is our goal. We have formed four technology platforms as follows:
1. | Commercial scale natural ingredient extraction and separation platform built with technologies such as continuous dynamic extraction and molecular distillation and membrane separation (“Technical Platform 1”); | |
2. | Natural extraction safety improvement and assurance platform designed with technology to remove heavy metal, pesticide, and other harmful residues (“Technical Platform 2”); | |
3. | Platform of bioactive ingredient of natural extract enhancement built with technology seeking to increase human absorption rate of naturally extracted ingredients by increasing their water solubility and utilizing drug delivery system (“Technical Platform 3”); and | |
4. | Natural extract formulation technology platform based on steady state technology with focus on formulation of natural anti-oxidant and functional oligosaccharide to achieve stable output, high purity and absorption rate (“Technical Platform 4”). |
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The four technical platforms are utilized throughout the production process of our products with applications illustrated as follows:
Technical Platform 1. Commercial scale natural ingredient extraction and separation platform:
● | Clary Sage concrete is produced by continuous countercurrent extraction, from clary sage; | |
● | Sclareol is produced by molecular distillation separation from clary Sage concrete; | |
● | Stachyose is produced by biological enzymatic hydrolysis-membrane method efficient and continuous separation from stachys affinis; and | |
● | Apple polyphenol is produced with high-efficiency membrane separation from apples. |
Technical Platform 2. Natural extraction safety improvement and assurance platform:
● | Solvent residues are removed in the process of producing ambroxide and Sclareolides with purity in order to maintain aroma when used in fragrance products; | |
● | Carbendazim and other pesticide residues are removed in the process of producing apple polyphenols to parts per billion (“PPB”) level in accordance to applicable food safety regulations; and | |
● | Heavy metals and other metal ions are removed in producing stachyose and the ash content is as low as 0.01%, for product safety purpose, while improving product quality and flavor. |
Technical Platform 3. Bioactive ingredient of natural extract enhancement
● | Mainly used in dietary supplement products currently in early commercial development stage with applications of technology such as water solubility enhancement and drug delivery system to seek higher absorption rate by human and to yield with more active ingredients. |
Technical Platform 4. Natural extract formulation technology platform
● | Mainly used in dietary supplement products currently in early commercial development stage with applications of technology such as molecule steady state technology and anti-oxidants to seek consistent product quality and extended shelf life. |
With the combination and application of the above technology platforms, we seek to produce products with high quality assurance.
In addition, based on our technology for rehabilitation of the human microbiome, cell death regulation, and anti-aging product development, we are able to provide products and services advantageous in terms of cost, safety, performance, function and other aspects for customers in the food, personal care, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.
The services provided to our customers include customized product development and formulation and after-sale and technical support. These services are value-added provided to our customers to enhance customer loyalty and our competitiveness in the marketplace.
Product Categories
Fragrance compounds:
● | Clary sage extract products (Sclareol, Sclareolide, Ambroxide, Clary Sage Oil, Clary Sage Concrete); | |
● | Lavender essential oil; |
While some perfumers may still use the expensive and hard-to-find substance ambergris, which is produced in the intestines of sperm whales, the industry now increasingly uses a substance known as “ambroxide,” synthesized from the compound “sclareol” found in clary sage plant. Ambroxide is used both as a fragrance and as a “fixative” for making scents linger longer in products. Made by our proprietary microbial fermentation process and molecular distillation technology, our ambroxide products are produced with higher purity and yield than industry average. Based on product testing reports, we have determined that our ambroxide products are produced with 99.5% purity and above, while the industry average is approximately 99.0%. The yield of our ambroxide production is approximately 63%. Our management believes the industry average yield for ambroxide production to be approximately 40% to 43%.
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Health supplements (natural, functional active ingredients for powder drinks):
Based on our accumulations in natural functional components separation, biological activity research, product application development, natural product supply chain and other areas, we are able to provide a host of solutions for functional food (health products, nutrients, etc.), functional personal care products (whitening, moisturizing, anti-acne, etc.), natural medicine and other needs, including formulation development, ingredients supply, and product OEM. In addition, we have launched new over-the-counter products, including Bon Natural Micro-eco Hair Repair Shampoo; Tianmei Jinghao Nutrition Powder. We are also in the development stage of more innovative products using natural, functional ingredients intended for the precise regulation and control of the humane micro-biome. Examples include our DuiJiuDangGe (JiuGe) and Gout Ease (Feng Qing Ping). Our products have not been approved as effective in treating or preventing any health conditions and/or diseases by a regulatory agency in the PRC.
Bioactive food ingredients:
● | Stachyose (P60, P70, P80) | |
● | Milk thistle extracts (various solvent Silymarin, Silybin, Water-soluble silymarin and silybin); | |
● | Apple extracts (Apple polyphenol, Apple dietary fiber, Phloridzin, Phloretin) | |
● | Pomegranate extract products (Ellagic acid, Punicalagin,Urolithin) |
Aside from macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fatty acids, the term “bioactive food ingredients” refers to natural compounds, mainly from plant foods, with specific physiological functions. These include flavonoids, phenolic acids, organic sulfides, terpenoids and carotenoids, coenzyme Q, γ-aminobutyric acid, melatonin, and L-carnitine and other biologically active ingredients derived from animal food. These ingredients are believed to participate in the regulation of physiology and pathophysiology, such that food containing these ingredients is believed to have specific functions in addition to basic nutrition.
Our biologically active food ingredients and their main uses are as follows:
1. Apple polyphenol: widely used in high-end personal care products such as weight loss, blood lipid reduction, anti-aging beauty, whitening, anti-wrinkle and other high-end personal care products.
2. Stachyose: Stachyose is a prebiotic, which can promote the proliferation of human intestinal probiotics. It is widely used in dairy products, health drinks, personal care, health care products, ice cream, Chinese medicine, and other industries.
3. Milk thistle extract: A flavonoid derived from the plant milk thistle. It is known to have (but has not been scientifically proven to have) liver protection, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and blood pressure effects. It is used to seek to improve liver diseases caused by alcohol and environmental toxins.
4. Pomegranate extract: A plant-extracted polyphenol with potential effects of anti-oxidation, anti-aging, blood pressure lowering and whitening effects, and can be used in food, medicine and cosmetics.
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Our Manufacturing Process
The following chart illustrates our main manufacturing process from raw material purchase to finish products:
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Our health supplements (powder drinks) are made with naturally extracted active ingredients. For example, stachyose is a single prebiotic, which seeks to accelerate proliferation of bacillus bifidus. Used together with other prebiotic bacteria, it helps greatly in adjusting intestinal bacteria groups, relieving constipation and keeping intestines youthful and perpetually healthy. Our quality control is throughout the entire production and starts souring from the farms with superior quality. The first step is anti-degradation extraction with a special protective agent followed by continuous resin chromatographic separation and purification to produce high purity stachyose.
Our fragrance compound products are plant-based natural extracts widely used as fixatives in fragrance, detergent, health supplements and tobacco flavoring. There are three different products being produced along our proprietary manufacturing process, Sclareol, Sclareolide and Ambroxide. Our manufacturing process of clary sage products can be summarized as: i) continuous countercurrent extraction to ensure faster, more efficient and higher yield than traditional extraction methods; ii) molecular distillation to improve evaporation velocity, and liquid film distribution as well as to reduce heating time and degradation of thermo-sensitive materials; iii) biological transformation with water as media, thus no chemical or heavy metal residues; followed by catalytic reduction; and iv) supramolecular crystal reconstruction to produce our fine ambroxide for use in fragrance or detergent fixatives.
An example of our bioactive food ingredients is apple polyphenols, which are major antioxidants extracted from apples and may contribute to color, flavor, odor and oxidative stability. Therefore, apple polyphenols are widely used in various applications, including health supplements, cosmetics, and food preservation. Our proprietary manufacturing process of apple polyphenols principally involves the following steps: continuous anti-oxidant extraction, and continuous resin chromatographic separation and purification.
Intellectual Property
Patents
As a result of our collection of academic and technological expertise, as of September 30, 2024, we had 12 approved patents and 1 applying patent in China, as set forth in the following table:
No | Patent Name | Patent No./ Application No. |
Authorization Date/ Application Date | Status | Period | Holder | Type | |||||||
1 | Method for separating sclareol | ZL 2008 1 0231943.X | July 20, 2011 | Authorized | 20 years | Xi’an App-Chem | Invention | |||||||
2 | Preparation method of applephenon | ZL 2010 1 0179259.9 | October 5, 2011 | Authorized | 20 years | Xi’an App-Chem | Invention | |||||||
3 | Method for preparing osthole | ZL 2010 1 0531931.6 | February 8, 2012 | Authorized | 20 years | Xi’an App-Chem | Invention | |||||||
4 | Process for separating imperatorin from osthole extract waste liquid | ZL 2010 1 0531934.X | April 11, 2012 | Authorized | 20 years | Xi’an App-Chem | Invention | |||||||
5 | Method for preparing punicalagin and ellagic acid from pomegranate rind | ZL 2010 1 0531940.5 | May 23, 2012 | Authorized | 20 years | Xi’an App-Chem | Invention | |||||||
6 | Molecular distillation and purification method for conjugated linolenic acid | ZL 2010 1 0531945.8 | August 15, 2012 | Authorized | 20 years | Xi’an App-Chem | Invention |
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7 | Flatstem milkvetch seed solid beverage and preparation method thereof | ZL 2010 1 0531836.6 | December 5, 2012 | Authorized | 20 years | Xi’an App-Chem | Invention | |||||||
8 | Method for extraction separation of rutin of tartary buckwheat | ZL 2013 1 0645312.3 | March 2, 2016 | Authorized | 20 years | Xi’an App-Chem | Invention | |||||||
9 | Method for synthesizing luteolin | ZL 2010 1 0531920.8 | August 22, 2012 | Authorized | 20 years | Xi’an YH | Invention | |||||||
10 | Method for preparing baicalin | ZL 2010 1 0531839.X | September 26, 2012 | Authorized | 20 years | Xi’an YH | Invention | |||||||
11 | Synthetic method of biapenem drug intermediate 4-AA | ZL 2013 1 0632993.X | July 13, 2016 | Authorized | 20 years | Xi’an YH | Invention | |||||||
12 | Functional instant tea and preparation technology thereof | ZL 2015 1 0294685.X | January 15, 2019 | Authorized | 20 years | Xi’an DT | Invention | |||||||
13 | A refinement method of proanthocyanidin B2, and the application thereof | 202210363869.7 | April 8,2022 | Pending | 20 years | Xi’an App-ChemChem | Invention |
Key Suppliers and Customers
We enjoy a broad network of raw materials suppliers and customers and distributors. Our relationships with our customers and suppliers are based on standardized terms for the supply of specific products with a specific ingredient purity, referred to as content %. Payment terms are a mixture of cash on delivery and a specifically-agreed maximum days payable outstanding (“DPO”).
Below is a tabular summary of our relationships with our most important suppliers:
Supplier Name | Product Name | Use | Terms | |||
Molbase (Shanghai) Biotechnology Co., Ltd. |
Clary sage extract | Raw materials for fragrance and perfume | Procure for the Company by Molbase as the trade platform with commission fee, cash on delivery | |||
Stachys affinis extracts | Raw materials for stachyose, one of health supplements | Procure for the Company by Molbase as the trade platform with commission fee, cash on delivery | ||||
Ambroxide | Raw materials for fragrance and perfume | Procure for the Company by Molbase as the trade platform with commission fee, cash on delivery | ||||
Jiaozuo Xinzhiyuan Technology Co., Ltd. |
Ambroxide | Raw materials for fragrance and perfume | Content: 95%, centralized supply in specific days payable outstanding (DPO) | |||
Dali Zhengxin Species Co., Ltd. |
Ambroxide | Raw materials for fragrance and perfume | Content: 95%, centralized supply in specific days payable outstanding (DPO) |
The principal raw materials used for our production are various natural and plant-based extracts. For the six months ended March 31, 2024, one supplier accounted for approximately 57.9% of the total pruchase. For the six months ended March 31, 2023, three suppliers accounted for approximately 28.2%, 24.5%, and 23.5%. For the years ended September 30, 2023, three suppliers accounted for approximately 41.8%, 29.5%, and 11.19% of the total purchases, respectively. For the years ended September 30, 2022, four suppliers accounted for approximately 24.6%, 15.0%, 11.9% and 10.7% of the total purchases, respectively. For the years ended September 30, 2021, two suppliers accounted for approximately 30.1% and 13.4% of the total purchases, respectively. A change in suppliers, however, could cause a delay in manufacturing and a possible loss of sales, which would adversely affect our business, financial position and results of operations.
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Below is a tabular summary of our relationships with our most important customers:
Customer Name | Product Name | Application | Terms | |||
Tianjin
Mingrunbaili Trade Co., Ltd. |
Clary sage extract | Fragrance and perfume | Special specification product, long-term cooperation in specific days payable outstanding (DPO) | |||
Stachyose | Bioactive food ingredients | Special specification product, long-term cooperation in specific days payable outstanding (DPO) | ||||
Shanghai Yunsheng International Trade Co., Ltd. | Apple polyphenol | Health supplement (powder drinks) | 70% content, low pesticide residue, long-term cooperation in specific days payable outstanding (DPO) | |||
Milk thistle extracts | Bioactive food ingredients | 30% content, low solvent residue, long-term cooperation in specific days payable outstanding (DPO) | ||||
OQEMA Ltd | Ambroxide | Fragrance and perfume | 99% content, long-term cooperation in specific days payable outstanding (DPO) | |||
Symrise Private Limited | Ambroxide | Fragrance and perfume | 99% content, long-term cooperation in specific days payable outstanding (DPO) |
We sell our products primarily through direct distributors in the PRC and, to some extent, to overseas customers in Europe. For the six months ended March 31, 2024, two customers accounted for 58.2% and 20.0% of the Company’s total revenue, respectively. For the six months ended March 31, 2023, three customers accounted for 43.3%, 32.9% and 14.2% of the Company’s total revenue, respectively. For the year ended September 30, 2023, three customers accounted for 42.7%, 24.7%, and 13.2% of the Company’s total revenue, respectively. For the year ended September 30, 2022, three customers accounted for 35.5%, 23.9%, and 15.4% of the Company’s total revenue, respectively. For the year ended September 30, 2021, two customers accounted for 35.5% and 26.1% of the Company’s total revenue, respectively.
Marketing and Competition
Market Focus — Raw Materials and Ingredients and Functional Health
Our product sales are carried out by two teams within our sales department – Raw Materials and Ingredients and Functional Health. Our Raw Material Ingredients Team sells natural active ingredients such as stachyose, apple polyphenol, Ambroxide, and others to customers in the functional food and personal care industries, accounting for around 70% of the company’s total sales. The Functional Health Team focuses on human micro-biome adjustment and control products, providing small and medium-sized customers in the Chinese domestic Big Health industry with one-stop solutions from product design, research and development, and procurement to OEM in digestive health, metabolic health, immune health and other fields. The Functional Health Team accounts for about 30% of the company’s overall business. Our marketing efforts are focused in two areas – the international market and the domestic Chinese market. The international market is dominated by raw materials and ingredients, while the domestic market is primarily focused on functional health.
Our raw materials and ingredients businesses are promoted through exhibitions, professional journals, academic conferences, and social platforms (social broadcasting), with academic promotion of professional knowledge and general scientific knowledge being the main methods. We are committed to promoting and maintaining our brand image in the natural ingredients industry. Our brands and slogans, such as App-Chem, App-Chem Stachyose for Healthy Digestion in China (“天美水苏糖,健康中国肠”), App-Chem Cares Life (“天然至美呵护生命至美”). are well recognized and widely praised in the industry. We have established a strong and widely known reputation in the international natural products industry, especially in the field of micro-biome health.
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Our functional health business focuses on adjustment and control of the micro-biome and focuses on immune health and digestion health as the target market. The Company promotes itself through exhibition, social platforms (stachyose social broadcasting), and Internet promotions (Ning Xiang Tang Nutrition Powder, and Tianmei Jinghao Nutrition Powder). Through continuous efforts, the Company has established a sound reputation in the Great Health industry and has become a preferred supplier for several leading clients both at home and abroad.
Leading Competitors
Our main competitors are suppliers of functional ingredients, nutrition food, and traditional Chinese medicine functional food in the Big Health industry. They are as follows:
QHT- a leading probiotics supplier in China
Quantum Hi-Tech (China) Biotechnology Co., Ltd., publicly listed in 2010, is a national hi-tech enterprise committed to micro-ecology health. As a leading enterprise in the micro-ecological health industry, Quantum Bio has brands like Oligo, and Sheng He Tang, and operates the largest production site of oligosaccharide in China. QHT focuses on the field of probiotics with products like oligosaccharide and galactooligosaccharide, which can regulate intestinal microecological balance in dual manner by stimulating beneficial bacteria and inhibiting harmful bacteria. These products have been identified by the Public Nutrition and Development Center of the Macro Economy Institution of the National Development and Reform Commission as advocacy products of nutrition and health, and emerging products with wide-ranging and promising applications. In 2013, Forbes China included QHT in its Top 200 Listed Small- and Medium-sized Asian Enterprises. QHT and its logo are a well-known trademark in China. As of March 2020, QHT’s total market value reached US $1 billion.
Chenguang Biotech (CCGB)- a leading natural ingredients supplier in China
Chenguang Biotech Group Co., Ltd., another publicly listed company, has twenty subsidiaries and is an export- and foreign-exchange-generation-oriented enterprise which integrates intensive processing of agricultural products and extract of natural plants. It mainly develops and produces natural colors, natural spice extracts and essential oils, natural nutrition and medicinal extracts, and protein oils. Among its products, the production and sales volume of natural colors is the highest in China, and that of capsanthin the highest in the world. Its chili extracts account for over 85% of total domestic output for that product. Its lutein, beet red and other varieties occupy a significant share of world production. As of March 2020, the total market value of Chenguang Biotech Group Co., Ltd. reached ¥ 4.7 billion.
Tong Ren Tang- a leading producer of traditional Chinese medicine and health products in China
Beijing Tong Ren Tang (Group) Co., Ltd., a wholly state-owned company, is authorized by the municipal government to operate state-owned assets. It was founded in 1669, with a history of 343 years. The group adheres to the development strategy of “taking modern traditional Chinese medicine as the core, developing life and health industry, and becoming an internationally renowned modern traditional Chinese medicine group”. It takes “growing, strengthening and expanding” as its policy, and takes innovation and technology as its mission. Its sales revenue, profits, export earnings and the number of overseas terminals rank first in the industry in China. Since 1997, Tong Ren Tang has maintained sustained and healthy development, with its economic indicators reaching double-digit growth for 15 consecutive years, doubling every five years. As of 2011, the group has a total asset of ¥14 billion, a sales revenue of ¥16.3 billion, a profit of ¥1.316 billion, and foreign exchange earnings of $33.92 million. It has set up 64 pharmacies and 1 overseas production and research base in 16 overseas countries and regions. Its products are sold to more than 40 overseas countries and regions.
At the same time, Tong Ren Tang’s dual function of being both an economic entity and a cultural carrier has become increasingly apparent. It has achieved fruitful results in brand maintenance and promotion, cultural innovation and inheritance. The “Tong Ren Tang traditional Chinese medicine culture” has been approved as one of the first items to be included in the List of National Intangible Cultural Heritage. It has signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement with the Confucius Institute Headquarters (Hanban) to jointly promote Tong Ren Tang traditional Chinese medicine culture and has further strengthened the overseas dissemination of Tong Ren Tang Culture by using the Confucius Institute platform. As of March 2020, Tong Ren Tang’s total market value reached ¥ 34.3 billion.
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BY-HEALTH- a leading supplier of nutrients by indirect selling in China
Founded in October 1995, BY-HEALTH introduced dietary supplements into China’s indirect selling market systematically in 2002. It has since grown rapidly into a leading brand and benchmark enterprise of dietary supplements in China. In August 2010, Yao Ming, the former international basketball superstar, signed contract to become its brand ambassador. On December 15, 2010, BY-HEALTH was listed on the Growth Enterprise Market (GEM) of Shenzhen Stock Exchange.
For more than a decade, BY-HEALTH has been adhering to differentiated global quality strategy in three steps, namely, from global raw materials procurement, to establishment of its global base for the sole purpose of supplying raw materials, and then to the establishment of a global self-owned organic farm. So far, BY-HEALTH has sources of raw materials from 23 countries and regions worldwide. It has set up 5 exclusive raw materials bases in Brazil, Australia and other places. Now, its own organic farms are under planning. BY-HEALTH will make unremitting efforts to select high-quality raw materials from all over the world, bringing together the essence of nutrition, and building a “United Nations” of nutrients that selects the best from the better. As of March 2020, the total market value of BY-HEALTH reached ¥ 27.2 billion.
Competitive Challenges and Advantages
Our competitors’ main advantages are as follows:
● | Stronger business scale and capital strength – Our main competitors are listed public companies, with relatively longer development histories, larger business scales and stronger financial strength. | |
● | Larger and more complete sales networks — Since our main competitors have larger business scales, their market sales networks are accordingly wider. | |
● | Brand recognition – Due to the advantages of being well-identified public companies, their high levels of marketing and promotion and, in some cases, inherited historical advantages, our main competitors have greater brand recognition. |
Compared with our main competitors, our advantages are mainly reflected in the following two aspects:
● | More advanced technology and products – Our main competitors’ technologies are mainly traditional physical and chemical techniques such as extraction and separation. Relatively speaking, we employ more advanced bio-manufacturing technologies, which give us enormous disproportional advantage in production efficiency and cost (a cost advantage of 20% to 60% over our main competitors). | |
In the production of ambroxide for example, unlike our main competitors who use chemical synthesis with lengthy and complex process, typically involving 10 steps, such as oxidation, crystallization and extraction at multiple stages as well as saponification reaction, we use a bio- technique that utilizes a six-step process in a mild environment, including bio-synthesis, continuous separation, reduction, extraction, cyclization and crystallization to achieve what we believe is higher yield and efficiency than the industry average. As another example, most of our competitors produce stachyose with the traditional approach, resin separation, which is a lower yield method due to its intermittent process. Our continuous process is differentiated by our use of bio-enzyme and bio-membrane separation and purification, which we believe leads to higher yield and purity. | ||
● | First-mover advantage – The primary market focus for our products is nutritional health and personal care adjusted and controlled by the human micro-biome. This relatively new and fast-growing product focus has been made possible by recent breakthroughs in human micro-biome technology. Unlike our main competitors, we are strongly focused on this rapidly expanding market. We believe this gives us an important first-mover advantage. We intend to use this growing market niche to achieve rapid development and growth without immediate and direct competitive pressure from larger firms. Our market network, financial strength, brand awareness, and other areas will gradually improve as the Company grows and develops. As we become as more powerful market player, we will become better positioned to compete with larger, more established companies. |
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Development and Expansion Strategy
The key components of our development and expansion strategy over the next two-to-three years are as follows:
Raw Material and Ingredients
Using our current projects as a foothold, we intend to expand our plants to increase productivity and enlarge our markets to ensure sustainable growth. Over the next two to three years, our raw materials and ingredients business will be centered on the Great Health market and focus on the core needs of the functional food and personal care industries. We view our current business in this area as foundation from which we can expand our plants, increase our productivity, improve our technology and equipment, optimize our supply chain, and broaden our sales channels to ensure a steady and sustainable growth. Management is committed to achieving a compound annual growth rate in this business line of no less than 30%.
In our functional health business, we intend a rapid expansion focused on the development and introduction of innovative new products. Over the next two to three years, we will continue to place an intensive focus on human micro-biome health, and actively develop a series of functional food and personal care products featuring strong and fasting-acting effects on the respiratory and gastrointestinal areas of the human micro-biome. These products will be designed to take advantage of precise adjustment and regulation of the human micro-biome. The quality raw materials produced by our own natural ingredients business will provide us a significant cost advantage in these efforts.
Our Strengths
Innovation in Manufacturing Methods and Product Development
● | Xi’an App-Chem is a supplier of personal care ingredients, and we seek to be a leader in the bio-manufacturing of natural products and health solutions in immunity and digestion by leveraging our proprietary natural essence extraction technology to focus on human micro-biome as a therapeutic target. Together with our operating subsidiaries, we hold several patents issued by the PRC, relating primarily to composition and processing techniques for products and product ingredients. | |
● | We use bio-manufacturing technology to produce substances such as sclareol, sclareolide, ambroxide, extracted from Clary sage (Salvia sclarea L.), a very aromatic herbaceous plant, to replace ambergris (ambroxide is a substitute of ambergris which is originated from sperm whale), novel probiotics stachyose, and natural antioxidant apple polyphenol. Our ambroxide is made using our proprietary technology, which we believe can be done at a lower cost, than the processes used by some of our competitors. Our stachyose manufacturing process features a very high productivity rate (over 1,000-ton capacity), and, we believe, a higher product purity, and faster and more extensive proliferation of probiotics than the primary competing substance, chrysanthemum powder. |
● | Xi’an App-Chem is listed as a key enterprise with ensured supplies in the COVID-19 prevention and control period by various Chinese government agencies during the COVID-19 pandemic due to its immunity boosting products such as stachyose. There is no proven efficacy of Stachyose in preventing, treating or controlling the spread of COVID-19. In its “COVID-19 Treatment Solution-version 7*”, issued on March 3, 2020, China’s National Health Commission recommended the use of supplements regulating the human gut microbiome as one of the potential treatments for COVID-19 patients in critical condition. Xi’an App-Chem, together with other companies in bio-medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, medical equipment, information service devices and system, and PPE manufacturing businesses, was qualified to be listed as a key enterprise in COVID-19 prevention and control for its stachyose products. Stachyose, the main product of Xi’An App-Chem is the major component of the microecological regulator proposed as part of China’s treatment plan for COVID-19. It has been deemed an “important raw and auxiliary material” for pandemic control related drugs and substances, thereby allowing Xi’an App-Chem to meet the qualifications for listing as a key enterprise for the potential prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic. |
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The key enterprise selection for pandemic prevention and control is an institutional system established by a series of policies issued during February and March 2020 by the Chinese government in order to combat COVID-19. The main purpose of these policies is to ensure the stable supply of medical supplies, medicines, key raw materials, and essential living materials during this special period. | ||
The following types of companies are qualified to be listed as key enterprises: |
○ | Manufacturers of important medical supplies such as medical masks and non-medical face masks, COVID-19 test kits, infrared thermometers, intelligent monitoring and detection systems, and related drugs and medical equipment that have been requested; | |
○ | A key enterprise that produces important daily necessities; | |
○ | Important raw and auxiliary material manufacturers, important equipment manufacturers and related supporting enterprises required for the production of the above-mentioned materials; | |
○ | An important medical material purchase and storage enterprise; | |
○ | Companies that provide relevant information and communication equipment and service systems to respond to the epidemic; | |
○ | Enterprises that undertake the above-mentioned material transportation and sales tasks in response to the epidemic; and | |
○ | Other enterprises with key guarantees in accordance with the requirements of the State Council’s joint prevention and control mechanism. |
The advantages of this designation to Xi’an App-Chem include expedited governmental and regulatory approval processes to resume operations, and preferential bank loans with favorable terms.
Major supporting measures include:
1. | Priority approval of business reopening; | |
2. | Priority early reopening for the transportation of raw materials and products; | |
3. | Work and travel support for needed employees; | |
4. | Working capital support for the key enterprises; | |
5. | Preferential tax policy support to key enterprises; and | |
6. | The government’s commitment to the procurement of special protective and medical equipment. |
(Items 4 and 5 are issued with official government documents; Items 1, 2, 3, and 6 are temporary support measures by local governments at all levels without documentation.)
