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SORL SORL Auto Parts Inc

4.71
0.00 (0.00%)
Last Updated: 01:00:00
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type
SORL Auto Parts Inc NASDAQ:SORL NASDAQ Common Stock
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 4.71 4.69 4.72 0 01:00:00

Annual Report (10-k)

31/03/2014 6:10pm

Edgar (US Regulatory)


 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

  

 

 

FORM 10-K

 

 

 

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 for the fiscal year ended - DECEMBER 31, 2013

 

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 for the transition period from

 

Commission file number 0-024828

 

SORL AUTO PARTS, INC.

(Name of Registrant in Its Charter)

 

DELAWARE

(State or Other jurisdiction

of Incorporation or Organization)

30-0091294

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

NO.1169 YUMENG ROAD

RUIAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT

RUIAN CITY, ZHEJIANG PROVINCE 325200

PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

(Address of Principal Executive Offices, including zip code.)

 

86-577-65817720

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 

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

 

TITLE OF EACH CLASS

NAME OF EACH

EXCHANGE ON WHICH REGISTERED

COMMON STOCK: 0.002 PARVALUE NASDAQ GLOBAL MARKET

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Yes ¨ No x

 

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

 

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers in response to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained in this form, and no disclosure will be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by referenced in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.

 

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

Large accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated filer ¨ Non-accelerated ¨ Smaller Reporting Company x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes ¨ No x

 

State registrant’s revenues for its most recent fiscal year December 31, 2013: $208,571,812.

 

State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity as of the last business day of registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter. As of June 30, 2013, the value was approximately $20,896,712.

 

State the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common equity: 19,304,921 shares as of March 17, 2014.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for its annual meeting of shareholders, scheduled for June 20, 2014, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.

 

 
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

  PART I    
       
ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS   2
       
ITEM 1.A. RISK FACTORS   12
       
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS   22
       
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES   22
       
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS   22
       
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE   22
       
  PART II    
       
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDERS MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES   23
       
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA   23
       
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS   24
       
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK   30
       
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA   31
       
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE   58
       
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES   58
       
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION   59
       
  PART III    
       
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE   59
       
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION   60
       
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS   60
       
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE   60
       
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES   60
       
  PART IV    
       
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES   61
       
SIGNATURES     63

 

 
 

 

PART I

 

ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

 

BUSINESS

 

Through its 90% ownership of the Ruili Group Ruian Auto Parts Co., Ltd., a Sino-Foreign joint venture (the “Joint Venture” or “Ruian”), SORL Auto Parts, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, “we,” “us,” “our” or the “Company” or “SORL”) develops, manufactures and distributes automotive brake systems and other key safety related auto parts to automotive original equipment manufacturers, or OEMs, and the related aftermarket both in China and aboard. The Company’s products are used in different types of commercial vehicles, such as trucks and buses. Automotive brake systems and other key safety related auto parts are critical components that ensure driving safety.

 

The Joint Venture was formed in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC” or “China”) as a Sino-Foreign joint venture on January 17, 2004, pursuant to the terms of a Joint Venture Agreement (the “JV Agreement”) between the Ruili Group Co., Ltd. (the “Ruili Group”) and Fairford Holdings Limited (“Fairford”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The Ruili Group was incorporated in China in 1987 and specialized in the development, production and sale of various kinds of automotive parts. Fairford and the Ruili Group contributed 90% and 10%, respectively, of the paid-in capital of the Joint Venture, which totaled $7.1 million.

 

On January 19, 2004 the Joint Venture acquired the business segment of the Ruili Group relating to manufacture and sale of various kinds of valves for automotive brake systems and related operations (the “Transferred Business”). The Ruili Group began the automotive air brake valve business in 1987. The acquisition was accomplished by transfer from the Ruili Group to Fairford of relevant assets and liabilities of the Transferred Business including trade receivables, inventories and machineries, and the assumption of short and long term borrowings for a purchase price of $6,390,000. The consideration was based on a valuation provided by Ruian Ruiyang Assets Valuation Co., Ltd., an independent PRC valuation firm. Fairford then transferred these assets and liabilities to the Joint Venture as consideration for its 90% ownership interest of the Joint Venture. The Ruili Group transferred inventory as its capital contribution for its 10% interest in the Joint Venture. The assets and liabilities transferred to the Joint Venture by Fairford and the Ruili Group represented all the assets and liabilities of the Transferred Business. Certain historical information of the Transferred Business is based on the operation of the Transferred Business when it was owned by the Ruili Group.

 

On November 30, 2006, the Company completed a follow-on public offering of 4,285,714 shares of common stock at $7.25 per share. Gross proceeds were approximately $31.1 million. Net proceeds after approximately $2.2 million of underwriters’ commissions and approximately $0.7 million of related offering expenses were approximately $28.2 million. On December 13, 2006, Maxim Group LLC, the lead underwriter of offering, exercised its over-allotment option in full to purchase an additional 642,857 shares of common stock. After deduction of underwriter’s discount of approximately $0.3 million, the Company received approximately $4.3 million. The aggregate net proceeds to the Company of this offering were approximately $32.5 million, which included the approximate $4.3 million as a result of the exercise of the over-allotment option granted to the underwriters.

 

On December 8 and 26, 2006, pursuant to the terms of the Joint Venture Agreement (revised), through Fairford, the Company invested $32.67 million in its operating subsidiary, the Joint Venture. To maintain its 10% shareholding in the Joint Venture, the Ruili Group increased its capital investment by $3.63 million. Accordingly, the Company continued to hold a 90% controlling interest in the operating subsidiary. Pursuant to the JV Agreement and the Joint Venture Agreement (revised), the total paid-in capital of the Joint Venture increased from $7.1 million to $43.4 million.

 

On November 11, 2009, the Company entered into a joint venture agreement with MGR Hong Kong Limited (“MGR”), a Hong Kong-based global auto parts distribution specialty firm and a Taiwanese investor. The new joint venture was named SORL International Holding, Ltd. ("SIH"). SORL holds a 60% interest in SIH, MGR holds a 30% interest, and the Taiwanese investor holds a 10% interest. SIH is primarily devoted to expanding SORL's international sales network in the Asia-Pacific region and creating a larger footprint in Europe, the Middle East and Africa with a target to create a truly global distribution network. Based in Hong Kong, SIH is expanding and establishing channels of distribution in international markets.

 

2
 

 

On February 8, 2010, the Company sold 1,000,000 shares of its common stock to selected institutional investors at a price of $10.00 per share pursuant to a registered direct offering. This transaction provided net proceeds of approximately $9.4 million. On March 9, 2010, through Fairford, SORL invested approximately $9.4 million in its operating subsidiary, the Joint Venture. To maintain its 10% shareholding in the Joint Venture, the Ruili Group increased its capital investment by approximately $1.0 million. Accordingly, SORL continues to hold a 90% controlling interest in the operating subsidiary. The total paid-in capital of the Joint Venture increased from $43.4 million to $53.8 million.

 

On August 31, 2010, the Company, through the Joint Venture, executed an Agreement to acquire the assets of the hydraulic brake, power steering, and automotive electrical operations of the Ruili Group, a related party under common control. As a result of this acquisition, the Company's product offerings expanded to both commercial and passenger vehicles' brake systems and other key safety-related auto parts. The purchase price was RMB170 million, or approximately USD$25 million. The transaction was accounted for using the book basis of assets acquired, consisting primarily of machinery and equipment, inventory, accounts receivable and patent rights, used or usable in connection with the acquired segment of the auto parts business of the Ruili Group. The Company purchased the machinery and equipment, inventory, accounts receivable at book values of $8.0 million, $8.0 million and $5.2 million, respectively. The Company did not acquire any of the assets of the Ruili Group other than as described above. The excess of consideration over the carrying value of net assets received has been recorded as a decrease in the additional paid-in capital of the Company.

 

The acquisition was accounted for as a transaction between the entities under common control because the CEO of the Company, together with his wife and brother, owns 63% of the registered capital of Ruili Group, and owns more than 50% of the outstanding common stock of SORL. This results in the acquisition being accounted for using the historical costs of the financial statements of the Ruili Group. The consolidated financial statements, and the Management’s Discussion and Analysis contained in Item 7 of this report, have been prepared as if the acquisition took place at the earliest time presented, that is, as of January 1, 2009. The asset purchase was deemed to be the acquisition of a business.

 

STRATEGIC PLAN

 

With the increased construction of real estate and infrastructure and the delayed implementation of the Chinese IV Emission Standard, the China commercial vehicles market resumed accelerated growth in 2013, after two years of continuous lower growth in 2011 and 2012. The Company’s management believes the commercial vehicle market will continue to grow in 2014. In 2014, our plan includes these elements:

 

l Enhance sales to OEM customers. We intend to enhance sales to OEM customers by improving customer service and increasing sales of integrated systems and modular supplies.

 

l Focus on bus market. We aim to enhance our relationships with major bus clients in order to achieve higher sales, to occupy more market share. We have established a team devoted to the development of bus products, so that we can better respond to the needs of our bus customers and to help achieve higher margins.

 

l Expand sales into the railway transportation market to further extend the product line. We expect to develop and supply high value-added products to our railway market customers.

 

l Develop new products. We plan to enhance the development of several new products including automotive electronics and energy-saving products. We are working to upgrade traditional air brake drive products to electronically controlled products to achieve a higher profit margin. We are working to develop energy-saving products which will cause less harm to the environment, both in the manufacturing process and in use.

 

l Improve manufacturing technology and further computerize our manufacturing. We expect to continue to improve our manufacturing process to enhance product quality. We anticipate that improvement of manufacturing technology will further automate our manufacturing process, thereby reducing human error, increasing manufacturing efficiency, lowering production costs and further ensuring consistent quality of our products.

 

l Expand through strategic alliance and acquisitions. We are exploring opportunities to expand our international sales network through new joint ventures with or acquisitions of other automotive parts manufacturers outside of China, as well as auto parts distributors or repair factories with established sales networks outside of China. We will seek acquisition targets that can easily be integrated into our product manufacturing and corporate management, or strong joint-venture partners that would become major customers.

 

3
 

 

THE COMPANY’S PRODUCTS

 

Through the Joint Venture, the Company manufactures and distributes automotive brake systems and other key safety related auto parts in China and internationally. Our products are principally used in different types of commercial vehicles, such as trucks and buses, and include an extensive range of products covering 65 categories and over 2000 specifications in automotive brake systems. Automotive brake systems and other key safety related auto parts are critical components to ensure driving safety.

 

We seek to introduce new products, such as the braking system products for passenger vehicles and railway vehicles. When working with a customer, our goal is to understand the need of each customer and apply our extensive experience and innovative technology to deliver products that meet such need. We support our products with a full-range of styling, design, testing and manufacturing capabilities, including just-in -time and in-sequence delivery.

 

ISO 9000 is a family of standards related to quality management systems and designed to help

organizations ensure that they meet the needs of customers and other stakeholders. The standards are published by ISO, the International Organization for Standardization, and available through National standards bodies. ISO 9001 deals with the requirements that organizations wishing to meet the standard have to fulfill.

 

OHSAS 18001 is an Occupation Health and Safety Assessment Series for health and safety management systems. It is intended to help organizations to control occupational health and safety risks. It was developed in response to widespread demand for a recognized standard against which to be certified and assessed.

 

The Company obtained ISO9001/QS9000/VDA6.1 System Certifications in 2001. We passed the ISO/TS 16949 System Certification test (an ISO technical specification aiming to develop a quality management system that provides for continual improvement, emphasizing defect prevention and the reduction of variation and waste in the supply chain) conducted by the TUV CERT Certification Body of TUV Industries Service GmbH in 2004, and its annual review in 2013. The ISO/TS 16949 System, a higher standard replacing the ISO9001/QS9000/VDA6.1 System, was enacted by the International Automotive Task Force and is recognized by major automobile manufacturers all over the world. The annual reviews for other certifications which we passed in 2012 included ISO14001 on environmental management and OHSAS18001 for health and safety management, reflecting the Company’s commitment to workplace safety, health and environmental protection.

 

CHINA AUTOMOBILE AND AUTO PARTS INDUSTRY

 

Based on statistics published by the China Association of Automobile Manufactures, China is currently the largest automotive market in the world. The automobile industry is one of China’s key industries, contributing significantly to the growth of China’s economy.

 

Based on statistics published by the China Association of Automobile Manufactures, in 2013 China’s automobile output and sales volume both reached record high levels of 22.11 million and 21.98 million units, which was increased by 14.8% and 13.9%, compared with 2012 figures. The output and sales volume of commercial vehicles increased 7.6% and 6.4% to 4.03 million units and 4.06 million units, respectively.

 

The increase of the overall sales of commercial vehicles in China in 2013 could be attributed to the acceleration of the growth in capital investment and the further delay of the Chinese IV Emission Standard, which led to the acceleration of volume of goods transported, as well as the pre-production of commercial vehicles.

 

The Chinese auto parts industry is highly fragmented. Management believes that the future trends of China’s auto parts industry will be:

 

4
 

 

· To keep pace with the rapid development of new automobile technologies.

 

· To meet the requirements of increasingly demanding OEM customers, such as zero defects, and cost reduction.

 

· To partner with OEM customers in the entire process from product design, development and production to cost control, quality control and final delivery.

 

· To implement industry restructuring through integration to form several large sized auto parts manufacturing groups better able to compete with leading international manufacturers.

 

MARKET AND CUSTOMERS

 

We strengthened our sales and marketing efforts in 2013. The sales person headcount for domestic (PRC) sales and international sales was 53 and 52, respectively. Products are sold under the “SORL” trademark, which we license on a royalty free basis from the Ruili Group. The Company renewed the license from Ruili Group in 2012. The license currently expires in 2022 and we have an agreement with the Ruili Group that the term of the license will be extended if the trademark registration for the trade name is extended.

 

Management believes that we are the leading commercial vehicle air brake systems manufacturer in China. In general, the market can be divided into three segments: OEMs in China, Chinese Aftermarket, and International Market. The above identified markets account for approximately 50.4%, 22.4% and 27.2%, respectively, of the Company’s annual sales for 2013.

 

OEM Market - We have established long-term business relationships with most of the major vehicle manufacturers in China. We sell our products to approximately 70 major vehicle manufacturers, including all of the key truck manufacturers in China. In addition to heavy-duty trucks, our products are also widely used in brake systems for buses. Typically, bus manufacturers purchase a chassis from truck chassis manufacturers which already have incorporated our brake systems.

 

The table below presents comparative information for 2013 and 2012 on the Company’s top five OEM customers.

 

Ranking   Customer   % of
2013
Sales
    Customer   % of
2012
Sales
 
                     
1   Dongfeng Axle Co., Ltd.     6.3 %   Dongfeng Axle Co., Ltd.     5.5 %
2   FAW Jiefang Automotive Co., Ltd.     4.8 %   FAW Qingdao Automobile Works     5.3 %
3   FAW Jiefang Qingdao Automotive Co., Ltd.     4.0 %   FAW Jiefang Automotive Co., Ltd.     3.8 %
4   Dongfeng Axle Co., Ltd. ShiYan Automobile Works     3.7 %   Dongfeng Axle Co., Ltd. ShiYan Automobile Works     3.3 %
5   Shaanxi Heavy Duty Truck Co., Ltd.     2.3 %   Guangzhou Kormee Vehicle Brake Technology Development Co., Ltd.,     2.6 %

 

We continue to expand our business with Beiqi Foton Motor Co.,Ltd., Dongfeng Motor Co.,Ltd, and FAW Group, which were among the commercial vehicle manufacturers with the highest sales. The Company became a “core supplier” to FAW Group, and a strategic partner with both Beiqi Foton motor Co., Ltd., and Dongfeng Motor Co., Ltd. (through product co-development contracts and priority supply agreements). The Company achieved a new business breakthrough with several top tiered vehicle manufacturers such as Sinotruck and Shaanxi Automobile Group Co., Ltd, as we expanded our businesses with them from supplying only automotive electric components to delivering entire air-brake systems. Furthermore, Baotou Bei Ben Heavy-Duty Truck and Valin, two fast-growing companies in the heavy truck market, continued to be our major customers.

 

Aftermarket - The Company’s Chinese sales network consists of 26 authorized distributors covering the following seven regions throughout China: Northeast Region, North Region, Northwest Region, Southwest Region, Central Region, East Region and South Region.

 

5
 

 

The 26 authorized distributors sell only “SORL” products and in turn channel the products through over 2,000 sub-distributors.

 

International Market – With the recovery of the global economy and customers' confidence in the growth of the economy in 2013, our export sales increased compared to 2012. We consider increasing our export sales as an important way to increase our brand awareness and expand our market share. We address expansion in the export market through the following measures:

 

l Focus on both overseas aftermarket and OEM customers at the same time. The Company is selling its products into more than 104 countries and regions.

 

l The Company also actively participates in international trade shows including more than ten international exhibitions such as Automechanika in Frankfort Equip Auto in Pairs, Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo in Las Vegas, Automechanika Middle East in Dubai and China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, to acquire new customers and new orders.

 

l The Company established a joint venture in Hong Kong in 2009 to focus on expanding SORL’s international sales network in the Asia-Pacific region and creating a larger footprint in Europe, the Middle East and Africa with a target to create a truly global distribution network. The Company presently has international sales centers in UAE, USA, Europe. They carry out localization strategies to meet the different market demands and to strengthen service support.

 

In 2013, export sales accounted for 27.2% of total revenue. Products are exported to more than 104 countries and regions in the world. Total export sales in 2013 increased by 7.3% compared with 2012.

