pre14a.htm
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No __)
Check the appropriate box:
Filed by the Registrant x
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ¨
Check the appropriate box:
x Preliminary Proxy Statement
¨ Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
¨ Definitive Proxy Statement
¨ Definitive Additional Materials
¨ Soliciting Material Under Rule 14a-12
ABLEAUCTIONS.COM, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant) |
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
x No fee required.
¨ Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11. |
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: Not applicable
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: Not applicable
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): Not applicable
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: Not applicable
(5) Total fee paid: Not applicable |
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¨ Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
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¨ Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration
statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. |
Amount Previously Paid: Not applicable
Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: Not applicable
Filing Party: Not applicable
Date Filed: Not applicable |
ABLEAUCTIONS.COM, INC.
Suite 200 - 1963 Lougheed Highway, Coquitlam,
British Columbia, Canada V3K 3T8
Telephone (604) 521-3369
Fax (604) 521-4911
July __, 2009
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To our shareholders:
A special meeting of the shareholders of Ableauctions.com, Inc. will be held on August __, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. local time, at 700-595 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V7X158 for the following purposes:
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1. |
Approval of a plan of share exchange in the form of a Share Exchange Agreement, under which we will acquire SinoCoking by issuing up to 13.2 million shares of our common stock (constituting 97% of the total shares expected to be outstanding post-acquisition) to the shareholders of Top Favour Limited, a British Virgin Islands corporation and parent holding company of Pingdingshan Hongyuan Energy Science and Technology
Development Co., Ltd., which controls Henan Province Pingdingshan Hongli Coal & Coking Co., Ltd. and its subsidiaries (collectively “SinoCoking”); |
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2. |
Approval of the terms of a plan of liquidation whereby the pre-acquisition business, assets and liabilities of Ableauctions.com, Inc. will be placed into a liquidating trust for the benefit of the Ableauctions.com, Inc. shareholders, as a condition to the closing of the acquisition; |
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3. |
Approval of amendments to our Articles of Incorporation to effect a reverse stock split within a range of 1-for-20 to 1-for-50 as determined by the board of directors; |
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4. |
Approval of a change of our name from “Ableauctions.com, Inc.” to “SinoCoking Coal & Coke Chemical Industries Inc.”; and |
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5. |
Approval in connection with a debt or equity financing, of the sale, issuance or potential issuance of our common stock which may equal or exceed 20% or more of our outstanding stock immediately after giving effect to the foregoing share exchange. |
Shareholders of record at the close of business on July __, 2009 will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the special meeting and at any continuation or adjournment thereof.
All shareholders are cordially invited to attend the special meeting in person. Your vote is important. Please return the enclosed proxy as promptly as possible, whether or not you plan to attend the special meeting. Your promptness in returning the proxy will assist
in the expeditious and orderly processing of the proxies and will assist in ensuring that a quorum is present or represented. Even though you return your proxy, you may nevertheless attend the special meeting and vote your shares in person if you wish. If you want to revoke your proxy at a later time for any reason, you may do so in the manner described in the attached proxy statement.
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By Order of the Board of Directors |
July __, 2009 |
/s/ Abdul Ladha |
Coquitlam, British Columbia |
Abdul Ladha, President |
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BLEAUCTIONS.COM, INC.
Suite 200 - 1963 Lougheed Highway, Coquitlam,
British Columbia, Canada V3K 3T8
Telephone (604)-521-3369 Fax (604)-521-4911
PROXY STATEMENT SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To Be Held August __, 2009
VOTING AND PROXY
This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the board of directors of Ableauctions.com, Inc., a Florida corporation (referred to as the “Company”, “we”, “our”, “us” or “Ableauctions”) for use at our special meeting of shareholders to be held
at 700-595 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V7X158 on August __, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. local time, and at any meeting following adjournment thereof. The notice of special meeting, this proxy statement and the accompanying proxy card are being mailed to shareholders on or about July __, 2009.
Revocability of Proxy and Voting of Shares
Any shareholder giving a proxy has the power to revoke it at any time before it is exercised. The proxy may be revoked by filing an instrument of revocation or a duly executed proxy bearing a later date with our president at our executive offices. The proxy may also be revoked by attending the meeting and voting in person. If
it is not revoked, and assuming it is properly executed, dated and returned, the proxy will be voted at the meeting in accordance with the shareholder’s instructions indicated on the proxy card. If no instructions are indicated, the proxy will be voted FOR all proposals, and in accordance with the judgment of the proxy holders as to any other matter that may be properly brought before the meeting or any adjournments thereof.
Record Date, Voting Rights, Outstanding Shares and Dissenters’ Rights
The board of directors has fixed July __, 2009 as the record date (the “Record Date”) for determining holders of our common stock, $0.001 par value per share, who are entitled to vote at the meeting. As of the Record Date, we had 5,706,155 shares of common stock issued and outstanding. Each share of common stock is
entitled to one vote. One-third of the shares of common stock issued and outstanding are required to reach a quorum. If a quorum is met, in order for the proposals to be approved by the shareholders, the holders of 50.01% or more of all of the outstanding shares entitled to vote on the matters presented must vote in favor of each of the proposals. For purposes of determining whether the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares (over 50.01%) entitled to vote on a proposal
has been obtained, abstentions and shares held in “street name” by brokers or nominees who indicate on their proxies that they do not have discretionary authority to vote such shares as to these matters (“broker non-votes”) will be included in the number of shares present and entitled to vote but will have no effect on the vote.
No shareholder has the right to dissent to or to receive an appraisal of his common stock in conjunction with the proposals to be voted upon.