● | Our process for manufacturing apple polyphenol (a source of anti-oxidants) allows us to achieve a high product anti-oxidant content of 70% to 90%, higher than some of our competitors’ products. | |
● | Xi’an App-Chem launched new over-the-counter products, including Bon Natural Micro-eco Hair Repair Shampoo and Tianmei Jinghao Nutrition Powder. In addition, the Company is in the development stage of more innovative products using natural, functional ingredients intended for the precise regulation and control of the humane micro-biome. Examples include our DuiJiuDangGe (JiuGe) and Gout Ease (Feng Qing Ping). |
A Stable Supply Chain for Raw Materials for the Fragrance, Food and Beverage Industries
● | Xi’an App-Chem seeks to have a stable supply chain for raw materials, which is important in the natural ingredient field. The company’s management team, through its operating experience, is constantly improving their selection of various natural raw material sources, supply chain management, supplier selection, and risk and quality control. |
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Advantages in Cost Control
● | The Company’s management team believes that its bio-manufacturing technology gives it an average cost advantage in producing its natural ingredients (i.e., products such as Ambroxide, stachyose, apple polyphenol and other types of natural-ingredient products). |
Professional and Efficient Sales Team and Branding
● | There are twelve people in our sales team, among whom four have professional backgrounds in biology, chemistry, medicine, pharmacy, and related fields. Six of our sales professionals majored in English, international trade and related fields. Our sales professionals have an average of over five years of relevant work experience. Two of them have been stationed abroad to work on a long-term basis. With more than ten years of accumulated experience, we have forged a sales system worldwide (mainly in Europe, East Asia, and North America). |
Our Challenges
We May Face Competition from Other Companies Currently In Other Categories of the Natural Ingredients and Health Solutions Industry.
● | Because of the and recent growth of our existing business, we may face new direct competition from some counterparts engaged in other categories of the natural products and ingredients business, such as Chenguang Biotech from China, which is engaged in natural colors, Layn, which engaged in natural sweeteners, and European companies like Koninklijke DSM N.V., Symrise AG, and Givaudan SA. These firms may seek to compete directly with Xi’an App-Chem in its existing businesses. The size, financial strength, technology foundation and development capabilities of the above-mentioned companies are strong, and potential competition from these firms will be a key competitive challenge in the near future. |
Larger, more Developed Food and Ingredient Companies May Seek to Compete in Our Industry in the Near Future.
● | The rapid development of human micro-biome technology has resulted in rapid commercialization in the related products of immune health and digestive health, which has increasingly attracted the attention of some large-scale companies. For example, the French large-scale food company Danone Group recently announced that it continues to place the gut and its micro-biome at the core of its health strategy to deliver the company’s mission “bringing health through food to as many people as possible.” Such large companies might change the current landscape of the industry, either directly or through mergers and acquisitions. These companies may challenge us by seeking to secure key raw material sources for their products and to acquire stability, reliability and cost advantages for their supply chains. Because of the strong capital and brand strength of such companies, they might pose challenges to us in the future. |
We May Face Additional Competition from New Entrants to the Health Industry
● | The Big Health industry has experienced sustained and rapid growth worldwide, based on the rapid development of information technology and life science technology in recent years. Prompted by the serious emergency caused by the global COVID-19, consumers and public administrators around the world have paid more attention to basic health issues than ever before, especially to immune health. At the core of immune health, and at the core of our business focus, is the precise adjustment and control of human micro-biome by natural probiotics. This area has drawn a wide external attention, which may cause firms outside the health industry to seek market entry. In the future, some of the new entrants may become our competitive challengers. |
Our Current Sales and Distribution Network May Be Insufficient to Support Our Planned Growth.
● | We currently sell our products through our direct sales force and distribution channel. Although our sales and distribution network is sufficient for our existing needs, it may be insufficient to meet future product demand as we continue to grow our business. As we begin to expand our production capacity, an insufficient distribution network may hinder our ability to meet demand and to grow our revenues accordingly. |
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We may face new regulations in the PRC in the future
● | Recently, the PRC government initiated a series of regulatory actions and made a number of public statements on the regulation of business operations in China with little advance notice, including cracking down on illegal activities in the securities market, enhancing supervision over China-based companies listed overseas using a variable interest entity structure, adopting new measures to extend the scope of cybersecurity reviews, and expanding efforts in anti-monopoly enforcement. We do not believe that we are directly subject to these regulatory actions or statements, as we do not have a variable interest entity structure and our business does not involve the collection of user data, implicate cybersecurity, or involve any other type of restricted industry. Because these statements and regulatory actions are new, however, it is highly uncertain how soon legislative or administrative regulation making bodies in China will respond to them, or what existing or new laws or regulations will be modified or promulgated, if any, or the potential impact such modified or new laws and regulations will have on our daily business operations or our ability to accept foreign investments and continue to be listed on an U.S. exchange. |
Our Strategy for Meeting Potential Challenges
● | First, we intend to meet our possible competitive challenges by giving full play to our advantages (mainly technology, products, and supply chain) to attain greater advantage in terms of quality, cost, and supply stability. We intend to use these advantages to secure a larger market share and to boost our rapid development and expansion of our capabilities. Due to the high technical barriers to entry in our field, including the complexity of the raw materials involved and the inherent product quality challenges, we believe potential competitors seeking to enter our market will require three to five years to enter the market and launch truly competitive products. We believe this will allow us to press our advantages described above and stay ahead of new competition. |
● | Second, we intend to accelerate our business growth and market expansion, taking full advantage of rapid industrial advancements empowered by information technology and life science technology. Our improved financial strength after a successful equity offering, combined with a sustained growth of market demand in the Big Health industry (driven in part by the COVID-19 pandemic), will enhance our ability to tackle various challenges. | |
● | Third, we will actively seek opportunities for collaboration and cooperation with large-scale enterprises that focus on human micro-biome-related businesses (such as Guangzhou Wanglaoji Pharmaceutical, JDB, Wahaha, Mengniu, Yili, Chr. Hansen, etc.), including cooperation in product sales, strategic business relationships, and, if possible, equity investment. | |
● | Fourth, we intend to invest some of our available cash generated from operations and capital raising to add additional teams to our direct sales force, to expand our geographic reach with new distribution channels into other provinces within China and overseas, and to establish more sales online. |
We also face other challenges, risks and uncertainties that may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. You should consider the risks discussed in “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus before investing in our Shares.
REGULATIONS
This section sets forth a summary of the most significant rules and regulations that affect our business activities in China and the European Union or our shareholders’ rights to receive dividends and other distributions from us.
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Regulations Relating to Foreign Investment in China
Foreign investment law
On March 15, 2019, the National People’s Congress, or the NPC, promulgated the Foreign Investment Law of the PRC, or the Foreign Investment Law, which became effective on January 1, 2020, and replaced the Sino-foreign Equity Joint Venture Enterprise Law, the Sino-foreign Cooperative Joint Venture Enterprise Law, and the Wholly Foreign-invested Enterprise Law. The organization form, organization, and activities of foreign-invested enterprises shall be governed, among others, by the PRC Company Law and the PRC Partnership Enterprise Law. Foreign-invested enterprises established in accordance with the Sino-foreign Equity Joint Venture Enterprise Law, the Sino-foreign Cooperative Joint Venture Enterprise Law, and the Wholly Foreign-invested Enterprise Law before the implementation of the Foreign Investment Law may retain the original business organization and so on within five years after the implementation of the Foreign Investment Law. The Foreign Investment Law provides that that foreign investment refers to investment activities directly or indirectly conducted within China by foreign natural persons, enterprises or other entities (the “foreign investors”), which include the following forms: (a) a foreign investor, individually or collectively with other investors, establishes a foreign-invested enterprise within PRC; (b) a foreign investor acquires stock shares, equity shares, property portions, or other like rights and interests of an enterprise within PRC; (c) a foreign investor, individually or collectively with other investors, invests in a new project within the PRC; and (d) other forms of investments under laws, administrative regulations, or provisions prescribed by the State Council of the PRC.
On December 26, 2019, the State Council promulgated the Implementing Regulations of the Foreign Investment Law of the PRC, or the FIE Implementing Regulations, which became effective on January 1, 2020. The FIE Implementing Regulations strictly implements the legislative principles and purpose of the Foreign Investment Law, it emphasizes on promoting and protecting the foreign investment and refines the specific measures. On the same day, the Supreme People’s Court issued the Interpretation on the Application of the Foreign Investment Law of the PRC, which also came into effect on January 1, 2020 and provides for interpretations on the application of laws in cases of investment contracts disputes between equal parties. This interpretation shall apply to any contractual dispute arising from the acquisition of the relevant rights and interests by a foreign investor by way of gift, division of property, the merger of enterprises, division of enterprises, etc.
According to the FIE Implementing Regulations, the registration of foreign-invested enterprises shall be handled by the State Administration for Market Regulation, or the SAMR or its authorized local counterparts. Where a foreign investor invests in an industry or field subject to licensing in accordance with laws, the relevant competent government department responsible for granting such license shall review the license application of the foreign investor in accordance with the same conditions and procedures applicable to PRC domestic investors unless it is stipulated otherwise by the laws and administrative regulations, and the competent government department shall not impose discriminatory requirements on the foreign investor in terms of licensing conditions, application materials, reviewing steps and deadlines, etc. However, the relevant competent government departments shall not grant the license or permit enterprise registration if the foreign investor intends to invest in the industries or fields as specified in the Special Administrative Measures for Market Access of Foreign Investment (Negative List) (2021 Version), or the Negative List 2021, without satisfying the relevant requirements. If a foreign investor invests in a prohibited field or industry as specified in the Negative List 2021, the relevant competent government department shall order the foreign investor to stop the investment activities, dispose of the shares or assets or take other necessary measures within a specified time limit, and restore to the status prior to the occurrence of the aforesaid investment, and the illegal gains, if any, shall be confiscated. If the investment activities of a foreign investor violate the special administrative measures for access restrictions on foreign investments as stipulated in the negative list, the relevant competent government department shall order the investor to make corrections within the specified time limit and take necessary measures to meet the relevant requirements. If the foreign investor fails to make corrections within the specified time limit, the aforesaid provisions regarding the circumstance that a foreign investor invests in the prohibited field or industry shall apply.
According to the Foreign Investment Law and the FIE Implementing Regulations, Xi’an CMIT and Xi’an Youpincui have registered with the High-tech Branch of Xi’an Administration Industrial and Commercial Bureau. As the industries engaged by Xi’an CMIT and Xi’an Youpincui are not listed in the Negative List 2021, they do not need to obtain any license from other relevant competent government departments.
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Regulations Relating to Value-Added Telecommunications Services
Foreign investment in value-added telecommunications
Foreign direct investment in telecommunications companies in China is regulated by the Administrative Provisions on Foreign-Invested Telecommunications Enterprises, or the FITE Regulation, which was issued by the State Council on December 11, 2001, most recently amended on February 6, 2016. The FITE Regulation stipulates that a foreign-invested telecommunications enterprise in the PRC, or the FITE, must be established as a sino-foreign equity joint venture for operations in the PRC. Under the FITE Regulation and in accordance with WTO-related agreements, the foreign party investing in a FITE engaging in value-added telecommunications services may hold up to 50% of the ultimate equity interests of the FITE. In addition, the major foreign party as the shareholder of the FITE must satisfy a number of stringent performance and operational experience requirements, including demonstrating a good track record and experience in operating a value-added telecommunications business. The FITE that meets these requirements must obtain approvals from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, or the MIIT, and MOFCOM or their authorized local counterparts, which retain considerable discretion in granting approvals. Furthermore, the foreign party investing in the e-commerce business, as a type of value-added telecommunications services, has been allowed to hold up to 100% of the equity interests of the FITE based on the Circular of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on Removing the Restrictions on Shareholding Held by Foreign Investors in Online Data Processing and Transaction Processing (Operating E-commerce) Business issued on June 19, 2015, and the current effective Catalogue of Telecommunications Services, or the Telecom Catalog.
On July 13, 2006, the Ministry of Information Industry of the PRC, or the MII (which is the predecessor of the MIIT) promulgated the Notice of the Ministry of Information Industry on Strengthening the Administration of Foreign Investment in Value-added Telecommunications Business, or the MII Notice, which reiterates certain requirements of the FITE Regulation and strengthens the administration by the MII. Under the MII Notice, if a foreign investor intends to invest in PRC value-added telecommunications business, the foreign investor must establish a FITE and apply for the relevant license for value-added telecommunications services, or the VATS License. In addition, a domestic company that holds a license for the provision of value-added telecommunications services is prohibited from leasing, transferring or selling the license to foreign investors in any form, and from providing any assistance, including providing resources, sites or facilities, to foreign investors to conduct value-added telecommunications businesses illegally in China. Trademarks and domain names that are used in the provision of value-added telecommunications services must be owned by the license holder or its shareholders. The MII Notice also requires that each VATS License holder have appropriate facilities for its approved business operations and maintain such facilities in the business regions covered by its license. The VATS License holder shall perfect relevant measures for safeguarding the network and information, establish relevant administrative policies on information safety, set up the procedures for handling network emergencies and information safety and implement the liabilities system for information safety.
Telecommunications regulations
The Telecommunications Regulations of the PRC, or the Telecom Regulations, promulgated on September 25, 2000, and most recently amended on February 6, 2016, are the primary PRC laws governing telecommunications services, which set out the general framework for the provision of telecommunications services by domestic PRC companies. The Telecom Regulations require that telecommunications service providers shall obtain licenses prior to commencing operations. The Telecom Regulations distinguish basic telecommunications services and value-added telecommunications services. The Telecom Catalog, promulgated by MII on February 21, 2003, and amended by the MIIT on December 28, 2015, and June 6, 2019, and issued as an attachment to the Telecom Regulations, identifies internet information services and online data processing and transaction processing as value-added telecommunications services.
On July 3, 2017, the MIIT issued the revised Administrative Measures for the Licensing of Telecommunications Business, or the Telecom License Measures, which became effective on September 1, 2017, to supplement the Telecom Regulations. The Telecom License Measures require that an operator of value-added telecommunications services obtain a VATS License from the MIIT or its provincial-level counterparts. The term of a VATS License is five years and the license holder is subject to the annual inspection.
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Internet information services
On September 25, 2000, the State Council promulgated the Measures for the Administration of Internet Information Services, or the ICP Measures, as amended on January 8, 2011. Under the ICP Measures, the internet information service is categorized into commercial internet information services and non-commercial internet services. The operators of non-commercial internet information services must file-record with relevant governmental authorities. However, the operators of commercial internet information services in China must obtain an ICP License, from the relevant governmental authorities. And the provision of particular information services, such as news, publishing, education, healthcare, medicine, and medical device must also comply with relevant laws and regulations and obtain approval from competent governmental authorities.
Internet information service providers are required to monitor their websites. They may not post or disseminate any content that falls within prohibited categories provided by laws or administrative regulations and must stop providing any such content on their websites. The PRC government may order ICP License holders that violate the content restrictions to correct those violations and revoke their ICP Licenses under serious conditions.
The MIIT released the Circular on Regulating the Use of Domain Names in Internet Information Services on November 27, 2017, effective from January 1, 2018, which provides that the domain names used by the internet information service provider in providing internet information services shall be registered and owned by such internet information service provider, and if the internet information service provider is a legal entity, the domain name registration shall be the legal entity (or any of its shareholders), or its principal or senior manager.
Regulations Relating to Land Use Right and Construction
Pursuant to the PRC Land Administration Law promulgated in June 1986 with the latest amendment in August 2019 (effective as of January 2020) and the PRC Civil Code, any entity that needs land for construction must obtain land use right and must register with local counterparts of Ministry of Natural Resources. Land use right is established at the time of registration.
According to the Measures for the Administration of Grant and Transfer of Right to Use Urban State-owned Land promulgated by the Ministry of Construction in December 1992 with the latest amendment in 2011, and the PRC Law on Urban and Rural Planning promulgated by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress in October 2007 and became effective in January 2008 with the latest amendment in April 2019, the Measures for Administration of Construction Permits of Construction Projects promulgated by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of the PRC (or the MOHURD) in October 1999 with the latest amendment in March 2021, and the Administrative Measures on the Filings of Inspection Upon Completion of Construction of Buildings and Municipal Infrastructure promulgated by the MOHURD in October 2009, after obtaining land use right, the owner of land use right must obtain construction land planning permit, construction works planning permit from the relevant municipal planning authority, and a construction permit from relevant construction authority in order to commence construction. After a building is completed, an examination of completion by the relevant governmental authorities and experts must be organized.
Regulations on Production and Sale of Food Products
Before 2018, the China Food and Drug Administration, or the CFDA, had the regulatory authority to oversee, administer, and enforce all laws, regulations, and rules concerning the food industry business operations in China. After the institutional reforms, the CFDA has been abolished, and relevant regulatory authority has been taken over by the SAMR under the State Council.
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The food industry is subject to extensive regulations in China. The PRC laws and regulations governing the food industry primarily consist of the PRC Food Safety Law (2009), as last amended in 2021; the Implementation Regulation for the Food Safety Law of PRC (2009), as amended in 2019, or the Food Safety Regulation; the Administrative Measures for Food Production Licensing (2010), as last amended in 2020, or the Food Production Licensing Rule; and the Administrative Measures for Food Business Licensing (2015), as amended in 2017, or the Food Business Licensing Rule. Under the PRC Food Safety Law and the Food Safety Regulation, food product manufacturers and business operators shall obtain the required food production permits; food producers and business operators are subject to regular quality inspection and supervision by the local governmental agencies and their product permits may be revoked if they no longer meet the standards and requirements for food production and operation; food-producing enterprises shall establish and implement food safety management systems, such as ingredient inspection and acceptance, production process safety management, storage management, equipment management, and substandard product management systems; and packaging of pre-packed food shall bear a label which states manufacturing permit serial number; among other things. The State Council implements a licensing system for food product manufacture and distribution. According to the Food Production Licensing Rule, a food production license must be obtained prior to engaging in food production activities in the PRC. The Food Business Licensing Rule requires food business operators to obtain a food business license for each business entity engaging in food business operations. We have obtained the required Food Production Licenses and Food Business Licenses, as set forth in the table below:
No | License Type | License No. | License Date | Expiry Date | Holder | |||||
1 | Food Production License | SC12361052300601 | August 18, 2023 | August 08, 2028 | Xi’an App-Chem | |||||
2 | Food Business License | YB17100000290801 | November 28, 2022 | N/A | Xi’an App-Chem | |||||
3 | Food Production License | SC10661020100062 | November 21, 2022 | November 20, 2027 | Tongchuan DT |
In addition to PRC laws and regulations, we strictly follow applicable safety regulations in all markets to which we sell our products. Through our subsidiary, Xi’an App-Chem, we have obtained REACH certification for our ambroxide in the European Union, and Generally Recognized as Safe List (“GRAS”) certification from the FDA for our clary sage. We have obtained kosher and halal certifications for certain of our products as well.
“GRAS” is an acronym for the phrase Generally Recognized As Safe. Under sections 201(s) and 409 of the U.S. Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the “Act”), any substance that is intentionally added to food is a food additive, that is subject to premarket review and approval by FDA, unless the substance is generally recognized, among qualified experts, as having been adequately shown to be safe under the conditions of its intended use, or unless the use of the substance is otherwise excepted from the definition of a food additive. General recognition of safety under for a substance under U.S. law may be achieved under either of two methods:
● | Under sections 201(s) and 409 of the Act, and FDA’s implementing regulations in 21 CFR 170.3 and 21 CFR 170.30, the use of a food substance may be GRAS either through scientific procedures or, for a substance used in food before 1958, through experience based on common use in food Under 21 CFR 170.30(b), general recognition of safety through scientific procedures requires the same quantity and quality of scientific evidence as is required to obtain approval of the substance as a food additive. General recognition of safety through scientific procedures is based upon the application of generally available and accepted scientific data, information, or methods, which ordinarily are published, as well as the application of scientific principles, and may be corroborated by the application of unpublished scientific data, information, or methods. | |
● | Under 21 CFR 170.30(c) and 170.3(f), general recognition of safety through experience based on common use in foods requires a substantial history of consumption for food use by a significant number of consumers. |
Under 21 CFR 182.20, clary sage has been generally recognized as safe for its intended use.
REACH stands for “Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals”. REACH is the EU’s regulation on preventive management of all chemicals entering its market. The regulation was issued on June 1, 2007, and implemented on June 1, 2008. According to the EU REACH regulations, companies need to submit a registration to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) for chemical substances (substances, substances in mixtures or substances intentionally released in articles) whose annual output or import volume exceeds 1 ton in the EU in order to continue to manufacture, import or sell the chemical within the EU. Xi’an App-Chem, sells two non-food products – sclareol glycol and ambroxide – in the EU. Both of these products have EU REACH certification, which satisfies the EU safety regulations for export and allows them to be sold in compliance with the EU market rules.
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We rely upon published and unpublished safety information including clinical studies on ingredients used in our products. These studies include the following:
● | “Safety and toxicity of silymarin, the major constituent of milk thistle extract: An updated review,” (a study on the use of Silymarin in humans at therapeutic doses of up to 700 mg three times a day for 24 weeks.) Some gastrointestinal discomforts occurred like nausea and diarrhea. | |
● | The toxicology and safety of apple polyphenol extract,” (a study on polyphenol use in humans that included a 90-day subchronic-toxicity test). | |
● | “Public Announcement Regarding Haematococcus Pluvialis and Other New Resource Food” [Evaluation Division of Food Safety Standard and Inspection, No. 17 issued on October 29, 2010] (evaluating the use of Stachyose as an ordinary food). |
Regulation on Product Liability
The PRC laws and regulations governing the product liability primarily consist of the PRC Product Quality Law (1993), as lately amended in 2018; Law on the Protection of the Rights and Interests of Consumers (1993), as lately amended in 2013, or the Consumers Protection Law; and the PRC Civil Code.
Under the PRC Product Quality Law, producers and vendors of defective products may incur liability for losses and injuries caused by such products. There are three circumstances under which producers or vendors can have immunity from the defective product liability: 1) the defective products are never put into the market; 2) the products defect which caused the damages did not exist when the products were put into the market; 3) the exam techniques and skills were not able to find out the defects when the products were put into the market. So far, our product quality is in conformity with the national requirements and we have passed the regulatory agency’s examination and also successfully obtained the certificates of GB/T 199001-2016/ISO 9001:2015, GB/T 22000-2006/ISO 22000:2005, ISO 9001:2008/GB/T 19001-2008 system.
Under the PRC Civil Code, manufacturers or retailers of defective products that cause property damage or physical injury to any person will be subject to civil liability. The Consumers Protection Law was enacted to protect the legitimate rights and interests of end-users and consumers and to strengthen the supervision and control of the quality of products.
Under the PRC Civil Code, a customer who suffers injury from a defective product can claim damages from either the manufacturer or vendor of the defective product. And, where personal injury is caused by tort, the tortfeasor shall compensate the victim for the reasonable costs and expenses for treatment and rehabilitation, as well as death compensation and funeral costs and expenses if it causes the death of the victim. There is no cap on monetary damages the plaintiffs may seek under the PRC Civil Code.
Regulations Relating to Environmental Protection
Pursuant to the PRC Law on Environment Impact Assessment promulgated in 2002, most recently amended in 2018, and the Administrative Regulations on the Environmental Protection of Construction Projects promulgated in 1998, most recently amended in 2017, each construction project is required to undergo an environmental impact assessment, and an environmental impact assessment report, an assessment form, or a registration form shall be filed with or approved by the relevant governmental authorities before the commencement of construction. In the event that there is a material change in respect of the construction site, scale, nature, the production techniques employed, or the measures adopted for preventing pollution and preventing ecological damage of a given project, a new environmental impact assessment document shall be filed with or approved by the relevant governmental authorities. Moreover, in accordance with the Interim Measure on the Environmental Protection Completion Acceptance of Construction Projects promulgated in 2017, after the completion of a construction project, the construction entity is required to conduct acceptance check of the constructed supporting environmental protection facilities and deliver an acceptance report. Failure to comply with the above-mentioned regulations may subject an enterprise to fines, suspension of the construction, and other administrative liabilities and even criminal liabilities under severe circumstances.
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Regulations Relating to Intellectual Property Rights
The PRC government has adopted comprehensive legislation governing intellectual property rights, including copyrights, patents, trademarks, and domain names.
Copyright. Copyright in China, including copyrighted software, is principally protected under the PRC Copyright Law, promulgated by Standing Committee of NPC in September 1990 and most recently amended in November 2020 and its implementation rules. Under the PRC Copyright Law, the term of protection for copyrighted software of legal persons is 50 years and ends on December 31 of the 50th year from the date of first publishing of the software.
Patent. The PRC Patent Law, promulgated by Standing Committee of NPC in March 1984 and most recently amended in October 2020, provides for patentable inventions, utility models, and designs, which must meet three conditions: novelty, inventiveness, and practical applicability. The State Intellectual Property Office under the State Council is responsible for examining and approving patent applications. The protection period of a patent right is 10 years for utility models and designs and 20 years for inventions from the date of application.
Trademark. The PRC Trademark Law, promulgated by the Standing Committee of NPC in August 1982 and most recently amended in April 2019 and its implementation rules protect registered trademarks. The PRC Trademark Office of State Administration of Industry and Commerce is responsible for the registration and administration of trademarks throughout China. The PRC Trademark Law has adopted a “first-to-file” principle with respect to trademark registration. Where registration is sought for a trademark that is identical or similar to another trademark that has already registered or given preliminary examination and approval for use in the same or similar category of commodities or services, the application for registration of such trademark may be rejected. Trademark registration is effective for a ten-year period from the date of approval of the trademark application unless otherwise revoked, which may be renewed for another ten years provided relevant application procedures have been completed within twelve months before the end of the validity period.
Domain Name. Domain names are protected under the Administrative Measures on the Internet Domain Names promulgated by the MIIT in August 2017. The MITT is the major regulatory body responsible for the administration of the PRC internet domain names, under supervision of which the China Internet Network Information Center is responsible for the daily administration of “.cn” domain names and the Chinese domain names. Domain name registration is handled through domain name service agencies established under the relevant regulations, and applicants become domain name holders upon successful registration. We have registered http://en.appchem.cn, http://www.bnlus.com and other domain names.
Regulations Relating to Employment
Pursuant to the PRC Labor Law, promulgated by the Standing Committee of NPC in July 1994 and most recently amended in December 2018, and the PRC Labor Contract Law, promulgated by the Standing Committee of NPC in June 2007 and amended in December 2012, employers must execute written labor contracts with full-time employees. If an employer fails to enter into a written employment contract with an employee within one year from the date on which the employment relationship is established, the employer must rectify the situation by entering into a written employment contract with the employee and pay the employee twice the employee’s salary for the period from the day following the lapse of one month from the date of establishment of the employment relationship to the day prior to the execution of the written employment contract. All employers must comply with local minimum wage standards. Violation of the PRC Labor Law and the PRC Labor Contract Law may result in the imposition of fines and other administrative and criminal liability in the case of a serious violation.
In December 2012, the PRC Labor Contract Law was amended to impose more stringent requirements on the use of employees of temp agencies, who are known in China as “dispatched workers”. Dispatched workers are entitled to equal pay with full-time employees for equal work. Employers are only allowed to use dispatched workers for temporary, auxiliary, or substitutive positions, and the number of dispatched workers may not exceed 10% of the total number of employees. As of the date hereof, our consolidated subsidiaries did not use dispatched workers.