 

Ranking   Country   Customer Name   % of
2013
Sales
    Country   Customer Name   % of
 2012
Sales
 
                             
1   USA   SAP     2.6 %   USA   SAP     3.0 %
2   United Arab Emirates   GOLDEN
DRAGAN AUTO
SPARE PARTS
    1.9 %   United Arab Emirates   GOLDEN
DRAGAN AUTO
SPARE PARTS
    2.6 %
3   Brazil   SCHULZ     1.5 %   USA   RUILI
HYDRAULIC
SYSTEMS
    1.8 %
4   USA   RUILI HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS     1.2 %   South Africa   MICO     0.8 %
5   USA   CARDONE     0.9 %   Brazil   LNG     0.8 %
6   South Africa   TPE     0.8 %   South Africa   POLMO     0.7 %
7   Brazil   LNG     0.8 %   Spain   AIR-FREN     0.6 %

 

COMPETITION

 

We conduct our business in a complex and highly competitive industry. The global automotive parts industry principally involves the supply of systems, modules and components to vehicle manufacturers for the manufacture of new vehicles. Additionally, suppliers provide parts to other suppliers for use in the latter’s product offerings and to the aftermarket for use as replacement or enhancement parts for older vehicles. Currently, vehicle manufacturers generally only engage in assembling but not manufacturing non-key automotive parts. Rather, they source these parts through a global network of suppliers. As a result, only those automotive parts manufacturers with large-scale production capacity, advanced technology and the ability to produce system modules, can supply their products to vehicle manufacturers directly. The automotive parts industry in China is fragmented and there are many small manufacturers which mainly target the aftermarket. However, there are not many companies that have established both nationwide aftermarket sales networks and close relationships with leading OEM manufacturers. As the largest commercial vehicle air brake system manufacturer in China, we have established long-term business relationships with many major automotive manufacturers in China, such as FAW Group (a.k.a. First Auto Group), Dongfeng Motors Group, Beiqi Foton Motor Co., Ltd., Baotou North-Benz Heavy Duty Truck Co., Ltd. and Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Co., Ltd. Management believes that the key for a successful commercial vehicle air brake supplier are product quality, price competitiveness, development capability, new product development capacity, and timeliness of delivery. We have strived to improve our competitiveness by recruiting highly qualified managers and employees, improving our product design capability and facilities, and providing better customer service.

 

6
 

 

Domestic Competition - Our major competitors in China are: VIE and CAFF, each as described below.

 

· China VIE Group, or VIE: Its principal products are main valves and unloader/governors, with a majority supplied to OEM’s, such as Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Co., Ltd., and the remaining portion supplied to the aftermarket and export.

  

· Chongqing CAFF Automobile Braking and Steering Systems Co., Ltd., or CAFF: Its main products are air dryers and main valves. Its principal customer is Chongqing Heavy Vehicle Group Co., Ltd.

 

We believe the Company has the following competitive advantages:

 

· Brand Name: As China’s largest (by sales volume) commercial vehicle air brake systems manufacturer, our “SORL” brand is widely known nationwide.

 

· Technology: We view technological innovation and leadership as the critical means to enhance our core competence. Our technology center includes a laboratory specializing in the research of automotive brake controlling technologies and development of air brake system products. We are in the final stage of completing our new state-of-the-art testing center equipment in 2013, which improved system test capability.

 

· Product Development: Because management believes that our products ultimately define our success, we continue to increase our budget for research and development activities. Through our international sales offices in the US, the Middle East and Europe we are able to promptly collect information about current trends in automotive technologies, which in turn is applied to our new product development and used to enhance our ability to provide domestic OEMs with advanced products. In addition, our software applications systems and strict implementation of ISO/TS16949 standards in the development process greatly shorten our development lead time and improve new product quality. The Company has developed its own independent intellectual property embedded in its air brake spring chambers. The spring chamber’s structure, performance, and quality have made it one of the Company’s key products and it enjoys a great deal of success among domestic auto manufacturers.

 

China Sales Networks: We have 26 authorized distributors covering seven regions in China. We help train their sales people and improve their service quality. These authorized distributors in turn channel “SORL” products through over 2,000 sub-distributors throughout China.

 

International Competition - In the international market, our largest competitors are Wabco Holdings Inc. and Knorr-Bremse Group. While management believes our current advantage over Wabco Holdings Inc. and Knorr-Bremse Group is our lower pricing, management also believes that the Company’s product quality and brand awareness are improving. Our competitive advantages over other competitors in the global market are:

 

· Performance-Cost Ratio: Our products enjoy lower production costs due to the low labor costs in China. The Company’s technology and manufacturing improvements; have strengthened our products’ performance-cost advantage is increasing.

 

· Quick Adaptation to Local Market: Through our international sales channels in the US, the Middle East and Europe, we have been able to timely respond to local market needs.

 

· Diversified Auto Products: In addition to braking system products for commercial vehicles, we also produced key safety products for passenger vehicles and braking system products for railway vehicles. This integrated product offering helps reduce customers’ transaction costs and gives the customers the incentive to procure such products from us.

 

7
 

 

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND INNOVATION CAPACITY

 

As of December 31, 2013, we had 197 technical staff members, 75 of whom hold Engineer or Senior Engineer qualifications. Our technical staff included 18 information technology, 120 for new product development and design techniques, 13 for measurement and testing, and the remaining 46 for quality management.

 

In addition to our own technical force, we had cooperation arrangements with leading universities in the automotive engineering field, including:

 

· In 2010, SORL created two new post-doctoral research programs. The first program is a partnership with the Automobile Institute of Jilin University. This program was established to conduct research on the recovery of electric vehicle braking energy. The second program is a partnership with the Beijing University of Technology. This program was established to conduct researches on die-casting aluminum oxide film onto auto parts.

 

Tongji University at Shanghai and Harbin Institute of Technology. We have a contract with each of them for co-development of electronically controlled braking systems and automotive master cable technology.

 

· Tsinghua University E-Tech Technology Co., Ltd. and Zhejiang University: We have a contract with each of them for information technology projects, including the development of application software for product design innovation and production management.

 

We have priority rights to acquire the intellectual properties that are developed pursuant to the arrangements with these universities. The financial arrangements as to amount and terms of payment vary depending on the type of project. Normally, we make an initial payment in the form of a research grant and then negotiate a payment upon development of the technology.

 

We also consulted with the technical staff of the Ruili Group from time to time on a no-cost basis. We collaborated with other industry research groups, such as the research centers of FAW Group and Dongfeng Group.

 

Capitalizing on these resources, we developed innovative products and technologies, such as a new type of clutch servo with sensor; a combined air dryer with a built in temperature-control device and unloader; and an inner-breath spring chamber that enables internal air circulation.

 

We own a full range of processing equipment required for the development of new auto part products, including machines for molding, die casting, cutting, pressing and surface treatment. Furthermore, we are capable of designing and making over 90% of the devices, such as tools, jigs and molds, that are required for producing prototypes. In addition, the partnership with Tsinghua University and Zhejiang University in developing software for application in new product design system has resulted in substantial time savings in our new product development cycle.

 

Patented Technologies

 

We continued to invest in research and development (“R&D”) efforts and to pursue patent protection. Currently we own 257 patents and 122 applications for Patent Cooperation Treaty protection, which is an international agreement for filing patent applications effective in up to 117 countries.

 

Trademarks

 

Our principal trademark is “SORL”, which we license on a non-exclusive royalty free basis from the Ruili Group. The license currently expires in 2022 and we have an agreement with the Ruili Group that the term of the license will be extended if the trademark registration for the trade name is extended. The Company renewed the license from Ruili Group on a royalty free basis in 2012. The Ruili Group obtained a registration for “SORL” from the World Intellectual Property Organization and registered the trademark in the United States in 2007.

 

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PRODUCTION

 

We own the largest (by sales volume) commercial vehicle air brake systems manufacturing facility in China. We are seeking to expand our production capacity. The production process includes fixture, jig and die making, aluminum alloy die casting, metal sheet stamping, numerical control cutting, welding, numerical control processing, surface treatment, filming, rubber/plastic processing, final assembly and packaging. We have state-of-the-art manufacturing and testing facilities sourced from the U.S., South Korea, Taiwan and mainland China, including computerized numerical control processing centers, computerized numerical control lathes, casting, stamping and cutting machines, automatic spraying and electroplating lines, cleaning machines, automatic assembly lines and three-dimensional coordinate measuring machines and projectors. We are seeking to realize automation to reduce production cost.

 

In September 2007, the Joint Venture purchased land rights, a manufacturing plant and office building with a total floor area of 712,333 square feet, from the Ruili Group. The Joint Venture previously leased part of the facility from the Ruili Group and occupied approximately 50% of the facility. As a result of this transaction, our production space is expected to meet our growth demand for the near future.

 

ENVIRONMENT

 

In 2006, we were granted ISO14001 certification on environmental management (ISO 14000 is a family of standards related to environmental management that exists to help organizations minimize the negative impact of their operations on the environment and comply with applicable environmental laws, regulations, and rules) and OHSAS18001 certification on health and safety management, which reflects the Company’s commitment to workplace safety, health and environmental protection. We conduct staff training to enhance awareness of environmental issues. We seek in all phases of our operations to employ practices for environment friendly production, reduction or prevention of pollution, and reduction of energy consumption and manufacturing costs. For example, noise intensity is listed as one of the criteria in the selection of new equipment; waste water is stored, purified and recycled in the production process; and compressing machines are used in the disposal of aluminum and steel scraps, saving both storage space and power consumption.

 

RAW MATERIALS

 

Raw materials used by the Company in the manufacture of our products primarily include steel, aluminum, other metals, rubber and various manufactured components.

 

All of the materials we use generally are readily available from numerous sources. We have not, in recent years, experienced any significant shortages of manufactured components or raw materials and normally do not carry inventories of these items in excess of what are reasonably required to meet our production and shipping schedules. Critical raw materials are generally sourced from at least two or more vendors to assure adequate supply and reasonable price. We maintain relationships with over twenty material suppliers. In 2013, three largest suppliers were Shanghai Bao Steel Trading Co., Ltd., Hangzhou Tongjia Trading Co., Ltd., and Shanghai Yedi Metal Material Co., Ltd. which together accounted for 15.3% of the aggregate of raw materials we purchased. Among these companies, only Shanghai Bao Steel Trading Co., Ltd., which accounted for 5.8%, was the source of more than 5% of total raw material purchases.

 

When planning a purchase order, we compare prices of comparable goods quoted by different suppliers to receive the lowest price. In order to secure a favorable purchase price and subsequently a predictable cost of sales, we generally make a down payment to suppliers.

 

Normally, the annual purchase plan for raw materials, such as aluminum ingot and steel sheet, is determined at the beginning of the calendar year according to our OEM customers’ orders and our own forecast for the aftermarket and international sales. Our purchase plans with key suppliers can be revised quarterly. Our actual requirements are based on monthly production plans. Management believes that this arrangement prevents us from having excessive inventory when the orders from our customers change.

 

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For raw materials other than steel and aluminum, we normally maintain from five to seven days of inventory at our warehouse.

 

DOING BUSINESS IN CHINA

 

China’s Economy

 

Management believes that an important factor that affects the Chinese automobile industry is the country’s economic environment. According to China’s Statistics Bureau, China’s economic growth slowed down during the last three years, with its GDP growth rate for 2011, 2012 and 2013 was 9.2%, 7.5% and 7.7%, respectively.

 

The Chinese Legal System

 

The practical effect of the legal system in China on our business operations can be viewed from two separate but intertwined considerations. First, as a matter of substantive law, the laws regarding foreign invested enterprises provide significant protection against government interference. In addition, these laws to a large extent protect the full enjoyment of the benefits of corporate organizational documents and contracts to foreign invested enterprise participants. These laws, however, do impose standards concerning corporate formation and governance, which are not qualitatively different from the general corporation laws of the several states of the United States. The accounting laws in China mandate certain accounting practices, which are not consistent with US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The China accounting laws require that an annual “statutory audit” be performed in accordance with China’s accounting standards and that the books of account of foreign invested enterprise are maintained in accordance with Chinese accounting laws.

 

Second, while the enforcement of substantive rights may appear less certain or reliable than under the legal system in the United States, foreign invested enterprises and wholly foreign-owned enterprises are Chinese registered companies that enjoy the same status as other Chinese registered companies in business-to-business dispute resolutions. Because the terms of the respective Articles of Association of the Joint Venture (“Articles of Association”) provide that all business disputes pertaining to foreign invested enterprises are to be resolved by the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission applying Chinese substantive law, the Chinese minority partner in the Joint Venture will not assume a privileged position regarding such disputes. Any award rendered by this arbitration tribunal is, by the express terms of the respective Articles of Association, enforceable in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards (1958). Therefore, as a practical matter, although no assurances can be given, the Chinese legal infrastructure, while different in operation from its United States counterpart, should not present any significant impediment to the operation of foreign invested enterprises.

 

Economic Reform Issues

 

Although the Chinese government owns the majority of productive assets in China, in the past several years the government has implemented economic reform measures that emphasize decentralization and encourage private economic activity. Because these economic reform measures may be inconsistent or ineffectual, there are no assurances that:

 

· We will be able to capitalize on economic reforms;

 

· The Chinese government will continue its pursuit of economic reform policies;

 

· The economic policies, even if pursued, will be successful;

 

· Economic policies will not be significantly altered from time to time; and

 

· Business operations in China will not become subject to the risk of nationalization.

 

Since 1979, the Chinese government has embarked reforms of its economic structure. Because many reforms are unprecedented or experimental, they are subject to risks and setbacks. Other political, economic and social factors, such as political changes, changes in the rates of economic growth, unemployment or inflation, or in the disparities in per capita wealth between regions within China, could lead to further adjustment of the reform measures. This refining and adjustment process may negatively affect our operations.

 

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There can be no assurance that the reforms to China’s economic system will continue or that we will not be adversely affected by changes in China’s political, economic, and social conditions and by changes in policies of the Chinese government, such as changes in laws and regulations, measures which may be introduced to control inflation, changes in the rate or method of taxation, imposition of additional restrictions on currency conversion and remittance abroad, and reduction in tariff protection and other import restrictions.

 

EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS

 

The Company currently employs 3,170 employees, all of whom are employed full time: 80 for quality control, 197 technical staff, 113 sales and marketing staff, 2,738 production workers and 42 administrative staff. There are employment agreements with all of the employees whereby administrative staff workers and hourly workers agree to three years of employment. Employment contracts with all employees comply with relevant laws and regulations of China.

 

The Joint Venture is subject to regulations about the Sino-Foreign equity joint venture enterprise labor management. In compliance with those regulations, the Joint Venture’s management may hire and discharge employees and make other determinations with respect to wages, welfare, insurance and discipline of employees. The Joint Venture has, as required by law, established special funds for enterprise development, employee welfare and incentives, as well as a general reserve. In addition, the Joint Venture is required to provide its employees with facilities sufficient to enable the employees to carry out trade union activities.

 

DESCRIPTION OF THE JOINT VENTURE

 

General

 

The Joint Venture was established on January 17, 2004, pursuant to the terms of the Joint Venture Agreement with the Ruili Group. Below is a description of the material terms of the Joint Venture.

 

Management of the Joint Venture

 

Pursuant to the terms of the Joint Venture Agreement, the board of directors of the Joint Venture consists of three directors. We have the right to designate two members of the board and the Ruili Group has the right to designate one member. We also have the authority to appoint the Chairman of the board. The majority of the board is vested with the authority with respect to operating matters. As a result, we maintain operating control over the Joint Venture. However, at this time, three of our directors of board, Messrs. Xiao Ping Zhang, Xiao Feng Zhang and Ms. Shuping Chi, are the founders of the Ruili Group, and therefore there is limited independence between the two entities. The term of the Joint Venture will expire on March 4, 2019, although we anticipate that we will be able to extend such term. Extension of the agreement will be subject to negotiation with the Ruili Group and approval of the Chinese government.

 

Distribution of Profits of the Joint Venture

 

After providing social welfare funds for employees and withholding applicable taxes, the profits, if any, of the Joint Venture are available for distribution to the parties in proportion to their respective capital contributions. Any such distributions must be authorized by the Joint Venture’s board of directors. To date, the Joint Venture has not distributed any profits and does not anticipate of doing so for the near term.

 

Assignment of Interest of the Joint Venture

 

Any assignment of an interest in the Joint Venture must be approved by the Chinese government. The Chinese joint venture laws also provide for preemptive rights and the consent of one Joint Venture party for any proposed assignments by any other Joint Venture party to any other unrelated third party.

 

Liquidation of the Joint Venture

 

Under the Chinese joint venture laws, the Joint Venture may be liquidated in certain limited circumstances, including the expiration of the ten-year term or any term of extension, the inability for the joint venture to continue operations due to severe losses, force majeure, or the failure of a party to honor its obligations under the Joint Venture Agreement or the Articles of Association in such a manner as to impair the operations of the joint venture. The Chinese joint venture laws provide that, upon liquidation, the net asset value (based on the prevailing market value of the assets) of a joint venture shall be distributed to the parties in proportion to their respective registered capital in the joint venture.

 

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Resolution of Disputes Related To the Joint Venture

 

In the event of a dispute between the parties, attempts will be made to resolve the dispute through friendly consultation or mediation. In the absence of a friendly resolution, the parties have agreed that the matter will first be referred to the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission in Beijing, whose decisions are final and enforceable in Chinese courts.

 

Expropriation of the Joint Venture

 

The Chinese joint venture laws provide that China generally will not nationalize or requisition enterprises in which foreign funds have been invested. However, under special circumstances, when public interest requires, enterprises with foreign capital may be legally requisitioned and appropriate compensation will be made.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

Our business faces many risks. The risks described below may not be the only risks we face. Additional risks that we do not yet know of, or that we currently think are immaterial, may also materially impair our business operations or financial results. If any of the events or circumstances described in the following risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition or results of operations could suffer and the trading price of our common stock could decline.

 

If intensification of the current financial crisis and slowdown of global economies continues, it may promote trade protectionism which would negatively affect our export sales.

 

As a result of global economic conditions and little or no growth in many countries, there is a risk of increased international trade protectionism. Many countries set trade barriers which could negatively affect our export sales, as well as create potential risks for litigation in the countries to which our products are exported.

 

Our ability to effectively implement our business strategy depends upon, among other factors, the successful recruitment and retention of additional highly skilled and experienced management and other key personnel and we cannot assure that we will be able to hire or retain such employees.

 

We must attract, recruit and retain a sizeable workforce of technically competent employees. Our ability to effectively implement our business strategy will depend upon, among other factors, the successful recruitment and retention of additional highly skilled and experienced management and other key personnel. These individuals are difficult to find in China and as the economy in China expands, there is increasing competition for skilled workers. We cannot assure that we will be able to find, hire or retain such employees, or even if we are able to so hire such employees, that the cost of these employees will not adversely affect our net income.

 

Certain of our officers and directors have responsibilities to other businesses in addition to our Company and as a result, conflicts of interest between us and the other activities of those persons may occur from time to time.