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Enterprises in China are required by PRC laws and regulations to participate in certain employee benefit plans, including social insurance funds, namely a pension plan, a medical insurance plan, an unemployment insurance plan, a work-related injury insurance plan, and a maternity insurance plan, and a housing provident fund, and contribute to the plans or funds in amounts equal to certain percentages of salaries, including bonuses and allowances, of the employees as specified by the local government from time to time at locations where they operate their businesses or where they are located. According to the PRC Social Insurance Law (amended in 2018), an employer that fails to make social insurance contributions may be ordered to rectify the non-compliance and pay the required contributions within a stipulated deadline and be subject to a late fee of up to 0.05% of the unpaid amount per day, as the case may be. If the employer still fails to rectify the failure to make social insurance contributions within the stipulated deadline, it may be subject to a fine ranging from one to three times the amount overdue. According to the Regulations on Management of Housing Fund employers must not suspend or reduce the payment of housing provident funds for their employees. Under the circumstances where financial difficulties indeed exist due to which an employer is unable to pay or pay up housing provident funds, the permission of the labor union of the employer and the approval of the local housing provident funds commission must first be obtained before the employer can suspend or reduce their payment of housing provident funds. Where an employer does not open accounts of housing provident funds for its employees, the relevant authorities have the power to order such employer to do so within a prescribed period, failure of which can result in a fine of over RMB 10,000 and up to RMB 50,000 charged on the employer. An enterprise that fails to make housing fund contributions may be ordered to rectify the noncompliance and pay the required contributions within a stipulated deadline; otherwise, an application may be made to a local court for compulsory enforcement.
Regulations Relating to Foreign Exchange
The principal regulations governing foreign currency exchange in China are the Foreign Exchange Administration Regulations, most recently amended in August 2008. Payments of current account items, such as profit distributions and trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions, can usually be made in foreign currencies without prior approval from the SAFE, by complying with certain procedural requirements. By contrast, approval from or registration with appropriate governmental authorities is required where the Renminbi is to be converted into foreign currency and remitted out of China to pay capital expenses such as the repayment of foreign currency-denominated loans, direct investments, repatriation of investments and investments in securities outside of China.
On March 30, 2015, SAFE issued the Circular of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Reforming the Management Approach regarding the Settlement of Foreign Exchange Capital of Foreign-invested Enterprises, or SAFE Circular 19, most recently amended in December 2019. Pursuant to SAFE Circular 19, the foreign exchange capital of foreign-invested enterprises is subject to the discretional foreign exchange settlement, which means the foreign exchange capital in the capital account of foreign-invested enterprises upon the confirmation of rights and interests of monetary contribution by the local foreign exchange bureau (or the book-entry registration of monetary contribution by the banks) may be settled at the banks based on the actual operational needs of the enterprises. The proportion of discretionary settlement of foreign exchange capital of foreign-invested enterprises is currently 100%. SAFE can adjust such proportion in due time based on the circumstances of the international balance of payments.
SAFE promulgated the Circular of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Reforming and Standardizing the Foreign Exchange Settlement Management Policy of Capital Account, or SAFE Circular 16, effective June 2016, which reiterates some of the rules set forth in SAFE Circular 19. SAFE Circular 16 provides that discretionary foreign exchange settlement applies to foreign exchange capital, foreign debt offering proceeds and remitted foreign listing proceeds, and the corresponding RMB capital converted from the foreign exchange may be used to extend loans to related parties or repay inter-company loans (including advances by third parties). However, there are substantial uncertainties with respect to SAFE Circular 16’s interpretation and implementation in practice. SAFE Circular 19 and SAFE Circular 16 may delay or limit us from using the proceeds of offshore offerings to make additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiary and any violations of these circulars could result in severe monetary or other penalties.
In January 2017, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Further Improving Reform of Foreign Exchange Administration and Optimizing Genuineness and Compliance Verification, or SAFE Circular 3, which stipulates several capital control measures with respect to the outbound remittance of profits from domestic entities to offshore entities, including (i) banks must check whether the transaction is genuine by reviewing board resolutions regarding profit distribution, original copies of tax filing records and audited financial statements, and (ii) domestic entities must retain income to account for previous years’ losses before remitting any profits. Moreover, pursuant to SAFE Circular 3, domestic entities must explain in detail the sources of capital and how the capital will be used, and provide board resolutions, contracts, and other proof as a part of the registration procedure for outbound investment.
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On October 23, 2019, SAFE issued Circular of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Further Promoting the Facilitation of Cross-border Trade and Investment, or SAFE Circular 28, which took effect on the same day. SAFE Circular 28 allows non-investment foreign-invested enterprises to use their capital funds to make equity investments in China, provided that such investments do not violate the Negative List and the target investment projects are genuine and in compliance with laws. Since SAFE Circular 28 was issued only recently, its interpretation and implementation in practice are still subject to substantial uncertainties.
Regulations on Dividend Distribution
According to PRC Company Law, wholly foreign-owned companies in China may pay dividends only out of their accumulated profits as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. In addition, wholly foreign-owned companies are required to set aside at least 10% of their after-tax profits each year, if any, to fund a statutory reserve fund until the accumulative amount of such fund reaches 50% of its registered capital. Although the statutory reserves can be used, among other ways, to increase the registered capital and eliminate future losses in excess of retained earnings of the respective companies, the reserve funds are not distributable as cash dividends except in the event of a liquidation. At the discretion of the wholly foreign-owned companies, they may allocate a portion of their after-tax profits based on PRC accounting standards to staff welfare and bonus funds. These reserve funds and staff welfare and bonus funds are not distributable as cash dividends.
Regulations on Offshore Financing
SAFE promulgated the Circular on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Control on Domestic Residents’ Offshore Investment and Financing and Roundtrip Investment through Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular 37, on July 4, 2014, which replaced the former circular commonly known as SAFE Circular 75. SAFE Circular 37 requires PRC residents to register with local branches of SAFE in connection with their direct establishment or indirect control of an offshore entity, for the purpose of overseas investment and financing, with such PRC residents’ legally owned assets or equity interests in domestic enterprises or offshore assets or interests, referred to in SAFE Circular 37 as a “special purpose vehicle”. SAFE Circular 37 further requires an amendment to the registration in the event of any significant changes with respect to the special purpose vehicle, such as increase or decrease of capital contributed by PRC individuals, share transfer or exchange, merger, division, or other material events. In the event that a PRC shareholder holding interests in a special purpose vehicle fails to fulfill the required SAFE registration, the PRC subsidiaries of that special purpose vehicle may be prohibited from making profit distributions to the offshore parent and from carrying out subsequent cross-border foreign exchange activities, and the special purpose vehicle may be restricted in its ability to contribute additional capital into its PRC subsidiary. Furthermore, failure to comply with the various SAFE registration requirements described above could result in liability under PRC law for the evasion of foreign exchange controls. We have taken steps to notify significant beneficial owners of ordinary shares whom we know are PRC residents of their filing obligations. However, we may not at all times be fully aware or informed of the identities of all our shareholders or beneficial owners that are required to make such registrations, and we may not always be able to compel them to comply with all relevant foreign exchange regulations. As a result, we cannot assure you that all of our shareholders or beneficial owners who are PRC residents will at all times comply with, or in the future make or obtain any applicable registrations or approvals required by all relevant foreign exchange regulations.
On February 13, 2015, SAFE released Circular of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Further Simplifying and Improving the Direct Investment-related Foreign Exchange Administration Policies, or SAFE Circular 13, most recently amended in December 2019, under which local banks will examine and handle foreign exchange registration for overseas direct investment, including the initial foreign exchange registration and amendment registration, starting from June 1, 2015.
SAFE Circular 3 stipulates several capital control measures with respect to the outbound remittance of profit from domestic entities to offshore entities, including (i) under the principle of a genuine transaction, banks shall check the board resolutions regarding profit distribution, the original version of tax filing records and audited financial statements; and (ii) domestic entities shall hold income to account for previous years’ losses before remitting the profits. Moreover, pursuant to SAFE Circular 3, domestic entities shall make detailed explanations of the sources of capital and utilization arrangements, and provide board resolutions, contracts, and other proof when completing the registration procedures in connection with an outbound investment.
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Regulations Relating to Stock Incentive Plans
According to the Circular of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Issues Relating to the Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in Stock Incentive Plan of Overseas Listed Company, or the SAFE Circular 7, which was issued on February 15, 2012, and other regulations, directors, supervisors, senior management and other employees participating in any share incentive plan of an overseas publicly-listed company who are PRC citizens or non-PRC citizens residing in China for a continuous period of not less than one year, subject to certain exceptions, are required to register with the SAFE. All such participants need to authorize a qualified PRC agent, such as a PRC subsidiary of the overseas publicly-listed company to register with the SAFE and handle foreign exchange matters such as opening accounts, transferring, and settlement of the relevant proceeds. The SAFE Circular 7 further require an offshore agent to be designated to handle matters in connection with the exercise of share options and sales of proceeds for the participants of the share incentive plans. Failure to complete the said SAFE registrations may subject our participating directors, supervisors, senior management, and other employees to fines and legal sanctions.
In addition, the SAT, has issued certain circulars concerning employee stock options and restricted shares. Under these circulars, employees working in the PRC who exercise stock options or are granted restricted shares will be subject to PRC individual income tax. The PRC subsidiaries of an overseas listed company are required to file documents related to employee stock options and restricted shares with relevant tax authorities and to withhold individual income taxes of employees who exercise their stock option or purchase restricted shares. If the employees fail to pay or the PRC subsidiaries fail to withhold income tax in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, the PRC subsidiaries may face sanctions imposed by the tax authorities or other PRC governmental authorities.
Regulations Relating to Tax
Dividend Withholding Tax
Pursuant to the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law and its implementation rules, if a non-resident enterprise has not set up an organization or establishment in China, or has set up an organization or establishment but the income derived has no actual connection with such organization or establishment, it will be subject to a withholding tax on its PRC-sourced income at a rate of 10%. Pursuant to the Arrangement between Mainland China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Tax Evasion on Income, the withholding tax rate in respect to the payment of dividends by a PRC enterprise to a Hong Kong enterprise is reduced to 5% from a standard rate of 10% if the Hong Kong enterprise directly holds at least 25% of the PRC enterprise. Pursuant to the Circular of the State Administration of Taxation on the Issues concerning the Application of the Dividend Clauses of Tax Agreements, or SAT Circular 81, a Hong Kong resident enterprise must meet the following conditions, among others, in order to enjoy the reduced withholding tax: (i) it must directly own the required percentage of equity interests and voting rights in the PRC resident enterprise; and (ii) it must have directly owned such percentage in the PRC resident enterprise throughout the 12 months prior to receiving the dividends. Furthermore, the Bulletin of the State Taxation Administration on Issuing the Administrative Measures for Entitlement to Treaty Benefits for Non-resident Taxpayers, which became effective in January 2020, requires that where non-resident taxpayers judge by themselves that they meet the conditions for entitlement to treaty benefits, they may obtain such entitlement themselves at the time of making tax declarations, or at the time of making withholding declarations via withholding agents. At the same time, they shall collect, gather, and retain relevant materials for future reference in accordance with the provisions of these measures, and shall accept the follow-up administration of tax authorities. Accordingly, our direct subsidiary, Tea Essence Limited (Hong Kong), may be able to enjoy the 5% withholding tax rate for the dividends they receive from Xi’an CMIT or Xi’an Youpincui, if it satisfies the conditions prescribed under SAT Circular 81 and other relevant tax rules and regulations. However, according to SAT Circular 81, if the relevant tax authorities consider the transactions or arrangements we have are for the primary purpose of enjoying a favorable tax treatment, the relevant tax authorities may adjust the favorable withholding tax in the future. Additionally, the Announcement of the State Administration of Taxation on Issues concerning “Beneficial Owners” in Tax Treaties, promulgated by the SAT on February 3, 2018, and took effect on April 1, 2018, further clarified the analysis standard when determining one’s qualification for beneficial owner status.
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Enterprise Income Tax
The principal regulations governing enterprise income tax in China are the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law and its implementing rules, which became effective on January 1, 2008, most recently amended in December 2018. Under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, enterprises are classified as resident enterprises and non-resident enterprises. PRC resident enterprises typically pay an enterprise income tax at the rate of 25%. Uncertainties exist with respect to how the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law applies to the tax residence status of Bon Natural Life Limited and our offshore subsidiaries.
Under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, an enterprise established outside China with its “de facto management bodies” located within China is considered a “resident enterprise”, meaning that it is treated in a manner similar to a PRC domestic enterprise for enterprise income tax purposes. The implementing rules of the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law define the “de facto management body” as a managing body that in practice exercises “substantial and overall management and control over the production and operations, personnel, accounting, and properties” of the enterprise.
The SAT issued the Circular of the State Administration of Taxation on Issues Concerning the Identification of Chinese-controlled Overseas Registered Enterprises as Resident Enterprises in accordance with the Actual Standards of Organizational Management, or SAT Circular 82, in 2009, and most recently amended in December 2017. According to SAT Circular 82, a Chinese-controlled offshore incorporated enterprise will be regarded as a PRC tax resident by virtue of having a “de facto management body” in China and will be subject to PRC enterprise income tax on its worldwide income only if all of the following criteria are met: (a) the places where the senior management and senior management departments responsible for the daily production, operation and management of the enterprise perform their duties are mainly located within the territory of China; (b) decisions relating to the enterprise’s financial matters (such as money borrowing, lending, financing and financial risk management) and human resource matters (such as appointment, dismissal and salary and wages) are made or are subject to approval by organizations or personnel in China; (c) the enterprise’s primary assets, accounting books and records, company seals, and board and shareholders meeting minutes are located or maintained in China, and (d) 50% or more of voting board members or senior executives habitually reside in China. In addition, the SAT issued the Bulletin of the State Administration of Taxation on Printing and Distributing the Administrative Measures for Income Tax on Chinese-controlled Resident Enterprises Incorporated Overseas (Trial Implementation) in 2011, most recently amended in June 2018, providing more guidance on the implementation of SAT Circular 82. This bulletin clarifies matters including resident status determination, post determination administration, and competent tax authorities. In January 2014, the SAT issued the Bulletin of the State Administration of Taxation on Issues concerning the Determination of Resident Enterprises Based on the Standards of Actual Management Institutions, or SAT Bulletin 9. According to SAT Bulletin 9, a Chinese-controlled offshore incorporated enterprise that satisfies the conditions prescribed under the SAT Circular 82 for being recognized as a PRC tax resident must apply for being recognized as a PRC tax resident to the competent tax authority at the place of registration of its main investor within the territory of China.
We do not believe that we meet all of the conditions outlined in the immediately preceding paragraph. We believe that Bon Natural Life Limited and our offshore subsidiaries should not be treated as a “resident enterprise” for PRC tax purposes if the criteria for “de facto management body” as set forth in SAT Circular 82 were deemed applicable to us. However, as the tax residency status of an enterprise is subject to determination by the PRC tax authorities and uncertainties remain with respect to the interpretation of the term “de facto management body” as applicable to our offshore entities, we may be treated as a resident enterprise for PRC tax purposes under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, and we may, therefore, be subject to PRC income tax on our global income. We are actively monitoring the possibility of “resident enterprise” treatment for the applicable tax years and are evaluating appropriate organizational changes to avoid this treatment, to the extent possible.
In the event that Bon Natural Life Limited or any of our offshore subsidiaries is considered to be a PRC resident enterprise: Bon Natural Life Limited or our offshore subsidiaries, as the case may be, may be subject to the PRC enterprise income tax at the rate of 25% on our worldwide taxable income; dividend income that Bon Natural Life Limited or our offshore subsidiaries, as the case may be, received from our PRC subsidiaries may be exempt from the PRC withholding tax; and interest paid to our overseas shareholders or Shares holders who are non-PRC resident enterprises as well as gains realized by such shareholders or Shares holders from the transfer of our shares or Shares may be regarded as PRC-sourced income and as a result be subject to PRC withholding tax at a rate of up to 10%, subject to any reduction or exemption set forth in relevant tax treaties, and similarly, dividends paid to our overseas shareholders or Shares holders who are non-PRC resident individuals, as well as gains realized by such shareholders or Shares holders from the transfer of our shares or Shares, may be regarded as PRC-sourced income and as a result be subject to PRC withholding tax at a rate of 20%, subject to any reduction or exemption set forth in relevant tax treaties. “Risk Factor—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—If we are classified as a PRC resident enterprise for PRC income tax purposes, such classification could result in unfavorable tax consequences to us and our non-PRC shareholders or Shares holders.”
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SAT issued Bulletin of the State Administration of Taxation on Several Issues concerning the Enterprise Income Tax on the Indirect Transfers of Properties by Non-Resident Enterprises, or SAT Bulletin 7, on February 3, 2015, which replaced or supplemented certain previous rules under the Circular of the State Administration of Taxation on Strengthening the Administration of Enterprise Income Tax on Incomes from Equity Transfers of Non-Resident Enterprises, or SAT Circular 698. Under SAT Bulletin 7, an “indirect transfer” of assets, including equity interests in a PRC resident enterprise, by non-PRC resident enterprises may be re-characterized and treated as a direct transfer of PRC taxable assets, if such arrangement does not have a reasonable commercial purpose and was established for the purpose of avoiding payment of PRC enterprise income tax. As a result, gains derived from such indirect transfer may be subject to PRC enterprise income tax. According to SAT Bulletin 7, “PRC taxable assets” include assets attributed to an establishment in China, immovable properties in China, and equity investments in PRC resident enterprises. In respect of an indirect offshore transfer of assets of a PRC establishment, the relevant gain is to be regarded as effectively connected with the PRC establishment and therefore included in its enterprise income tax filing, and would consequently be subject to PRC enterprise income tax at a rate of 25%. Where the underlying transfer relates to the immovable properties in China or to equity investments in a PRC resident enterprise, which is not effectively connected to a PRC establishment of a non-resident enterprise, a PRC enterprise income tax at 10% would apply, subject to available preferential tax treatment under applicable tax treaties or similar arrangements, and the party who is obligated to make the transfer payments has the withholding obligation. There is uncertainty as to the implementation details of SAT Bulletin 7. If SAT Bulletin 7 was determined by the tax authorities to be applicable to some of our transactions involving PRC taxable assets, our offshore subsidiaries conducting the relevant transactions might be required to spend valuable resources to comply with SAT Bulletin 7 or to establish that the relevant transactions should not be taxed under SAT Bulletin 7.
On October 17, 2017, the SAT issued the Bulletin of the State Administration of Taxation on Issues Concerning the Withholding of Non-resident Enterprise Income Tax at Source, or SAT Bulletin 37, which came into effect on December 1, 2017. The SAT Bulletin 37 further clarifies the practice and procedure of the withholding of nonresident enterprise income tax.
Where the payers fail to withhold any or sufficient tax, the non-PRC residents, as the transferors, are required to declare and pay such taxes to the tax authorities on their own within the statutory time limit. Failure to comply with the tax payment obligations by the non-PRC residents will result in penalties, including full payment of taxes owed, fines ranging from fifty percent to five times the amount of unpaid or underpaid tax, and default interest on those taxes.
Enterprises that are recognized as high and new technology enterprises in accordance with the Administrative Measures for the Determination of High and New Tech Enterprises issued by the Ministry of Science, or the MOF, and the SAT are entitled to enjoy a preferential enterprise income tax rate of 15%. Under which the validity period of the high and new technology enterprise qualification shall be three years from the date of issuance of the certificate. An enterprise can re-apply for such recognition as a high and new technology enterprise before or after the previous certificate expires.
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PRC Value-Added Tax
Pursuant to the Interim Regulations on Value-Added Tax of the PRC, which was promulgated by the State Council on December 13, 1993, most recently amended on November 19, 2017, and the Implementation Rules for the Interim Regulations on Value-Added Tax of the PRC, which was promulgated by the MOF, and SAT on December25,1993, and became effective on January 1, 2009, and as amended on October 28, 2011, any entity or individual conducting product sales is required to pay a value-added tax, or VAT, on the gross sales price of goods. VAT rates range up to 17%, depending on the type of products sold. On March 21, 2019, MOF, SAT and the General Administration of Customs jointly promulgated the Announcement on Relevant Policies for Deepening Value-Added Tax Reform, which became effective on April 1, 2019 and provides that (i) with respect to VAT taxable sales acts or import of goods originally subject to VAT rates of 16% and 10% respectively, such tax rates shall be adjusted to 13% and 9%, respectively; (ii) with respect to purchase of agricultural products originally subject to tax rate of 10%, such tax rate shall be adjusted to 9%; (iii) with respect to purchase of agricultural products for the purpose of production or consigned processing of goods subject to tax rate of 13%, such tax shall be calculated at the tax rate of 10%; (iv) with respect to export of goods and services originally subject to tax rate of 16% and export tax refund rate of 16%, the export tax refund rate shall be adjusted to 13%; and (v) with respect to export of goods and cross-border taxable acts originally subject to tax rate of 10% and export tax refund rate of 10%, the export tax refund rate shall be adjusted to 9%. The VAT may be offset by VAT paid by the Company on raw materials and other materials included in the cost of producing or acquiring its finished products.
Regulations Relating to Overseas Listing and M&A
On August 8, 2006, six PRC regulatory agencies, including the China Securities Regulatory Commission, or the CSRC, promulgated the Rules on the Merger and Acquisition of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, or the M&A Rules, which became effective on September 8, 2006, and were amended on June 22, 2009. The M&A Rules, among other things, require offshore special purpose vehicles formed for overseas listing purposes through acquisitions of PRC domestic companies and controlled by PRC domestic enterprises or individuals to obtain the approval of the CSRC prior to the listing and trading of such special purpose vehicle’s securities on an overseas stock exchange. In September 2006, the CSRC published on its official website procedures regarding its approval of overseas listings by special purpose vehicles. The CSRC approval procedures require the filing of a number of documents with the CSRC. Although the CSRC currently has not issued any definitive rule or interpretation concerning whether offerings like our recent IPO are subject to the M&A Rules, the interpretation, and application of the regulations remain unclear, and any future offerings may ultimately require approval from the CSRC. If CSRC approval is required, it is uncertain whether it would be possible for us to obtain the approval and any failure to obtain or delay in obtaining CSRC approval for a future securities offering would subject us to sanctions imposed by the CSRC and other PRC regulatory agencies.
The M&A Rules and other regulations and rules concerning mergers and acquisitions established additional procedures and requirements that could make merger and acquisition activities by foreign investors more time-consuming and complex. For example, the M&A Rules require that MOFCOM be notified in advance of any change-of-control transaction in which a foreign investor takes control of a PRC domestic enterprise, if (i) any important industry is concerned, (ii) such transaction involves factors that impact or may impact national economic security, or (iii) such transaction will lead to a change in control of a domestic enterprise which holds a famous trademark or PRC time-honored brand.
In addition, according to the Notice on Establishing the Security Review System for Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors issued by the General Office of the State Council on February 3, 2011, and which became effective on March 4, 2011, the Rules on Implementation of Security Review System for the Merger and Acquisition of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors issued by MOFCOM on August 25, 2011, and which became effective on September 1, 2011, the Measures for the Security Review of Foreign Investments issued by MOFCOM and NDRC on December 19, 2020, which became Effective on January 18, 2021, mergers and acquisitions by foreign investors that raise “national defense and security” concerns and mergers and acquisitions through which foreign investors may acquire de facto control over domestic enterprises that raise “national security” concerns are subject to strict review by MOFCOM, and the regulations prohibit any activities attempting to bypass such security review, including by structuring the transaction through a proxy or contractual control arrangement.
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Xi’an App-Chem’s Operating Subsidiaries
The table below provides a summary of Xi’an App-Chem’s operating subsidiaries (“Bon Operating Companies”) and their primary business functions as of the date of this prospectus:
Name of Entity | Date of Incorporation | Place of Incorporation | % of Ownership | Principal Activities | ||||||
Bon Natural Life | December 11, 2019 | Cayman Islands | Parent, 100% | Investment holding | ||||||
Bon Natural Life U.S.A. | February 07, 2023 | U.S.A. | 100% | Investment holding | ||||||
Tea Essence | January 9, 2020 | Hong Kong | 100% | Investment holding | ||||||
Xi’an CMIT | April 9, 2020 | Xi’an City, PRC | 100% | WFOE, Investment holding | ||||||
Xi’an Youpincui | September 8, 2021 | Xi’an City, PRC | 100% | WFOE, Investment holding | ||||||
PRC Subsidiaries: | ||||||||||
Xi’an App- Chem Bio (Tech) | April 23, 2006 | Xi’an City, PRC | 100% owned by WFOEs | General administration and sales of the Company’s products to customers | ||||||
Xi’an YH | September 15, 2009 | Xi’an City, PRC | 91% owned by Xi’an CMIT, 9% owned by Xi’an App-Chem | Research and development of product | ||||||
Bon Operating Companies (owned by Xi’an App-Chem) | ||||||||||
App-Chem Health | April 17, 2006 | Tongchuan City, PRC | 100% owned by Xi’an App-Chem | Registered owner of land with an area of 12,904.5 square meters, no other business activities | ||||||
App-Chem Ag-tech | April 19, 2013 | Dali County, PRC | 100% owned by Xi’an App-Chem | Product manufacturing | ||||||
App-Chem Guangzhou | April 27, 2018 | Guangzhou City, PRC | 100% owned by Xi’an App-Chem | Raw material purchase | ||||||
Tongchuan DT | May 22, 2017 | Tongchuan City, PRC | 100% owned by Xi’an App-Chem | Product manufacturing | ||||||
Xi’an DT | April 24, 2015 | Xi’an City, PRC | 75% owned by Xi’an App-Chem | Research and development of product | ||||||
Tianjin YHX | September 16, 2019 | Tianjin City, PRC | 51% owned by Xi’an App-Chem | Raw material purchase | ||||||
Bozhou DT | March 9, 2023 | Bozhou City, PRC | 100% owned by Xi’an App-Chem | Product manufacturing |
Our current property and equipment consist of buildings, machinery, vehicles, and construction in progress with a total net book value of $20,613,211, $21,064,043 and $21,624,437 as of March 31, 2024, September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Xi’an App-Chem has three facilities, two of which is in operation, and the other one is under construction:
Weinan Raw Materials and Ingredients Production Site
This site, located in Xuzhuang Industrial Park, Dali County, Weinan, Shaanxi, occupies an area of 30 mu, or approximately 5 acres (1 mu=0.165 acre) and a building area of 11,000 m2, or 118,403 square feet. It is rented by the Company at RMB 12,500 or $1,920 per month. It is equipped with a plant extract workshop (which has 4 sets of extraction equipment consisting of 6 m3 or 212 cubic feet multifunctional extraction tanks, 3 sets of concentration equipment, 14 sets of separation equipment and 23 sets of storage and transport equipment), a refining, drying, and packing workshop (2 sets of spray and drying towers, 6 sets of drying equipment, 2 sets of crushing equipment and over 20 other related equipment), a spices refinement workshop (70 sets of various production equipment with volume from 2000L to 5000L, 1 set of molecular distillation equipment, 1 set of water treatment equipment, 1 set of ash treatment equipment and 15 sets of refrigeration and pressure equipment). This facility mainly manufactures products in our clary sage series, apple polyphenols series, and stachyose products.
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Tongchuan Functional Health Business Production Site
This site, located at the intersection of Datang Third Road and Changhong South Road, Southern Industrial Park, New Downtown District, Tongchuan, Shaanxi, covers an area of 24.8 mu or approximately 4.1 acres (1 mu=0.165 acre) and a construction area of 13,500 m2 or approximately 145,313 square feet. The construction of Tongchuan Project was fully completed and put into production in December 2022 and its equipped with 3 disinfection production lines, 2 production lines of powder drinks and pressed candies, 3 paste production lines, 2 production lines of special diets and 1 research and development center, quality inspection center, product exhibition center and a comprehensive office area. After completion, the value of this new plant’s total output is expected to reach up $150 million per year. The Company has obtained a long-term land use certificate for this site. No additional expenditures or other conditions are required to maintain the sustainable land use right.
Yumen Plant
On May 10, 2021, we acquired a land use right of 8.2 acres at cost of $267,000, through a government organized auction bidding in Yumen City, Gansu Province of China. We have the right to use this land for 50 years until to May 9, 2071. We have started construction on a new manufacturing facility for raw materials and ingredients on this land. Total budget for construction of this new manufacturing plant is around $5.6 million. The construction of Yumen Project was initially expected to be completed by October 2022. Due to resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in the implementation of significant governmental measures, including lockdowns, closures, quarantines and travel bans, the construction work is estimated to be completed in December 2024. Management expects the remaining required expenditures to be funded through the Company’s operational cash flows and bank borrowings, if necessary.
MANAGEMENT
Directors and Senior Management
The following table sets forth certain information regarding our directors and senior management, as well as employees upon whose work we are dependent, as of the date of this prospectus.
Although the Board of Directors and management team for Bon Natural Life Limited has been recently constituted, each of our executive officers has been serving in an equivalent position with Xi’an App-Chem for some time as indicated in the footnotes to the table below. Our executive officers and directors and their ages as of the date of this prospectus are as follows:
Name | Age | Date Joined Bon Natural Life | Position(s) and Office(s) Held | |||
Yongwei Hu | 52 | June, 2020(1) | Chief Executive Officer, Director, and Chairman | |||
Wallace Lee | 45 | April, 2023 | Chief Financial Officer | |||
Yingchun Xue | 50 | June, 2020(2) | Chief Operating Officer | |||
Wenjuan Chen | 44 | June, 2020(3) | Chief Marketing Officer | |||
Jianli Liu | 64 | June, 2020(4) | Chief Technology Officer and Chief Scientist | |||
Jianjun Gao | 53 | August, 2023 | Director | |||
Jing Chen | 58 | October, 2023 | Director | |||
Zhixiang Gao | 53 | October, 2023 | Director | |||
Jing Liu | 46 | October 2024 | Director | |||
Pijun Liu | 42 | April 19, 2024 | Director, and Co-Chairman |
(1) Mr. Hu has led Xi’an App-Chem as President and Chairman of its board since April of 2006.
(2) Ms. Xue has served as Vice President of Xi’an App-Chem since 2011.
(3) Ms. Chen has served as Vice General Manager of Xi’an App-Chem since 2006.
(4) Mr. Liu has served as CTO and Chief Scientist of Xi’an App-Chem since 2006.
The business address for all of our officers and directors is Room 601, Block C, Gazelle Valley, No.69, Jinye Road High-Tech Zone, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China.
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Set forth below is a brief description of the background and business experience of our executive officers and directors:
Yongwei Hu is our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of our Board of Directors. From June 2000 to March 2006, Mr. Hu served as the department manager and Deputy Executive President of Shaanxi Iko Ostriches Co., Ltd. and Xi’an England Bioscience Co., Ltd. From January 1999 to May 2000, Mr. Hu served as the trainer-in-charge of Xi’an Synchrobit Co., Ltd. From July 1997 to December 1998, Mr. Hu served as trainer-in-charge of Ping An Insurance Group Xi’an Branch Office. From July 1993 to June1997, Mr. Hu served as staff and department manager of Shaanxi Agriculture, Industry and Trade Co., Ltd. Mr. Hu obtained a bachelor’s degree in Biology upon his graduation from Northwest University in 1993.
Mr. Hu has over twenty years of experience in natural products industry, an abundant industry network, and deep familiarity with the global natural health market, with extensive experience in the Big Health markets in Europe and the United States. In addition, he maintains sound business relations with well-known large enterprises in the health and pharmaceutical industry. We believe Mr. Hu’s depth of experience and extensive industry knowledge make him well-positioned to continue leading the company forward.
Wallace Lee is our Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Lee served as the Vice President of Finance at Ruanyum Edi Technology, Inc. since February 2022. Mr. Lee has served in a variety of key leadership roles with companies including China SXT Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:SXTC) (February 2021 - January 2022 as Chief Financial Officer), Wanda Sports Group Holding Limited (Nasdaq: WSG) (January 2019 - April 2020 as Finance Securities & Operation Director) and Secoo Holding Limited (Nasdaq: SECO) (May 2017- December 2019 as Finance Reporting Director), Beijing Yongtuo CPA Limited (2012-2017 as Audit Principal of the International Business Department). He received his undergraduate from University of Houston and is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of Texas.
Yingchun Xue is our Chief Operating Officer. Ms. Xue has worked for Xi’an App-Chem Bio (Tech) Co,. Ltd. since 2011 and is currently the Vice President in charge of research and development of plant extracts, quality control and procurement of trade products. A senior phytochemical engineer, Ms. Xue obtained a bachelor’s degree in Applied Chemistry upon graduation from Nanjing University in 1994.
Wenjuan Chen is our Chief Marketing Officer. She has served as the Vice President of Xi’an App-Chem Bio (Tech) Co., Ltd. since 2006. Ms. Chen obtained a bachelor’s degree after her study at Xi’an International Studies University from 2000 to 2004, and a master’s degree of Business Administration after her study at Shaanxi Master of Business Administration Institute from 2016 to 2018.
Jianli Liu is our Chief Technology Officer and Chief Scientist. In this position, Mr. Liu is responsible for proposing new technical ideas and concepts for Xi’an App-Chem and guiding and supervising their execution. He is a professor and the Dean of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Department at Northwest University. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Manchester. He is a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry, and a member of Chinese Patent Medicine Chapter of the China Association of Chinese Medicine. He has published over sixty academic papers, among which six have been included in SCI (Science Citation Index) journals and three have been included in EI (Engineering Index) journals.
His scientific achievements include the following:
● | Mr. Liu was the first in the world to complete the biomimetic synthesis of anti-cancer drug 10-Hydroxycamptothecin, a research initiated in the early 1970s with no prior success in over two decades since its start. |
● | Mr. Liu proposed “A new subject, i.e., the state of trace elements - study of trace elements in traditional Chinese medicine”, and for the first time used experiments to prove that most of the trace elements in traditional Chinese medicine exist in a bond state, and that the amount of free state existence is very minor. This finding was awarded the third prize of the Outstanding Paper of Natural Science in Shaanxi Province in 1993. |
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● | The successful membrane introduction mass spectrometry and its application in detecting and measuring volatile organic matters in water bodies. This finding was awarded the second prize of Outstanding Scientific Research Achievements of Shaanxi Universities in 1989. |
● | The successful research of simple biomimetic synthesis of rutecarpine, an active ingredient in Chinese medicine fructus evodiae. |
● | The successful research of simple biomimetic synthesis of tryptanthrin, an active ingredient in Chinese medicine folium isatidis. |
● | The development and research of new drugs using tryptanthrin and rutecarpine. |
● | The successful in-depth study of biosynthesis of tryptanthrin in isatis indigotica fortune and its verification by extra addition of precursors. |
Jianjun Gao has served as the member of our Board of Directors and chairman of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors since August 2, 2023. Mr. Gao has served as a Bioinformatics Scientist at Progenesis Inc. since October of 2022. Prior to that, from September of 2020 to October of 2022, Mr. Gao served as Senior Bioinformatician, and director of the epigenetics team at The Lundquist Institute, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. From September 2020 to July 2021, he was a Bioinformatics data scientist on contract with Genentech. From August 2019 to July 2020, Mr. Gao was a Biostatistics Scientist at Denovo Biopharma LLC. From September 2018 to August 2019, he was a scientist in computational biology at Takeda Pharmaceutical in San Diego. From January 2016 to August 2018, Mr. Gao was a Sr. Bioinformatician/ Data analyst, at the School of Medicine at the University of California San Diego. From August of 2014 to December of 2016, he was Bioinformatician in the Department of Human Genetics at the University of Chicago. Mr. Gao was also a data analyst at the Department of Public Health Sciences at the University of Chicago from September 2012 to August 2014. Mr. Gao was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Epidemiology Branch, National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health from February of 2008 through September of 2012.
Mr. Gao holds a Ph.D in Neurobiology and Population Genetics from the Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Chinese Academy of Science, China, an M.S. in Genetics and Population Heath from the Institute of Population & Health, Northwest University, China, and a B.S. from the College of Life Science, Lanzhou University, China. Mr. Gao is an expert in genetic, genomic, epigenetic, and epidemiologic data analysis, and in data visualization and interpretation via bioinformatics pipelines. Bionformatics is an interdisciplinary field that develops methods and software tools for understanding biological data. Based on Mr. Gao’s deep technical background, rich experience and industry resources in the field of biotechnology, he can help the company in the following aspects, 1). Assisting the company to keep up with the development of cutting-edge biotechnology; 2). Introducing and assisting the company to acquire high level technology and technical experts; 3). Assisting the company to obtain investment from professional investment institutions based on his rich resources of biotechnology investment institutions.
Jing Chen has served as the member of our Board of Directors and chairman of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors since October 2, 2023. Most recently, Ms. Chen served as the Vice President of Future FinTech Group Inc. (NASDAQ: FTFT) from November 2020 to April 2023. Previously, she served as the Chief Financial Officer of Future FinTech Group Inc. from May 2019 to November 2020. Ms. Chen served as the CFO of AnZhiXinCheng (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd. from August 2018 to May 2019. Ms. Chen has also served as an independent director of Hello iPayNow (Beijing) Company Ltd. since April 2019. From August 2017 to July 2018, Ms. Chen served as the CFO of Beijing Logis Technology Development Co., Ltd., a company listed on The National Equities Exchange and Quotations Co., Ltd. of China which is a Chinese over-the-counter stock trading system. From June 2016 to July 2017, Ms. Chen served as the Group Chief Financial Officer of Beijing AnWuYou Food Co., Ltd. Ms. Chen served as the Chief Financial Officer of Beijing DKI Investment Management Co., Ltd. from August 2012 to May 2016. Ms. Chen’s other professional experience includes service as the Chief Financial Officer of Yayi International Inc. (U.S. OTCBB: YYIN) from February 2010 to April 2012, the Chief Financial Officer of China Natural Gas, Inc. (NASDAQ GM: CHNG) from May 2009 to January 2010, and Chief Financial Officer of Origin Agritech Inc. (NASDAQ: SEED) from December 2007 to September 2008. She has also served as the Senior Director of Finance of iKang Healthcare Group Inc. (NASDAQ: KANG listed on April 9, 2014) from December 2006 to November 2007 and as the Director of Finance of Elong Inc. (NASDAQ: LONG) from August 2001 to November 2006.
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Ms. Chen received a degree of Doctor of Business Administration from Victoria University, Neuchatel, Switzerland in March 2008 and an MBA degree from City University of Seattle, Washington, U.S. in April 2000. She graduated from Shanghai Institute of Tourism with a major in Accounting in July 1985 and completed her studies of Supervisory Skills in Hong Kong Polytechnic Institute in September 1993. She holds a Fellow Membership of CPA Australia (FCPA) and a Fellow Membership of the Association of International Accountants U.K. (FAIA). She is also a Member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), a Senior Member of the International Financial Management (SIFM) accredited by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of PRC, and a Certified Internal Control Professional, as granted by Internal Control Institute (ICI).
Zhixiang Gao has served as the member of our Board of Directors and chairman of the Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors since October 2, 2023. Mr. Gao has served as the Deputy General Manager of Xi’an Shiyuan Logistics Service Company Ltd. since February 2022. Mr. Gao served as the General Manager of Qixia (Xi’an) Technology Company Ltd. from January 2019 to February 2022. Mr. Gao served as the Associate Dean of Information Engineering at the Technology Research Institute of Shaanxi Normal University from January 2019 to February 2022. From July 2017 to December 2018, Mr. Gao worked for Eurasia University in Xi’an to take charge of the preparation work of the audit department and the improvement of the internal control system. From February 2009 to July 2017, Mr. Gao served as the General Manager of Logistics Group of Eurasia University in Xi’an. From May 2006 to July 2017, Mr. Gao served as the Director of the Procurement Department of Eurasia University in Xi’an. Mr. Gao served as the Chief of Finance of Sichuan Tianyi College from May 2004 to May 2005 and as the Finance Supervisor of Xi’an Oriental Hotel from July 1994 to July 2003.
Mr. Gao received a Master of Business Administration degree from Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China in December 2015. He received a Bachelor of Economics and Management degree from Army and Communication College of Xi’an, China in September 2007. Mr. Gao graduated from Shaanxi Tourism Institute, a technical secondary school, with a major in Foreign-related Financial Administration in September 1994.
Jing Liu has served as the member of our Board of Directors since October 28, 2024. Since July 2004, Ms. Liu has been serving as a lecturer and engaging in teaching and scientific research in chemical engineering at Xi’an University of Science and Technology, Shaanxi, China. Ms. Liu has authored three academic papers and secured three patents.
Ms. Liu received a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Technology in July 2001, a Master’s degree in Mineral Processing Engineering in July 2004, and a Doctoral degree in Mining Engineering in July 2017, all from Xi’an Science and Technology Institute, Shaanxi, China.
Pijun Liu has served as the member of our Board of Directors and Co-chairman of the Board of Directors since April 19, 2024. Mr. Liu was the founder of Zhiding365.com and served as its Chief Executive Officer from August 2014 to April 2024. Zhiding365.com is a Chinese hotel marketing service provider that introduced cloud computing technology to support online direct sale for hotels in China. Previously, from June 2007 to August 2014, Mr. Liu served as the CEO of Central Asia Huamei Investment and Management Co., Ltd., where he led the company’s operation and management. During this period, Mr. Liu also successfully hosted the first Caofeidian International Forum. From June 2004 to June 2007, Mr. Liu served as project manager at Elong.com.
Mr. Liu earned a Master’s Degree in Computer Information Technology from the University of Arizona in June 2022. In June 2021, Mr. Liu earned a Finance EMBA from Tsinghua PBCSF. From September 2018 to May 2020, Mr. Liu studied as a postgraduate in the School of Finance, Renmin University of China. In June 2004. Mr. Liu earned a Bachelor’s Degree with a major in Management from Wuhan University of Technology.
Compensation
Set forth below is the compensation paid during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 for each of our executive officers and directors. The figures below represent the compensation paid by Xi’an App-Chem:
Name | 2023 Compensation | |
Yongwei Hu | US$20,968 | |
Wallace Lee | US$24,671 | |
Yingchun Xue | US$15,860 | |
Wenjuan Chen | US$16,138 | |
Jianli Liu | - | |
Jianjun Gao | US$913 | |
Jing Chen | - | |
Zhixiang Gao | - | |
Zhenchao Li (former CFO) | US$730 | |
James Edward Burns (former Director) | US$26,745 | |
Lawrence Leighton (former Director) | US$27,000 | |
Jeffrey J. Guzy (former Director) | US$18,000 |
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Board Practices
Term of Office
Our Directors are appointed for a one-year term to hold office until the next annual general meeting of our shareholders or until removed from office in accordance with our Articles.
Directors Service Contracts
Yongwei Hu serves under a Labor Contract with Xi’an App-Chem dated November 3, 2014. The term of his contract is open-ended. Mr. Hu is bound by a non-competition agreement for the three years following the end of his employment.
Jianjun Gao serves under a Director Service Agreement dated August 3, 2023 (the “Agreement”). Under the Agreement Mr. Gao receives a stipend of $1,000 per month for each month and a stock options of $12,000 per year for each year of service as director. The term of this Agreement is one year. Upon expiration of this Agreement, Agreement renewal should be based on negotiations between the Company and director.
Jing Chen serves under a Director Service Agreement dated October 3, 2023 (the “Agreement”). Under the Agreement, Ms. Chen receives a stipend of $1,500 per month for each month and stock options having a value of $12,000, to be determined by reference to the closing price of Company’s stock on October 3, 2023. The term of this Agreement is one year. Upon expiration of this Agreement, Agreement renewal should be based on negotiations between the Company and director.
Zhixiang Gao serves under a Director Service Agreement dated October 3, 2023 (the “Agreement”). Under the Agreement, Mr. Gao receives a stipend of $1,000 per month for each month and stock options having a value of $12,000, to be determined by reference to the closing price of Company’s stock on October 3, 2023. The term of this Agreement is one year. Upon expiration of this Agreement, Agreement renewal should be based on negotiations between the Company and director.
Pijun Liu serves under a Director Service Agreement dated April 19, 2024 (the “Agreement”). Under the Agreement, Mr. Liu receives a stipend of $1,600 per month for each month. The term of this Agreement is one year. Upon expiration of this Agreement, Agreement renewal should be based on negotiations between the Company and director.
Jing Liu serves under a Director Service Agreement dated October 28, 2024 (the “Agreement”). Under the Agreement, Ms. Liu receives stock options having a value of $12,000, to be determined by reference to the closing price of Company’s stock on October 25, 2024. The term of this Agreement is one year. Upon expiration of this Agreement, Agreement renewal should be based on negotiations between the Company and director.
Committees of the Board
We have established three committees under the board of directors: an audit committee, a compensation committee and a nominating and corporate governance committee. We have adopted a charter for each of the three committees. Each committee’s members and functions are described below.
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Audit Committee. Our audit committee consists of Jing Chen, Jianjun Gao, and Zhixiang Gao. Jing Chen is the chairman of our audit committee. We have determined that Jing Chen, Jianjun Gao, and Zhixiang Gao each satisfy the “independence” requirements of Rule 4200(a)(15) of The NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc., and meets the independence standards under Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. We have determined that Jing Chen qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert.” The audit committee oversees our accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of the financial statements of our company. The audit committee is responsible for, among other things:
● | appointing the independent auditors and pre-approving all auditing and non-auditing services permitted to be performed by the independent auditors; | |
● | reviewing with the independent auditors any audit problems or difficulties and management’s response; | |
● | discussing the annual audited financial statements with management and the independent auditors; | |
● | reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of our accounting and internal control policies and procedures and any steps taken to monitor and control major financial risk exposures; | |
● | reviewing and approving all proposed related party transactions; | |
● | meeting separately and periodically with management and the independent auditors; and | |
● | monitoring compliance with our code of business conduct and ethics, including reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of our procedures to ensure proper compliance. |
Compensation Committee. Our compensation committee consists of Jing Chen, Jianjun Gao, and Zhixiang Gao. Jianjun Gao is the chairman of our compensation committee. We have determined that Jing Chen, Jianjun Gao, and Zhixiang Gao each satisfy the “independence” requirements of Rule 4200(a)(15) of The NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. The compensation committee assists the board in reviewing and approving the compensation structure, including all forms of compensation, relating to our directors and executive officers. Our chief executive officer may not be present at any committee meeting during which his compensation is deliberated. The compensation committee is responsible for, among other things:
● | reviewing and approving, or recommending to the board for its approval, the compensation for our chief executive officer and other executive officers; | |
● | reviewing and recommending to the board for determination with respect to the compensation of our non-employee directors; | |
● | reviewing periodically and approving any incentive compensation or equity plans, programs or similar arrangements; and | |
● | selecting compensation consultant, legal counsel or other adviser only after taking into consideration all factors relevant to that person’s independence from management. |
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Our nominating and corporate governance committee consists of Jing Chen, Jianjun Gao, and Zhixiang Gao. Zhixiang Gao is the chairman of our nominating and corporate governance committee. We have determined that Jing Chen, Jianjun Gao, and Zhixiang Gao each satisfy the “independence” requirements of Rule 4200(a)(15) of The NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. The nominating and corporate governance committee assists the board of directors in selecting individuals qualified to become our directors and in determining the composition of the board and its committees. The nominating and corporate governance committee is responsible for, among other things:
● | selecting and recommending to the board nominees for election by the shareholders or appointment by the board; | |
● | reviewing annually with the board the current composition of the board with regards to characteristics such as independence, knowledge, skills, experience and diversity; | |
● | making recommendations on the frequency and structure of board meetings and monitoring the functioning of the committees of the board; and | |
● | advising the board periodically with regards to significant developments in the law and practice of corporate governance as well as our compliance with applicable laws and regulations and making recommendations to the board on all matters of corporate governance and on any remedial action to be taken. |
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Duties of Directors
Under Cayman Islands law, our directors have a duty to act honestly, in good faith and with a view to our best interests. Our directors also have a duty to exercise the care, diligence and skills that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances. In fulfilling their duty of care to us, our directors must ensure compliance with our memorandum and articles of association and the class rights vested thereunder in the holders of the shares. A shareholder may in certain circumstances have rights to damages if a duty owed by the directors is breached.
Our board of directors has all the powers necessary for managing, and for directing and supervising, our business affairs. The functions and powers of our board of directors include, among others:
● | convening shareholders’ annual general meetings and reporting its work to shareholders at such meetings; | |
● | declaring dividends and distributions; | |
● | appointing officers and determining the term of office of the officers; | |
● | exercising the borrowing powers of our company and mortgaging the property of our company; and | |
● | approving the transfer of shares in our company, including the registration of such shares in our share register. |
Terms of Directors and Officers
Our officers are elected by and serve at the discretion of the board of directors. Our directors hold officer for one-year terms with automatic annual renewals, and will continue to hold office until such time as they resign, or until such time as they are removed from office by ordinary resolution of the shareholders or by the board. A director will be removed from office automatically if, among other things, the director (i) becomes bankrupt or makes any arrangement or composition with his creditors; or (ii) is found by our company to be or becomes of unsound mind.
Employees
As of September 30, 2024, we had a total of 97 full time employees, of which 51 are in production, 5 are in quality control, 16 are in R&D, 15 are in sales and marketing, 6 are in finance and accounting, and 4 are in office and administration. We do not have any part time employees.
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
The following table sets forth, as of the date of this prospectus, the beneficial ownership of our Ordinary Shares by each executive officer and director, by each person known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our Ordinary Shares and by the executive officers and directors as a group. Except as otherwise indicated, all shares are owned directly and the percentage shown is based on 3,970,558 shares of Ordinary Shares issued and outstanding.
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Title of class | Name of beneficial owner | Amount of beneficial ownership | Percent of class | |||||||
Current Executive Officers and Directors | ||||||||||
Ordinary Shares | Yongwei Hu | 2,004,427 | 50.48 | % | ||||||
Ordinary Shares | Wallace Lee | - | - | % | ||||||
Ordinary Shares | Yingchun Xue(1) (2) | 3,000 | (1) | 0.08 | % | |||||
Ordinary Shares | Wenjuan Chen(1) | 2,000 | (1) | 0.05 | % | |||||
Ordinary Shares | Jianli Liu(3) | 13,707 | (3) | 0.35 | % | |||||
Ordinary Shares | Jianjun Gao | - | (5) | - | % | |||||
Ordinary Shares | Jing Chen | - | (6) | - | % | |||||
Ordinary Shares | Zhixiang Gao | - | (7) | - | % | |||||
Total of All Current Officers and Directors: | 2,023,134 | 50.96 | % | |||||||
≥ 5% Beneficial Owners | ||||||||||
Ordinary Shares | Hong Kong Gazelle Limited(4) | 376,354 | 9.48 | % |
(1) | Represents proportional beneficial ownership of shares held in Lavender Oil Limited, a company in which Yingchun Xue, our COO, Wenjuan Chen, our CMO, and Zhenzhao Li, our former CFO, are shareholders and hold the shares through their proportional ownership of Lavender Oil Limited. |
(2) | Represents options to purchase ordinary shares of the Company, par value $0.001 per share*, at an exercise price of $0.10 per share. The stock options issued to the Director shall have a value of $12,000, to be determined by reference to the closing price of Company’s stock on August 3, 2023. |
(3) | Represents proportional beneficial ownership of shares held in Hawthorn Fruit Limited, a company in which Jianli Liu is a shareholder and holds the shares through his proportional ownership of Hawthorn Fruit Limited. |
(4) | Hong Kong Gazelle Limited is a company limited by shares incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong. The person having voting, dispositive or investment powers over Hong Kong Gazelle Limited is Hao Qu; accordingly, Hao Qu is deemed to control Hong Kong Gazelle Limited. |
(5) | Represents options to purchase ordinary shares of the Company, par value $0.001 per share*, at an exercise price of $0.10 per share*. The stock options issued to the Director shall have a value of $12,000, to be determined by reference to the closing price of Company’s stock on August 3, 2023. |
(6) | Represents options to purchase ordinary shares of the Company, par value $0.001 per share*, at an exercise price of $0.10 per share*. The stock options issued to the Director shall have a value of $12,000, to be determined by reference to the closing price of Company’s stock on October 3, 2023. |
(7) | Represents options to purchase ordinary shares of the Company, par value $0.001* per share, at an exercise price of $0.10 per share*. The stock options issued to the Director shall have a value of $12,000, to be determined by reference to the closing price of Company’s stock on October 3, 2023.
(*Retroactively restated to reflect the Company’s 1-for-10 share consolidation effective on April 11, 2024.) |
As used in this table, “beneficial ownership” means the sole or shared power to vote, or to direct the voting of, a security, or the sole or shared investment power with respect to a security (i.e., the power to dispose of, or to direct the disposition of, a security). In addition, for purposes of this table, a person is deemed, as of any date, to have “beneficial ownership” of any security that such person has the right to acquire within 60 days after such date.
The persons named above have full voting and investment power with respect to the shares indicated. Under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, a person (or group of persons) is deemed to be a “beneficial owner” of a security if he or she, directly or indirectly, has or shares the power to vote or to direct the voting of such security, or the power to dispose of or to direct the disposition of such security. Accordingly, more than one person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of the same security. A person is also deemed to be a beneficial owner of any security, which that person has the right to acquire within 60 days, such as options or warrants to purchase our ordinary shares.
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Major Shareholders
Other than as set forth above, there are no beneficial owners of 5% or more of our voting securities. The company is not directly or indirectly owned or controlled by another corporation(s) or by any foreign government. There are no arrangements, known to us, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of the company.
Related Party Transactions
Except as set forth below, during our preceding three financial years up to the date of this prospectus, there have been no transactions or loans between the Company and (a) enterprises that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, control or are controlled by, or are under common control with, the Company; (b) associates; (c) individuals owning, directly or indirectly, an interest in the voting power of the company that gives them significant influence over the Company, and close members of any such individual’s family; (d) key management personnel, that is, those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Company, including directors and senior management of companies and close members of such individuals’ families; and (e) enterprises in which a substantial interest in the voting power is owned, directly or indirectly, by any person described in (c) or (d) or over which such a person is able to exercise significant influence:
(a) Due to related parties
Related party relationship | March 31, 2024 | September 30, 2023 | September 30, 2022 | |||||||||||
Wenhu Guo | Senior Management of the Company | $ | - | $ | 6,168 | $ | 3,290 | |||||||
Yongwei Hu | Chief Executive Officer and Controlling shareholder of the Company | 102,948 | 3,392 | 6,583 | ||||||||||
Jing Liu | Wife of the controlling shareholder | 42,803 | 18,925 | - | ||||||||||
Sheying Wang | Senior Management of the Company | 2,825 | 3,016 | 3,093 | ||||||||||
Yuantao Wang | 49% shareholder of Tianjin YHX | 23,898 | 23,650 | 59,870 | ||||||||||
Shujie Mou | Senior Management of Tianiin YHX | 15,903 | 28,229 | - | ||||||||||
Shaanxi Meishengyuan Enterprise Management Consulting Co., Ltd. | Yongwei Hu, the CEO and controlling shareholder of the Company and Jing Liu, the wife of the Yongwei Hu, are the two shareholders | 263 | ||||||||||||
Total due to related parties | $ | 188,640 | $ | 83,380 | $ | 72,836 |
As of March 31, 2024, September 30, 2023 and 2022, the balance of due to related parties was comprised of the Company’s borrowings from related parties and was used for working capital during the Company’s normal course of business. Such advance was non-interest bearing and due on demand.