 

Certain persons serving as our officers and directors have existing responsibilities and, in the future, may have additional responsibilities, to provide management and services to other entities in addition to us. In particular, Mr. Xiao Ping Zhang, our Chief Executive Officer is an officer and a principal stockholder of the Ruili Group, which is engaged in the development, production and sale of various kinds of automotive parts as well as operating a hotel property and investing in the development of real property in China. The management of our joint venture is shared with the Ruili Group and therefore there may exist conflicts of interest between us and the Ruili Group in connection with its operation. Our Joint Venture Agreement provides that the board of directors of the Joint Venture is comprised of three persons, two of whom are appointed by us. However, at the present time our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Xiao Ping Zhang, is the founder of and employed at the Ruili Group. There can be no assurance that in the event of a conflict between us and the Ruili Group, our interests in the Joint Venture will not be adversely affected, or that our Company’s interests will always be fairly represented. The Ruili Group also provides certain services to the Company in the form of bank guaranties and licensing of certain technology. As a result, conflicts of interest between us and the other activities of those persons may occur from time to time. Our officers and directors are accountable to us and our shareholders as fiduciaries, which requires that such officers and directors exercise good faith and integrity in handling our affairs. However, the existing responsibilities limit the amount of times such officers and directors can spend on our affairs.

 

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We are and will continue to be under downward pricing pressures on our products from our customers and competitors which may adversely affect our growth, profit margins and net income.

 

We face continuing downward pricing pressure from our customers and competitors, especially in the sales of replacement parts. To retain our existing customers and gain new ones, we must continue to keep our unit prices low. In view of our need to maintain low prices on our products, our growth, profit margins and net income will suffer if we cannot effectively continue to control our manufacturing and other costs.

 

Our contracts with our customers are generally short-term and do not require the purchase of a minimum amount, which may result in periods of time during which we have limited orders for our products.

 

Our customers generally do not provide us with firm, long-term volume purchase commitments. Although we enter into manufacturing contracts with certain of our customers who have continuing demand for a certain product, these contracts state terms such as payment method, payment period, quality standards and inspection and similar matters rather than provide firm, long-term commitments to purchase products from us. As a result of the absence of long-term contracts, we could have periods during which we have no or only limited orders for our products, but will continue to have to pay the costs to maintain our work force and our manufacturing facilities and to meet other fixed costs, without the benefit of current revenues.

 

We consistently face short lead times for delivery of products to customers. Failure to meet delivery deadlines in our production agreements could result in the loss of customers and damage to our reputation and goodwill.

 

We enter into production agreements with our customers prior to commencing production, which reduces our risk of cancellations. However, these production agreements typically contain short lead times for delivery of products, leading to production schedules that can strain our resources and reduce our profit margins on the products produced. Although we have increased our manufacturing capacity, we may lack sufficient capacity at any given time to meet all of our customers’ demands if they exceed production capacity levels. We strive for rapid response to customer demand, which can lead to reduced purchasing efficiency and increased material costs. If we are unable to sufficiently meet our customers’ demands, we may lose our customers. Moreover, failure to meet customer demands may impair our reputation and goodwill.

 

Because of the short lead times in our production agreements, we may not be able to accurately or effectively plan our production or supply needs.

 

We make significant decisions, including determining the levels of business that we will seek and accept, production schedules, component procurement commitments, facility requirements, personnel needs, and other resource requirements, based on our production agreements with our customers. Short lead times of our customers’ commitments to their own customers and the possibility of rapid changes in demand for their products reduce our ability to estimate accurately the future requirements of those customers for our products. Because many of our costs and operating expenses are fixed, a reduction in customer demand can harm our sales, margins and operating results. We may also occasionally acquire raw materials without having customer orders based on a customer’s forecast or in anticipation of an order and to secure more favorable pricing, delivery or credit terms in view of the short lead times we often have under our customers’ orders. These purchases can expose us to losses from inventory carrying costs or inventory obsolescence.

 

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Our operations depend highly on Mr. Xiao Ping Zhang, our Chief Executive Officer, and Ms.Jin Rui Yu, our Chief Operating Officer, and a small number of other executives, and the loss of any such executive could adversely affect our ability to conduct our business.

 

The success of our operations depends greatly on a small number of key managers, particularly, Mr. Xiao Ping Zhang and Ms. Jin Rui Yu. The loss of the service of Mr. Zhang, or any of the other senior executives could adversely affect our ability to conduct our business. Even if we are able to find other managers to replace any of these managers, the search for such managers and the integration of such managers into our business will inevitably occur only over an extended period of time. During that time the lack of senior leadership could affect adversely our sales and manufacturing, as well as our research and development efforts.

 

We may not be able to respond effectively to rapid growth in demand for our products and of our manufacturing operations which could adversely affect our customer relations and our growth prospects.

 

If we continue to be successful in obtaining rapid market penetration of our products, we will be required to deliver large volumes of quality products to customers on a timely basis at a reasonable cost to those customers. Meeting such increased demands will require us to expand our manufacturing facilities, to increase our ability to purchase raw materials, to increase the size of our work force, to expand our quality control capabilities and to increase the scale upon which we produce products. Such demands would require more capital and working capital than we currently have available.

 

We may not be able to finance the development of new products which could negatively impact our competitiveness.

 

Our future operating results will depend to a significant extent on our ability to continue to provide new products that compare favorably on the basis of cost and performance with the products of our competitors. Some of our competitors have design and manufacturing capabilities and technologies to produce products that compete well with our products, particularly in markets outside of China. We are currently conducting research and development on a number of new products, requiring a substantial outlay of capital. To remain competitive, we must continue to incur significant costs in product development, equipment, facilities and invest in research and development of new products. These costs may increase, resulting in greater fixed costs and operating expenses. All of these factors create pressures on our working capital and ability to fund our current and future manufacturing activities and the expansion of our business.

 

We receive a significant portion of our revenues from a small number of customers which may make it difficult to negotiate attractive prices for our products and exposes us to risks of substantial losses if we lose certain of these customers.

 

Although no customer individually accounted for more than 10% of our revenues for the year ended December 31, 2013, our three largest customers accounted for approximately 15.2% and 14.6% of our revenues in 2013 and 2012, respectively. Dependence on a few customers could make it difficult to negotiate attractive prices for our products and could expose us to the risk of substantial losses if a single major customer stops purchasing our products.

 

Our business depends on our ability to protect and enforce our intellectual property effectively which may be difficult particularly in China.

 

The success of our business depends on substantial measure on the legal protection of proprietary rights in technology we hold. Currently we own 257 patents and 122 applications for Patent Cooperation Treaty protection, which is an international agreement for filing patent applications effective in up to 117 countries. We claim proprietary rights in various unpatented technologies, know-how, trade secrets and trademarks relating to products and manufacturing processes. We protect our proprietary rights in our products and operations through contracts, including nondisclosure agreements. If these contractual measures fail to protect our proprietary rights, any advantage that those proprietary rights provide to us would be negated. Monitoring infringement of intellectual property rights is difficult, and we cannot be certain that the steps we have taken will prevent unauthorized use of our intellectual property and know-how, particularly in China and other countries in which the laws may not protect our proprietary rights as fully as the laws of the United States. Accordingly, other parties, including competitors, may improperly duplicate our products using our proprietary technologies. Pursuing legal remedies against persons infringing our patents or otherwise improperly using our proprietary information is a costly and time consuming process that would divert management’s attention and other resources from the conduct of our other business, and could cause delays and other problems with the marketing and sales of our products, as well as delays in deliveries.

 

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It may be difficult to find or integrate acquisitions which could have an adverse effect on our expansion plans.

 

An important component of our growth strategy is to invest in or acquire companies such as other automotive parts manufacturers and distribution companies. We may be unable to identify suitable investment or acquisition candidates, or to make these investments or acquisitions on a commercially reasonable basis, if at all. If we complete an investment or acquisition, we may not realize the anticipated benefits from the transaction.

 

Integrating an acquired company is complex, distracting and time consuming, as well as a potentially expensive process. The successful integration of an acquisition would require us to:

 

· integrate and retain key management, sales, research and development, and other personnel;

 

· incorporate the acquired products or capabilities into our offerings both from an engineering and sales and marketing perspective;

 

· coordinate research and development efforts;

 

· integrate and support pre-existing supplier, distribution and customer relationships; and

 

· consolidate duplicate facilities and functions and combine back office accounting, order processing and support functions.

 

The geographic distance between the companies, the complexity of the technologies and operations being integrated and the disparate corporate cultures being combined may increase the difficulties of combining an acquired company. Acquired businesses are likely to have different standards, controls, contracts, procedures and policies, making it more difficult to implement and harmonize company-wide financial, accounting, billing, information and other systems. Management’s focus on integrating operations may distract attention from our day-to-day business and may disrupt key research and development, marketing or sales efforts.

 

With the automobile parts markets being highly competitive and many of our competitors having greater resources than we do, we may not be able to compete successfully.

 

The automobile parts industry is a highly competitive business. Criteria for our customers and potential customers include:

 

· Quality;

 

· Price/cost competitiveness;

 

· Product performance;

 

· Reliability and timeliness of delivery;

 

· New product and technology development capability;

 

· Degree of global and local presence;

 

· Effectiveness of customer service; and

 

· Overall management capability.

 

Depending on the particular product market (OEM or aftermarket) and geographic market, the number of our competitors varies significantly. Many of our competitors have substantially greater revenues and financial resources than we do, as well as stronger brand names, consumer recognition, business relationships with vehicle manufacturers, and geographic presence than we have, especially where we intend to enter a new geographic market. We may not be able to compete favorably and increased competition may substantially harm our competitive position.

 

Internationally, we face different market dynamics and competition. We may not be as successful as our competitors in generating revenues in international markets due to the lack of recognition of our brands, products or other factors. Developing product recognition overseas is expensive and time-consuming and our international expansion efforts may be more costly and less profitable than we expect. If we are not able to execute our business expansion in our target markets, our sales could decline, our margins could be negatively impacted and we could lose market share.

 

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A disruption at our sole manufacturing site would significantly interrupt our production capabilities, which could have drastic consequences to us, including threatening our financial viability.

 

We currently manufacture all of our products at our sole commercial manufacturing facility, which is located near Ruian City, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China. Accordingly, we face risks inherent in operating a single manufacturing facility, since any disruption, such as a fire, or natural disaster, could significantly interrupt our manufacturing capability. We currently do not have alternative production plans in place or disaster-recovery facilities available. In case of a disruption, we will have to establish alternative manufacturing sources. This would require substantial capital on our part, which we may not be able to obtain on commercially acceptable terms or at all. Additionally, we would likely experience months or years of production delays as we build or locate replacement facilities and seek and obtain necessary regulatory approvals. If this occurs, we will be unable to satisfy customer orders on a timely basis, if at all. Also, operating any new facilities may be more expensive than operating our current facility. For these reasons, a significant disruptive event at our manufacturing facility could have drastic consequences on us, including threatening our financial viability.

 

The cyclical nature of commercial vehicle production and sales could result in a reduction in automotive sales, which could adversely affect our financial liquidity.

 

Our sales to OEMs depend on automotive commercial vehicle production and sales by our customers, which are highly cyclical and affected by general economic conditions and other factors, including consumer spending and preferences. They also can be affected by government policies, labor relations issues, regulatory requirements, and other factors. In addition, in the last two years, the price of commercial vehicles in China has generally declined. As a result, the volume of commercial vehicle production in China has fluctuated from year to year, which has caused fluctuations in the demand for our products.

 

Increasing costs for manufactured components and raw materials may adversely affect our profitability.

 

We use a broad range of manufactured components and raw materials in our products, including castings, electronic components, finished sub-components, molded plastic parts, fabricated metal, aluminum and steel, and resins. Because it may be difficult to pass increased prices for these items on to our customers, a significant increase in the prices of our components and materials could materially increase our operating costs and adversely affect our profit margins and profitability.

 

Longer product life of parts may reduce aftermarket demand for some of our products.

 

In 2013, approximately 49.6% of our sales were sales to the aftermarket. The average useful life of original equipment parts has been steadily increasing in recent years due to improved quality and innovations in products and technologies. The longer product lives allow vehicle owners to replace parts of their vehicles less often. Additional increases in the average useful life of automotive parts are likely to adversely affect the demand for our aftermarket products.

 

We may be subject to product liability and warranty and recall claims, which may increase the costs of doing business and adversely affect our financial condition and liquidity.

 

We face an inherent business risk of exposure to product liability and warranty claims if our products actually or allegedly fail to perform as expected or the use of our products results, or is alleged to result, in bodily injury and/or property damage. We have not obtained product liability insurance and therefore may be exposed to potential liability without any insurance. We cannot ensure you that we will not incur significant costs to defend these claims or that we will not experience any product liability losses in the future. In addition, if any of our designed products are or are alleged to be defective, we may be required to participate in a recall of such products. We cannot assure you that the future costs associated with providing product warranties and/or bearing the cost of repair or replacement of our products will not have an adverse effect on our financial condition and liquidity.

 

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We are subject to environmental and safety regulations, which may increase our compliance costs.

 

We are subject to the requirements of environmental and occupational safety and health laws and regulations in China and other countries where we sell our products. To the extent that we expect to expand our operations into other geographic areas, we will become subject to such laws and regulations of those countries as well. We cannot provide assurance that we have been or will be at all times in full compliance with all of these requirements, or that we will not incur material costs or liabilities in connection with these requirements. The capital requirements and other expenditures that may be necessary to comply with environmental requirements could increase and become a material expense of doing business.

 

Non-performance by our suppliers may adversely affect our operations by delaying delivery or causing delivery failures, which may negatively affect demand, sales and profitability.

 

We purchase various types of equipment, raw materials and manufactured component parts from our suppliers. We would be materially and adversely affected by the failure of our suppliers to perform as expected. We could experience delivery delays or failures caused by production issues or delivery of non-conforming products if our suppliers failed to perform, and we also face these risks in the event any of our suppliers becomes insolvent or bankrupt.

 

Our commercial viability depends significantly on our ability to operate without infringing the patents and other proprietary rights of third parties.

 

In the event that our technologies infringe or violate the patent or other proprietary rights of third parties, we may be prevented from pursuing product development, manufacturing or commercialization of our products that utilize such technologies. There may be patents held by others of which we are unaware that contain claims that our products or operations infringe. In addition, given the complexities and uncertainties of patent laws, there may be patents of which we know that we may ultimately be held to infringe, particularly if the claims of the patent are determined to be broader than we believe them to be. As a result, avoiding patent infringement may be difficult.

 

If a third party claims that we infringe its patents, any of the following may occur:

 

· we may become liable for substantial damages for past infringement if a court decides that our technologies infringe upon a competitor’s patent;

 

· a court may prohibit us from selling or licensing our product without a license from the patent holder, which may not be available on commercially acceptable terms or at all, or which may require us to pay substantial royalties or grant cross-licenses to our patents; and

 

· we may have to redesign our product so that it does not infringe upon others’ patent rights, which may not be possible or could require substantial funds or time.

 

In addition, employees, consultants, contractors and others may use the trade secret information of others in their work for us or disclose our trade secret information to others. Either of these events could lead to disputes over the ownership of inventions derived from that information or expose us to potential damages or other penalties. If any of these events occurs, our business will suffer and the market price of our common stock will likely decline.

 

Our international expansion plans subject us to risks inherent in doing business internationally.

 

Our long-term business strategy relies on the expansion of our international sales outside China by targeting markets, such as Europe and the United States. Risks affecting our international expansion include challenges caused by distance, language and cultural differences, conflicting and changing laws and regulations, international import and export legislation, trading and investment policies, foreign currency fluctuations, the burdens of complying with a wide variety of laws and regulations, protectionist laws and business practices that favor local businesses in some countries, foreign tax consequences, higher costs associated with doing business internationally, restrictions on the export or import of technology, difficulties in staffing and managing international operations, trade and tariff restrictions, and variations in tariffs, quotas, taxes and other market barriers. These risks could harm our international expansion efforts, which could in turn materially and adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.

 

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Risks Related to Doing Business in China or Owning Shares in China-Based Business

 

We operate from facilities that are located in China. Our principal operating subsidiary, Ruili Group Ruian Auto Parts Co., Ltd., is a Sino-Foreign joint venture organized under the laws of China.

 

Changes in China’s political and economic policies and conditions could cause a substantial decline in the demand for our products and services.

 

Historically, we have derived a substantial portion of our revenues from China. We anticipate that China will continue to be our primary production location and an important sales base in the near future and currently almost all of our production assets are located in China. While the PRC government has pursued economic reforms to transform its economy from a planned economy to a market-oriented economy since 1979, a large part of the PRC economy is still being operated under varying degrees of control by the PRC government. By imposing industrial policies and other economic measures, such as restrictions on lending to certain sectors of the economy, control of foreign exchange, taxation and restrictions on foreign participation in the domestic market of various industries, the PRC government exerts considerable direct and indirect influence on the PRC economy. Many of the economic reforms carried out by the PRC government are unprecedented or experimental and are subject to risks and even set-backs. Other political, economic and social factors may also lead to further adjustments of the PRC reform measures. This refining and adjustment process may not necessarily have a positive effect on our operations and our future business development. For example, the PRC government has in the past implemented a number of measures intended to slow down certain segments of the PRC economy that the government believed to be overheating, including placing additional limitation on the ability of commercial banks to make loans by raising bank reserve-against-deposit rates. Historically, this restrictive policy on loans had the effect of decreasing infrastructure projects resulting in a decrease in demand for heavy trucks, thus adversely impacting our product sales to our OEM customers. Because of the negative impact of the Chinese government policies on the truck manufacturers, we also were required to extend our normal credit terms to certain of these manufacturers. Our operating results may be materially and adversely affected by changes in the PRC economic and social conditions and by changes in the policies of the PRC government, such as measures to control inflation, changes in the rates or method of taxation and the imposition of additional restrictions on currency conversion.

 

Changes in foreign exchange regulation in China may affect our ability to pay dividends in foreign currencies.