(b) Due from related parties
Related party relationship | March 31, 2024 | September 30, 2023 | September 30, 2022 | |||||||||||
Wenjuan Chen | Senior Management of the Company | $ | 3,806 | $ | 8,358 | $ | - | |||||||
Lu Jiang | Employee of the Company | 54 | 53 | - | ||||||||||
Total due from related parties | $ | 3,860 | $ | 8,411 | $ | - |
As of September 30, 2023 and 2022, the balance of due from related parties was mainly comprised of advance to the employees for business purposes.
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(b) Loan guarantee provided by related parties
In connection with the Company’s short-term and long-term loans borrowed from PRC banks and other financial institutions, the Company’s controlling shareholder, Mr. Yongwei Hu pledged his personal bank savings as collateral to safeguard the Company’s borrowings from the banks and financial institutions. Mr. Yongwei Hu and his wife Ms. Jing Liu also jointly pledged their personal residence property to guarantee the Company’s certain loans (see Note 11 to financial statements).
All related party transactions are in the normal course of business.
Description of Share Capital
We are a Cayman Islands company and our affairs are governed by our memorandum and articles of association and the Companies Law (2020 Revision) of the Cayman Islands, which we refer to as the Companies Law below, and the common law of the Cayman Islands.
As of the date of this prospectus, our Company’s capital is US$300,000.00 divided into (a) 270,000,000 Ordinary Shares*, par value of US$0.001 each* and (b) 30,000,000 preference shares*, par value of US$0.001 each. As of the date of this prospectus, 3,970,558 Ordinary Shares are issued and outstanding. All of our issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares are fully paid. (*The Company adopted an amendment of Memorandum of Association to amend the capital on March 9, 2024.)
Our Memorandum and Articles
The following are summaries of material provisions of our memorandum and articles of association and of the Companies Law, insofar as they relate to the material terms of our ordinary shares.
Objects of Our Company. Under our memorandum and articles of association, the objects of our company are unrestricted and we have the full power and authority to carry out any object not prohibited by the law of the Cayman Islands.
Ordinary Shares. Our ordinary shares are issued in registered form and are issued when registered in our register of members. Our shareholders who are nonresidents of the Cayman Islands may freely hold and vote their shares.
Preference Shares. Our preference shares may be issued in the future, upon approval of the Board of Directors, in one or more classes or series, with rights and limitations of each class or series with regard to voting, dividends, convertability, and other powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other special rights, and any qualifications, limitations and restrictions, as may be designated by the Board for each designated class.
Dividends. The holders of our ordinary shares are entitled to such dividends as may be declared by our board of directors. In addition, our shareholders may by ordinary resolution declare a final dividend, but no dividend may exceed the amount recommended by our directors. Our articles of association provide that dividends may be declared and paid out of our profits, realized or unrealized, or from any reserve set aside from profits which our board of directors determine is no longer needed. Dividends may also be declared and paid out of share premium account or any other fund or account which can be authorized for this purpose subject to the restrictions of the Companies Law, provided that in no circumstances may we pay a dividend if this would result in our company being unable to pay its debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business.
Voting Rights. On a show of hands each shareholder is entitled to one vote or, on a poll, each shareholder is entitled to one vote for each ordinary share, voting together as a single class, on all matters that require a shareholder’s vote. Voting at any shareholders’ meeting is by show of hands unless a poll is demanded. A poll may be demanded by the chairman of such meeting or one or more shareholders present in person or by proxy entitled to vote and who together hold not less than 10 percent of the paid-up voting share capital for the Company.
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A quorum required for a meeting of shareholders consists of one or more shareholders present and holding at least a majority of the votes of the issued and outstanding voting shares in our company. Shareholders may be present in person or by proxy or, if the shareholder is a legal entity, by its duly authorized representative. Shareholders’ meetings may be convened by our board of directors on its own initiative or upon a request to the directors by shareholders holding no less than 10 percent of our paid voting share capital. Advance notice of at least seven days is required for the convening of our annual general shareholders’ meeting and any other general shareholders’ meeting.
An ordinary resolution to be passed at a meeting by the shareholders requires the affirmative vote of a simple majority of the votes attaching to the ordinary shares cast at a meeting, while a special resolution requires the affirmative vote of no less than two-thirds of the votes cast attaching to the outstanding ordinary shares at a meeting. A special resolution will be required for important matters such as a change of name or making changes to our memorandum and articles of association. Holders of the ordinary shares may, among other things, divide or combine their shares by ordinary resolution.
Transfer of Ordinary Shares. Any of our shareholders may transfer all or any of his or her ordinary shares by an instrument of transfer in the usual or common form or any other form approved by our board of directors.
Our board of directors may, in its absolute discretion, decline to register any transfer of any ordinary share whether or not it is fully paid up without assigning any reason for doing so.
If our directors refuse to register a transfer they shall, within two months after the date on which the instrument of transfer was lodged, send to each of the transferor and the transferee notice of such refusal.
The registration of transfers may be suspended and the register closed at such times and for such periods as our board of directors may from time to time determine, provided, however, that the registration of transfers shall not be suspended nor the register closed for more than 45 days in any year as our board may determine.
Liquidation. On a return of capital on winding up or otherwise (other than on conversion, redemption or purchase of shares), assets available for distribution among the holders of ordinary shares shall be distributed among the holders of our shares on a pro rata basis. If our assets available for distribution are insufficient to repay all of the paid-up capital, the assets will be distributed so that the losses are borne by our shareholders proportionately.
Calls on Shares and Forfeiture of Shares. Our board of directors may from time to time make calls upon shareholders for any amounts unpaid on their shares in a notice served to such shareholders at least 14 days prior to the specified time and place of payment. The shares that have been called upon and remain unpaid are subject to forfeiture.
Redemption of Shares. The Companies Law and our articles of association permit us to purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire our own shares. In accordance with our articles of association and provided the necessary shareholders or board approval have been obtained, we may issue shares on terms that are subject to redemption, at our option or at the option of the holders of these shares, on such terms and in such manner, including out of capital, as may be determined by our board of directors.
Variations of Rights of Shares. The rights attached to any class or series of shares (unless otherwise provided by the terms of issue of the shares of that class or series), whether or not our company is being wound-up, may be varied with the consent in writing of the holders of two-thirds of the issued shares of that class or series or with the sanction of a special resolution passed at a separate meeting of the holders of the shares of the class or series. The rights conferred upon the holders of the shares of any class issued shall not, unless otherwise expressly provided by the terms of issue of the shares of that class, be deemed to be varied by the creation or issue of further shares ranking pari passu with such existing class of shares.
Issuance of Additional Shares. Our memorandum and articles of association authorizes our board of directors to issue additional ordinary shares from time to time as our board of directors shall determine, to the extent of available authorized but unissued shares.
Inspection of Books and Records. Holders of our ordinary shares will have no general right under Cayman Islands law to inspect or obtain copies of our list of shareholders or our corporate records. However, we will provide our shareholders with annual audited financial statements. See “Where You Can Find Additional Information.”
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Anti-Takeover Provisions. Some provisions of our memorandum and articles of association may discourage, delay or prevent a change of control of our company or management that shareholders may consider favorable, including a provision that limits the ability of shareholders to requisition and convene general meetings of shareholders, such that shareholders requisitioning a meeting must hold not less than ten percent of the paid up voting share capital of the company
However, under Cayman Islands law, our directors may only exercise the rights and powers granted to them under our memorandum and articles of association for a proper purpose and for what they believe in good faith to be in the best interests of our company.
Exempted Company. We are an exempted company with limited liability under the Companies Law. The Companies Law distinguishes between ordinary resident companies and exempted companies. Any company that is registered in the Cayman Islands but conducts business mainly outside of the Cayman Islands may apply to be registered as an exempted company. The requirements for an exempted company are essentially the same as for an ordinary company except that an exempted company that does not hold a license to carry on business in the Cayman Islands:
● | does not have to file an annual return of its shareholders with the Registrar of Companies; | |
● | is not required to open its register of members for inspection; | |
● | does not have to hold an annual general meeting; | |
● | is prohibited from making any invitation to the public in the Cayman Islands to subscribe for any of its securities; | |
● | may issue negotiable or bearer shares or shares with no par value; | |
● | may obtain an undertaking against the imposition of any future taxation (such undertakings are usually given for 20 years in the first instance); | |
● | may register by way of continuation in another jurisdiction and be deregistered in the Cayman Islands; | |
● | may register as an exempted limited duration company; and | |
● | may register as a segregated portfolio company. |
“Limited liability” means that the liability of each shareholder is limited to the amount unpaid by the shareholder on the shares of the company.
Shares Eligible For Future Sale
Upon completion of this Offering, we will have [ ] Ordinary Shares outstanding. All of the Ordinary Shares sold in this Offering will be freely transferable by persons other than by our “affiliates” without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act. Sales of substantial amounts of our Ordinary Shares in the public market could adversely affect prevailing market prices of our Ordinary Shares.
Regulation S
Regulation S under the Securities Act provides an exemption from registration requirements in the United States for offers and sales of securities that occur outside the United States. Rule 903 of Regulation S provides the conditions to the exemption for a sale by an issuer, a distributor, their respective affiliates or anyone acting on their behalf, while Rule 904 of Regulation S provides the conditions to the exemption for a resale by persons other than those covered by Rule 903. In each case, any sale must be completed in an offshore transaction, as that term is defined in Regulation S, and no directed selling efforts, as that term is defined in Regulation S, may be made in the United States.
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We are a foreign issuer as defined in Regulation S. As a foreign issuer, securities that we sell outside the United States pursuant to Regulation S are not considered to be restricted securities under the Securities Act, and are freely tradable without registration or restrictions under the Securities Act, unless the securities are held by our affiliates. Generally, subject to certain limitations, holders of our restricted shares who are not our affiliates or who are our affiliates solely by virtue of their status as an officer or director of us may, under Regulation S, resell their restricted shares in an “offshore transaction” if none of the seller, its affiliate nor any person acting on their behalf engages in directed selling efforts in the United States and, in the case of a sale of our restricted shares by an officer or director who is an affiliate of us solely by virtue of holding such position, no selling commission, fee or other remuneration is paid in connection with the offer or sale other than the usual and customary broker’s commission that would be received by a person executing such transaction as agent. Additional restrictions are applicable to a holder of our restricted shares who will be an affiliate of us other than by virtue of his or her status as an officer or director of us.
We are not claiming the potential exemption offered by Regulation S in connection with the offering of newly issued shares outside the United States and will register all of the newly issued shares under the Securities Act.
Rule 144
All of our Ordinary Shares outstanding prior to this offering are “restricted shares” as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act and may be sold publicly in the United States only if they are subject to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act or pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements. Under Rule 144 as currently in effect, a person who has beneficially owned our restricted shares for at least six months is generally entitled to sell the restricted securities without registration under the Securities Act beginning 90 days after the date of this prospectus, subject to certain additional restrictions.
Our affiliates are subject to additional restrictions under Rule 144. Our affiliates may only sell a number of restricted shares within any three-month period that does not exceed the greater of the following:
● | 1% of the then outstanding Ordinary Shares, which will equal approximately Ordinary Shares immediately after this offering; or |
● | the average weekly trading volume of our Ordinary Shares on the Nasdaq Capital Market, during the four calendar weeks preceding the date on which notice of the sale is filed with the SEC. |
Affiliates who sell restricted securities under Rule 144 may not solicit orders or arrange for the solicitation of orders, and they are also subject to notice requirements and the availability of current public information about us.
Persons who are not our affiliates are only subject to one of these additional restrictions, the requirement of the availability of current public information about us, and this additional restriction does not apply if they have beneficially owned our restricted shares for more than one year.
Rule 701
In general, under Rule 701 of the Securities Act as currently in effect, each of our employees, consultants or advisors who purchases our ordinary shares from us in connection with a compensatory stock or option plan or other written agreement relating to compensation is eligible to resell such ordinary shares 90 days after we became a reporting company under the Exchange Act in reliance on Rule 144, but without compliance with some of the restrictions, including the holding period, contained in Rule 144.
TAXATION
The following summary of the material Cayman Islands, PRC and U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in our ordinary shares is based upon laws and relevant interpretations thereof in effect as of the date of this registration statement, all of which are subject to change. This summary does not deal with all possible tax consequences relating to an investment in our ordinary shares, such as the tax consequences under U.S. state and local tax laws or under the tax laws of jurisdictions other than the Cayman Islands, the People’s Republic of China and the United States.
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Cayman Islands Taxation
The Cayman Islands currently levies no taxes on individuals or corporations based upon profits, income, gains or appreciation and there is no taxation in the nature of inheritance tax or estate duty. There are no other taxes likely to be material to us levied by the government of the Cayman Islands except for stamp duties which may be applicable on instruments executed in, or after execution brought within the jurisdiction of, the Cayman Islands. No stamp duty is payable in the Cayman Islands on transfers of shares of Cayman Islands companies except those which hold interests in land in the Cayman Islands. The Cayman Islands is a party to a double tax treaty entered with the United Kingdom in 2010 but is otherwise not party to any double tax treaties that are applicable to any payments made to or by our company. There are no exchange control regulations or currency restrictions in the Cayman Islands.
People’s Republic of China Taxation
Under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law and its implementation rules, an enterprise established outside of the PRC with “de facto management body” within the PRC is considered a resident enterprise. The implementation rules define the term “de facto management body” as the body that exercises full and substantial control and overall management over the business, productions, personnel, accounts and properties of an enterprise. In April 2009, the SAT issued the SAT Circular 82, which provides certain specific criteria for determining whether the “de facto management body” of a PRC-controlled enterprise that is incorporated offshore is located in China. Although this circular only applies to offshore enterprises controlled by PRC enterprises or PRC enterprise groups, not those controlled by PRC individuals or foreigners, the criteria set forth in the circular may reflect the SAT’s general position on how the “de facto management body” text should be applied in determining the tax resident status of all offshore enterprises. According to SAT Circular 82, an offshore incorporated enterprise controlled by a PRC enterprise or a PRC enterprise group will be regarded as a PRC tax resident by virtue of having its “de facto management body” in China only if all of the following conditions are met: (i) the places where the senior management and senior management departments responsible for the daily production, operation and management of the enterprise perform their duties are mainly located within the territory of the PRC; (ii) decisions relating to the enterprise’s financial matters (such as money borrowing, lending, financing and financial risk management) and human resource matters (such as appointment, dismissal and salary and wages) are made or are subject to approval by organizations or personnel in the PRC; (iii) the enterprise’s primary assets, accounting books and records, company seals, and board and shareholder resolutions, are located or maintained in the PRC; and (iv) at least 50% of voting board members or senior executives habitually reside in the PRC. In addition, the SAT issued the Bulletin of the State Administration of Taxation on Printing and Distributing the Administrative Measures for Income Tax on Chinese-controlled Resident Enterprises Incorporated Overseas (Trial Implementation) in 2011, providing more guidance on the implementation of SAT Circular 82. This bulletin clarifies matters including resident status determination, post determination administration, and competent tax authorities. In January 2014, the SAT issued the SAT Bulletin 9. According to SAT Bulletin 9, a Chinese-controlled offshore incorporated enterprise that satisfies the conditions prescribed under the SAT Circular 82 for being recognized as a PRC tax resident must apply for being recognized as a PRC tax resident to the competent tax authority at the place of registration of its main investor within the territory of China.
We believe that Bon Natural Life Limited is not a PRC resident enterprise for PRC tax purposes. Bon Natural Life Limited is not controlled by a PRC enterprise or PRC enterprise group and we do not believe that Bon Natural Life Limited meets all of the conditions above. Bon Natural Life Limited is a company incorporated outside the PRC. As a holding company, its key assets are its ownership interests in its subsidiaries, and its key assets are located, and its records (including the resolutions of its board of directors and the resolutions of its shareholders) are maintained, outside the PRC. However, the tax resident status of an enterprise is subject to determination by the PRC tax authorities and uncertainties remain with respect to the interpretation of the term “de facto management body.”
If the PRC tax authorities determine that Bon Natural Life Limited is a PRC resident enterprise for enterprise income tax purposes, we would be subject to 25% enterprise income tax on its worldwide income. Furthermore, we may be required to withhold a 10% withholding tax from dividends we pay to our shareholders that are non-resident enterprises, including the holders of our Shares. In addition, non-resident enterprise shareholders may be subject to a 10% PRC tax on gains realized on the sale or other disposition of ordinary shares, if such income is treated as sourced from within the PRC. Furthermore, if we are deemed a PRC resident enterprise, dividends payable to our non- resident individual shareholders and any gain realized on the transfer of ordinary shares by such shareholders may be subject to PRC tax at a rate of 20% unless a reduced rate is available under an applicable tax treaty. It is also unclear whether non- resident shareholders of Bon Natural Life Limited would be able to claim the benefits of any tax treaties between their country of tax residence and the PRC in the event that Bon Natural Life Limited is treated as a PRC resident enterprise.
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On February 3, 2015, the SAT issued the SAT Bulletin 7, which came into effect on February 3, 2015, but will also apply to cases where their PRC tax treatments are not yet concluded. Pursuant to SAT Bulletin 7, an ‘‘indirect transfer’’ of PRC assets, including a transfer of equity interests in an unlisted non-PRC holding company of a PRC resident enterprise, by non-PRC resident enterprises may be re-characterized and treated as a direct transfer of the underlying PRC assets, if such arrangement does not have a reasonable commercial purpose and was established for the purpose of avoiding payment of PRC enterprise income tax. As a result, gains derived from such indirect transfer may be subject to PRC enterprise income tax, and the transferee or other person who is obligated to pay for the transfer is obligated to withhold the applicable taxes, currently at a rate of 10% for the transfer of equity interests in a PRC resident enterprise.
On October 17, 2017, the SAT issued the SAT Bulletin 37, which came into effect on December 1, 2017. The SAT Bulletin 37 further clarifies the practice and procedure of the withholding of non-resident enterprise income tax.
Where a non-resident enterprise transfers taxable assets in China indirectly by disposing of the equity interests of an overseas holding company, which is an Indirect Transfer, the non-resident enterprise as either transferor or transferee, or the PRC entity whose equity is transferred, may report such Indirect Transfer to the relevant tax authority. Using a “substance over form” principle, the PRC tax authority may disregard the existence of the overseas holding company if it lacks a reasonable commercial purpose and was established for the purpose of reducing, avoiding or deferring PRC tax. As a result, gains derived from such Indirect Transfer may be subject to PRC enterprise income tax, and the transferee or other person who is obligated to pay for the transfer is obligated to withhold the applicable taxes, currently at a rate of 10% for the transfer of equity interests in a PRC resident enterprise. Both the transferor and the transferee may be subject to penalties under PRC tax laws if the transferee fails to withhold the taxes and the transferor fails to pay the taxes. Our company may be subject to filing obligations or taxed if our company is transferor in such transactions, and we may be subject to withholding obligations if our company is transferee in such transactions, under SAT Bulletin 7 and SAT Bulletin 37. For transfer of shares in our company by investors who are non-PRC resident enterprises, our PRC subsidiaries may be requested to assist in the filing under SAT Bulletin 7 and SAT Bulletin 37. As a result, we may be required to expend valuable resources to comply with SAT Bulletin 7 and SAT Bulletin 37 or to request the relevant transferors from whom we purchase taxable assets to comply with these circulars, or to establish that our company should not be taxed under these circulars, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
United States Federal Income Tax Considerations
The following discussion is a summary of U.S. federal income tax considerations generally applicable to the ownership and disposition of our ordinary shares by a U.S. Holder (as defined below) that acquires and holds our Shares as “capital assets” (generally, property held for investment) under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code. This discussion is based upon existing U.S. federal tax law, which is subject to differing interpretations or change, possibly with retroactive effect. No ruling has been sought from the Internal Revenue Service, the IRS, with respect to any U.S. federal income tax consequences described below, and there can be no assurance that the IRS or a court will not take a contrary position. This discussion, moreover, does not address the U.S. federal estate, gift, Medicare, and alternative minimum tax considerations, or any state, local and non-U.S. tax considerations, relating to the ownership or disposition of our ordinary shares. The following summary does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be important to particular investors in light of their individual circumstances or to persons in special tax situations such as:
● | banks and other financial institutions; | |
● | insurance companies; | |
● | pension plans; |
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● | cooperatives; | |
● | regulated investment companies; | |
● | real estate investment trusts; | |
● | broker-dealers; | |
● | traders in securities that elect to use a mark-to-market method of accounting; | |
● | certain former U.S. citizens or long-term residents; | |
● | tax-exempt entities (including private foundations); | |
● | persons liable for alternative minimum tax; | |
● | holders who acquire their ordinary shares pursuant to any employee share option or otherwise as compensation; |
● | investors that will hold their ordinary shares as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion, constructive sale or other integrated transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes; | |
● | investors that have a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar; | |
● | persons that actually or constructively own 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of our voting stock; or | |
● | partnerships or other entities taxable as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes, or persons holding ordinary shares through such entities. |
all of whom may be subject to tax rules that differ significantly from those discussed below.
Each U.S. Holder is urged to consult its tax advisor regarding the application of U.S. federal tax law to its particular circumstances, and the state, local, non-U.S. and other tax considerations of the ownership and disposition of our ordinary shares.
General
For purposes of this discussion, a “U.S. Holder” is a beneficial owner of our ordinary shares that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
● | an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States; |
● | a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created in, or organized under the law of the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia; | |
● | an estate the income of which is includible in gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes regardless of its source; or | |
● | a trust (A) the administration of which is subject to the primary supervision of a U.S. court and which has one or more U.S. persons who have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (B) that has otherwise validly elected to be treated as a U.S. person under the Code. |
If a partnership (or other entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) is a beneficial owner of our ordinary shares, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partnerships holding our ordinary shares and their partners are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding an investment in our ordinary shares.
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Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations
A non-U.S. corporation, such as our company, will be classified as a PFIC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes for any taxable year, if either (i) 75% or more of its gross income for such year consists of certain types of “passive” income or (ii) 50% or more of the value of its assets (determined on the basis of a quarterly average) during such year is attributable to assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income. For this purpose, cash and assets readily convertible into cash are categorized as a passive asset and the company’s goodwill and other unbooked intangibles are taken into account. Passive income generally includes, among other things, dividends, interest, rents, royalties, and gains from the disposition of passive assets. We will be treated as owning a proportionate share of the assets and earning a proportionate share of the income of any other corporation in which we own, directly or indirectly, more than 25% (by value) of the stock.
Although the law in this regard is not entirely clear, we treat our consolidated subsidiary as being owned by us for U.S. federal income tax purposes because we control its management decisions and are entitled to substantially all of the economic benefits associated with this entity. As a result, we consolidate its results of operations in our consolidated U.S. GAAP financial statements. If it were determined, however, that we are not the owner of the consolidated subsidiary for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we would likely be treated as a PFIC for the current taxable year and any subsequent taxable year.
Assuming that we are the owner of the subsidiary for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and based upon our current and projected income and assets, and projections as to the value of our assets, based in part on the market value of our Shares, we do not expect to be a PFIC for the current taxable year or the foreseeable future. While we do not anticipate being or becoming a PFIC in the current or foreseeable taxable years, no assurance can be given in this regard because the determination of whether we will be or become a PFIC is a factual determination made annually that will depend, in part, upon the composition of our income and assets. Fluctuations in the market price of our Shares may cause us to be classified as a PFIC for the current or future taxable years because the value of our assets for purposes of the asset test, including the value of our goodwill and unbooked intangibles, may be determined by reference to the market price of our Shares from time to time (which may be volatile). In estimating the value of our goodwill and other unbooked intangibles, we have taken into account the cash proceeds and our market capitalization following our initial public offering. If our market capitalization subsequently declines, we may be or become classified as a PFIC for the current taxable year or future taxable years. Under circumstances where our revenue from activities that produce passive income significantly increase relative to our revenue from activities that produce non-passive income, or where we determine not to deploy significant amounts of cash for active purposes, our risk of becoming classified as a PFIC may substantially increase.
If we are classified as a PFIC for any year during which a U.S. Holder holds our ordinary shares, the PFIC rules discussed below under “Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules” generally will apply to such U.S. Holder for such taxable year, and unless the U.S. Holder makes certain elections, will apply in future years even if we cease to be a PFIC.
The discussion below under “Dividends” and “Sale or Other Disposition” is written on the basis that we will not be or become classified as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The U.S. federal income tax rules that apply generally if we are treated as a PFIC are discussed below under “Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules.”
Dividends
Subject to the discussion below under “Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules,” any cash distributions (including the amount of any PRC tax withheld) paid on our ordinary shares out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles, will generally be includible in the gross income of a U.S. Holder as dividend income on the day actually or constructively received by the U.S. Holder. Because we do not intend to determine our earnings and profits on the basis of U.S. federal income tax principles, any distribution we pay will generally be treated as a “dividend” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Dividends received on our ordinary shares will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction allowed to corporations. A non-corporate U.S. Holder will be subject to tax at the lower capital gain tax rate applicable to “qualified dividend income,” provided that certain conditions are satisfied, including that (1) our Shares are readily tradeable on an established securities market in the United States, or, in the event that we are deemed to be a PRC resident enterprise under the PRC tax law, we are eligible for the benefit of the United States-PRC income tax treaty, (2) we are neither a PFIC nor treated as such with respect to a U.S. Holder (as discussed below) for the taxable year in which the dividend was paid and the preceding taxable year, and (3) certain holding period requirements are met. We expect our Shares will be readily tradeable on an established securities market in the United States. There can be no assurance, however, that our Shares will be considered readily tradeable on an established securities market in later years.
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In the event that we are deemed to be a PRC resident enterprise under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, a U.S. Holder may be subject to PRC withholding taxes on dividends paid on our ordinary shares. We may, however, be eligible for the benefits of the United States-PRC income tax treaty. If we are eligible for such benefits, dividends we pay on our ordinary shares would be eligible for the reduced rates of taxation described in the preceding paragraph.
Dividends will generally be treated as income from foreign sources for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes and will generally constitute passive category income. Depending on the U.S. Holder’s individual facts and circumstances, a U.S. Holder may be eligible, subject to a number of complex limitations, to claim a foreign tax credit in respect of any foreign withholding taxes imposed on dividends received on our ordinary shares. A U.S. Holder who does not elect to claim a foreign tax credit for foreign tax withheld may instead claim a deduction, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, in respect of such withholding, but only for a year in which such holder elects to do so for all creditable foreign income taxes. The rules governing the foreign tax credit are complex and their outcome depends in large part on the U.S. Holder’s individual facts and circumstances. Accordingly, U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the availability of the foreign tax credit under their particular circumstances.