 

Currently, the official currency of the PRC, Renminbi (RMB), is not a freely convertible currency and the restrictions on currency exchanges in China may limit our ability to use revenues generated in RMB to fund our business activities outside China or to make dividends or other payments in U.S. dollars. The PRC government strictly regulates conversion of RMB into foreign currencies. Over the years, the PRC government has significantly reduced its control over routine foreign exchange transactions under current accounts, including trade-and service-related foreign exchange transactions, foreign debt service and payment of dividends. In accordance with the existing foreign exchange regulations in China, our PRC joint venture may pay dividends in foreign currencies, without prior approval from the PRC State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or SAFE, by complying with certain procedural requirements. The PRC government may, however, at its discretion, restrict access in the future to foreign currencies for current account transactions and prohibit us from converting our RMB-denominated earnings into foreign currencies. If this occurs, our PRC joint venture may not be able to pay us dividends in foreign currency without prior approval from SAFE. In addition, conversion of RMB for most capital account items, including direct investments, is still subject to government approval in China and companies are required to open and maintain separate foreign exchange accounts for capital account items.

 

Fluctuation in the value of RMB could adversely affect the value of, and dividends payable on, our shares in foreign currency terms.

 

The value of RMB is subject to changes in PRC government policies and depends to a large extent on China’s domestic and international economic, financial and political developments, as well as the currency’s supply and demand in the local market. For over a decade from 1994, the conversion of RMB into foreign currencies, including the U.S. dollar, was based on exchange rates set and published daily by the People’s Bank of China, the PRC central bank, based on the previous day’s interbank foreign exchange market rates in China and exchange rates on the world financial markets. The official exchange rate for the conversion of RMB into U.S. dollars remained stable until RMB was revalued in July 2005 and allowed to fluctuate by reference to a basket of foreign currencies, including the U.S. dollar. Under the new policy, RMB will be permitted to fluctuate within a band against a basket of foreign currencies. There remains significant international pressure on the PRC government to adopt a substantially more liberalized currency policy, which could result in a further and more significant appreciation in the value of RMB against the U.S. dollar. Further revaluations of RMB against the U.S. dollar may also occur in the future.

 

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The uncertain legal environment in China could limit the legal protections available to our shareholders.

 

The PRC legal system is a civil law system based on written statutes. Unlike the common-law system, the civil law system is a system in which decided legal cases have little precedential value. In the late 1970s, the PRC government began to promulgate a comprehensive system of laws and regulations to provide general guidance on economic and business practices in China and to regulate foreign investment. Our PRC joint venture is a Sino-Foreign joint venture and is subject to laws and regulations applicable to foreign investment in China in general and laws and regulations applicable to foreign-invested enterprises in particular. China has made significant progress in the promulgation of laws and regulations dealing with economic matters such as corporate organization and governance, foreign investment, commerce, taxation and trade. However, the promulgation of new laws, changes of existing laws and abrogation of local regulations by national laws may have a negative impact on our business and prospects. In addition, as these laws, regulations and legal requirements are relatively recent and because of the limited volume of published cases, the interpretation and enforcement of those laws, regulations and legal requirements involve significant uncertainties. These uncertainties could limit the legal protections available to foreign investors, including our shareholders. For example, it is not clear if a PRC court would enforce in China a foreign court decision made in any case brought by our shareholders against us in shareholders’ derivative actions.

 

Moreover, the enforceability of contracts in China, especially with governmental entities, including state-owned enterprise, is relatively uncertain. If counterparties repudiated our contracts or defaulted on their obligations, we might not have adequate remedies. Such uncertainties or inability to enforce our contracts could materially and adversely affect our revenues and earnings.

 

Our primary source of funds for dividend and other distributions from our operating subsidiary in China is subject to various legal and contractual restrictions and uncertainties as well as the practice of such subsidiary in declaring dividends, and our ability to pay dividends or make other distributions to our shareholders is negatively affected by those restrictions, uncertainties and dividend practices.

 

We conduct our core business operations through our PRC joint venture. As a result, our profits available for distribution to our shareholders are dependent on the profits available for distribution from our PRC joint venture. Under current PRC law, our PRC joint venture is regarded as a foreign-invested enterprise in China. Although dividends paid by foreign invested enterprises are not subject to any PRC corporate withholding tax, PRC law permits payment of dividends only out of net income as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. Determination of net income under PRC accounting standards and regulations may differ from determination under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles in significant aspects, such as the use of different principles for recognition of revenues and expenses. Under PRC law, our PRC joint venture is required to set aside 10% of its net income each year to fund a designated statutory reserve fund until such funds reach 50% of registered share capital. These reserves are not distributable as cash dividends. As a result, our primary internal source of funds for dividend payments is subject to these and other legal and contractual restrictions and uncertainties, which in turn may limit or impair our ability to pay dividends to our shareholders although we do not presently anticipate paying any dividends. Moreover, any transfer of funds from us to our PRC joint venture, either as a shareholder loan or as an increase in registered capital, is subject to registration with or approval by PRC governmental authorities. These limitations on the flow of funds between us and our PRC joint venture could restrict our ability to act in response to changing market conditions. To date, our PRC Joint Venture has not distributed any profits and does not anticipate doing so for the near term.

 

PRC’s economic reform policies, nationalization or domestic or global economic conditions could result in a total investment loss in our common stock.

 

Since 1979, the Chinese government has reformed its economic systems. Because many reforms are unprecedented or experimental, they are subject to risks and even set-backs. Other political, economic and social factors, such as political changes, changes in the rates of economic growth, unemployment or inflation, or in the disparities in per capita wealth between regions within China, could lead to further adjustment of the reform measures. This refining and adjustment process may negatively affect our operations.

 

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Although the Chinese government owns the majority of productive assets in China, in the past several years the government has implemented economic reform measures that emphasize decentralization and encourage private economic activity. Because these economic reform measures may be inconsistent or ineffectual, there are no assurances that:

 

· We will be able to capitalize on economic reforms;

 

· The Chinese government will continue its pursuit of economic reform policies;

 

· The economic policies, even if pursued, will be successful;

 

· Economic policies will not be significantly altered from time to time; and

 

· Business operations in China will not become subject to the risk of nationalization.

 

There can be no assurance that the reforms to China’s economic system will continue or that we will not be adversely affected by changes in China’s political, economic, and social conditions and by changes in policies of the Chinese government, such as changes in laws and regulations, measures which may be introduced to control inflation, changes in the rate or method of taxation, changes affecting currency conversion and remittance abroad, and changes in tariffs and other import controls. A material change in reforms on economic policy could cause instability or other harmful results.

 

Because our principal operating company is organized under the laws of China, and substantially all of our assets are located in China, our shareholders may experience difficulties in effecting service of legal process, enforcing foreign judgments or bringing original actions in China against our management and us.

 

Our joint venture operating company is incorporated under the laws of China and substantially all of our assets are located in China. In addition, all of our directors and executive officers reside within China, and substantially all of the assets of these persons are located within China. As a result, it may not be possible to effect service of process within the United States or elsewhere outside China upon certain directors or executive officers, including with respect to matters arising under U.S. federal securities laws or applicable state securities laws. Moreover, China does not have treaties providing for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgments of courts with the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan or many other countries. As a result, recognition and enforcement in China of judgments of a court in the United States and any of the other jurisdictions mentioned above in relation to any matter may be difficult or impossible. Furthermore, an original action may be brought in China against us, our directors, managers, or executive officers. In connection with any such original action, a Chinese court may award civil liability, including monetary damages. However, there is no assurance that such judgment can be effectively or timely enforced in China.

 

It is likely that China will adopt additional environmental regulations and additional or modified regulations relating to the manufacture, transportation, storage, use and disposal of materials used to manufacture our products or restricting disposal of waste, which would likely increase our operating costs.

 

National, provincial and local laws impose various environmental controls on the manufacture of automotive parts and/or of certain materials used in the manufacture of automotive parts. Although we believe that our operations are in substantial compliance with current environmental regulations, there can be no assurance that changes in such laws and regulations will not impose costly compliance requirements on us or otherwise subject us to future liabilities. In addition, China is experiencing substantial problems with environmental pollution. Accordingly, it is likely that the national, provincial and local governmental agencies will adopt stricter pollution controls. Any such regulation relating to the manufacture, transportation, storage, use and disposal of materials used to manufacture our products or restricting disposal of any waste would likely increase our operating costs.

 

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Risks Related to Our Common Stock

 

The market price for our common stock may be volatile which could result in a complete loss of your investment.

 

The market price for our common stock may be volatile in response to factors including the following:

 

· actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly operating results,

 

· announcements of new products by us or our competitors,

 

· changes in financial estimates by securities analysts,

 

· changes in the economic performance or market valuations of other companies involved in the production of automotive parts,

 

· announcements by our competitors of significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments,

 

· additions or departures of key personnel,

 

· potential litigation, or conditions in the automotive market: macroeconomic conditions or other development in the market, especially in China.

 

In addition, the securities markets have from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are not related to the operating performance of particular companies. These market fluctuations may also materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

 

We may issue additional shares of our capital stock to raise additional cash for working capital. If we issue additional shares of our capital stock, our stockholders will experience dilution in their respective percentage ownership in us.

 

We may seek to further expand our operations and therefore we may issue additional shares of our capital stock to raise additional cash for working capital. If we issue additional shares of our capital stock, our stockholders will experience dilution in their respective percentage ownership in us.

 

A large portion of our common stock is controlled by a small number of stockholders and as a result, these stockholders are able to influence the outcome of stockholder votes on various matters.

 

A large portion of our common stock is held by a small number of stockholders. Mr. Xiao Ping Zhang, our Company’s Chief Executive Officer, his wife Ms. Shuping Chi, and his brother Mr. Xiao Feng Zhang, all of whom are the directors of our board, held approximately 49.7%, 6.2% and 6.2% respectively, of the Company’s common stock as of December 31, 2013. As a result, these stockholders are able to control the outcome of stockholder votes on various matters, including the election of directors and other corporate transactions including business combinations.

 

The occurrence of sales of a large number of shares of our common stock, or the perception that these sales could occur, may affect our stock price and could impair our ability to obtain capital through an offering of equity securities.

 

The occurrence of sales of a large number of shares of our common stock, or the perception that these sales could occur, may affect our stock price and could impair our ability to obtain capital through an offering of equity securities. This would have an adverse effect on our business by restricting access to working capital to fund growth and operations. Furthermore, the comparatively small public float of our common stock could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

 

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If we cannot continue to satisfy the Nasdaq Global Market’s listing maintenance requirements and other Nasdaq rules, our common stock could be delisted, which could negatively affect the price of our ordinary shares and your ability to sell them.

 

In order to maintain our listing on the Nasdaq Global Market, we will be required to comply with Nasdaq rules which include rules regarding minimum shareholders’ equity, minimum share price, and certain corporate governance requirements. We may not be able to continue to satisfy the listing maintenance requirements of the Nasdaq Global Market and other applicable Nasdaq rules. If we are unable to satisfy the Nasdaq criteria for maintaining listing, our common stock could be subject to delisting. If our common stock is delisted, trading, if any, of our common stock would thereafter be conducted in the over-the-counter (OTC) market, in the so-called “OTC Pink” or on the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)’s Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board (OTCBB). As a consequence of any such delisting, our share price could be negatively affected and our stockholders would likely find it more difficult to dispose of, or to obtain accurate quotations as to the prices of, our common stock.

 

We do not intend to pay dividends on shares of our common stock in the foreseeable future.

 

We have never paid cash dividends on our common stock. Our current board of directors does not anticipate that we will pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Instead, we intend to retain future earnings for reinvestment in our business and/or to fund future acquisitions. Determination of net income under PRC accounting standards and regulations may differ from determination under U.S. GAAP in significant aspects, such as the use of different principles for recognition of revenues and expenses. Under PRC law, our PRC joint venture is required to set aside a portion of its net income each year to fund designated statutory reserve funds.

 

We may be required to indemnify our officers and directors, which could result in substantial expenditures, which we may be unable to recoup.

 

Our Bylaws provide for the indemnification of our directors, officers, employees, and agents, under certain circumstances, for damages, attorney’s fees and other expenses incurred by them in any litigation to which they become a party arising from their association with or activities on behalf of us. Such indemnification obligation could result in substantial expenditures, which we may be unable to recoup.

 

There can be no assurance that we will have the personnel, financial resources or expertise to continue to meet requirements of relevant regulations, including requirements by Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

 

The US Public Company Accounting Reform and Investor Protection Act of 2002, better known as Sarbanes-Oxley, was one of the most sweeping laws to affect U.S. publicly - traded companies in 70 years. Sarbanes-Oxley created a set of complex and burdensome regulations. Compliance with such regulations imposes substantial burdens in terms of financial expense and commitment of personnel. There can be no assurance that we will have the personnel, financial resources or expertise to continue to meet requirements of these regulations.

 

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

None.

 

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

 

Our facilities are located in the Ruian District of Wenzhou City in Zhejiang Province, which boasts many automotive parts production facilities similar to ours. Our facilities include a manufacturing plant and office building with a total floor area of 712,333 square feet, which we purchased from Ruili Group Co. Ltd., a related party. At the production facility, the Company has production equipment, imported from the United States, Korea, and Taiwan, as well as manufactured in mainland China.

 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

None.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

 

Not applicable.

 

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PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDERS MATTERS AND ISSUERS PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Price Range of Common Stock

 

On April 18, 2006, our common shares became listed in the NASDAQ Capital Market and commenced trading on NASDAQ under the symbol “SORL”. Our shares became listed on the NASDAQ Global Market on November 21, 2006. High and low sales prices per share of our common stock for each quarter ended during 2013 and 2012 are as follows:

 

Quarter Ended   High     Low  
             
2013                
First Quarter     5.37       3.56  
Second Quarter     4.85       2.60  
Third Quarter     3.90       2.52  
Fourth Quarter     4.12       2.55  
                 
2012                
First Quarter     2.75       1.82  
Second Quarter     2.70       1.71  
Third Quarter     3.64       2.40  
Fourth Quarter     3.55       2.30  

 

Stockholders

 

At March 26, 2014, we had approximately 522 registered stockholders of record of our common stock. This number does not include shares beneficially owned by investors through brokerage clearing houses, depositories or otherwise held in “street name.”

 

Dividends

 

We have not declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Payment of cash dividends, if any, in the future will be at the sole discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon our debt and equity structure, earnings and financial condition, need for capital in connection with possible future acquisitions and other factors including economic conditions, regulatory restrictions and tax considerations. Additionally, amounts available for dividends are dependent on the profits available for distribution from our PRC joint venture. Under current PRC law, our PRC joint venture is regarded as a foreign invested enterprise in China. Although dividends paid by foreign invested enterprises are not subject to any PRC corporate withholding tax, PRC law permits payment of dividends only out of net income as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. Determination of net income under PRC accounting standards and regulations may differ from determination under U.S. GAAP in significant aspects, such as the use of different principles for recognition of revenues and expenses. Under PRC law, our PRC joint venture is required to set aside a portion of its net income each year to fund designated statutory reserve funds. These reserves are not distributable as cash dividends. , Such restrictions and requirements have materially limited or impaired our ability to pay dividends to our shareholders although we do not presently plan to declare or pay any dividends on our common shares. Moreover, any transfer of funds from us to our PRC joint venture, either as a shareholder loan or as an increase in registered capital, is subject to registration with or approval by PRC governmental authorities. These limitations on the flow of funds between us and our PRC joint venture could restrict our ability to act in response to changing market conditions. Additionally to date, our PRC Joint Venture has not distributed any profits and does not anticipate doing so for the near term.

 

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

 

Not applicable.

 

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

 

The following is management’s discussion and analysis of certain significant factors that have affected our financial position and operating results during the periods included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, as well as information relating to the plans of our current management. This report includes forward-looking statements. Generally, the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “continue,” and similar expressions or the negative thereof or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including the matters set forth in this report and other reports or documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those presented. Undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

 

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto and other financial information contained elsewhere in this Form 10K.

 

OVERVIEW

 

On May 10, 2004, we acquired all of the issued and outstanding equity interests of Fairford Holdings Limited, a Hong Kong limited liability company (“Fairford”). Until we acquired Fairford, we had only nominal assets and liabilities and limited business operations. Although Fairford became our wholly-owned subsidiary following the acquisition, because the acquisition resulted in a change of control, the acquisition was recorded as a “reverse merger” whereby Fairford was considered to be the accounting acquirer. As such, the following results of operations were those of Fairford.

 

Fairford was organized in Hong Kong as a limited liability company on November 3, 2003. Fairford owns 90% of the equity interest of Ruili Group Ruian Auto Parts Co., Ltd., a Sino-Foreign joint venture (the “Joint Venture” or “Ruian”) established pursuant to the laws of China. The Joint Venture is a joint venture between our wholly-owned subsidiary Fairford, and the Ruili Group.

 

The Ruili Group was incorporated in the PRC in 1987 to specialize in the development, production and sale of various kinds of automotive parts. Its headquarter is located in Ruian City of Wenzhou Area, one of the leading automotive parts manufacturing centers of China with more than 1400 auto parts manufacturing companies. Its major product lines include valves for air brake systems, auto metering products, auto electric products, anti-lock brake systems and retarders. Some of those products were developed and are manufactured through affiliated companies of Ruili Group. Due to its leading position in the industry, the Chairman of the Ruili Group, Mr. Xiao Ping Zhang, has been elected as the Chairman of Wenzhou Auto Parts Association, one of the leading auto parts trade associations in China. Mr. Zhang is also the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The Joint Venture was established in the PRC as a Sino-Foreign joint venture company with limited liability by the Ruili Group and Fairford. Fairford and Ruili Group contributed 90% and 10%, respectively, of the paid-in capital in the aggregate amount of approximately $53.8 million.

 

In connection with its formation, effective January 19, 2004 the Joint Venture acquired the business of the Ruili Group relating to the manufacture and sale of various kinds of valves for automotive brake systems and related operations (the “Transferred Business”). This was accomplished by the transfer from the Ruili Group to Fairford of the relevant assets and liabilities of the Transferred Business including trade receivables, inventories and machinery, and the assumption of short and long term borrowings, at a consideration of approximately $6.39 million.

 

The consideration was based on a valuation by an independent PRC valuation firm. Fairford then contributed these assets and liabilities as capital contribution for its 90% interest in the Joint Venture. The Ruili Group also transferred inventory as its capital contribution for its 10% interest in the Joint Venture. The assets and liabilities transferred to the Joint Venture by Fairford and the Ruili Group represented all the relevant assets and liabilities of the Transferred Business.