Sale or Other Disposition
Subject to the discussion below under “Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules,” a U.S. Holder will generally recognize capital gain or loss upon the sale or other disposition of ordinary shares in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized upon the disposition and the holder’s adjusted tax basis in such ordinary shares. Any capital gain or loss will be long-term if the ordinary shares have been held for more than one year and will generally be U.S.-source gain or loss for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. In the event that gain from the disposition of the ordinary shares is subject to tax in the PRC, such gain may be treated as PRC source gain under the United States-PRC income tax treaty. The deductibility of a capital loss may be subject to limitations. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the tax consequences if a foreign tax is imposed on a disposition of our ordinary shares, including the availability of the foreign tax credit under their particular circumstances.
Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules
If we are classified as a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder holds our ordinary shares, and unless the U.S. Holder makes a mark-to-market election (as described below), the U.S. Holder will generally be subject to special tax rules on (i) any excess distribution that we make to the U.S. Holder (which generally means any distribution paid during a taxable year to a U.S. Holder that is greater than 125 percent of the average annual distributions paid in the three preceding taxable years or, if shorter, the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the ordinary shares), and (ii) any gain realized on the sale or other disposition of ordinary shares. Under the PFIC rules:
● | the excess distribution or gain will be allocated ratably over the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the ordinary shares; | |
● | the amount allocated to the current taxable year and any taxable years in the U.S. Holder’s holding period prior to the first taxable year in which we are classified as a PFIC (each, a “pre-PFIC year”), will be taxable as ordinary income; | |
● | the amount allocated to each prior taxable year, other than a pre-PFIC year, will be subject to tax at the highest tax rate in effect for individuals or corporations, as appropriate, for that year; and | |
● | the interest charge generally applicable to underpayments of tax will be imposed on the tax attributable to each prior taxable year, other than a pre-PFIC year. |
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If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder holds our ordinary shares and any of our subsidiaries is also a PFIC, such U.S. Holder would be treated as owning a proportionate amount (by value) of the shares of the lower-tier PFIC for purposes of the application of these rules. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the application of the PFIC rules to any of our subsidiaries.
As an alternative to the foregoing rules, a U.S. Holder of “marketable stock” in a PFIC may make a mark-to-market election with respect to such stock, provided that such stock is regularly traded. For those purposes, our ordinary shares are treated as marketable stock due to their listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market. We anticipate that our Shares should qualify as being regularly traded, but no assurances may be given in this regard. If a U.S. Holder makes this election, the holder will generally (i) include as ordinary income for each taxable year that we are a PFIC the excess, if any, of the fair market value of Shares held at the end of the taxable year over the adjusted tax basis of such Shares and (ii) deduct as an ordinary loss the excess, if any, of the adjusted tax basis of the Shares over the fair market value of such Shares held at the end of the taxable year, but such deduction will only be allowed to the extent of the amount previously included in income as a result of the mark-to-market election. The U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the Shares would be adjusted to reflect any income or loss resulting from the mark-to-market election. If a U.S. Holder makes a mark-to-market election in respect of a corporation classified as a PFIC and such corporation ceases to be classified as a PFIC, the holder will not be required to take into account the gain or loss described above during any period that such corporation is not classified as a PFIC. If a U.S. Holder makes a mark-to-market election, any gain such U.S. Holder recognizes upon the sale or other disposition of our Shares in a year when we are a PFIC will be treated as ordinary income and any loss will be treated as ordinary loss, but such loss will only be treated as ordinary loss to the extent of the net amount previously included in income as a result of the mark-to-market election.
Because a mark-to-market election cannot be made for any lower-tier PFICs that we may own, a U.S. Holder may continue to be subject to the PFIC rules with respect to such U.S. Holder’s indirect interest in any investments held by us that are treated as an equity interest in a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
We do not intend to provide information necessary for U.S. Holders to make qualified electing fund elections which, if available, would result in tax treatment different from (and generally less adverse than) the general tax treatment for PFICs described above.
If a U.S. Holder owns our ordinary shares during any taxable year that we are a PFIC, the holder must generally file an annual IRS Form 8621. You should consult your tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning and disposing of our ordinary shares if we are or become a PFIC.
Information Reporting
Certain U.S. Holders may be required to report information to the IRS with respect to the beneficial ownership of our ordinary shares. These rules also impose penalties if a U.S. Holder is required to submit such information to the IRS and fails to do so.
In addition, U.S. Holders may be subject to information reporting to the IRS with respect to dividends on and proceeds from the sale or other disposition of our ordinary shares. Each U.S. Holder is advised to consult with its tax advisor regarding the application of the U.S. information reporting rules to their particular circumstances.
ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES
We are incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands as an exempted company with limited liability. We are incorporated in the Cayman Islands because of certain benefits associated with being a Cayman Islands exempted company, such as political and economic stability, an effective judicial system, a favorable tax system, the absence of foreign exchange control or currency restrictions and the availability of professional and support services. However, the Cayman Islands has a less developed body of securities laws than the United States and provides less protection for investors. In addition, Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to sue before the federal courts of the United States.
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Substantially all of our assets are located outside the United States. In addition, most of our directors are Chinese nationals who reside in either mainland China. A substantial portion of their assets are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for investors to effect service of process within the United States upon us or these persons, or to enforce judgments obtained in U.S. courts against us or them, including judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States. It may also be difficult for you to enforce judgments obtained in U.S. courts based on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws against us and our officers and directors.
We have appointed The Crone Law Group P.C., 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 2446, New York, NY 10107 as our agent to receive service of process with respect to any action brought against us in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York in connection with this offering under the federal securities laws of the United States or the securities laws of any State in the United States or any action brought against us in the Supreme Court of the State of New York in the County of New York in connection with this offering under the securities laws of the State of New York.
We have been advised by Ogier, our Cayman Islands legal counsel, that the courts of the Cayman Islands are unlikely (i) to recognize or enforce against us judgments of courts of the United States predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States or any state; and (ii) in original actions brought in the Cayman Islands, to impose liabilities against us predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States or any state, so far as the liabilities imposed by those provisions are penal in nature. In those circumstances, although there is no statutory enforcement in the Cayman Islands of judgments obtained in the United States, the courts of the Cayman Islands will recognize and enforce a foreign money judgment of a foreign court of competent jurisdiction without retrial on the merits based on the principle that a judgment of a competent foreign court imposes upon the judgment debtor an obligation to pay the sum for which judgment has been given provided certain conditions are met. For a foreign judgment to be enforced in the Cayman Islands, such judgment must be final and conclusive and for a liquidated sum, and must not be in respect of taxes or a fine or penalty, inconsistent with a Cayman Islands judgment in respect of the same matter, impeachable on the grounds of fraud or obtained in a manner, and or be of a kind the enforcement of which is, contrary to natural justice or the public policy of the Cayman Islands (awards of punitive or multiple damages may well be held to be contrary to public policy). A Cayman Islands court may stay enforcement proceedings if concurrent proceedings are being brought elsewhere.
If any person in the Cayman Islands knows or suspects, or has reasonable grounds for knowing or suspecting that another person is engaged in criminal conduct or money laundering, or is involved with terrorism or terrorist financing and property, and the information for that knowledge or suspicion came to their attention in the course of business in the regulated sector, or other trade, profession, business or employment, the person will be required to report such knowledge or suspicion to (i) the Financial Reporting Authority of the Cayman Islands (“FRA”), pursuant to the Proceeds of Crime Act (As Revised) of the Cayman Islands, if the disclosure relates to criminal conduct or money laundering, or (ii) a police officer of the rank of constable or higher, or the FRA, pursuant to the Terrorism Act (As Revised) of the Cayman Islands, if the disclosure relates to involvement with terrorism or terrorist financing and property.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, we cannot assure you that confirmation of any judgment will be obtained, or that the process described above can be conducted in a timely manner.
[ ], our counsel as to PRC law, has advised us that (1) it would be highly unlikely that the courts of mainland China would recognize or enforce judgments of U.S. courts obtained against us or our directors or officers that are predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States or the securities laws of any state in the United States, and (2) there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of mainland China would entertain original actions brought in mainland China against us or our directors or officers that are predicated upon the federal securities laws of the United States or the securities laws of any state in the United States.
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[ ] has advised us that the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments are provided for under the PRC Civil Procedure Law. The mainland China courts may recognize and enforce foreign judgments under certain circumstances in accordance with the requirements of the PRC Civil Procedure Law. [ ] has advised us further that under PRC law, a foreign judgment that does not otherwise violate basic legal principles, state sovereignty, safety or social public interest may be recognized and enforced by a mainland China court, based either on bilateral treaties or international conventions contracted by mainland China and the country where the judgment is made or on reciprocity between jurisdictions. As there currently exists no bilateral treaty, international convention or other form of reciprocity between mainland China and the United States governing the recognition of judgments, including those predicated upon the liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws, it would be highly unlikely that a mainland China court would enforce judgments rendered by U.S. courts.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The Ordinary Shares will be sold in a self-underwritten, “best efforts” Offering. This prospectus is part of a registration statement that permits our officers and directors to sell the Ordinary Shares being offered by the Company directly to the public, with no commission or other remuneration payable to them for any Ordinary Shares they may sell. Presently, we expect that our officers and directors will personally contact existing shareholders, friends, family members and business acquaintances and inform them about the Offering. In addition, we may market the Offering to institutional investors through our officers and directors. We may also offer our Ordinary Shares through brokers, dealers or agents, although we have no current plans or arrangements to do so. The Company has been contacted by multiple financial institutions, as well as fielded interest from existing shareholders that give the Company assurance as to the marketability of its shares to these identified parties.
[This offering will terminate on [ ]].
In offering the Ordinary Shares on our behalf, our officers and directors will rely on the safe harbor from broker dealer registration set forth in Rule 3a4-1 under the Exchange Act. The officers and directors will not register as broker-dealers pursuant to Section 15 of the Exchange Act, in reliance upon Rule 3a4-1, which sets forth those conditions under which a person associated with an issuer may participate in the offering of the Issuer’s securities and not be deemed to be a broker-dealer. In that regard, we confirm that:
● | None of our officers or directors are subject to a statutory disqualification, as that term is defined in Section 3(a)(39) of the Exchange Act; | |
● | None of our officers or directors will be compensated in connection with their participation by the payment of commissions or other remuneration based either directly or indirectly on transactions in the common stock; | |
● | None of our officers or directors is or will be, at the time of his participation in the offering, an associated person of a broker-dealer; and | |
● | Our officers and directors meet the conditions of paragraph (a)(4)(ii) of Rule 3a4-1 of the Exchange Act, in that each (A) primarily perform substantial duties for or on our behalf, other than in connection with transactions in securities, and (B) is not a broker or dealer, or has been an associated person of a broker or dealer, within the preceding 12 months, and (C) has not participated in selling and offering securities for any issuer more than once every 12 months other than in reliance on Paragraphs (a)(4)(i) or (a)(4)(iii) of Rule 3a4-1. |
None of our officers or directors, control persons or affiliates intend to purchase any shares in this Offering.
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
Transfer Agent
The transfer agent and registrar for our Ordinary Shares is VStock Transfer, LLC, at 18 Lafayette Place, Woodmere, NY 11598, and its telephone number is (212) 828-8436.
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EXPENSES RELATING TO THIS OFFERING
The following table sets forth the costs and expenses payable by the registrant in connection with the sale of Ordinary Shares being registered. All amounts are estimates except for the SEC registration fee, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority filing fee and the Nasdaq Capital Market listing fee.
SEC registration fee | $ | 3,980.60 | ||
Legal fees and expenses | [ ] | |||
Accounting fees and expenses | [ ] | |||
Transfer Agent fees | [ ] | |||
Financial printing and miscellaneous expenses | [ ] | |||
Total | $ | [ ] |
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the Ordinary Shares offered and certain other legal matters with respect to U.S. federal and New York State law in connection with this offering will be passed upon for us by The Crone Law Group, P.C.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 included in this prospectus have been audited by YCM CPA INC., an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report appearing herein (which report expresses an unqualified opinion on the financial statements and includes an explanatory paragraph referring to the translation of Renminbi amounts to United States dollar amounts). Such financial statements and financial statement schedule are included in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We have filed with the SEC the Registration Statement on Form F-1 under the Securities Act with respect to the Shares being offered by this Prospectus. This Prospectus, which constitutes a part of the Registration Statement, does not contain all of the information in the Registration Statement and its exhibits. For further information with respect to the Company and the Shares offered by this Prospectus, you should refer to the Registration Statement and the exhibits filed as a part thereof. Statements contained in this Prospectus as to the contents of any contract or any other document referred to are not necessarily complete and, in each instance, we refer you to the copy of the contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. Each of these statements is qualified in all respects by this reference.
We are subject to periodic reporting and other information requirements of the Exchange Act as applicable to foreign private issuers. Accordingly, we are required to file reports, including annual reports on Form 20-F, and other information with the SEC. All information filed with the SEC can be obtained over the internet at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You can request copies of documents, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by writing to the SEC.
As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt under the Exchange Act from, among other things, the rules prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements, and our executive officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act. In addition, we will not be required under the Exchange Act to file periodic reports and financial statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as U.S. companies whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act. However, we intend to furnish the depositary with our annual reports, which will include a review of operations and annual audited consolidated combined financial statements prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP, and all notices of shareholders’ meetings and other reports and communications that are made generally available to our shareholders. The depositary will make such notices, reports and communications available to holders of Ordinary Shares and, if we so request, will mail to all record holders of Ordinary Shares the information contained in any notice of a shareholders’ meeting received by the depositary from us.
113 |
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
F-1 |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and
Shareholders of Bon Natural Life Ltd
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Bon Natural Life Ltd and Subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) as of September 30, 2023 and 2022, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”).
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of September 30, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for years ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated 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 audits 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 consolidated 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 consolidated 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 statement. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ YCM CPA INC.
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2022.
PCAOB ID 6781
Irvine, California
February 9, 2024, except for Notes 2, 14, 15, 19, and 20, as to which the date is November 19, 2024
F-2 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
As of September 30, | ||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||||
Cash | $ | $ | ||||||
Short-term investments | ||||||||
Accounts receivable, net | ||||||||
Inventories, net | ||||||||
Advance to suppliers, net | ||||||||
Acquisition deposit | ||||||||
Due from related parties | ||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ||||||||
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||||
Property, plant and equipment, net | ||||||||
Intangible assets, net | ||||||||
Right-of-use lease assets, net | ||||||||
Deferred tax assets, net | ||||||||
TOTAL ASSETS | $ | $ | ||||||
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | ||||||||
CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||
Short-term loans | $ | $ | ||||||
Current portion of long-term loans | ||||||||
Accounts payable | ||||||||
Due to related parties | ||||||||
Taxes payable | ||||||||
Deferred revenue | ||||||||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | ||||||||
Finance lease liabilities, current | ||||||||
Operating lease liability, current | ||||||||
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||
Long-term loans | ||||||||
Finance lease liabilities, noncurrent | ||||||||
Operating lease liability, noncurrent | ||||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES | $ | $ | ||||||
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | ||||||||
EQUITY | ||||||||
Ordinary shares, ($* | par value, shares authorized, and shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively)$ | $ | ||||||
Additional paid in capital | ||||||||
Statutory reserve | ||||||||
Retained earnings | ||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
TOTAL BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | ||||||||
Non-controlling interest | ||||||||
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | ||||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | $ | $ |
* |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
F-3 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
For the Years Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
REVENUE | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
COST OF REVENUE | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||
GROSS PROFIT | ||||||||||||
OPERATING EXPENSES | ||||||||||||
Selling expenses | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||
General and administrative expenses | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||
Research and development expenses | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||
Total operating expenses | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS | ||||||||||||
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES) | ||||||||||||
Interest income | ||||||||||||
Interest expense | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||
Unrealized foreign transaction exchange gain (loss) | ( | ) | ||||||||||
Government subsidies | ||||||||||||
Income from short-term investments | ||||||||||||
Other income | ( | ) | ||||||||||
Total other income (expenses) , net | ( | ) | ||||||||||
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX PROVISION | ||||||||||||
INCOME TAX PROVISION | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||
NET INCOME | ||||||||||||
Less: net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest | ( | ) | ||||||||||
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) | ||||||||||||
Total foreign currency translation adjustment | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME | ||||||||||||
Less: foreign currency translation adjustment attributable to non-controlling interest | ( | ) | ||||||||||
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
EARNINGS PER SHARE | ||||||||||||
Basic* | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
Diluted* | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING | ||||||||||||
Basic* | ||||||||||||
Diluted* |
* |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-4 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2023, 2022 AND 2021
Common shares | Additional paid-in | Statutory | Retained | Accumulated other comprehensive | Total shareholders’ | Non- controlling | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares* | Amount | capital | reserve | earnings | loss | equity | interest | equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2020 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of ordinary shares in initial public offerings, net | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of share-based compensation | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of stock options | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Appropriation to statutory reserve | - | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2021 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-cash exercise of warrants | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of stock options | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of share-based compensation | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Appropriation to statutory reserve | - | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2022 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of ordinary shares in a private placement, net | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of ordinary shares for services | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of stock options | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Appropriation to statutory reserve | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ |
* |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
F-5 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities | ||||||||||||
Net income | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided (used in) by operating activities | ||||||||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | ||||||||||||
Inventory reserve recovery | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||
Deferred income tax | ) | |||||||||||
Amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets | ||||||||||||
Amortization of stock-based compensation | ||||||||||||
Issuance of ordinary shares for services | ||||||||||||
Unrealized foreign currency exchange loss (gain) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
Gain on disposal of property and equipment | ( | ) | ||||||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||||||
Accounts receivable | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
Inventories | ( | ) | ( | |||||||||
Advance to suppliers, net | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
Accounts payable | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
Operating lease liabilities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | |||||||
Taxes payable | ( | ) | ||||||||||
Deferred revenue | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | ( | |||||||||||
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
Cash flows from investing activities | ||||||||||||
Purchase of short-term investments | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | |||||||
Proceeds upon redemption of short-term investments | ||||||||||||
Purchase of property and equipment | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment | ||||||||||||
Capital expenditures on construction-in-progress | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||
Purchase of intangible assets | ( | ) | ( | |||||||||
Proceeds of borrowings to related parties | ||||||||||||
Payment of acquisition deposit | ( | ) | ||||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||
Cash flows from financing activities | ||||||||||||
Net proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares | ||||||||||||
Proceeds from exercise of stock options | ||||||||||||
Proceeds from short-term loans | ||||||||||||
Proceeds from long-term loans | ||||||||||||
Repayment of short-term loans | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||
Repayment of long-term loans | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||
(Repayment of) proceeds from borrowings from related parties | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
(Repayment of) proceeds from third party loans | ( | ) | ||||||||||
(Repayment of) principal from finance lease | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
Payment for deferred initial public offering costs | ( | ) | ||||||||||
Net cash provided by financing activities | ||||||||||||
Effect of changes of foreign exchange rates on cash | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | |||||||
Net (decrease) increase in cash | ( | ) | ( | ) | ) | |||||||
Cash, beginning of year | ||||||||||||
Cash, end of year | $ | $ | ||||||||||
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information | ||||||||||||
Cash paid for interest expense | $ | $ | ||||||||||
Cash paid for income tax | $ | $ | ||||||||||
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities | ||||||||||||
Amortization of share-based compensation for initial public offering services | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
Exercise of options | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
Unpaid purchase of property and equipment | $ | $ | $ |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-6 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS DESCRIPTION
Business
Bon Natural Life Limited (“Bon Natural” or the “Company”), through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is engaged in the research and development, manufacturing and sales of functional active ingredients extracted from natural herb plants which are widely used by manufacturer customers in the functional food, personal care, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. The Company sells its products to customers located in both Chinese and international markets.
Organizations
Bon
Natural Life Limited was incorporated as an exempted company with limited liability under the laws of the Cayman Islands on
Bon
Natural owns
Bon
Natural owns
Xi’an Cell and Molecule Information Technology Limited. (“Xi’an CMIT”) was formed on April 9, 2020, as a Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (“WFOE”) in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”).
Bon Natural, Tea Essence, and Xi’an CMIT are currently not engaging in any active business operations and merely acting as holding companies.
F-7 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS DESCRIPTION (continued)
Prior
to the reorganization described below, Mr. Yongwei Hu, the chairman of the board of directors and the chief executive officer of the
Company, was the controlling shareholder of Xi’an App-Chem Bio(Tech) Co., Ltd. (“Xi’an App-Chem”), an entity
incorporated on April 23, 2006 in accordance with PRC laws. Xi’an App-Chem owns
In
addition, Xi’an App-Chem also owns majority of the equity interest in the following two entities: Xi’an Dietary Therapy Medical
Technology Co., Ltd (“Xi’an DT”) was incorporated on April 24, 2015 in accordance with PRC laws, with
On
September 27, 2021, the Company disposed Balikun to a third party for RMB
Xi’an App-Chem, together with its subsidiaries are collectively referred to as the “Bon Operating Companies” below.
Reorganization
A reorganization of our legal structure (“Reorganization”) was completed on May 28, 2020. The reorganization involved the incorporation of Bon Natural Life, Tea Essence and Xi’an CMIT, and entering into certain contractual arrangements between Xi’an CMIT, the shareholders of Bon Operating Companies and the Bon Operating Companies. Consequently, the Company became the ultimate holding company of Tea Essence, Xi’an CMIT and Bon Operating Companies.
F-8 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS DESCRIPTION (continued)
On May 28, 2020, Xi’an CMIT entered into a series of contractual arrangements with the shareholders of the Bon Operating Companies. These agreements include, Exclusive Service Agreement, Share Pledge Agreement, Proxy Agreement, Exclusive Option Agreement, Powers of Attorney, Spousal Consent Letter, and Loan Agreement intended to guarantee the exercise of the Exclusive Option Agreements and Spouse Consents (collectively the “VIE Agreements”). Pursuant to the VIE Agreements, Xi’an CMIT has the exclusive right to provide to the Bon Operating Companies consulting services related to business operations including technical and management consulting services. The VIE Agreements are designed to provide Xi’an CMIT with the power, rights, and obligations equivalent in all material respects to those it would possess as the sole equity holder of each of the Bon Operating Companies, including control rights and the rights to the assets, property, and revenue of each of the Bon Operating Companies. As a result of our direct ownership in Xi’an CMIT and the VIE Agreements, we believe that the Bon Operating Companies should be treated as Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”) under the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810 Consolidation and we are regarded as the primary beneficiary of our VIEs. We treat our VIEs as our consolidated entities under U.S. GAAP. The Company, together with its wholly owned subsidiaries and its VIEs, is effectively controlled by the same shareholders before and after the Reorganization and therefore the Reorganization is considered as a recapitalization of entities under common control. The consolidation of the Company, its subsidiaries, and its VIEs has been accounted for at historical cost and prepared on the basis as if the aforementioned transactions had become effective as of the beginning of the first period presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Upon the completion of the Reorganization, the Company has subsidiaries in countries and jurisdictions in the PRC and Hong Kong.
On
September 8, 2021, Xi’an Youpincui Biotechnology Co., Ltd (“Xi’an Youpincui”) was formed as a Wholly Foreign-Owned
Enterprise (“WFOE”) in the PRC. Tea Essence owns
On
June 28, 2021, the Company closed its initial public offering (“IPO”) of totaled
$
Terminating the VIE agreements for corporate restructuring
Due
to PRC legal restrictions on foreign ownership in companies that engage in online sales China, the Company originally carried out its
business through Xi’an App-Chem, a domestic PRC company holding a value-added telecommunications license, through a variable interest
entity structure, because foreign investment in the value-added telecommunication services industry in China is extensively regulated
and subject to numerous restrictions. However, the Company’s online sales have historically generated minimal revenues. On September
28, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a restructuring of the Company’s corporate structure to terminate the
original VIE contractual agreements, to convert Xi’an App-Chem from a PRC domestic company into a Sino-foreign joint venture, and
to transfer
F-9 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS DESCRIPTION (continued)
Details of the subsidiaries of the Company as of September 30, 2023 were set out below:
Name of Entity | Date of Incorporation | Place of Incorporation | % of Ownership | Principal Activities | ||||
Bon Natural Life | Parent,
|
|||||||
Bon Natural Life U.S.A. | ||||||||
Tea Essence | ||||||||
Xi’an CMIT | ||||||||
Xi’an Youpincui | ||||||||
PRC Subsidiaries: | ||||||||
Xi’an App- Chem Bio (Tech) | ||||||||
Xi’an YH | ||||||||
Bon Operating Companies (owned by Xi’an App-Chem) | ||||||||
App-Chem Health | ||||||||
App-Chem Ag-tech | ||||||||
App-Chem Guangzhou | ||||||||
Tongchuan DT | ||||||||
Xi’an DT | ||||||||
Tianjin YHX | ||||||||
Gansu BMK | ||||||||
Bozhou DT |
F-10 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 2 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company, and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All inter-company balances and transactions are eliminated upon consolidation.
Non-controlling interests
Non-controlling
interests represent minority shareholders’
Uses of estimates
In preparing the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”), management makes 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 period. These estimates are based on information as of the date of the consolidated financial statements. Significant estimates required to be made by management include, but are not limited to, the allowance for estimated uncollectible receivables, realizability of advance to suppliers, inventory valuations, useful lives of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, the recoverability of long-lived assets, provision necessary for contingent liabilities, fair value of stock-based compensation, revenue recognition and realization of deferred tax assets. The inputs into the Company’s judgments and estimates consider the economic implications of COVID-19 on the Company’s critical and significant accounting estimates. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Risks and Uncertainties
The main operation of the Company is located in the PRC. Accordingly, the Company’s business, financial condition, and results of operations may be influenced by political, economic, and legal environments in the PRC, as well as by the general state of the PRC economy. The Company’s results may be adversely affected by changes in the political, regulatory and social conditions in the PRC. Although the Company has not experienced losses from these situations and believes that it is in compliance with existing laws and regulations including its organization and structure disclosed in Note 1, this may not be indicative of future results.
The development and commercialization of natural and healthy extracts and compounds products is highly competitive, and the industry currently is characterized by rapidly changing technologies, significant competition and a strong emphasis on intellectual property. The Company may face competition with respect to its current and future pharmaceutical product candidates from major pharmaceutical companies in China.
Since March 2023, the Company has recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the Company’s operations may be further affected by the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, A COVID-19 resurgence could negatively affect the execution of customer contracts, the collection of customer payments, or disruption of the Company’s supply chain. The continued uncertainties associated with COVID-19 may cause the Company’s revenue and cash flows to underperform in the next 12 months. The extent of the future impact of COVID-19 is still highly uncertain and cannot be predicted as of the date the Company’s consolidated financial statements are released.
Cash
Cash includes currency on hand and deposits held by banks that can be added or withdrawn without limitation. The Company maintains most of its bank accounts in the PRC. Cash balances in bank accounts in PRC are insured by the PRC regulation and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (see Note 16)
Accounts receivable, net
The
Company determines the adequacy of reserves for doubtful accounts based on individual account analysis and historical collection trend.