 

Pursuant to the formation of the Joint Venture, on January 17, 2004, the Ruili Group and Fairford signed a binding Joint Venture agreement (the “JV Agreement”). Pursuant to the JV Agreement, the board of directors consists of three directors; Fairford has the right to designate two members of the board and the Ruili Group has the right to designate one member. The majority of the board has decision making authority with respect to operating matters. As a result, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Fairford, maintains operating control over the Joint Venture.

 

The transactions were accounted for as a reverse spin-off in accordance with EITF 02-11 “Accounting for Spin-offs.” Accordingly SORL Auto Parts, Inc. was deemed to be the “spinnor” for accounting purposes.

 

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In December 2006, pursuant to the terms of the Joint Venture Agreement (revised), through Fairford, SORL invested a further approximately $32.67 million in its operating subsidiary- the Joint Venture. To maintain its 10% shareholding in the Joint Venture, the Ruili Group increased its capital investment by approximately $3.63 million. SORL Auto Parts, Inc. continues to hold a 90% controlling interest in the operating subsidiary. Pursuant to the JV Agreement and the Joint Venture Agreement (revised), the total paid-in capital of the Joint Venture increased from $7.1 million to $43.4 million.

 

As a result of the foregoing, through Fairford’s 90% interest in the Joint Venture, the Company manufactures and distributes automotive brake systems and other key safety related components in China and internationally for use primarily in different types of vehicles, such as trucks and buses. There are 65 categories of valves with over 2,000 different specifications. Management believes that it is the largest manufacturer of automotive air brake systems for commercial vehicles in China.

 

On November 11, 2009, we entered into a joint venture agreement with MGR Hong Kong Limited (“MGR”), a Hong Kong-based global auto parts distribution specialist firm, and with a Taiwanese investor. The new joint venture was named SORL International Holding, Ltd. (the "SIH"). SORL holds a 60% interest in the joint venture. SIH was primarily devoted to expanding SORL's international sales network in Asia-Pacific and creating a larger footprint in Europe, the Middle East and Africa with a target to create a truly global distribution network. Based in Hong Kong, SIH seeks to open up and establish channels of distribution in international markets.

 

On February 8, 2010, the Company sold 1,000,000 shares of its common stock to selected institutional investors at a price of $10.00 per share pursuant to a registered direct offering. This transaction provided net proceeds of approximately $9.4 million. On March 9, 2010, through Fairford, SORL invested approximately $9.4 million in its operating subsidiary, the Joint Venture. To maintain its 10% shareholding in the Joint Venture, the Ruili Group increased its capital investment by approximately $1.0 million. Accordingly, SORL continues to hold a 90% controlling interest in the operating subsidiary. The total paid-in capital of the Joint Venture increased from $43.4 million to $53.8 million.

 

On August 31, 2010, the Company, through the Joint Venture, executed an Agreement to acquire the assets of the hydraulic brake, power steering, and automotive electrical operations of the Ruili Group (the "Seller", a related party under common control). As a result of this acquisition, the Company's product offerings expanded to both commercial and passenger vehicles' brake systems and other key safety-related auto parts. The purchase price was RMB 170 million, or approximately USD$25 million. The transaction was accounted for using the book value of assets acquired, consisting primarily of machinery and equipment, inventory, accounts receivable and patent rights, used or usable in connection with the acquired segment of the auto parts business of the Seller. The Company purchased the machinery and equipment, inventory, accounts receivable at book values of approximately $8.0 million, $8.0 million and $5.2 million, respectively. The Company did not acquire any of the assets of the Seller other than those in the segment of Seller's business described above. The excess of consideration over the carrying value of net assets received has been recorded as a decrease in the additional paid-in capital of the Company.

 

The acquisition was accounted for as a transaction between the entities under common control because the CEO of the Company owns 63% of the registered capital of Ruili Group Co., Ltd., and owns more than 50% of the outstanding common stock of SORL, together with his wife and brother. This results in the acquisition being accounted for using the historical costs of the financial statements of the Seller. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared as if the acquisition took place at the earliest time presented, that is, as of January 1, 2009. The asset purchase was deemed to be the acquisition of a business.

 

Overall financing cost has declined due to the lower benchmark interest rates and a gradually easing financial environment. In order to lower the Company’s financing cost, on December 25, 2012, the Company reached an agreement with International Far Eastern Leasing Co., Ltd. to terminate a previous leasing agreement dated September 13, 2011 and to satisfy any unpaid principle under that agreement.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

 

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with those accounting principles requires us to make judgments and estimates that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Those judgments and estimates have a significant effect on the consolidated financial statements because they result primarily from the need to make estimates about the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain. Actual results could differ from those estimates. We periodically re-evaluate our judgments and estimates that are based upon historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances.

 

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We believe that the following critical accounting policies set forth below involve the most significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. We evaluate these policies on an ongoing basis, based upon historical results and experience, consultation with experts, trends and other methods we consider reasonable in the particular circumstances, as well as our forecasts as to how these might change in the future.

 

WARRANTIES

 

Estimated product warranty expenses are accrued in cost of goods sold at the time the related sales are recognized. We base our estimate on historical trends of units sold and payment amounts, combined with our current understanding of the status of existing claims and discussions with our customers.

 

INVENTORIES

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is calculated on the weighted-average basis and includes all costs to acquire and other costs incurred in bringing the inventories to their present location and condition. The Company evaluates the net realizable value of its inventories on a regular basis and records a provision for loss to reduce the computed weighted-average cost if it exceeds the net realizable value.

 

INCOME TAXES

 

Taxes are calculated in accordance with taxation principles currently effective in the PRC. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. 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 as income or loss in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is provided for the amount of deferred tax assets and liabilities that, based on available evidence, are not expected to be realized.

 

The Company increased its investment in the Joint Venture as a result of its financing in December, 2006. In accordance with the Income Tax Law of the People's Republic of China on Foreign-invested Enterprises and Foreign Enterprises, the Joint Venture was therefore eligible for additional preferential tax treatment. For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2008, the Joint Venture was entitled to an income tax exemption on all pre-tax income generated by the company above its pre-tax income generated in the year ended December 31, 2006. Thereafter, the Joint Venture was entitled to a 50% exemption from the effective income tax rate on any pre-tax income above its 2006 pre-tax income, to be recognized in the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011. However, the above tax exemption was superseded, as a result of the Joint Venture having been awarded the Chinese government's "High-Tech Enterprise" designation. The High-Tech Enterprise certificate is valid for three years and provides for a reduced tax rate from the year ended December 31, 2009 through the year ended December 31, 2011. The Company used a tax rate of 25% for the first three quarters of 2012. In December 2012, the Joint Venture passed the re-assessment of "High-Tech Enterprise" designation by the government, according to relevant PRC income tax laws. Accordingly, it continues to be taxed at a 15% rate from the year ended December 31, 2012 through the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

REVENUE RECOGNITION

 

In accordance with the provisions of Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 103, revenue from the sale of goods is recognized when the risks and rewards of ownership of the goods have transferred to the buyer including factors such as when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exits, delivery has occurred, the sales price is fixed and determinable, and collection is probable. The Company generally records sales upon shipment of product to customers and transfer of title under standard commercial terms. Revenue consists of the invoice value for the sale of goods and services net of value-added tax (“VAT”), rebates and discounts and returns. The Company nets sales return in gross revenue, i.e., the revenue shown in the income statement is the net sales. The Company is subject to the following surtaxes, which are recorded as deductions from gross sales: Education Tax and City Construction Tax.

 

The Company does not receive revenue for shipping and handling costs to customers. Shipping and handling expenses incurred by the Company are included in selling and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

 

CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK

 

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of accounts receivable. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations with respect to the financial condition of its creditors, but does not require collateral. In order to determine the value of the Company’s accounts receivable, the Company records a provision for doubtful accounts to cover probable credit losses. Management reviews and adjusts this allowance periodically based on historical experience and its evaluation of the collection of outstanding accounts receivable.

 

26
 

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

REVENUE

 

Year ended December 31, 2013 as compared to year ended December 31, 2012:

 

    Years Ended December 31,
Sales   2013   Percent
of
Total
sales
  2012   Percent
of  
Total
sales
    (U.S.  dollars in million)
Commercial vehicle brake systems, etc.   $ 169.3       81.2 %   $ 152.2       79.2 %
Passenger vehicle brake systems, etc.   $ 39.3       18.8 %   $ 40.0       20.8 %
                                 
Total   $ 208.6       100.0 %   $ 192.2       100.0 %

 

Total sales were $208,571,812 and $192,217,399 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, representing an increase of $16.4 million or 8.5% year over year. The increase was mainly due to the increased sales to China OEM and international market.

 

The sales from commercial vehicle brake systems increased by $17.1 million or 11.2%, to $169.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, compared to $152.2 million for the same period of 2012.

 

The sales from passenger vehicle brake systems decreased by $0.7 million or 1.8%, to $39.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, compared to $40.0 million for the same period of 2012.

 

A breakdown of sales revenue for our three principal markets, Chinese domestic OEM market, Chinese domestic aftermarket and international markets, in 2013 and 2012 is as follows:

 

    Years Ended December 31,
    2013   Percent of
Total
sales
  2012   Percent of
Total sales
  Percentage
Change
    (U.S. dollars in million)    
China OEM market   $ 105.0       50.4 %   $ 93.9       48.9 %     11.9 %
China Aftermarket   $ 46.7       22.4 %   $ 45.3       23.6 %     3.0 %
International market   $ 56.9       27.2 %   $ 53.0       27.5 %     7.3 %
                                         
Total   $ 208.6       100.0 %   $ 192.2       100.0 %     8.5 %

 

Based on statistics published by the China Association of Automobile Manufactures, in 2013 China’s automobile output and sales volume both reached record high levels of 22.11 million and 21.98 million units, which was increased by 14.8% and 13.9%, compared with 2012 figures. The output and sales of commercial vehicles increased by 7.6% and 6.4% to 4.03 million units and 4.06 million units, respectively. With the delayed implementation of the Chinese IV Emission Standard, the consumption of commercial vehicles equipped with China III engines spurred sales beginning in the second quarter of 2013, which resulted in higher than usual output and sales volume of commercial vehicles. The construction of real estate and infrastructure increased in the third quarter of 2013, which resulted in the higher demand of commercial vehicles. Our OEM sales for the year of 2013 increased by $11.1 million or 11.9%, from 2012, to $105.0 million.

 

27
 

 

Our sales to the Chinese aftermarket increased by $1.4 million or 3.0%, to $46.7 million for the year of 2013, compared to $45.3 million for the year of 2012. The increased new vehicle sales in China and the expiration of OEM warranties helped drive the increase in our aftermarket business. Sales of our new model products, applicable to both OEM and aftermarket, also grew during the year ended December 31, 2013. We will continue with our strategies to further optimize our sales network and to help further penetrate into new markets. The continued urban development and the Chinese government’s support for public transportation increase the demand for buses and expand the bus aftermarket.

 

Our export sales increased by $3.9 million or 7.3%, to $56.9 million for the year of 2013, as compared to $53.0 million for the same period of 2012. It was mainly due to the improving conditions in the U.S. market and a broadening customer base, as well as the Company’s continuous strategy to strengthen and extend its distribution networks to focus on increasing recognition of SORL’s products by end users.

 

We expect to take the following measures to ensure future growth in the international market:

(1) Enhance the Company brand image through industry exhibitions.

(2) Maintenance of our customer base and market position while penetrating new markets and capturing new customers.

(3) Building a stronger international marketing network with the focus on exploring high-value foreign markets, and active marketing to the large automotive chain stores that directly sell to end users.

(4) Further targeting the international OEM market by actively supporting initiatives that promote our overseas sales.

 

COST OF SALES AND GROSS PROFIT

 

Cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased to approximately $149.9 million from $135.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, a $14.0 million or approximately 10.3% increase.

 

Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2013, increased by approximately $2.4 million or 4.2% to $58.6 million from $56.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, as a result of the increased sales.

 

Gross margin decreased by approximately 1.2%, from 29.3% in 2012 to 28.1% in 2013. Gross margin was affected by rising labor expenses, the appreciation of the Chinese currency, and higher raw material prices.

 

Cost of sales from commercial vehicle brake systems for the year ended December 31, 2013 were $121.7 million, an increase of $14.1 million or 13.1%, from $107.6 million for the same period last year. The gross profit from commercial vehicle brake systems increased by 6.7% to $47.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 from $44.6 million for the year of 2012. Gross margin from commercial vehicle brake systems decreased to 28.1% for the year ended December 31, 2013 from 29.3% in 2012. The decrease was primarily due to raising labor expenses, the appreciation of the Chinese currency, and higher raw material prices.

 

Cost of sales from passenger vehicle brake systems for the year ended December 31, 2013 were $28.26 million, a decrease of $0.08 million or 0.3% from $28.34 million for the same period in 2012. The gross profit from passenger vehicle brake systems decreased by 5.4% to $11.0 million for the year of 2013 from $11.7 million for the year of 2012. Gross margin from passenger vehicle brake systems decreased to 28.1% for the year ended December 31, 2013 from 29.2% in 2012.

 

SELLING EXPENSES

 

Selling expenses were $20,906,914 for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to $19,060,116 for the year ended December 31, 2012, an increase of $1.8 million or 9.7%. The increase was mainly due to the increased wages expense and packing expenses. As a percentage of sales revenue, selling expenses increased to 10.0% for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to 9.9% for the same period in 2012.

 

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

 

General and administrative expenses were $17,379,521 for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to $13,512,003 for the year ended December 31, 2012, an increase of $3.9 million or 28.6%. The increase was mainly due to increases in labor expenses and bad debts provision. As a percentage of sales revenue, general and administrative expenses increased to 8.3% for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to 7.0% for the same period in 2012. 

 

28
 

 

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSE

 

Research and development expense was $7,550,010 for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared with $7,849,101 for the year ended December 31, 2012, a decrease of $0.3 million or 3.8%. The Company expects to continue to invest in new product development, particularly in upgrading traditional products and in developing electronically controlled products.

 

OTHER OPERATING INCOME

 

For the year ended December 31, 2013, other operating income was $2,074,520 compared with $1,485,116 for the year ended December 31, 2012, an increase of $0.59 million. The increase was due to an increase in sales of raw material scrap for the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION

 

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased to $7,188,064 for the year ended December 31, 2013, compared with depreciation and amortization expense of $7,405,347 for the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

The decrease in depreciation and amortization expense was primarily due to the fact that more production equipment was depreciated to residual value and stopped being further depreciated during 2013.

 

FINANCIAL EXPENSES

 

Financial expenses mainly consist of interest expense and exchange loss. The financial expenses for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased by $0.2 million to $2,569,775 from $2,360,966 for the same period of 2012, mainly due to increased currency exchange loss.

 

INCOME TAX

 

The Joint Venture is registered in the PRC, and is therefore subject to state and local income taxes within the PRC at the applicable tax rate on the taxable income as reported in the PRC statutory financial statements in accordance with relevant income tax laws.

 

The Company increased its investment in the Joint Venture as a result of its financing in December, 2006. In accordance with the Income Tax Law of the People's Republic of China on Foreign-invested Enterprises and Foreign Enterprises, the Joint Venture was eligible for additional preferential tax treatment for the years 2007 and 2008. In those years, the Joint Venture was entitled to an income tax exemption on all pre-tax income generated by the Company above its pre-tax income generated in the year 2006. This tax exemption was superseded as a result of the Joint Venture having been awarded the Chinese government's "High-Tech Enterprise" designation. The High-Tech Enterprise certificate is valid for three years and provides for a reduced tax rate for years 2009 through 2011. The Company used a tax rate of 25% for the first three quarters of 2012. In 2012 December, the Joint Venture passed the re-assessment by the government, according to the relevant PRC income tax laws. Accordingly, it continues to be taxed at a 15% rate in 2012 through 2014.

 

Income tax expense of $2,048,056 and $2,005,125 was recorded for the year of 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST IN SUBSIDIARIES

 

Non-controlling interest in subsidiaries represents a 10% non-controlling interest in Ruian and 40% non-controlling interest in SIH, in each case held by our joint venture partners. Net income attributable to non-controlling interest in subsidiaries amounted to $1,164,068 and $1,458,672 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO STOCKHOLDERS

 

The net income attributable to stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2013 decreased by $3.4 million, to $9,362,965 from $12,804,938 for the year ended December 31, 2012 due to the factors discussed above. Earnings per share (“EPS”), both basic and diluted, for 2013 and 2012, were $0.49 and $0.66 per share, respectively.

 

29
 

 

FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

OPERATING - Net cash provided from operating activities was $1,353,983 for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to $31,616,917 of net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2012, a decrease of $30.3 million, primarily due to the decreased cash inflow as a result of changes in bank acceptance notes from customers and inventories.

 

As of December 31, 2013, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $28,241,983, a decrease of $13.0 million, as compared to cash and cash equivalents of $41,253,353 at December 31, 2012. The Company had working capital of $144,658,883 at December 31, 2013, an increase of $20.7 million as compared to working capital of $123,953,956 at December 31, 2012, reflecting current ratios of 4.13:1 and 3.26:1, respectively.

 

INVESTING - For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company expended net cash of $4,797,162 in investing activities. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company expended net cash of $1,624,236 in investing activities.

 

FINANCING – For the year ended December 31, 2013, the amount the Company repaid for its bank loans and capital lease obligation was $85,039,052. Cash provided by financing activities was $75,507,853 for the year ended December 31, 2013. Net cash used in financing activities was $9,531,199. Net cash used in financing activities was $5,862,944 for the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

The Company has taken a number of steps to improve the management of its cash flow. We place more emphasis on collection of accounts receivable from our customers. We maintain good relationships with local banks. We believe that our current cash and cash equivalents and anticipated cash flow generated from operations and our bank lines of credit will be sufficient to finance our working capital requirements for the foreseeable future.

 

OFF-BALANCE SHEET AGREEMENTS

 

As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we did not have any material commitments for capital expenditures or have any transactions, obligations or relationships that could be considered off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

According to the law of China, the government owns all the land in China. Companies and individuals are authorized to possess and use the land only through land use rights granted by the Chinese government. The Company purchased the land use rights from Ruili Group, a related party. The Company also purchased a building on the land in the same transaction. The purchase price of land use right and building amounted to approximately $20 million. The Company has been negotiating with the government for a reduction in or exemption from the tax being sought by the government in connection with the transfer of the land use rights, and pending resolution of that issue, we have deferred accrual or payment of the tax. Due to the lack of resolution of that issue, the land use right certificate and the property ownership certificate have not been issued to the Company. There is no assurance that we can conclude the negotiations with the government and obtain a favorable result. We plan to conclude negotiations with the government and to obtain the land use rights certificate as soon as practicable.