The Company establishes a provision for doubtful receivables when there is objective evidence that the Company may not be able to collect
amounts due. The allowance is based on management’s best estimate of specific losses on individual exposures, as well as a provision
on historical trends of collections. Actual amounts received may differ from management’s estimate of credit worthiness and the
economic environment. Delinquent account balances are written-off against the allowance for doubtful accounts after management has determined
that the collection is not probable, , and $
F-11 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 2 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Advances to Suppliers, net
Advances to suppliers consist of balances paid to suppliers for inventory raw materials and construction materials associated with the Company’s construction-in-progress projects that have not been provided or received. Advances to suppliers are reviewed periodically to determine whether their carrying value has become impaired. The Company considers the assets to be impaired if the collectability of the advance becomes doubtful. The Company uses the aging method to estimate the allowance for unrealizable balances. In addition, at each reporting date, the Company generally determines the adequacy of allowance for doubtful accounts by evaluating all available information, and then records specific allowances for those advances based on the specific facts and circumstances. As of September 30, 2023 and 2022, allowance for doubtful account was recorded.
Inventories, net
Inventories
are stated at net realizable value using weighted average method. Costs include the cost of raw materials, freight, direct labor and
related production overhead. Any excess of the cost over the net realizable value of each item of inventories is recognized as a provision
for diminution in the value of inventories. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the normal course of business less
any costs to complete and sell products. The Company evaluates inventories on a quarterly basis for its net realizable value adjustments,
and reduces the carrying value of those inventories that are obsolete or in excess of the forecasted usage to their estimated net realizable
value based on various factors including aging, expiration dates, as applicable, taking into consideration historical and expected future
product sales. The Company recorded inventory reserve of $
Short-term investments
The Company’s short-term investments consist of wealth management financial products purchased from PRC banks, which can be redeemed at any time. The banks invest the Company’s fund in certain financial instruments including money market funds, bonds or mutual funds, with floating interest rates. The carrying values of the Company’s short-term investments approximate fair value because of their short-term maturities. The interest earned is recognized in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income over the contractual term of these investments. As of September 30, 2023 and 2022, short-term investments consisted of the following:
September 30, 2023 | September 30, 2022 | |||||||
Beginning balance | $ | $ | ||||||
Add: purchase wealth management financial products | ||||||||
Less: proceeds received upon maturity of short-term investments | ( | ) | ||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments | ( | ) | ||||||
Ending balance of short-term investments | $ | $ |
F-12 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 2 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Investment
income generated from short-term investments amounted to , $
Fair value of financial instruments
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A three-level fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:
● | Level 1 — inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. | |
● | Level 2 — inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted market prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable and inputs derived from or corroborated by observable market data. | |
● | Level 3 — inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable. |
Unless otherwise disclosed, the fair value of the Company’s cash, short-term investment, accounts receivable, inventories, advance to suppliers, prepaid expenses and other current assets, accounts payable, short-term bank loans, accrued expenses and other current liabilities, taxes payable and due to related parties, approximate the fair value of the respective assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2023 and 2022 based upon the short-term nature of the assets and liabilities.
The Company believes that the carrying amount of long-term loans approximates fair value at September 30, 2023 and 2022 based on the terms of the borrowings and current market rates as the rates of the borrowings are reflective of the current market rates.
Property, plant and equipment, net
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment is provided using the straight-line method over their expected useful lives, as follows:
Useful life | ||
Buildings | ||
Machinery and equipment | ||
Automobiles | ||
Office and electric equipment |
Expenditures for maintenance and repairs, which do not materially extend the useful lives of the assets, are charged to expense as incurred. Expenditures for major renewals and betterments which substantially extend the useful life of assets are capitalized. The cost and related accumulated depreciation of assets retired or sold are removed from the respective accounts, and any gain or loss is recognized in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income in other income or expenses.
Construction-in-Progress (“CIP”)
Construction-in-progress represents property and buildings under construction and consists of construction expenditures, equipment procurement, and other direct costs attributable to the construction. Construction-in-progress is not depreciated. Upon completion and ready for intended use, construction-in-progress is reclassified to the appropriate category within property, plant and equipment.
F-13 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 2 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Intangible assets, net
The
Company’s intangible assets primarily include two land use rights. A land use right in the PRC represents an exclusive right to
occupy, use and develop a piece of land during the contractual term of the land use right. The cost of a land use right is usually paid
in one lump sum at the date the right is granted. The prepayment usually covers the entire period of the land use right. The lump sum
advance payment is capitalized and recorded as land use right and then charged to expense on a straight-line basis over the period of
the right, which is normally
The
Company acquired the first land use right of 4.1 acres located at Tongchuan City, Shaanxi Province of China at cost of approximately
$
Impairment of long-lived Assets
Long-lived
assets, such as property, plant and equipment, land use rights and long-term investment, are reviewed for impairment when events or changes
in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability of a long-lived asset or asset
group to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset or asset group to the estimated undiscounted
future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or asset group. If the carrying value of an asset or asset group exceeds its
estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount that the carrying value exceeds the estimated
fair value of the asset or asset group. Fair value is determined through various valuation techniques including discounted cash flow
models, quoted market values and third-party independent appraisals, as considered necessary. Assets to be disposed are reported at the
lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell, and are no longer depreciated.
Leases
ASC 842 requires that lessees recognize ROU assets and lease liabilities calculated based on the present value of lease payments for all lease agreements with terms that are greater than twelve months. ASC 842 distinguishes leases as either a finance lease or an operating lease that affects how the leases are measured and presented in the statement of operations and statement of cash flows.
For operating leases, the Company calculated ROU assets and lease liabilities based on the present value of the remaining lease payments as of the date of adoption. There were no changes in the Company’s capital lease portfolio, which are now titled “finance leases” under ASC 842.
Upon
the adoption of the new guidance on October 1, 2020, the Company recognized operating lease right of use assets and operating lease liabilities
of approximately $
F-14 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 2 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Foreign Currency Translation
The functional currency for Bon Natural is the U.S Dollar (“US$”). Tea Essence uses Hong Kong dollar as its functional currency. However, Bon Natural, and Tea Essence currently only serve as the holding companies and did not have active operations as of September 30, 2023. The Company operates its business through its subsidiaries in the PRC as of September 30, 2023. The functional currency of the Company’s subsidiaries is the Chinese Yuan (“RMB”). The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been translated into US$.
Assets and liabilities accounts are translated using the exchange rate at each reporting period end date. Equity accounts are translated at historical rates. Income and expense accounts are translated at the average rate of exchange during the reporting period. The resulting translation adjustments are reported under other comprehensive income. Gains and losses resulting from the translations of foreign currency transactions and balances are reflected in the results of operations.
The RMB is not freely convertible into foreign currency and all foreign exchange transactions must take place through authorized institutions. No representation is made that the RMB amounts could have been, or could be, converted into US$ at the rates used in translation.
The following table outlines the currency exchange rates that were used in creating the consolidated financial statements:
September 30, 2023 | September 30, 2022 | September 30, 2021 | ||||||||||
Period-end spot rate | US$ | US$ | US$ | |||||||||
Average rate | US$ | US$ | US$ |
Revenue recognition
To determine revenue recognition for contracts with customers, the Company performs the following five steps : (i) identify the contract(s) with the customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, including variable consideration to the extent that it is probable that a significant future reversal will not occur, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the respective performance obligations in the contract, and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies the performance obligations.
In accordance to ASC 606, the Company recognizes revenue when it transfers its goods and services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in such exchange. The Company accounts for the revenue generated from sales of its products to its customers, in which the Company is acting as a principal in these transactions, is subject to inventory risk, has latitude in establishing prices, and is responsible for fulfilling the promise to provide customers the specified goods. All of the Company’s contracts have single performance obligation as the promise is to transfer the individual goods to customers, and there are no other separately identifiable promises in the contracts.
The Company’s revenue streams are recognized at a point in time when title and risk of loss passes and the customer accepts the goods, which generally occurs at delivery. The Company’s products are sold with no right of return and the Company does not provide other credits or sales incentive to customers. The Company’s sales are net of value added tax (“VAT”) and business tax and surcharges collected on behalf of tax authorities in respect of product sales.
F-15 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 2 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Contract Assets and Liabilities
Payment terms are established on the Company’s pre-established credit requirements based upon an evaluation of customers’ credit. The Company did not have contract assets as of September 30, 2023 and 2022.
The
Company’s contract liability primarily relates to unsatisfied performance obligations when payment has been received from customers
before the Company’s products are delivered, and are recorded as deferred revenue on the consolidated balance sheets. Costs of
fulfilling customers’ purchase orders, such as shipping, handling and delivery, which occur prior to the transfer of control, are
recognized in selling, general and administrative expense when incurred. Deferred revenue amounted to $
Disaggregation of Revenues
The Company disaggregates its revenue from contracts by product types, as the Company believes it best depicts how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of the revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors. The Company’s disaggregation of revenues for the years ended September 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021 are disclosed in Note 18 of the consolidation financial statements.
Research and development expenses
The
Company expenses all internal research and development costs as incurred, which primarily comprise employee costs, internal and external
costs related to execution of studies, including manufacturing costs, facility costs of the research center, and amortization and depreciation
to intangible assets and property, plant and equipment used in the research and development activities. For the years ended September
30, 2023, 2022 and 2021, research and development expense were approximately $
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling expenses represents primarily costs of payroll, benefits, commissions for sales representatives and advertising expenses. General and administrative expenses represent primarily payroll and benefits costs for administrative employees, rent and operating costs of office premises, depreciation and amortization of office facilities, professional fees and other administrative expenses.
Advertising expense
Advertising
expenses primarily relate to promotion of the Company’s brand name and products through outdoor billboards and social media such
as Weibo and WeChat. Advertising expenses are included in selling expenses in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive
income. Advertising expenses amounted to $
Government subsidies
Government subsidies primarily relate to local government’s cash award to High and New Technology Enterprises (“HNTEs”) to encourage entrepreneurship and stimulate local economy. Such awards are granted on a case-by-case basis by local government. The Company’s subsidiary, Xi’an App-chem was approved as a HNTE and received government subsidy in the form of export sales refund and cash awards based on annual financial performance.
F-16 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 2 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
The
Company recognizes government subsidies as other operating income when they are received because they are not subject to any past or
future conditions, there are no performance conditions or conditions of use, and they are not subject to future refunds. Government subsidies
received and recognized as other operating income totaled $
Income taxes
The Company accounts for current income taxes in accordance with the laws of the relevant tax authorities. Deferred income taxes are recognized when temporary differences exist between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period including the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.
An
uncertain tax position is recognized only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax
examination. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination.
For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded. Penalties and interest incurred
related to underpayment of income tax are classified as income tax expense in the period incurred. As of September 30, 2023, the Company
had income tax payable of $
The Company’s subsidiaries in China are subject to the income tax laws of the PRC. No significant income was generated outside the PRC for the years ended September 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021. As of September 30, 2023 and 2022, all of the Company’s tax returns of its PRC subsidiaries remain open for statutory examination by PRC tax authorities.
Value added tax (“VAT”)
Sales
revenue represents the invoiced value of goods, net of VAT. The VAT is based on gross sales price and VAT rates range up to
For export sales, VAT is not imposed on gross sales price, and the VAT related to purchasing raw materials is refunded after the export is completed.
F-17 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 2 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Employee Defined Contribution Plan
The
Company’s subsidiaries in the PRC participate in a government-mandated multi-employer defined contribution plan pursuant to which
pension, work-related injury benefits, maternity insurance, medical insurance, unemployment benefit and housing fund are provided to
eligible full-time employees. The relevant labor regulations require the Company’s subsidiaries in the PRC to pay the local labor
and social welfare authorities monthly contributions based on the applicable benchmarks and rates stipulated by the local government.
The contributions to the plan are expensed as incurred. Employee social security and welfare benefits included as expenses in the accompanying
consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income amounted to $
The
Company accounts for share-based payment awards exchanged for services at the estimated grant date fair value of the award. The Company
issued
The Company estimates the fair value of stock option grants using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the assumptions used in calculating the fair value of stock-based awards represent management’s best estimates and involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management’s judgment.
Expected Term - The expected term of options represents the period that the Company’s stock-based awards are expected to be outstanding based on the simplified method, which is the half-life from vesting to the end of its contractual term.
Expected Volatility - The Company computes stock price volatility over expected terms based on its historical common stock trading prices.
Risk-Free Interest Rate - The Company bases the risk-free interest rate on the benchmark interest rate for loans from financial institutions provided by the People’s Bank of China with an equivalent remaining term.
Expected Dividend - The Company has never declared or paid any cash dividends on its common shares and does not plan to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future, and, therefore, uses an expected dividend yield of zero in its valuation models.
F-18 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 2 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
The Company computes earnings per share (“EPS”) in accordance with ASC 260, “Earnings per Share” (“ASC 260”). ASC 260 requires companies with complex capital structures to present basic and diluted EPS. Basic EPS is measured as net income divided by the weighted average common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted presents the dilutive effect on a per share basis of potential common shares (e.g., convertible securities, options and warrants) as if they had been converted at the beginning of the periods presented, or issuance date, if later. Potential common shares that have an anti-dilutive effect (i.e., those that increase income per share or decrease loss per share) are excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS. For the years ended September 30, 2023, shares* of options were considered in the diluted EPS calculation using treasury stock method. For the years ended September 30, 2022, shares* of options were considered in the diluted EPS calculation using treasury stock method. For the year ended September 30, 2021, option shares* and * underwriter warrants were considered in the diluted EPS calculation using treasury stock method. There were no diluted shares for the year ended September 30, 2020.
For the Years ended September 30, | ||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
Numerator: | ||||||||||||
Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
Denominator: | ||||||||||||
Weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding – basic* | ||||||||||||
Outstanding options* | ||||||||||||
Outstanding warrants* | ||||||||||||
Potentially dilutive shares from outstanding options and warrants* | ||||||||||||
Weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding – diluted* | ||||||||||||
Earnings per share – basic* | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
Earnings per share – diluted* | $ | $ | $ |
* |
Comprehensive income
Comprehensive income consists of two components, net income and other comprehensive income (loss). The foreign currency translation gain or loss resulting from translation of the financial statements expressed in RMB to US$ is reported in other comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.
Statement of Cash Flows
In accordance with ASC 230, “Statement of Cash Flows”, cash flows from the Company’s operations are formulated based upon the local currencies. As a result, amounts related to assets and liabilities reported on the consolidated statements of cash flows will not necessarily agree with changes in the corresponding balances on the consolidated balance sheets.
F-19 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 2 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326), which requires entities to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. This replaces the existing incurred loss model and is applicable to the measurement of credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost. ASU 2016-13 was subsequently amended by ASU 2018-19, ASU 2019-04, ASU 2019-05, ASU 2019-10 and ASU 2020-02. For public entities, ASU 2016-13 and its amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. For all other entities, this guidance and its amendments will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application will be permitted for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the effects of the guidance on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In October 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-10, “Codification Improvements to Subtopic 205-10, presentation of financial statements”. The amendments in this Update improve the codification by ensuring that all guidance that requires or provides an option for an entity to provide information in the notes to financial statements is codified in the disclosure section of the codification. That reduce the likelihood that the disclosure requirement would be missed. ASU 2020-10 is effective for the Company for annual and interim reporting periods beginning January 1, 2022. Early application of the amendments is permitted for any annual or interim period for which financial statements are available to be issued. The amendments in this Update should be applied retrospectively. An entity should apply the amendments at the beginning of the period that includes the adoption date. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this new standard on Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
F-20 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 3— LIQUIDITY
As
reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, the Company is currently constructing two new manufacturing plants.
As of September 30, 2023, the Company had future minimum capital expenditure commitment on its construction-in-progress (“CIP”)
project of approximately $
In
assessing its liquidity, management monitors and analyzes the Company’s cash on-hand, its ability to generate sufficient
revenue sources in the future, and its operating and capital expenditure commitments. In June 2021, the Company closed its initial
public offering and received net proceeds of approximately $
As
of September 30, 2023, the Company had cash on hand of $
Based
on the current operating plan, management believes that the above-mentioned measures, including cash on hand of $
NOTE 4 — ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET
Accounts receivable, net, consists of the following:
September 30, 2023 | September 30, 2022 | |||||||
Accounts receivable | $ | $ | ||||||
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Accounts receivable, net | $ | $ |
F-21 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 4 — ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET (continued)
The
Company’s accounts receivable primarily includes balance due from customers when the Company’s products are sold and delivered
to customers. Approximately $
The following table summarizes the Company’s accounts receivable and subsequent collection by aging bucket:
Accounts Receivable by aging bucket | Balance as of September 30, 2023 | Subsequent collection | % of subsequent collection | |||||||||
Less than 3 months | $ | $ | % | |||||||||
From 4 to 6 months | - | % | ||||||||||
From 7 to 9 months | - | % | ||||||||||
From 10 to 12 months | - | % | ||||||||||
Over 1 year | - | % | ||||||||||
Total gross accounts receivable | % | |||||||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts | ( | ) | ||||||||||
Accounts Receivable, net | $ | $ | % |
Allowance for doubtful accounts movement is as follows:
September 30, 2023 | September 30, 2022 | |||||||
Beginning balance | $ | $ | ||||||
Additions | ||||||||
Write-off uncollectible balance | ||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Ending balance | $ | $ |
NOTE 5 – INVENTORIES, NET
Inventories, net, consist of the following:
September 30, 2023 | September 30, 2022 | |||||||
Raw materials | $ | $ | ||||||
Finished goods | ||||||||
Inventory valuation allowance | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Total inventory, net | $ | $ |
NOTE 6 –ADVANCES TO SUPPLIERS, NET
Advances to suppliers, net, consist of the following:
Schedule of Advances to suppliers: | September 30, 2023 | September 30, 2022 | ||||||
Raw materials purchase | $ | $ | ||||||
Construction of the CIP | 6,716,009 | 2,105 | ||||||
Machinery and equipment | 1,918,860 | - | ||||||
Others | 75,834 | 435,365 | ||||||
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts | ||||||||
Advances to suppliers, net | $ | $ |
September
30, 2022 advance to supplier balance has been fully realized by March 2023. For the balance as of September 30, 2023, approximately $
F-22 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 7— ACQUISITION DEPOSIT
On
July 6, 2021, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with a New York based consulting firm (“the consulting
firm”), pursuant to which, the consulting firm will help the Company to (i) identify appropriate business partner candidates
in New York or California in order to jointly establish a research and development center in the United States for future new
product development; (ii) find opportunities to establish business relationship with U.S based companies with OEM demand and utilize
the Company’s manufacturing strength and capability to manufacture healthcare ingredient products for U.S companies under the
OEM arrangement and (iii) help the Company to purchase or lease appropriate commercial facilities in the U.S., etc. The consulting
firm will be compensated with $
Due
to recent COVID-19 resurgence in Xi’an City and government mandatory quarantine and city lockdown, on January 20, 2022, the Company
and the consulting firm signed a supplemental agreement to lower down the required deposit from original $
As of September 30, 2023, the consulting firm has delivered a potential acquisition target to the Company, which is a small R&D firm developing anti-aging formulas. The consulting firm is now helping the Company to perform due diligence work and the Company is now negotiating the detailed terms with this acquisition target. The intended acquisition is expected to be completed around December 2024. The Company may, at its discretion, terminate the consulting agreement and request for a full refund of the deposit anytime if the due diligence work fails or the final acquisition terms not reached by both parties.
NOTE 8— PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET
Property, plant and equipment, net, consists of the following:
September 30, 2023 | September 30, 2022 | |||||||
Buildings | $ | $ | ||||||
Machinery, equipment and furniture | ||||||||
Motor Vehicles | ||||||||
Construction-in-progress (“CIP”) (1) | ||||||||
Subtotal | ||||||||
Less: accumulated depreciation | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Property, plant and equipment, net | $ | $ |
Depreciation
expense was $
(1) |
F-23 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 8— PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET (continued)
On
May 10, 2021, a subsidiary of the Company’s Xi’an App-Chem, Gansu Baimeikang Bioengineering Co., Ltd. obtained a land use
right and started to construct a new manufacturing plant in Yumen City (“Yumen Project”), Gansu Province, with an initial
budget of RMB
As
of September 30, 2023, the Company has spent approximately $
As of September 30, 2023, future minimum capital expenditures on the Company’s the CIP project are estimated as follows:
Years ending September 30, | Yumen CIP Project | |||
2024 | $ | |||
2025 | ||||
2026 | ||||
2027 | ||||
Total | $ |
NOTE 9 – INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET
Intangible assets, net mainly consist of the following:
September 30, 2023 | September 30, 2022 | |||||||
Land use rights | $ | $ | ||||||
Less: accumulated amortization | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Land use rights, net | $ | $ |
Amortization
expenses were $
Years ending September 30, | Amortization expense | |||
2024 | $ | |||
2025 | ||||
2026 | ||||
2027 | ||||
2028 | ||||
Thereafter | ||||
Total | $ |
F-24 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 10— DEBT
The Company borrowed from PRC banks, other financial institutions and third-parties as working capital funds. As of September 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company’s debt consisted of the following:
(a) Short-term loans:
September 30, 2023 | September 30, 2022 | |||||||||
China Construction Bank (“CCB’) | (1) | $ | $ | |||||||
Shanghai Pudong Development Bank (“SPD Bank”) | (2) | |||||||||
China Construction Bank | (3) | |||||||||
Beijing Bank | (4) | |||||||||
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China | (5) | |||||||||
Total short-term loans | $ | $ |
(1)
On January 13, 2022, Tongchuan DT entered into another loan agreement with China Construction Bank (“CCB’) to borrow RMB
On
December 30, 2022, the Company’s subsidiary, Tongchuan DT entered into a loan agreement with CCB to borrow RMB
(2)
On December 6, 2021, the Company’s subsidiary, Xi’an App-Chem, obtained an approval of line of credit from Shanghai Pudong
Development Bank (“SPD Bank”) for a maximum of RMB
On
January 16, 2023, the Company’s subsidiary, Xi’an App-Chem, obtained an approval of line of credit from SPD Bank for a maximum
of RMB
F-25 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 10— DEBT(continued)
(3)
On May 18, 2022, Xi’an App-Chem’s subsidiary, Tianjin YHX, entered into a loan agreement with China Construction Bank to
borrow RMB
On
May 15, 2023, Xi’an App-Chem’s subsidiary, Tianjin YHX, entered into a loan agreement with China Construction Bank to borrow
RMB
(4)
On June 23, 2022, the Company’s subsidiary, Xi’an App-Chem, entered into a loan agreement with Beijing Bank to borrow RMB
On
May 11, 2023, the Company’s subsidiary, Xi’an App-Chem, entered into a loan agreement with Beijing Bank to borrow RMB
(5)
On March 14, 2023, Xi’an App-Chem’s subsidiary, Tianjin YHX, entered into a loan agreement with Industrial and Commercial
Bank of China (“ICBC”) to borrow RMB
(b) Long-term loans:
September 30, 2023 | September 30, 2022 | |||||||||
Xi’an High-Tech Emerging Industry Investment Fund Partnership | (6) | $ | $ | |||||||
Webank Co., Ltd. | (7) | |||||||||
China Resources Shenzhen International Investment Trust | (8) | |||||||||
Huaxia Bank | (9) | |||||||||
Qishang Bank | (10) | |||||||||
Total | ||||||||||
Less: current portion of long-term loans | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||
Total long-term loans | $ | $ |
(6)
On June 26, 2017, the Company’s subsidiary, Xi’an App-Chem, entered into a loan agreement with third-party Xi’an High-tech
Emerging Industries Investment Fund Partnership (the “Lender”) to borrow RMB
F-26 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 10— DEBT (continued)
The
loan matured on June 25, 2020 and not repaid on time due to COVID-19 impact.
(7)
On February 10, 2022, Xi’an App-Chem, entered into two loan agreements with Shenzhen Qianhai WeBank Co., Ltd, to borrow an aggregate
of RMB
On
June 20, 2021, Xi’an App-Chem’s subsidiary, Tianjin YHX, entered into a loan agreement with Shenzhen Qianhai WeBank Co.,
Ltd, to borrow RMB
On
March 14, 2022, Tianjin YHX, entered into another loan agreement with Shenzhen Qianhai WeBank Co., Ltd, to borrow RMB
On
January 12, 2023, Tianjin YHX, entered into another loan agreement with Shenzhen Qianhai WeBank Co., Ltd, to borrow RMB
On
August 23, 2023, Tianjin YHX, entered into another loan agreement with Shenzhen Qianhai WeBank Co., Ltd, to borrow RMB
On
September 15, 2023, Tianjin YHX, entered into another loan agreement with Shenzhen Qianhai WeBank Co., Ltd, to borrow RMB
F-27 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 10— DEBT (continued)
(8)
On February 11, 2022, Xi’an App-Chem, entered into another loan agreement with China Resources Shenzhen International Investment
Trust to borrow RMB
On
March 1, 2022, Tianjin YHX, entered into a loan agreement with China Resources Shenzhen International Investment Trust, to borrow RMB
(9)
On April 3, 2020, Xi’an App-Chem, obtained a line of credit approval from Huaxia Bank for a maximum of RMB
On
May 30, 2023, Xi’an App-Chem, obtained a RMB
On
May 30, 2023, Xi’an App-Chem, obtained a RMB
(10)
On December 10, 2020, the Company’s subsidiary, Xi’an App-Chem, obtained an approval of line of credit from Qishang Bank
Co., Ltd. (“Qishang Bank”) for a maximum of RMB
On
August 22, 2023, the Company’s subsidiary, Xi’an App-Chem, obtained a working capital loan of RMB
For
the above-mentioned short-term and long-term loans from PRC banks and financial institutions, interest expense amounted to $
F-28 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 11 — RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
(a) Due to related parties
Related party relationship | September 30, 2023 | September 30, 2022 | ||||||||
Wenhu Guo | $ | $ | ||||||||
Yongwei Hu | ||||||||||
Jing Liu | ||||||||||
Sheying Wang | ||||||||||
Yuantao Wang | ||||||||||
Shujie Mou | ||||||||||
Total due to related parties | $ | $ |
As of September 30, 2023 and 2022, the balance of due to related parties was comprised of the Company’s borrowings from related parties and was used for working capital during the Company’s normal course of business. Such advance was non-interest bearing and due on demand.
(b) Due from related parties
Related party relationship | September 30, 2023 | September 30, 2022 | ||||||||
Wenjuan Chen | $ | $ | ||||||||
Lu Jiang | ||||||||||
Total due from related parties | $ | $ |
As of September 30, 2023 and 2022, the balance of due from related parties was mainly comprised of advance to the employees for business purposes.
(c) Loan guarantee provided by related parties
In connection with the Company’s short-term and long-term loans borrowed from PRC banks and other financial institutions, the Company’s controlling shareholder, Mr. Yongwei Hu pledged his proportionate ownership interest in Xi’an App-chem, and his personal bank savings as collateral to safeguard the Company’s borrowings from the banks and financial institutions. Mr. Yongwei Hu and his wife Ms. Jing Liu also jointly pledged their personal residence property to guarantee the Company’s certain loans (see Note 10).
F-29 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 12 — TAXES
(a) Corporate Income Taxes (“CIT”)
Cayman Islands
Under the current tax laws of the Cayman Islands, Bon Natural Life Limited (“Bon Natural Life”) is not subject to tax on its income or capital gains. In addition, no Cayman Islands withholding tax will be imposed upon the payment of dividends by the Company to its shareholders.