 

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

The Company did not have any material market risk with respect to such factors as commodity prices, equity prices, and other market changes that affect market risk sensitive investments.

 

Although our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar, the functional currency of Joint Venture is primarily RMB. As a result, we are exposed to foreign exchange risk as our revenues and results of operations may be affected by fluctuations in the exchange rate between U.S. dollars and RMB. If the RMB depreciates against the U.S. dollar, the value of our Renminbi revenues, earnings and assets as expressed in our U.S. dollar financial statements will decline. In recent years, the RMB has been appreciating against the U.S. dollar.

 

 Assets and liabilities of our operating subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate at the balance sheet date, their equity accounts are translated at historical exchange rate and their income and expenses are translated using the average rate for the period. Any resulting exchange differences are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss. The Company is adopting such steps as the diversification of currencies used in export sales, and the negotiation of export contracts with fixed exchange rates.

 

As the Company’s historical debt obligations are primarily short-term in nature, with fixed interest rates, the Company does not have any risk from an increase in market interest rates. However, to the extent that the Company arranges new borrowings in the future, an increase in market interest rate would cause a commensurate increase in the interest expense related to such borrowings.

 

30
 

 

ITEM 8 FINANCAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

SORL Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries,

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of SORL Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) as of December 31, 2013, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2013. We have also audited the parent company financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013 included in Schedule I. These consolidated financial statements and parent company financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and the parent company financial statements based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit includes consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, 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. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of SORL Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the related parent company financial statements included in Schedule I, when considered in relation to the consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

 

/s/ MaloneBailey, LLP

 

MaloneBailey, LLP

Houston, Texas

March 31, 2014

 

31
 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and

Stockholders of SORL Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of SORL Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2012, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2012. SORL Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries’ management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, 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. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of SORL Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2012 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

/s/ EFP Rotenberg, LLP

 

EFP Rotenberg, LLP

Rochester, New York

April 1, 2013

 

32
 

 

SORL Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012

 

    December 31, 2013     December 31, 2012  
             
Assets                
Current Assets                
Cash and cash equivalents   US$ 28,241,983     US$ 41,253,353  
Accounts receivable, net of provision     57,912,384       62,153,509  
Bank acceptance notes from customers     20,186,787       10,098,390  
Inventories     76,364,019       56,775,825  
Prepayments     3,773,750       5,722,743  
Current portion of prepaid capital lease interest     453,053       876,326  
                 
Other current assets     2,537,300       1,183,487  
                 
Deferred tax assets     1,392,955       687,632  
Total Current Assets     190,862,231       178,751,265  
Fixed Assets                
Machinery     46,475,961       52,212,579  
Molds     1,388,218       1,384,781  
Office equipments     1,960,476       1,637,402  
Vehicles     2,248,280       2,025,702  
Buildings     8,910,501       8,888,441  
Machinery held under capital lease     28,396,853       18,165,511  
Less: accumulated depreciation     (44,175,888 )     (37,351,817 )
 Property, plant and equipment, net     45,204,401       46,962,599  
Leasehold improvements in progress     264,612       335,714  
                 
Land Use Rights, Net     14,409,170       14,742,047  
                 
Other Non-Current Assets                
                 
Intangible assets     176,302       175,865  
Less: accumulated amortization     (126,031 )     (108,976 )
Intangible assets, net     50,271       66,889  
Security deposits on lease agreement     1,818,244       1,879,831  
Non-current portion of prepaid capital lease interest     371,355       822,640  
Total Other Non-Current Assets     2,239,870       2,769,360  
Total Assets   US$ 252,980,284     US$ 243,560,985  
                 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity                
Current Liabilities                
Accounts payable, including $810,310 and $94,954 due to related parties at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.   US$ 13,290,282     US$ 14,324,633  
Deposit received from customers     13,931,658       6,599,746  
Short term bank loans     4,526,863       14,599,753  
Income tax payable     494,658       -  
Accrued expenses     10,066,969       8,501,819  
Current portion of capital lease obligations     3,636,488       10,458,352  
Other current liabilities, including $94,246 and $33,083 due to related parties at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.     256,430       313,006  
Total Current Liabilities     46,203,348       54,797,309  
                 
Non-Current Liabilities                
Non-current portion of capital lease obligations     7,272,975       -  
Deferred tax liabilities     -       291,995  
 Total Non-Current Liabilities     7,272,975       291,995  
                 
 Total Liabilities     53,476,323       55,089,304  
                 
Stockholders' Equity                
                 
Preferred stock - no par value; 1,000,000 authorized; none issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012     -       -  
Common stock - $0.002 par value; 50,000,000 authorized,                
19,304,921 and 19,304,921 issued and outstanding as of                
December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012     38,609       38,609  
Additional paid-in capital     42,199,014       42,199,014  
Reserves     10,609,435       9,676,183  
Accumulated other comprehensive income     22,465,720       22,020,008  
Retained earnings     104,544,120       96,114,407  
Total SORL Auto Parts, Inc. stockholders' equity     179,856,898       170,048,221  
Noncontrolling Interest In Subsidiaries     19,647,063       18,423,460  
Total Equity     199,503,961       188,471,681  
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity   US$ 252,980,284     US$ 243,560,985  

   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these audited consolidated financial statements

 

33
 

 

SORL Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income

For Years Ended December 31, 2013 and 2012

 

    2013     2012  
             
Sales   US$ 208,571,812     US$ 192,217,399  
Include: sales to related parties     2,524,019       1,856,338  
Cost of sales     149,949,176       135,946,166  
                 
Gross profit     58,622,636       56,271,233  
                 
Expenses:                
Selling and distribution expenses     20,906,914       19,060,116  
General and administrative expenses     17,379,521       13,512,003  
Research and development expenses     7,550,010       7,849,101  
Total operating expenses     45,836,445       40,421,220  
                 
Other operating income     2,074,520       1,485,116  
                 
Income from operations     14,860,711       17,335,129  
                 
Other Income     524,370       1,561,956  
Financial expenses     (2,569,775 )     (2,360,966 )
Non-operating expenses     (240,217 )     (267,384 )
                 
Income before provision for income taxes     12,575,089       16,268,735  
                 
Provision for income taxes     2,048,056       2,005,125  
                 
Net income   US$ 10,527,033     US$ 14,263,610  
                 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries     1,164,068       1,458,672  
                 
Net income attributable to common stockholders   US$ 9,362,965     US$ 12,804,938  
                 
Comprehensive income                
Net income   US$ 10,527,033     US$ 14,263,610  
Foreign currency translation adjustments     505,247       126,661  
Comprehensive income     11,032,280       14,390,271  
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries     1,223,603       1,476,282  
                 
Comprehensive income attributable to common shareholders   US$ 9,808,677     US$ 12,913,989  
                 
Weighted average common share - basic     19,304,921       19,304,921  
                 
Weighted average common share - diluted     19,304,921       19,304,921  
                 
EPS - basic   US$ 0.49     US$ 0.66  
                 
EPS - diluted   US$ 0.49     US$ 0.66  

  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these audited consolidated financial statements

 

34
 

 

SORL Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For Years Ended December 31,2013 and 2012

 

    2013     2012  
             
Cash Flows From Operating Activities                
Net income   US$ 10,527,033     US$ 14,263,610  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash                
from operating activities:                
Allowance for doubtful accounts     2,808,960       106,067  
Depreciation and amortization     7,188,064       7,405,347  
Loss on disposal of fixed assets     5,089       13,616  
Deferred income tax     (995,102 )     (26,494 )
Write-down of inventories     28,709        
Changes In Assets and Liabilities:                
Accounts receivable     (3,916,133 )     2,793,879  
Bank acceptance notes from customers     (10,050,861 )     7,881,310  
Other currents assets     (2,779,274 )     3,238,663  
Inventories     (19,454,080 )     (400,056 )
Prepayments     2,207,828       (1,539,879 )
Prepaid capital lease interest     630,521       (1,698,966 )
Accounts payable and bank acceptance notes to vendors     3,577,338       (1,357,047 )
Income tax payable     494,050       (273,776 )
Deposits received from customers     7,306,556       1,525,398  
Other current liabilities and accrued expenses     3,775,285       (314,755 )
Net Cash Flows Provided By Operating Activities     1,353,983       31,616,917  
                 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities                
Acquisition of property and equipment     (4,877,633 )     (2,522,280 )
Proceeds of disposal of fixed assets     14,301       931,752  
Change in security deposit on lease agreement     66,170        
Leasehold improvements in progress           (33,708 )
Net Cash Flows Used In Investing Activities     (4,797,162 )     (1,624,236 )
                 
Cash Flows From Financing Activities                
Repayment of bank loans     (70,935,757 )     (39,031,559 )
Repayment of capital lease obligations     (14,103,295 )     (2,315,670 )
Proceeds from capital lease obligations     14,527,922        
Prepaid interest for sales-leaseback           (1,698,993 )
Proceeds from bank loans     60,979,931       37,183,278  
Net Cash flows Used In Financing Activities     (9,531,199 )     (5,862,944 )
                 
Effects on changes in foreign exchange rate     (36,992 )     6,924  
                 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents     (13,011,370 )     24,136,661  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents- beginning of the year     41,253,353       17,116,692  
                 
Cash and cash Equivalents - End of the year   US$ 28,241,983     US$ 41,253,353  
                 
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures:                
Interest paid   US$ 1,399,851     US$ 1,737,170  
Tax paid   US$ 2,418,239     US$ 2,435,782  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these audited consolidated financial statements

 

35
 

  

SORL Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

For Years Ended December 31, 2013 and 2012

 

    Number
of Share
    Common
Stock
    Additional
Paid-in
Capital
    Reserves     Retained
Earnings
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
    Shareholders'
Equity
    Noncontrolling
Interest
    Total 
Equity
 
Beginning Balance - January 1, 2013     19,304,921     $ 38,609     $ 42,199,014     $ 9,676,183     $ 96,114,407     $ 22,020,008     $ 170,048,221     $ 18,423,460     $ 188,471,681  
                                                                         
Net income     -       -       -       -       9,362,965       -       9,362,965       1,164,068       10,527,033  
                                                                         
Foreign currency translation adjustment     -       -       -       -       -       445,712       445,712       59,535       505,247  
                                                                         
Transfer to reserve     -       -       -       933,252       (933,252 )     -       -       -       -  
                                                                         
Ending Balance - December 31, 2013     19,304,921     $ 38,609     $ 42,199,014     $ 10,609,435     $ 104,544,120     $ 22,465,720     $ 179,856,898     $ 19,647,063     $ 199,503,961  

 

    Number
of Share
    Common 
Stock
    Additional 
Paid-in 
Capital
    Reserves     Retained
Earnings
    Accumulated.
Other
Comprehensive
Income
    Shareholders'
Equity
    Noncontrolling
Interest
    Total
Equity
 
Beginning Balance - January 1, 2012     19,304,921     $ 38,609     $ 42,199,014     $ 8,375,392     $ 84,610,260     $ 21,910,957     $ 157,134,232     $ 16,947,178     $ 174,081,410  
                                                                         
Net income                                     12,804,938               12,804,938       1,458,672       14,263,610  
                                                                         
Foreign currency translation adjustment                                             109,051       109,051       17,610       126,661  
                                                                         
Transfer to reserve                             1,300,791       (1,300,791 )             -       -       -  
                                                                         
Ending Balance - December 31, 2012     19,304,921     $ 38,609     $ 42,199,014     $ 9,676,183     $ 96,114,407     $ 22,020,008     $ 170,048,221     $ 18,423,460     $ 188,471,681  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these audited consolidated financial statements

 

36
 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 1 - DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

 

The Company is principally engaged in the manufacture and distribution of vehicle brake systems and other key safety-related components, through its 90% ownership of Ruian and 60% ownership of SORL International Holding, Ltd. ("SIH") in Hong Kong. The Company distributes products both in China and internationally under SORL trademarks. The Company’s product range includes 65 categories and over 2000 different specifications.

 

On November 11, 2009, the Company entered into a joint venture agreement with MGR Hong Kong Limited (“MGR”), a Hong Kong-based global auto parts distribution specialist firm and a Taiwanese investor. The new joint venture was named SIH. SORL holds a 60% interest in the joint venture, MGR holds a 30% interest, and the Taiwanese investor holds a 10% interest. SIH is primarily devoted to expanding SORL's international sales network in Asia-Pacific and creating a larger footprint in Europe, the Middle East and Africa with a target to create a truly global distribution network. Based in Hong Kong, SIH is expanding and establishing channels of distribution in international markets.

 

On February 8, 2010, the Company sold 1,000,000 shares of its common stock to selected institutional investors at a price of $10.00 per share pursuant to a registered direct offering. This transaction provided net proceeds of approximately $9.4 million. On March 9, 2010, through Fairford, SORL invested approximately $9.4 million in its operating subsidiary, the Joint Venture. To maintain the 10% shareholding in the Joint Venture, the Ruili Group increased its capital investment by approximately $1.0 million. Accordingly, SORL continues to hold a 90% controlling interest in the operating subsidiary. The total paid-in capital of the Joint Venture increased from $43.4 million to $53.8 million.

 

On August 31, 2010, the Company, through the Joint Venture, executed an Agreement to acquire the assets of the hydraulic brake, power steering, and automotive electrical operations of the Ruili Group (a related party under common control). As a result of this acquisition, the Company's product offerings expanded to both commercial and passenger vehicles' brake systems and other key safety-related auto parts. The purchase price was RMB 170 million, or approximately USD$25 million. The transaction was accounted for using the book value of assets acquired, consisting primarily of machinery and equipment, inventory, accounts receivable and patent rights, used or usable in connection with the acquired segment of the auto parts business of the Seller. The Company purchased the machinery and equipment, inventory, accounts receivable at book values of $8.0 million, $8.0 million and $5.2 million, respectively. The Company did not acquire any of the assets of the Seller other than those in the segment of Seller's business described above. The excess of consideration over the carrying value of net assets received has been recorded as a decrease in the additional paid-in capital of the Company.

 

The acquisition was accounted for as a transaction between the entities under common control because the CEO of the Company owns 63% of the registered capital of Ruili Group, and owns more than 50% of the outstanding common stock of SORL, together with his wife and his brother. This results in the acquisition being accounted for using the historical costs of the financial statements of the Seller. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared as if the acquisition took place at the earliest time presented, that is, as of January 1, 2009. The assets purchase was deemed to be the acquisition of a business.

 

NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

a. ACCOUNTING METHOD

 

The Company uses the accrual method of accounting for financial statement and tax return purposes.

 

b. PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of SORL Auto Parts, Inc. and its majority owned subsidiaries. All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidation.

 

37
 

 

c. USE OF ESTIMATES

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Management makes its best estimate of the outcome for these items based on historical trends and other information available when the financial statements are prepared. Changes in estimates are recognized in accordance with the accounting rules for the estimate, which is typically in the period when new information becomes available to management. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

d. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

For certain of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables and payables, prepaid expenses, deposits and other current assets, short-term bank borrowings, accounts payable, and other payables and accruals, the carrying amounts approximate fair values due to their short maturities.

 

e. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

A related party is generally defined as (i) any person that holds 10% or more of the Company’s securities and their immediate families, (ii) the Company’s management, (iii) someone that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the Company, or (iv) anyone who can significantly influence the financial and operating decisions of the Company. A transaction is considered to be a related party transaction when there is a transfer of resources or obligations between related parties. The Company conducts business with its related parties in the ordinary course of business. All transactions have been recorded at fair market value of the goods and services exchanged.

 

f. FINANCIAL RISK FACTORS AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

 

The Company is exposed to the following risk factors:

 

(i) Credit risks - The Company has policies in place to ensure that sales of products are made to customers with an appropriate credit history. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations with respect to the financial condition of its creditors, but does not require collateral. In order to determine the value of the Company’s accounts receivable, the Company records a provision for doubtful accounts to cover probable credit losses. Management reviews and adjusts this allowance periodically based on historical experience and its evaluation of the collection of outstanding accounts receivable. The Company has two customers that each respectively account for more than 5.0% of its total revenues for the period. The Company also has a concentration of credit risk due to geographic sales as a majority of its products are marketed and sold in the PRC.

 

(ii) Liquidity risks - Prudent liquidity risk management implies maintaining sufficient cash, the availability of funding through an adequate amount of committed credit facilities and ability to close out market positions.

(iii) Interest rate risk - The interest rate and terms of repayments of short-term bank borrowings are approximately 4.3% for 2013. The Company’s income and cash flows are substantially independent of changes in market interest rates. The Company has no significant interest-bearing assets. The Company’s policy is to maintain all of its borrowings in fixed rate instruments.

 

g. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

The Company considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

 

38
 

 

h. INVENTORIES

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, with cost computed on a weighted-average basis. Cost includes all costs of purchase, cost of conversion and other costs incurred in bringing the inventories to their present location and condition. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less the estimated costs of completion and the estimated costs necessary to make the sale.

 

i. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. The initial cost of the asset comprises its purchase price and any directly attributable costs of bringing the asset to its working condition and location for its intended use. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the respective assets as follows:

 

Category   Estimated Useful Life(Years)
     
Buildings   10-20
     
Machinery and equipment   5-10
     
Electronic equipment   5
     
Motor vehicles   5-10

 

Significant improvements and betterments are capitalized where it is probable that the expenditure resulted in an increase in the future economic benefits expected to be obtained from the use of the asset beyond its originally assessed standard of performance. Routine repairs and maintenance are expensed when incurred. Gains and losses on disposal of fixed assets are recognized in the income statement based on the net disposal proceeds less the carrying amount of the assets.

 

j. LAND USE RIGHTS

 

According to the law of China, the government owns all the land in China. Companies or individuals are authorized to possess and use the land only through land use rights granted by the Chinese government. Land use rights are being amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of 45 years.

 

The Company purchased the land use rights from Ruili Group, a related party. The Company has not yet obtained the land use right certificate.

 

k. IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS

 

Long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment and other non-current assets, including intangible assets, are reviewed periodically for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized when the estimated undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset or group of assets is less than their carrying value. If impairment exists, an adjustment is made to write the asset down to its fair value, and a loss is recorded as the difference between the carrying value and fair value. Fair values are determined based on quoted market values, discounted cash flows or internal and external appraisals, as applicable. Assets to be disposed of are carried at the lower of carrying value or estimated net realizable value.

 

l. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

Intangible assets represent mainly the patent of technology, plus the computer software. Intangible assets are measured initially at cost. Intangible assets are recognized if it is probable that the future economic benefits that are attributable to the asset will flow to the enterprise and the cost of the asset can be measured reliably. After initial recognition, intangible assets are measured at cost less any impairment losses. Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives.

 

39
 

 

m. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLES AND ALLOWANCE FOR BAD DEBTS

 

The Company presents accounts receivables, net of allowances for doubtful accounts and returns, to ensure accounts receivable are not overstated due to being uncollectible. Accounts receivables generated from credit sales have general credit terms of 90 days for domestic aftermarket customers.

 

The allowances are calculated based on a detailed review of certain individual customer accounts, historical rates and an estimation of the overall economic conditions affecting the Company’s customer base. The Company reviews a customer’s credit history before extending credit. If the financial condition of its customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.

 

The Company will write off the uncollectible receivables once the customers are bankrupt or there is a remote possibility that the Company will collect the outstanding balance. The write-off must be reported to the local tax authorities and receive official approval from them. To date, the Company has not written off any account receivable.

 

n. NOTES RECEIVABLE

 

Notes receivable generally due within 30 to 60 days are issued by some customers to pay certain outstanding receivable balances to the Company with specific payment terms and definitive due dates. Notes receivable do not bear interest.

 

o. REVENUE RECOGNITION

 

Revenue from the sale of goods is recognized when the risks and rewards of ownership of the goods have transferred to the buyer including factors such as when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exits, delivery has occurred, the sales price is fixed and determinable, and collection is probable. Revenue consists of the invoice value for the sale of goods and services net of value-added tax (“VAT”), rebates and discounts and returns. The Company nets sales return in gross revenue, i.e., the revenue shown in the income statement is the net sales.

 

p. INCOME TAXES

 

The Company accounts for income taxes under the provision of FASB ASC 740-10 whereby deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed for differences between the financial statements and tax bases of assets and liabilities that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future, based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established when necessary; to reduce deferred income tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

 

q. FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION

 

The Company maintains its books and accounting records in Renminbi (“RMB”), the currency of the PRC, The Company’s functional currency is also RMB. The Company has adopted FASB ASC 830-30 in translating financial statement amounts from RMB to the Company’s reporting currency, United States dollars (“US$”). All assets and liabilities are translated at the current rate. The shareholders’ equity accounts are translated at appropriate historical rate. Revenue and expenses are translated at the weighted average rates in effect on the transaction dates.

 

Translation adjustments resulting from this process are included in accumulated other comprehensive income in the statement of stockholders’ equity. Transaction gains and losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are include in the results of operations as incurred.

 

40
 

 

r. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

Stock-based compensation expense is recognized based on grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with an authoritative pronouncement. The Company recognizes the compensation costs net of a forfeiture rate on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award with a corresponding impact reflected in additional paid-in capital. The estimate of forfeitures will be adjusted over the requisite service period to the extent that actual forfeitures differ, or are expected to differ, from such estimates. Changes in estimated forfeitures will be recognized through a cumulative catch-up adjustment in the period of change and will also impact the amount of stock compensation expense to be recognized in future periods.

 

s. EMPLOYEES’ BENEFITS

 

Mandatory contributions are made to Government’s health, retirement benefit and unemployment schemes at the statutory rates in force during the period, based on gross salary payments. The cost of these payments is charged to the statement of income in the same period as the related salary costs.

 

t. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES

 

Research and development expenses are classified as general and administrative expenses and are expensed as incurred. Research and development expenses were $7,550,010 for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared with $7,849,101 for the year ended December 31, 2012, respectively.

 

u. SHIPPING AND HANDLING COSTS

 

Shipping and handling cost are classified as selling expenses and are expensed as incurred. Shipping and handling costs were $3,980,078 and $4,361,577 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

v. ADVERTISING COSTS

 

Advertising costs are classified as selling expenses and are expensed as incurred. Advertising costs were $270,145 and $294,902 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

w. WARRANTY CLAIMS

 

The Company provides for the estimated cost of product warranties when the products are sold. Such estimates of product warranties were based on, among other things, historical experience, product changes, material expenses, and service and transportation expenses arising from the manufactured product. Estimates will be adjusted on the basis of actual claims and circumstances. Warranty claims were $2,163,950 and $3,787,738 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

x. PURCHASE DISCOUNTS

 

Purchase discounts represent discounts received from vendors for purchasing raw materials and are netted in the cost of goods sold, if applicable.

 

y. LEASE COMMITMENTS

 

The Company has adopted FASB ASC 840. If the lease terms meet one or all of the following four criteria, it will be classified as a capital lease, otherwise, it is an operating lease: (1) The lease transfers the title to the lessee at the end of the term; (2) the lease contains a bargain purchase option; (3) the lease term is equal to 75% of the estimated economic life of the leased property or more; (4) the present value of the minimum lease payment in the term equals or exceeds 90% of the fair value of the leased property.

 

z. RECENTLY ISSUED FINANCIAL STANDARDS

 

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, “Reporting of Amounts Reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” (“ASU 2013-02”). Under ASU 2013-02, an entity is required to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the financial statements or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income, but only if the amount reclassified is required to be reclassified in its entirety in the same reporting period. For amounts that are not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional details about those amounts. ASU 2013-02 does not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in the financial statements. The amendments in this update will be effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company adopted this pronouncement effective January 1, 2013 and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

41
 

 

In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-05, “Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830)—Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity”. These amendments provide guidance on releasing Cumulative Translation Adjustments when a reporting entity (parent) ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business within a foreign entity. In addition, these amendments provide guidance on the release of CTA in partial sales of equity method investments and in step acquisitions. For public entities, the amendments are effective on a prospective basis for fiscal years and interim reporting periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The amendments should be applied prospectively to derecognition events occurring after the effective date. Prior periods should not be adjusted. The Company does not expect the adoption to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists”. These amendments provide that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion thereof, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, except to the extent that a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date to settle any additional income taxes that would result from disallowance of a tax position, or the tax law does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, then the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented as a liability. For public entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

NOTE 3 - RECLASSIFICATIONS

 

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no impact on net earnings and financial position.

 

NOTE 4 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

The Company continues to purchase packaging materials from the Ruili Group Co., Ltd. The Ruili Group Co., Ltd. is the minority shareholder of Joint Venture and is controlled by Mr. Xiao Ping Zhang, his wife Ms. Shuping Chi, and his brother Mr. Xiao Feng Zhang, who collectively control the Company. In addition, the Company purchases from two other related parties, Guangzhou Kormee Vehicle Brake Technology Development Co., Ltd. (Guangzhou Kormee) and Ruian Kormee Vehicle brake Co., Ltd. (Ruian Kormee). Guangzhou Kormee is controlled by the Ruili Group Co., Ltd. and Ruian Kormee is the wholly owned subsidiary of Guangzhou Kormee. The Company also sells certain automotive products to Guangzhou Kormee, Ruian Kormee and Ruili Group Co., Ltd. MGR holds a 30% interest in SIH. The stockholders of MGR are the management of SIH.

 

42
 

 

The following related party transactions occurred for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:

 

    December 31,  
    2013     2012  
PURCHASES FROM:                
Guangzhou Kormee Vehicle brake technology development Co., Ltd.   $ 2,066,084     $  
Ruian Kormee Vehicle brake Co., Ltd.     1,760,213        
Ruili Group Co., Ltd.     3,868,875       4,974,751  
Total Purchases   $ 7,695,172     $ 4,974,751  
                 
SALES TO:                
Guangzhou Kormee Vehicle brake technology development Co., Ltd.   $ 693,122     $  
Ruian Kormee Vehicle brake  Co., Ltd.     87,868        
Ruili Group Co., Ltd.     1,743,029       1,856,309  
Total Sales   $ 2,524,019     $ 1,856,309  
                 
    December 31,     December 31,  
    2013     2012  
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE TO RELATED PARTIES                
Ruian Kormee Vehicle brake  Co., Ltd.   $ 445,896     $  
Ruili Group Co., Ltd.     364,414       94,954  
Total   $ 810,310     $ 94,954  
                 
OTHER PAYABLES TO RELATED PARTIES                
MGR Hong Kong Limited   $ 94,246     $ 25,559  
Ruili Group Co., Ltd.           7,524  
Total   $ 94,246     $ 33,083  

 

The Company entered into several lease agreements with related parties, see Note 19 for more details.

 

In addition, the Company provides guarantees to the loans obtained by Ruili Group from the Bank of Ningbo in the amount of RMB108,000,000 (approximately $17,182,404) for the period from September 26, 2013 to September 25, 2014.

 

43
 

 

NOTE 5 - ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

 

No customer individually accounted for more than 10% of our revenues or accounts receivable for the year ended December 31, 2013. The changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were summarized as follows:

 

   

December 31,

2013

   

December 31,

2012

 
Beginning balance   $ 998,492     $ 892,455  
Add: Increase to allowance     2,814,923       106,037  
Less: Accounts written off            
                 
Ending balance   $ 3,813,415     $ 998,492  
                 
    December 31,       December 31,  
      2013       2012  
Accounts receivable   $ 61,725,799     $ 63,152,001  
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts     (3,813,415 )     (998,492 )
                 
Account receivable balance, net   $ 57,912,384     $ 62,153,509  

 

NOTE 6 - INVENTORIES

 

On December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, inventories consisted of the following:

 

   

December 31, 

2013

    December 31, 
2012
 
Raw Materials   $ 12,380,061     $ 9,116,931  
Work in process     31,546,330       20,552,486  
Finished Goods     32,466,337       27,106,408  
Less: Write-down of inventories     (28,709 )      
Total Inventory   $ 76,364,019     $ 56,775,825  

 

NOTE 7 - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following, on December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

 

   

December 31,

2013

   

December 31,

2012

 
Machinery   $ 46,475,961     $ 52,212,579  
Molds     1,388,218       1,384,781  
Office equipment     1,960,476       1,637,402  
Vehicles     2,248,280       2,025,702  
Buildings     8,910,501       8,888,441  
Machinery held under capital lease     28,396,853       18,165,511  
Sub-Total     89,380,289       84,314,416  
                 
Less: Accumulated depreciation     (44,175,888 )     (37,351,817 )
                 
Property, plant and equipment, net   $ 45,204,401     $ 46,962,599  

 

44
 

 

Depreciation expense charged to operations was $6,730,529 and $6,934,710 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

NOTE 8 -LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS

 

    2013     2012  
Cost   $ 552,630     $ 550,702  
Less: Accumulated amortization     (288,018 )     (214,988 )
Leasehold Improvements net   $ 264,612     $ 335,714  

 

By law and practice, when improvements are made to real property and those improvements are permanently affixed to the property, the title to those improvements automatically transfers to the owner of the property. The lessee’s interest in the improvements is not a direct ownership interest but rather it is an intangible right to use and benefit from the improvements during the term of the lease. The leasehold improvements are amortized over the lease term.

 

NOTE 9 – LAND USE RIGHTS

 

   

December 31,

2013

   

December 31,

2012

 
Cost   $ 16,718,332     $ 16,676,941  
Less: Accumulated amortization     (2,309,162 )     (1,934,894 )
Land use rights, net   $ 14,409,170     $ 14,742,047  

 

According to the law of China, the government owns all the land in China. Companies and individuals are authorized to possess and use the land only through land use rights granted by the Chinese government. The Company purchased the above land use rights from Ruili Group, a related party, as well as the building on the land in the total amount of approximately $20 million (including a building of approximately $6.7 million). The Company has been negotiating with the government for a reduction in or exemption from the tax being sought by the government in connection with the transfer of the land use rights and the building, and pending resolution of that issue. The Company has deferred accrual or payment of the tax. Due to the lack of resolution of the issue, the land use right certificate and the property ownership certificate have not been issued to the Company. There is no assurance that we can conclude the negotiations with the government and obtain a favorable result. Amortization expenses were $369,008 and $368,577 for the year of 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

NOTE 10 - INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

Gross intangible assets were $176,302, less accumulated amortization of $126,031 for net intangible assets of $50,271 as of December 31, 2013. Gross intangible assets were $175,865, less accumulated amortization of $108,976 for net intangible assets of $66,889 as of December 31, 2012. Amortization expenses were $16,763 and $16,742 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 respectively. Future estimated amortization expense is as follows:

 

2014     2015     2016     2017     2018     Thereafter  
$ 13,608     $ 12,020     $ 12,020     $ 9,150     $ 3,473     $ -  

 

45
 

 

NOTE 11 - PREPAYMENTS

 

Prepayments consisted of the following as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

    December 31,     December 31,  
    2013     2012  
Raw material suppliers   $ 3,046,585     $ 4,659,154  
Equipment purchases     727,165       1,063,589  
                 
Total prepayments   $ 3,773,750     $ 5,722,743  

 

NOTE 12- DEFERRED TAX ASSETS AND DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES

 

Deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 comprise the following:

   

December 31, 

2013

   

December 31, 

2012

 
Deferred tax assets - current                
Allowance for doubtful accounts   $ 578,928     $ 156,673  
Revenue (net off cost)     8,653        
Unpaid accrued expenses     105,558        
Warranty     699,816       568,161  
Deferred tax assets     1,392,955       724,834  
Valuation allowance       ―         ―  
Net deferred tax assets - current   $ 1,392,955     $ 724,834  
                 
Deferred tax liabilities - current                
Revenue (net off cost)   $     $ 37,202  
Deferred tax liabilities - current           37,202  
                 
Net deferred tax assets - current   $ 1,392,955     $ 687,632  
                 
Deferred tax liabilities - non-current                
Land use rights   $     $ 291,995  
Deferred tax liabilities - non-current   $     $ 291,995  

 

Deferred taxation is calculated under the liability method in respect of taxation effect arising from all timing differences, which are expected with reasonable probability to realize in the foreseeable future. The Company and its subsidiaries do not have income tax liabilities in U.S. as the Company had no United States taxable income for the reporting period. The Company’s subsidiary registered in the PRC is subject to income taxes within the PRC at the applicable tax rate.

 

46
 

 

NOTE 13 – SHORT-TERM BANK LOANS

 

Bank loans represented the following as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

 

    December 31,
2013
    December 31, 
2012
 
Secured   $ 4,526,863     $ 14,599,753  

 

  The Company obtained those short term loans from Bank of China and Agricultural Bank of China, respectively, to finance general working capital as well as new equipment acquisition. Interest rate for the loans ranged from 2.55% to 2.95% per annum. The maturity dates of the loans ranged from January 1, 2014 to May 19, 2014.

 

Corporate or personal guarantees were provided for those bank loans as follows:

 

$3.6 M    Guaranteed by Ruili Group Co., Ltd., a related party;
$0.9 M    Guaranteed by Ruili Group Co., Ltd., a related party, Mr. Xiao Ping Zhang and Ms. Shu Ping Chi, both principal shareholders.

 

NOTE 14 - ACCRUED EXPENSES

 

Accrued expenses consisted of the following as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

 

   

December 31,

2013

   

December 31,

2012

 
             
Accrued payroll   $ 1,688,090     $ 1,484,082  
Accrued warranty expenses     4,665,439       3,787,738  
Other accrued expenses     3,713,440       3,229,999  
                 
Total accrued expenses   $ 10,066,969     $ 8,501,819  

 

NOTE 15 –CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS

 

    December 31,     December 31,  
    2013     2012  
Total capital lease obligations   $ 10,909,463     $ 10,458,352  
Less: current portion   $ (3,636,488 )   $ (10,458,352 )
Non-current portion   $ 7,272,975     $  

 

47
 

 

On September 13, 2011, the Company entered into a leasing agreement with International Far Eastern Leasing Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of China Sinochem Corporation, for a term of 60 months and an interest rate of 7.95% per annum, payable monthly in arrears. To reduce the financing expense, the Company entered into a new leasing agreement with International Far Eastern Leasing Co., Ltd. in December 2012 and terminated the original agreement. The duration of the new agreement is 48 months with an interest rate of 6.4% per annum and is secured with the Company’s equipment in the original cost of $28,396,853. The capital lease obligation obtained by the Company is RMB 91,428,571 (approximately $14,545,950) and the Company is required to maintain a security deposit of RMB 11,428,571 (approximately $1,818,244). The Company prepaid all interests of RMB 10,705,357 (approximately $1,703,212) after the discount and is obligated for the payment of RMB 1,904,761.9 (approximately $303,041) monthly. The prepaid interest for capital lease obligation is amortized over the life of capital lease agreement using the effective interest method.

 

NOTE 16 – RESERVE

 

The reserve funds were comprised of the following:

 

    December 31,     December 31,  
    2013     2012  
Statutory surplus reserve fund   $ 10,609,435     $ 9,676,183  
Total   $ 10,609,435     $ 9,676,183  

 

Pursuant to the relevant laws and regulations of Sino-Foreign joint venture enterprises, the profits of the Company's subsidiary, which are based on their PRC statutory financial statements, are available for distribution in the form of cash dividends after they have satisfied all the PRC tax liabilities, provided for losses in previous years, and made appropriations to reserve funds, as determined at the discretion of the board of directors in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations.

 

As stipulated by the relevant laws and regulations for enterprises operating in the PRC, Ruian is required to make annual appropriations to the statutory surplus funds. In accordance with the relevant PRC regulations and the articles of association of the respective companies, Ruian is required to allocate a certain percentage of its profits after taxation, as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards applicable to the Company, to the statutory surplus reserve until such reserve reaches 50% of the registered capital of the Company.

 

Net income as reported in the US GAAP financial statements differs from that as reported in the PRC statutory financial statements. In accordance with the relevant laws and regulations in the PRC, the profits available for distribution are based on the statutory financial statements. If Ruian has foreign currency available after meeting its operational needs, Ruian may make its profit distributions in foreign currency to the extent foreign currency is available. Otherwise, it is necessary to obtain approval and convert such distributions at an authorized bank. The reserve fund consists of retained earnings which have been allocated to the statutory reserve fund.