Hong Kong
Tea
Essence Limited (“Tea Essence”) is incorporated in Hong Kong and is subject to profit taxes in Hong Kong at a rate of
PRC
Under
PRC CIT Law, domestic enterprises and Foreign Investment Enterprises (“FIEs”) are usually subject to a unified
CIT
is typically governed by the local tax authority in PRC. Each local tax authority at times may grant tax holidays to local enterprises
as a way to encourage entrepreneurship and stimulate local economy. The corporate income taxes for the years ended September 30, 2023,
2022 and 2021 were reported at a blended reduced rate as a result of Xi’an App-chem being approved as a HNTE and enjoying a 15%
reduced income tax rate, but subsidiaries of Xi’an App-chem are subject to a 25% income tax rate. The impact of the tax holidays
noted above decreased foreign taxes by $
F-30 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 12 — TAXES (continued)
The following table reconciles the China statutory rates to the Company’s effective tax rate for the years ended September 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021:
For the Years Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
PRC statutory income tax rate | % | % | % | |||||||||
Effect of income tax holiday | ( |
)% | ( |
)% | ( |
)% | ||||||
Permanent difference | % | % | % | |||||||||
Research and development deduction | ( |
)% | ( |
)% | ( |
)% | ||||||
Change in valuation allowance | % | % | % | |||||||||
Effective tax rate | % | % | % |
The components of the income tax provision (benefit) are as follows:
For the Years Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
Current tax provision: | ||||||||||||
Cayman Islands | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
Hong Kong | ||||||||||||
China | ||||||||||||
Sub-total | ||||||||||||
Deferred tax provision (benefit): | ||||||||||||
Cayman Islands | ||||||||||||
Hong Kong | ||||||||||||
China | ||||||||||||
Sub-total | ||||||||||||
Income tax provision | $ | $ | $ |
Deferred tax assets
The Company’s deferred tax assets are comprised of the following:
September 30, 2023 | September 30, 2022 | |||||||
Deferred tax assets derived from allowance for doubtful accounts and net operating losses (“NOL”) | $ | $ | ||||||
Less: valuation allowance | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Deferred tax assets | $ | $ |
The Company follows ASC 740, “Income Taxes”, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences in future years of differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each period end based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates, applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income.
F-31 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 12 — TAXES (continued)
A
valuation allowance is provided against deferred tax assets when the Company determines that it is more likely than not that the deferred
tax assets will not be utilized in the future. The Company has subsidiaries in the PRC, among which 7 entities, including Xi’an
CMIT, App-Chem Ag-tech, App-Chem Guangzhou, Tongchuan DT, Xi’an DT, Tianjin YHX and Gansu BMK, reported recurring operating losses
since their inception and the chances for these subsidiaries that suffered recurring losses in prior period to become profitable in the
foreseeable near future and to utilize their net operating loss carry forwards were remote. Accordingly, the Company provided valuation
allowance of $
As of September 30, 2023, all of the Company’s tax returns of its PRC subsidiaries remain open for statutory examination by PRC tax authorities.
(b) Taxes payable
Taxes payable consist of the following:
September 30, 2023 | September 30, 2022 | |||||||
Income tax payable | $ | $ | ||||||
Value added tax payable | ||||||||
Other taxes payable | ||||||||
Total taxes payable | $ | $ |
As
of September 30, 2023 and 2022, Company had accrued tax liabilities of approximately $
F-32 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 13 - OPERATING LEASE
The Company entered into following lease agreements to lease its factory in Dali County, Shaanxi Province of China and its office spaces in Xi’an City, Shaanxi Province of China. The Company intend to continue these leases for the next three years.
On
April 6, 2022,
Balance sheet information related to the operating lease is as follows:
September 30, 2023 | September 30, 2022 | |||||||
Operating lease assets: | ||||||||
Operating lease right of use assets | $ | $ | ||||||
Total operating lease assets | ||||||||
Operating lease obligations: | ||||||||
Current operating lease liabilities | ||||||||
Non-current operating lease liabilities | ||||||||
Total operating lease obligations | $ | $ |
F-33 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 13 - OPERATING LEASE (continued)
The weighted-average remaining lease term and the weighted-average discount rate of leases are as follows:
September 30, 2023 | ||||
Weighted-average remaining lease term | ||||
Weighted-average discount rate | % |
The following table summarizes the maturity of operating lease liabilities as of September 30, 2023:
12 months ending March 31, | US$ | |||
2024 | $ | |||
2025 | ||||
2026 | ||||
Total lease payments | ||||
Less: imputed interest | ( |
) | ||
Total lease liabilities | $ |
NOTE 14— SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Ordinary Shares
Bon Natural Life Limited (“Bon Natural Life”, or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of Cayman Islands on December 11, 2019. The initial authorized number of ordinary shares was shares with par value of US$each. On March 9, 2024, the Company adopted an amendment of Memorandum of Association to amend the capital of the Company into (a) ordinary shares of a par value of US$ each and (b) preference shares of a par value of US$ each.
On
June 17, 2020, the Company’s shareholders approved a reverse split of the outstanding ordinary shares at a ratio of
F-34 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 14— SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (continued)
On June 28, 2021, the Company closed its initial public offering (“IPO”) of ordinary shares*, par value US$ per share* at a public offering price of $ per share*, and the Company’s ordinary shares started to trade on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol “BON” since June 24, 2021. On July 2, 2021, the underwriters exercised its over-allotment option to purchase an additional shares*, par value US$ per share* at the price of $ per share*.
In
connection with the Company’s IPO, the Company agreed to issue to the underwriters with warrants to purchase up to a total of
On
January 17, 2023, the Company closed a private offering of ordinary shares and warrants to purchase ordinary shares. A total of
On
March 9, 2024, the shareholders of the Company approved a reverse split at a ratio of
Underwriter warrants
In
connection with the Company’s IPO, the Company also agreed to issue to the underwriters and to register herein warrants to purchase
up to a total of
These
warrants have warrant term of
The warrants are exercisable at any time, and from time to time, in whole or in part, commencing 180 days from the closing of the IPO. Management determined that these warrants meet the requirements for equity classification under ASC 815-40. On October 1, 2021, the underwriters elected to exercise shares* of warrants with cashless exercise, which resulted in ordinary shares* issued with no proceeds received by the Company from this transaction. Subsequently, on July 13, 2022, the underwriters elected to exercise the remaining shares* of warrants under the cashless method, which resulted in ordinary shares* issued with no proceeds received by the Company from this transaction.
A summary of warrants activity for the years ended September 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was as follows:
Number of warrants* | Weighted Average Exercise Price* | Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term | ||||||||||
Outstanding, September 30, 2021 | $ | - | ||||||||||
Granted | - | |||||||||||
Forfeited | - | |||||||||||
Exercised | ( | ) | - | |||||||||
Exercisable, September 30, 2022 | $ | - | ||||||||||
Granted | ||||||||||||
Forfeited | - | |||||||||||
Exercised | - | |||||||||||
Outstanding, September 30, 2023 | $ | |||||||||||
Exercisable, September 30, 2023 | $ |
(* |
F-35 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 14— SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (continued)
Non-controlling interest
The
Company’s subsidiary, Xi’an App-chem, owns majority of the equity interest in the following two entities: Xi’an Dietary
Therapy Medical Technology Co., Ltd (“Xi’an DT”) and Tianjin Yonghexiang Bio(Tech) Co., Ltd. (“Tianjin YHX”)
Non-controlling interests represent minority shareholders’
Xi’an DT | Tianjin YHX | Total | ||||||||||
As of September 30, 2022 | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment | ||||||||||||
As of September 30, 2023 | $ | $ | $ |
Statutory reserve and restricted net assets
Relevant PRC laws and regulations restrict the Company’s PRC subsidiaries from transferring a portion of their net assets, equivalent to their statutory reserves and their share capital, to the Company in the form of loans, advances or cash dividends. Only PRC entities’ accumulated profits may be distributed as dividends to the Company without the consent of a third party.
The
Company is required to make appropriations to certain reserve funds, comprising the statutory surplus reserve and the discretionary surplus
reserve, based on after-tax net income determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles of the PRC (“PRC
GAAP”).
The payment of dividends by entities organized in China is subject to limitations, procedures and formalities. Regulations in the PRC currently permit payment of dividends only out of accumulated profits as determined in accordance with accounting standards and regulations in China. The results of operations reflected in the consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S GAAP differ from those in the statutory financial statements of the WFOE and its subsidiaries. Remittance of dividends by a wholly foreign-owned company out of China is subject to examination by the banks designated by State Administration of Foreign Exchange.
In light of the foregoing restrictions, the Company’s WFOE Xi’an CMIT and subsidiaries are restricted in their ability to transfer their net assets to the Company. Foreign exchange and other regulations in the PRC may further restrict the WFOE and its subsidiaries from transferring funds to the Company in the form of dividends, loans and advances.
As
of September 30, 2023 and 2022, the restricted amounts as determined pursuant to PRC statutory laws totaled $
F-36 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
On
June 23, 2020, the Company entered into consulting service agreements with three third-party consultants (collectively the “Consultants”),
pursuant to which, the Consultants provided public listing related consulting services to the Company in connection with the Company’s
intended IPO effort. The Company issued
The Company applied ASC 718 and related interpretations in accounting for measuring the cost of share-based compensation over the period during which the consultants are required to provide services in exchange for the issued shares. For the years ended September 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021, , and $ share-based compensation expenses were recognized and capitalized as part of the deferred initial public offering costs, respectively, then charged to shareholders’ equity upon the completion of the IPO, as the consultants’ services directly related to the Company’s intended IPO.
On
May 31, 2023, the Company entered into consulting agreements with a third-party consultant, which provide financial and acquisition consulting
services. The Company issued
On
August 2, 2023, the Company issued
Pursuant to the Director Service Agreements with the Company’s independent directors and following the completion of the Company’s IPO, on June 23, 2021, the Company granted stock options to three independent directors to purchase an aggregate of shares* of the Company’s ordinary shares, par value of $ per share*, at exercise price of $ per share* for a fair value of total $ , as part of the compensation to these independent directors. The stock options granted shall vest in equal monthly installments for 12 months, commencing on July 1, 2021 until June 30, 2022.
On June 28, 2022 and July 1, 2022, independent directors were granted options to purchase and shares* of the Company’s ordinary shares, respectively, exercisable at $ per share*. These stock options granted shall vest in equal monthly installments for 12 months, with expired date of June 28, 2023 and July 1, 2023, respectively. Share-based compensation awards are measured at the grant date fair value of the awards and recognized as expenses using the straight-line method over the service period.
F-37 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 15 - SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (continued)
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION AWARDS MEASURED AT GRANT DATE FAIR VALUE
On August 3, 2023, two independent directors were granted options to purchase shares* per director of the Company’s ordinary shares, respectively, exercisable at $ per share*. These stock options granted shall vest in equal monthly installments for 12 months, with expired date of July 31, 2024. Share-based compensation awards are measured at the grant date fair value of the awards and recognized as expenses using the straight-line method over the service period.
For the Years Ended September 30, | ||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||
Exercise price* | $ | $ | ||||||
Expected term (years) | ||||||||
Expected stock price volatility | % | % | ||||||
Risk-free rate of interest | % | % | ||||||
Expected dividend rate | % | % |
For the years ended September 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021, stock-based compensation associated with amortization of stock option expense was $ , $ and $ , respectively. All stock-based compensation was recorded as a component of general and administrative expense.
Number of options* | Weighted Average Exercise Price* | Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term | ||||||||||
Outstanding, September 30, 2021 | $ | |||||||||||
Granted | ||||||||||||
Forfeited | ||||||||||||
Exercised | ( | ) | - | |||||||||
Outstanding, September 30, 2022 | $ | |||||||||||
Granted | ||||||||||||
Forfeited | - | |||||||||||
Exercised | ( | ) | - | |||||||||
Outstanding, September 30, 2023 | $ | |||||||||||
Exercisable, September 30, 2023 | $ |
(* |
F-38 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 16 - CONCENTRATION
A majority of the Company’s revenue and expense transactions are denominated in RMB and a significant portion of the Company and its subsidiaries’ assets and liabilities are denominated in RMB. RMB is not freely convertible into foreign currencies. In the PRC, certain foreign exchange transactions are required by law to be transacted only by authorized financial institutions at exchange rates set by the People’s Bank of China (“PBOC”). Remittances in currencies other than RMB by the Company in China must be processed through the PBOC or other China foreign exchange regulatory bodies which require certain supporting documentation in order to affect the remittance. For the years ended September 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company’s substantial assets were located in the PRC and the Company’s substantial revenues were derived from its subsidiaries located in the PRC.
As
of September 30, 2023 and 2022, $
The
Company sells its products primarily through direct distributors in the People’s Republic of China (the “PRC”) and
to some extent, the overseas customers in European countries, North America and Middle East. For the year ended September 30, 2023, three
customers accounted for
As
of September 30, 2023, three customers accounted for approximately
For the years ended September 30, 2023 three suppliers accounted for approximately %, % and % of the total purchases, respectively. For the year ended September 30, 2022, four suppliers accounted for approximately %, %, % and % of the total purchases, respectively. For the year ended September 30, 2021, two suppliers accounted for approximately % and % of the total purchases, respectively.
NOTE 17 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
From time to time, the Company is a party to various legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company accrues costs associated with these matters when they become probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Legal costs incurred in connection with loss contingencies are expensed as incurred. For the years ended September 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company did not have any material legal claims or litigation that, individually or in aggregate, could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
The
Company has an ongoing CIP project associated with the construction of a new manufacturing facility. As of September 30, 2023, future
minimum capital expenditures on the Company’s CIP project amounted to $
F-39 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 18— DISAGGREGATION OF REVENUES
Revenue by region
For Years ended September 30, | ||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
PRC | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
Overseas | ||||||||||||
Total revenue | $ | $ | $ |
Revenue by product categories
The summary of our total revenues by product categories for the years ended September 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was as follows:
For Years ended September 30, | ||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
Fragrance compounds | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
Health supplements (solid drinks) | ||||||||||||
Bioactive food ingredients | ||||||||||||
Total revenue | $ | $ | $ |
F-40 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 19 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
(1). Bank Loans
On
January 15, 2024, the Company’s subsidiary, Xi’an App-Chem, entered into a loan agreement with China Bohai Bank to borrow RMB
(2) Issuance of Shares for Stock-based Compensation
On
October 2, 2023, the Company issued a total of
F-41 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 20— FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE PARENT COMPANY
Rule 12-04(a), 5-04(c) and 4-08(e)(3) of Regulation S-X require the financial information of the parent company to be filed when the restricted net assets of consolidated subsidiaries exceed 25 percent of consolidated net assets as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal year. The Company performed a test on the restricted net assets of consolidated subsidiaries in accordance with such requirement and concluded that it was applicable to the Company as the restricted net assets of the Company’s PRC subsidiaries exceeded 25% of the consolidated net assets of the Company, therefore, the financial statements for the parent company are included herein.
For purposes of the above test, restricted net assets of consolidated subsidiaries shall mean that amount of the Company’s proportionate share of net assets of consolidated subsidiaries (after intercompany eliminations) which as of the end of the most recent fiscal year may not be transferred to the parent company by subsidiaries in the form of loans, advances or cash dividends without the consent of a third party.
The financial information of the parent company has been prepared using the same accounting policies as set out in the Company’s consolidated financial statements except that the parent company used the equity method to account for investment in its subsidiaries. Such investment is presented on the balance sheets as “Investment in subsidiaries” and the respective profit or loss as “Equity in earnings of subsidiaries” on the statements of comprehensive income.
The footnote disclosures contain supplemental information relating to the operations of the Company and, as such, these statements should be read in conjunction with the notes to the consolidated financial statements of the Company. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S GAAP have been or omitted.
The Company did not pay any dividend for the periods presented. As of September 30, 2023 and 2022, there were no material contingencies, significant provisions for long-term obligations, or guarantees of the Company, except for those which have been separately disclosed in the consolidated financial statements, if any.
F-42 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
PARENT COMPANY BALANCE SHEETS
September 30, 2023 | September 30, 2022 | |||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||||
Cash | $ | $ | ||||||
Acquisition deposit | ||||||||
Due from subsidiaries | ||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ( | ) | ||||||
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||||
NON-CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||||
Investment in subsidiaries | ||||||||
TOTAL ASSETS | $ | $ | ||||||
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | ||||||||
LIABILITIES | $ | $ | ||||||
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | ||||||||
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | ||||||||
Ordinary shares, ($* | par value, shares authorized, and shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively)$ | $ | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital | ||||||||
Retained earnings | ||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Total Bon Natural Life Limited shareholders’ equity | ||||||||
Total liabilities and Bon Natural Life Limited shareholders’ equity | $ | $ |
* |
F-43 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
PARENT COMPANY STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Years Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ||||
Interest income | ||||||||||||
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries and VIEs | ||||||||||||
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED | ||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED | $ | $ | $ |
F-44 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
PARENT COMPANY STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||||||
Net income | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||||||
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries and VIEs | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||
Amortization of stock-based compensation | ||||||||||||
Issuance of ordinary shares for services | 218,304 | - | - | |||||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||||||
Payables due to subsidiaries | ( | ) | ||||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ( | ) | ( | |||||||||
Net cash used in operating activities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | |||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||||||
Payment of acquisition deposit | ( | |||||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | ( | |||||||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||||||
Net proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares | ||||||||||||
Proceeds from exercise of stock options | ||||||||||||
Cash lent to subsidiaries and VIE | ( | |||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | ||||||||||||
CHANGES IN CASH | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
CASH beginning of year | ||||||||||||
CASH, end of year | $ | $ | $ |
F-45 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)
As of | ||||||||
March 31, 2024 | September 30, 2023 | |||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||||
Cash | $ | $ | ||||||
Short-term investments | ||||||||
Accounts receivable, net | ||||||||
Inventories, net | ||||||||
Advance to suppliers, net | ||||||||
Acquisition deposit | ||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ||||||||
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||||
Property, plant and equipment, net | ||||||||
Intangible assets, net | ||||||||
Right-of-use lease assets, net | ||||||||
Deferred tax assets, net | ||||||||
TOTAL ASSETS | $ | $ | ||||||
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | ||||||||
CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||
Short-term loans | $ | $ | ||||||
Current portion of long-term loans | ||||||||
Accounts payable | ||||||||
Due to related parties | ||||||||
Taxes payable | ||||||||
Deferred revenue | ||||||||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | ||||||||
Operating lease liability, current | ||||||||
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||
Long-term loans | ||||||||
Operating lease liability, noncurrent | ||||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES | $ | $ | ||||||
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | ||||||||
EQUITY | ||||||||
Ordinary shares, ($* | par value, shares authorized, and shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively)||||||||
Additional paid in capital | ||||||||
Statutory reserve | ||||||||
Retained earnings | ||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
TOTAL BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | ||||||||
Non-controlling interest | ||||||||
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | ||||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | $ | $ |
* |
F-46 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(UNAUDITED)
For the six months ended March 31, | ||||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
REVENUE | $ | $ | ||||||
COST OF REVENUE | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
GROSS PROFIT | ||||||||
OPERATING EXPENSES | ||||||||
Selling expenses | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
General and administrative expenses | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Research and development expenses | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Total operating expenses | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS | ||||||||
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES) | ||||||||
Interest income | ||||||||
Interest expense | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Unrealized foreign transaction exchange loss (gain) | ( | ) | ||||||
Government subsidies | ||||||||
Income from short-term investments | ||||||||
Other income (expenses) | ( | ) | ||||||
Total other expenses, net | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX PROVISION | ||||||||
INCOME TAX PROVISION | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
NET (LOSS) INCOME | ( | ) | ||||||
Less: net loss attributable to non-controlling interest | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
NET (LOSS) INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||
NET (LOSS) INCOME | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME | ||||||||
Total foreign currency translation adjustment | ||||||||
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME | ||||||||
Less: comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest | ( | ) | ||||||
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED | $ | $ | ||||||
(LOSS) EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED | ||||||||
Basic* | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||
Diluted* | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING | ||||||||
Basic* | ||||||||
Diluted* |
* |
F-47 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2024 AND 2023
(UNAUDITED)
Common shares | Additional paid-in | Statutory | Retained | Accumulated other comprehensive | Total shareholders’ | Non- controlling | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares* | Amount | capital | reserve | earnings | loss | equity | interest | equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2022 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of ordinary shares in a private placement, net | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | $ |
* |
F-48 |
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
For the six months ended March 31, | ||||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
Cash flows from operating activities | ||||||||
Net (loss) income | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities | ||||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | ||||||||
Inventory reserve | ||||||||
Deferred income tax | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets | ||||||||
Share-based compensation | ||||||||
Unrealized foreign currency exchange loss (gain) | ( | ) | ||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
Accounts receivable | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Inventories | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Advance to suppliers, net | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ( | ) | ||||||
Accounts payable | ( | ) | ||||||
Operating lease liabilities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Taxes payable | ( | ) | ||||||
Deferred revenue | ||||||||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | ( | ) | ||||||
Net cash used in operating activities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Cash flows from investing activities | ||||||||
Purchase of property and equipment | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Capital expenditures on construction-in-progress | ( | ) | ||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Cash flows from financing activities | ||||||||
Net proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares | ||||||||
Proceeds from short-term loans | ||||||||
Proceeds from long-term loans | ||||||||
Repayment of short-term loans | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Repayment of long-term loans | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Proceeds from (repayment of) borrowings from related parties | ( | ) | ||||||
Repayment of capital lease | ( | ) | ||||||
Net cash provided by financing activities | ||||||||
Effect of changes of foreign exchange rates on cash | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash | ( | ) | ||||||
Cash, beginning of period | ||||||||
Cash, end of period | $ | $ | ||||||
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information | ||||||||
Cash paid for interest expense | $ | $ | ||||||
Cash paid for income tax | $ | $ | ||||||
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities | ||||||||
Amortization of share-based compensation for initial public offering services | $ | $ | ||||||
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations | $ | $ |
F-49 |
PROSPECTUS
BON NATURAL LIFE LIMITED
Up to $26,000,000 in Ordinary Shares
Until ________, 2024, all dealers that effect transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the dealers’ obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 6. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
Subject to the provisions of the Companies Law and in the absence of fraud or willful default, the Company may indemnify against all expenses, including legal fees, and against all judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement and reasonably incurred in connection with legal, administrative or investigative proceedings any person who:
(a) is or was a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed proceedings, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that the person is or was a Director, managing director, agent, auditor, secretary and other officer for the time being of the Company; or
(b) is or was, at the request of the Company, serving as a Director, managing director, agent, auditor, secretary and other officer for the time being of, or in any other capacity is or was acting for, another company or a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise.
Disclosure of Commission Position on Indemnification for Securities Act Liabilities
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Act”) may be permitted to our directors, officers and controlling persons pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, we have been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by us of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of us in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, we will, unless in the opinion of our counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
ITEM 7. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES.
On May 16, 2024, we closed an exempt private offering of $5,600,000 worth of ordinary shares of the Company (the “Shares”) at a price of $2.29 per share (the “Offering”). Together with each Share issued, the subscribers in the Offering received warrants to purchase three (3) ordinary shares at a price equal to 110% of the per-Share offering price, exercisable for four (4) months from the close of the Offering. In total, we issued 2,445,415 shares in the Offering, together with warrants to purchase up to 7,336,245 ordinary shares at a price of $2.52 per share. A total of four (4) subscribers participated in the Offering, including our Chairman and CEO, Yongwei Hu, who subscribed for 1,834,061 shares. The Offering was conducted pursuant to the exemption provided by Rule 506(b) under Regulation D. The Shares were offered exclusively to ‘accredited investors’ as defined in Rule 501 under Regulation D and we did not engage in any general solicitation or advertising.
II-1 |
ITEM 8. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
Filed herewith *
To be filed by amendment**
(1) Incorporated by reference to Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed December 7, 2020
(2) Incorporated by reference to Registration Statement on Form F-1/A filed May 14, 2021
(3) Incorporated by reference to Report of Foreign Private Issuer on Form 6-K filed June 30, 2022
(4) Incorporated by reference to Report of Foreign Private Issuer on Form 6-K filed November 8, 2022
(5) Incorporated by reference to Annual Report on Form 20-F filed January 31, 2022
(6) Incorporated by reference to Report of Foreign Private Issuer on Form 6-K filed January 20, 2023
(7) Incorporated by reference to Report of Foreign Private Issuer on Form 6-K filed August 4, 2023
(8) Incorporated by reference to Report of Foreign Private Issuer on Form 6-K filed October 5, 2023
(9) Incorporated by reference to Report of Foreign Private Issuer on Form 6-K filed October 4, 2024
II-2 |
ITEM 9. UNDERTAKINGS.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the provisions described in Item 6, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:
(1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.
(2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
II-3 |
簽名
根據 根據修訂後的1933年證券法的要求,註冊人證明其有合理理由相信 它符合F-1表格提交的所有要求,並已正式促使以下人士代表其簽署本註冊聲明 以下籤署人並經正式授權於2024年11月19日在中國大陸陝西。
發信人: | /s/ 胡永偉 | |
姓名: | 永偉 胡 | |
標題: | 首席 執行官(首席執行官) | |
發信人: | /s/ 華萊士·李 | |
姓名: | 華萊士 李 | |
標題: | 首席 財務官(首席財務會計官) |
功率 委託
每個 簽名如下的人構成並任命胡永偉和李華萊斯爲事實律師,具有完全的替代權, 他或她以任何及所有身分,作出任何及所有作爲及所有事情,並籤立上述受權人所述的任何及所有文書 和代理人可認爲有必要或適宜使註冊人遵守經修訂的1933年《證券法》(以下簡稱《證券》) 法案“),以及證券交易委員會在其下的任何規則、法規和要求,與 根據《證券法》登記註冊人的普通股(「股份」),包括但不限於, 以下列身份在《註冊聲明》上簽名的權力和權限 就該等股份向證券交易委員會提交的表格F-1(「註冊說明書」), 對該註冊說明書的任何和所有修訂或補充,無論該等修訂或補充是在提交之前或之後提交的 根據規則462(B)在證券項下提交的任何相關注冊聲明的生效日期 作爲該註冊聲明的一部分或與該註冊聲明或任何及所有修訂相關而提交的任何及所有文書或文件 不論該等修訂是在該註冊聲明生效日期之前或之後提交;以及每一名以下籤署人 茲批准並確認該受權人及代理人憑藉本條例而作出或安排作出的一切事情。
簽名 | 標題 | 日期 | ||
/s/ 胡永偉 | 首席 執行官、董事兼董事長(首席執行官) | 2024年11月19日 | ||
姓名: 胡永偉 | ||||
/s/ 華萊士·李 | 首席 財務官(首席財務會計官) | 2024年11月19日 | ||
姓名: 華萊士·李 | ||||
/s/ 靜劉 | 主任 | 2024年11月19日 | ||
姓名: 靜劉 | ||||
/s/ 高建軍 | 主任 | 2024年11月19日 | ||
姓名: 高建軍 | ||||
/s/ 靜陳 | 主任 | 2024年11月19日 | ||
姓名: 靜陳 | ||||
/s/ 高志翔 | 主任 | 2024年11月19日 | ||
姓名: 高志翔 | ||||
/s/ 劉丕軍 | 主任 兼聯席主席 | 2024年11月19日 | ||
姓名: 劉丕軍 |
II-4 |
簽名 駐美國授權代表
根據 根據經修訂的1933年證券法,以下籤署人、邦自然人壽在美國的正式授權代表 Limited已於2024年11月19日在紐約州紐約簽署本註冊聲明或其修正案。
的 Crone Law Group PC | ||
作者: | /s/ 馬克·柯南 | |
姓名: | 馬克 Crone | |
標題: | 管理 夥伴 |
II-5 |