 

48
 

 

NOTE 17 - INCOME TAXES

 

The Joint Venture is registered in the PRC, and is therefore subject to state and local income taxes within the PRC at the applicable tax rate on the taxable income as reported in the PRC statutory financial statements in accordance with relevant income tax laws.

 

The Company increased its investment in the Joint Venture as a result of its financing in December, 2006. In accordance with the Income Tax Law of the People's Republic of China on Foreign-invested Enterprises and Foreign Enterprises, the Joint Venture is eligible for additional preferential tax treatment. For the years 2007 and 2008, the Joint Venture entitled to an income tax exemption on all pre-tax income generated by the company above its pre-tax income generated in the year 2006. Thereafter, the Joint Venture will enjoy a 50% exemption from the effective income tax rate on any pre-tax income above its 2006 pre-tax income, to be recognized in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011. The above taxation exemption was superseded, because the Joint Venture has been awarded the Chinese government's "High-Tech Enterprise" designation. The High-Tech Enterprise certificate is valid for three years and provides for a reduced tax rate of 15% for years 2009 through 2011. The Company used a tax rate of 25% for the first three quarters of 2012. In December 2012, the Joint Venture passed the re-assessment of "High-Tech Enterprise" designation by the government, according to relevant PRC income tax laws. Accordingly, it continues to be taxed at a 15% rate in 2012 through 2014.

 

The reconciliation of the effective income tax rate of the Joint Venture to the statutory income tax rate in the PRC for the years ended on December 31, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:

 

   

December 31, 

2013

   

December 31, 

2012

 
US Statutory income tax rate     35.00 %     35.00 %
Valuation allowance recognized with respect to the loss in the US company     -35.00 %     -35.00 %
HK Statutory income tax rate     16.50 %     16.50 %
Valuation allowance recognized with respect to the loss in those HK company     -16.50 %     -16.50 %
China Statutory income tax rate     25.00 %     25.00 %
 China Statutory income exemption     -10.00 %     -10.00 %
Tax refund            
Other items     1.29 %     -2.85 %
                 
Effective tax rate     16.29 %     12.15 %

 

   

December 31, 

2013

   

December 31, 

2012

 
Computed income tax provision at the statutory rate   $ 3,143,773     $ 4,114,559  
Tax exemption     (1,257,509 )     (1,645,824 )
Tax refund       ―         ―  
Deferred tax provision     (995,102 )     (26,494 )
Current period permanent differences and other reconciling items     1,156,894       (437,116 )
Total income taxes   $ 2,048,056     $ 2,005,125  

 

49
 

 

Income taxes are calculated on a separate entity basis. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. There currently is no tax benefit or burden recorded for the United States. The tax authority may examine the tax returns of the Company three years after the year ended. In the year of 2013, there were no penalties and interest, which generally are recorded in the general and administrative expenses or in the tax expenses. The provisions for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, are summarized as follows:

 

    2013     2012  
             
Current   $ 3,043,158     $ 2,031,619  
Deferred     (995,102 )     (26,494 )
                 
Total   $ 2,048,056     $ 2,005,125  

 

ASC 740 requires recognition and measurement of uncertain income tax positions using a “more-likely-than-not” approach. The management evaluated the Company’s tax positions and considered that no provision for uncertainty in income taxes was necessary as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.

 

NOTE 18 –NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST IN SUBSIDIARIES

 

Non-controlling interest in subsidiaries represents a 10% non-controlling interest, owned by Ruili Group Co., Ltd., in Ruian, and a 40% non-controlling interest, owned by the Company’s Joint Venture Partners, in SIH. Net income attributable to non-controlling interest in subsidiaries amounted to $1,164,068 and $1,458,672 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

    2013     2012  
10% non-controlling interest in Ruian   $ 1,036,948     $ 1,445,323  
40% non-controlling interest in SIH   $ 127,120       13,349  
                 
Total   $ 1,164,068       1,458,672  

 

NOTE 19 – OPERATING LEASES WITH RELATED PARTIES

 

In December 2006, Ruian entered into a lease agreement with Ruili Group Co., Ltd. for the lease of two apartment buildings. These two apartment buildings are for Ruian’s management personnel and staff, respectively. The lease term is from January 2013 to December 2016. This lease was amended in 2013, with a new lease term from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2022. The annual lease expense is RMB2,100,000 (approximately $333,688).

 

In May 2009, Ruian entered into a lease agreement with Ruili Group Co., Ltd. for the lease of a manufacturing plant. The lease term is from September 2009 to May 2017.

  

In August 2010, a new lease agreement was signed between Ruian and Ruili Group Co., Ltd., under which Ruian leased 32,410 square meters manufacturing plant for its new purchased passenger vehicles brake systems business. The lease term is from September 2009 to August 2020. This lease was amended in 2013. The amended lease term is from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2017. The annual lease expense is RMB8,137,680 (approximately $1,293,070).

 

50
 

 

The lease expenses were $1,626,759 and $1,209,767 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. As of December 31, 2013, future minimum rental payments are as follows:

 

    2014     2015     2016     2017     Thereafter  
                               
Operating Lease Commitments   $ 1,628,777     $ 1,628,777     $ 1,628,777     $ 1,628,777     $ 1,670,511  

 

NOTE 20 - WARRANTY CLAIMS

 

Warranty claims were $2,163,950 and $3,787,738 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 respectively. Warranty claims are classified as accrued expenses on the balance sheet. The movement of accrued warranty expenses for fiscal year 2013 is as follows.

 

Beginning balance at January 1, 2013     3,787,738  
         
Aggregate increase for new warranties issued during current period     2,163,950  
         
Aggregate reduction for payments made     (1,286,249 )
         
Ending balance at December 31, 2013     4,665,439  

 

NOTE 21– SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

The Company produces brake systems and other related components (“commercial vehicles brake systems, etc.”) for different types of commercial vehicles. On August 31, 2011, the Company through Ruian, executed an Asset Purchase Agreement to acquire, and purchased, a segment of the passenger vehicle auto parts business (passenger vehicles brake systems, etc.) of Ruili Group Co., Ltd. As a result of this acquisition, the Company's product offerings were expanded to both commercial and passenger vehicles' brake systems and other key safety-related auto parts.

 

The Company has two operating segments: commercial vehicles brake systems, etc. and passenger vehicles brake systems, etc.

 

All of the Company’s long-lived assets are located in the PRC and Hong Kong. The Company and its subsidiaries do not have long-lived assets in the United States for the reporting periods.

 

51
 

 

    Year Ended December 31,  
    2013     2012  
             
NET SALES TO EXTERNAL CUSTOMERS                
Commercial vehicles brake systems   $ 169,270,207     $ 152,190,739  
Passenger vehicles brake systems     39,301,605       40,026,660  
                 
Net sales   $ 208,571,812     $ 192,217,399  
INTERSEGMENT SALES                
Commercial vehicles brake systems   $     $  
Passenger vehicles brake systems            
                 
Intersegment sales   $     $  
GROSS PROFIT                
Commercial vehicles brake systems   $ 47,576,255     $ 44,588,477  
Passenger vehicles brake systems     11,046,381       11,682,756  
Gross profit   $ 58,622,636     $ 56,271,233  
Other operating income     2,074,520       1,485,116  
Selling and distribution expenses     20,906,914       19,060,116  
General and administrative expenses     17,379,521       13,512,003  
Research and development expenses     7,550,010       7,849,101  
Income (loss) from operations     14,860,711       17,355,129  
Financial expenses     (2,569,775 )     (2,360,966 )
Other income     524,370       1,561,956  
Non-operating expenses     (240,217 )     (267,384 )
Income before income tax expense   $ 12,575,089     $ 16,268,735  
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE                
Commercial vehicles brake systems   $ 3,958,531     $ 1,997,049  
Passenger vehicles brake systems     919,102       525,231  
                 
Total   $ 4,877,633     $ 2,522,280  
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION                
Commercial vehicles brake systems   $ 5,833,603     $ 5,863,284  
Passenger vehicles brake systems     1,354,461       1,542,063  
                 
Total   $ 7,188,064     $ 7,405,347  

 

   

December 31, 

2013

    December 31,
2012
 
       
TOTAL ASSETS                
Commercial vehicles brake systems   $ 205,310,702     $ 192,842,721  
Passenger vehicles brake systems     47,669,582       50,718,264  
                 
Total   $ 252,980,284     $ 243,560,985  

 

52
 

 

   

December 31,

2013

    December 31,
2012
 
       
LONG LIVED ASSETS                
Commercial vehicles brake systems   $ 50,413,024     $ 51,313,977  
Passenger vehicles brake systems     11,705,029       13,495,743  
                 
Total   $ 62,118,053     $ 64,809,720  

 

NOTE 22 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

  (1) According to the law of China, the government owns all the land in China. Companies and individuals are authorized to possess and use the land only through land use rights granted by the Chinese government. The Company purchased the land use rights and the building on the land from Ruili Group for approximately $20 million on September 28, 2007. The Company has not yet obtained the land use right certificate nor the property ownership certificate of the building. Also see Note 9.

  

(2) The information of lease commitments is provided in Note 15 and Note 19.

 

(2) The Company provides guarantees to the loans obtained by Ruili Group from the Bank of Ningbo in the amount of RMB108,000,000 (approximately $17,182,404) for the period from September 26, 2013 to September 25, 2014.

 

 

Additional Information—Financial Statement Schedule I

 

This financial statements schedule has been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

SORL AUTO PARTS, INC.

 

This financial statements schedule has been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The parent company financial statements have been prepared using the same accounting principles and policies described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements, with the only exception being that the Company accounts for its subsidiaries using the equity method. Please refer to the notes to the consolidated financial statements presented above for additional information and disclosures with respect to these financial statements.

 

53
 

 

Financial Information of Parent Company

BALANCE SHEETS

 

   

December 31,

2013

   

December 31,

2012

 
                 
ASSETS                
Current Assets:                
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 81,036     $ 81,166  
Other current assets     6,161       6,161  
Total Current Assets     87,197       87,327  
Investments in subsidiaries     161,438,242       152,105,717  
                 
TOTAL ASSETS   $ 161,525,439     $ 152,193,044  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                
                 
Current Liabilities:                
Other current liability     2,921,488       2,921,488  
Total Current Liabilities     2,921,488       2,921,488  
Total Liabilities     2,921,488       2,921,488  
Shareholders' Equity:                
Preferred stock - no par value; 1,000,000 authorized; none issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012     -       -  
Common stock - $0.002 par value; 50,000,000 authorized, 19,304,921 and 19,304,921 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012     38,609       38,609  
Additional paid-in capital     42,199,014       42,199,014  
Retained earnings     116,366,328       107,033,933  
Total shareholders' equity     158,603,951       149,271,556  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY   $ 161,525,439     $ 152,193,044  

 

54
 

 

Financial Information of Parent Company

STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

    For Years Ended Dec 31,  
    2013     2012  
             
Investment income   $ 9,332,525     $ 13,007,907  
 Financial expenses     130       109  
                 
Net income attributable to shareholders   $ 9,332,395     $ 13,007,798  
                 
                 
Weighted average common share - Basic     19,304,921       19,304,921  
                 
Weighted average common share - Diluted     19,304,921       19,304,921  
                 
EPS - Basic   $ 0.48     $ 0.67  
                 
EPS - Diluted   $ 0.48     $ 0.67  

 

55
 

 

Financial Information of Parent Company

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

    For Years Ended Dec 31,  
    2013     2012  
             
Cash flow from operating activities:                
Net income   $ 9,332,395     $ 13,007,798  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities :                
Equity investment     (9,332,525 )     (13,007,907 )
Other current assets     -       (1,500 )
Other current  liabilities     -       1,500  
Net cash flows used in operating activities   $ (130 )   $ (109 )
                 
                 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents   $ (130 )   $ (109 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period     81,166       81,275  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period   $ 81,036     $ 81,166  

 

56
 

 

Financial Information of Parent Company

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

For Years Ended December 31, 2013 and 2012

 

                Additional     Accumulated        
    Number     Common     Paid-in     Earnings     Shareholders'  
    of Share     Stock     Capital     (Deficit)     Equity  
Beginning Balance - January 1, 2013     19,304,921     $ 38,609     $ 42,199,014     $ 107,033,933     $ 149,271,556  
                                         
Net Income     -       -       -       9,332,395       9,332,395  
                                         
Ending Balance - December 31, 2013     19,304,921     $ 38,609     $ 42,199,014     $ 116,366,328     $ 158,603,951  

 

                Additional     Accumulated        
    Number     Common     Paid-in     Earnings     Shareholders'  
    of Share     Stock     Capital     (Deficit)     Equity  
Beginning Balance - January 1, 2012     19,304,921     $ 38,609     $ 42,199,014     $ 94,026,135     $ 136,263,758  
                                         
Net Income     -       -       -       13,007,798       13,007,798  
                                         
Ending Balance - December 31, 2012     19,304,921     $ 38,609     $ 42,199,014     $ 107,033,933     $ 149,271,556  

 

57
 

 

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

 

None.

 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

As of December 31, 2013, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the CEO and CFO, concludes that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2013.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There was no change in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the fourth fiscal quarter of the year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

The Company’s management is responsible for establishing adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such item is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). In evaluating the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, management has adopted the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organization of the Treadway Commission. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, as of December 31, 2013. Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework , our management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2013.

 

58
 

 

Because of inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projection of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with policies and procedure may deteriorate.

 

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

PART III

 

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

The following table sets forth our executive officers and key employees, their ages and the positions they held as of December 31, 2013.

 

Name   Age   Position
         
Xiao Ping Zhang   51   Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
Xiao Feng Zhang   46   Director
Shu Ping Chi   52   Director
Zong Yun Zhou   59   Chief Financial Officer
Jin Rui Yu   39   Chief Operating Officer

 

Information about our directors is presented under the caption “Election of Directors” in our definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on June 20, 2014 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Information about our Audit Committee is presented under the caption “Election of Directors–Committees of the board of directors–Audit Committee” in our definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on June 20, 2014 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Information about our Code of Business Conduct is presented under the caption “Where You Can Find More Information” in Part I, Item 1 of this report.

 

Information about our compliance with Section 16 of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is presented under the caption “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting compliance” in our definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on June 20, 2014 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

Information about executive compensation is presented under the captions “Compensation to Executive Officers,” “Compensation of Directors,” “Report of the Compensation Committee” and “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” in our definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on June 20, 2014 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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

 

Information about security ownership is presented under the caption “Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock” in our definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on June 20, 2014 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Information about our equity compensation plans is presented under the caption “Equity Compensation Plans” in our definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on June 20, 2014 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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

 

Information about transactions with related persons is presented under the caption “Related Person Transactions” in our definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on June 20, 2014 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Information about director independence is presented under the caption “Election of Directors–Director Independence” in our definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on June 20, 2014 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

 

Information about aggregate fees billed to us by our principal accountant is presented under the caption “Principal Accounting Firm Fees” in our definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on June 20, 2014 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

3.     List of Exhibits. See the Exhibit Index for a list of the exhibits incorporated by reference or filed with this report.

 

        (a) 1. Financial Statements.

 

See Item 8 for the financial statements filed with this report.

 

2. Financial Statement Schedules.

 

See Item 8 of this report.

 

(b) Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K.

 

1. Financial Statements.

 

See Item 8 for the financial statements filed with this report.

 

2. Financial Statement Schedules.

 

See Item 8 of this report.

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

EXHIBIT
NO.
  DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION
     
3.1   Articles of Incorporation (1)
     
3.2   Bylaws (2)
     
10.1   Share Exchange Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (3)
     
10.2   Joint Venture Agreement (revised)(4)
     
10.3   Employment Agreement—Xiao Ping Zhang (5)
     
10.4   Employment Agreement—Xiao Feng Zhang (5)
     
10.5   Employment Agreement—Zong Yun Zhou (5)
     
10.6   Employment Agreement—Jin Rui Yu (6) 
     
21   Subsidiaries of the Registrant
   

 

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31.1   Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14 and Rule 15d-14(a), promulgated under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
     
31.2   Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14 and Rule 15d-14(a), promulgated under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
     
32   Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer). (7)
     
EX-101.INS   XBRL INSTANCE DOCUMENT
     
EX-101.SCH   XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION SCHEMA
     
EX-101.CAL   XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION CALCULATION LINKBASE
     
EX-101.DEF   XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION DEFINITION LINKBASE
     
EX-101.LAB   XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION LABEL LINKBASE
     
EX-101.PRE   XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION PRESENTATION LINKBASE

 

 

(1) Incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Form 10-QSB filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, on May 28, 2003.

 

(2) Incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K Current Report as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, on March 17, 2009.

 

(3) Incorporated herein by reference from Registrant’s Form 8-K Current Report, and amendment thereto, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 24, 2004.

 

(4) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 27, 2008.

 

(5) Incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Form S-1 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 31, 2006.

 

(6)  Incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K Current Report as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, on March 7, 2012.

 

(7) Furnished in accordance with Item 601(b)(32) of Regulation S-K, this Exhibit is not deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section. Such certifications will not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the registrant specifically incorporates it by reference.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on this 31st day of March 2014.

 

  SORL AUTO PARTS, INC.
     
  By: /s/ Xiao Ping Zhang
  Xiao Ping Zhang
  Chief Executive Officer and Chairman

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following person on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities.

 

Name   Position   Date
         
/s/ Xiao Ping Zhang   Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman   March 31, 2014
Xiao Ping Zhang    (Principal Executive Officer)    
         
/s/ Zong Yun Zhou   Chief Financial Officer (Principal   March 31, 2014
Zong Yun Zhou   Financial Officer and Principal    
    Accounting Officer)    
         
/s/ Jin Rui Yu   Chief Operating Officer   March 31, 2014
Jin Rui Yu        
         
/s/ Xiao Feng Zhang   Director   March 31, 2014
Xiao Feng Zhang        
         
/s/ Li Min Zhang   Director   March 31, 2014
Li Min Zhang        
         
/s/ Zhi Zhong Wang   Director   March 31, 2014
Zhi Zhong Wang        
         
/s/ Yi Guang Huo   Director   March 31, 2014
Yi Guang Huo        
         
/s/ Jiang Hua Feng   Director   March 31, 2014
Jiang Hua Feng        
         
/s/ Shu Ping Chi   Director   March 31, 2014
Shu Ping Chi        

 

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