Solicitation
We will bear the cost of solicitation of proxies, including expenses in connection with preparing and mailing this proxy statement. Copies of solicitation materials will be furnished to brokerage houses, nominees, fiduciaries and custodians to forward to beneficial owners of common stock held in their names. We will reimburse
brokerage firms and other persons representing beneficial owners of common stock for their reasonable expenses in forwarding solicitation materials to the owners. In addition to original solicitation of proxies by mail, our directors, officers and other employees may, without additional compensation, solicit proxies by telephone, facsimile and personal interviews.
We will only deliver one proxy statement to multiple shareholders sharing an address unless we have received contrary instructions from one or more of the shareholders. We will promptly deliver a separate copy of this proxy statement to a shareholder at a shared address to which a single copy of the document was delivered upon oral or written
request to:
Ableauctions.com, Inc.
Attn.: President
Suite 200 - 1963 Lougheed Highway
Coquitlam, British Columbia
Canada V3K 3T8
Telephone (604)-521-3369
Fax (604)-521-4911
SUMMARY INFORMATION ABOUT PROPOSALS
The following summary highlights selected information from this proxy statement regarding the five proposals to be considered and voted upon by the shareholders, and may not contain all of the information that is important to you. Accordingly, we encourage you to read carefully this proxy statement,
its attachments and the documents referred to or incorporated by reference into this proxy statement. Each item in this summary includes a page reference directing you to a more complete description of that item.
The Acquisition (page 11)
Ableauctions proposes to acquire a 100% interest in a coal mining and coking business based in the People’s Republic of China, which is referred to throughout this proxy statement as “SinoCoking,” by means of a share exchange transaction (“Acquisition”). In connection with this Acquisition, Ableauctions
will issue up to 13.2 million shares of its common stock to the shareholders of SinoCoking, which shall constitute approximately 97% of the company’s common stock that will be outstanding after giving effect to the Acquisition. The Acquisition will be accomplished pursuant to a Share Exchange Agreement dated as of July 17, 2009 which Ableauctions entered into with SinoCoking and its shareholders, a copy of which is included hereto as Attachment 1.
The Acquisition will involve acquisition by Ableauctions of 100% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of SinoCoking from the shareholders of SinoCoking. As a result of the share exchange:
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· |
We will acquire and own 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of SinoCoking from the shareholders of SinoCoking, making SinoCoking our wholly-owned subsidiary; |
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We will issue up to 13.2 million shares of our common stock to the former shareholders of SinoCoking; |
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The shareholders of Ableauctions.com immediately prior to the Acquisition will, after completion of the Acquisition, own approximately 3% of the outstanding shares of the Company; and |
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The former shareholders of SinoCoking will own approximately 97% of the outstanding shares of the Company. |
Prior to the consummation of the Acquisition, the Company will distribute all of its assets relating to the Ableauctions Business (after payment of liabilities) to a liquidating trust for the benefit of the Company’s existing shareholders (see the section below in this proxy statement entitled “Proposal 2 – Approval of Terms
of Plan of Liquidation”).
Following the Acquisition, the Company will cease operating the Ableauctions Business, and the business of SinoCoking will be continued and will constitute the principal business and operations of the Company.
The closing of the Acquisition will be contingent on the simultaneous closing of a proposed Financing of $50 million to $75 million, which may be comprised of debt or equity securities or both, to be determined by the board of directors in consultation with SinoCoking. This contingency may be waived by SinoCoking.
The Parties to the Acquisition
The parties to the Acquisition are:
Ableauctions.com, Inc.
Suite 200 – 1963 Lougheed Highway
Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada V3K 3T8
Telephone: (604)-521-3369
and
Top Favour Limited and its Shareholders
c/o Pingdingshan Hongyuan Energy Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd.
Kuanggong Road and Tiyu Road (10th Floor, Chengshi Xin Yong She, Tiyu Road)
Xinhua District, Pingdingshan, Henan Province, China
and
Abdoul and Hanifa Ladha, as Shareholders of Ableauctions
Brief Description of Business of Ableauctions Presently Conducted (page 16)
We provide liquidation and merchandizing services along with auction and point-of-sale technology to businesses to assist them with managing the sale of their products. We also provide mortgages and loans to individuals and companies, and develop real estate. We classify our business interests into 4 reportable segments:
the auction, liquidation and technology business, which consists principally of liquidation and merchandizing services; loans, which consists of mortgages and loans; real property and property development, which consists principally of properties held for development; and a segment we call “other” which encompasses our corporate activities such as investor and public relations and the management of cash and marketable securities held for investment. We have included information in the discussion
below about our websites. Information included on our websites is not a part of this proxy statement.
Our Reasons for the Acquisition (page 14)
A significant segment of our business has involved providing liquidation and merchandizing services, along with auction and point-of-sale technology, to businesses to assist them in managing the sale of their products. On April 15, 2008 we announced that we had been notified by eBay that eBay intended to wind down the operations of
its eBay Live Auctions platform effective December 31, 2008. This decision, along with the continued weakness in the U.S. economy, has negatively impacted the revenues earned by our liquidation and live auction broadcast services. In order to address the adverse effect of these events on our revenues and operations, we began exploring a broad range of new options that included taking the company in a new direction while also expanding our investment portfolio that is comprised of loans, real property, development
property and a joint venture.
While we expect to realize record revenues in 2009 as a result of our investment portfolio and specifically the Gruv development project that we started in 2005, we believe that expanding and focusing on this segment of our business alone will not provide immediate value to our shareholders because of the significant amount of capital
and the length of time it takes to develop a project, and the weakness in the global economy which makes raising and borrowing large sums of capital difficult.
We have been continuously exploring business opportunities, including potential business combinations. In February 2009, we obtained a proposal from SinoCoking, which is described in more detail in the section of this proxy statement titled “Proposal 1 – Approval of Acquisition”. On
July 17, 2009, the board of directors approved the terms of the Share Exchange Agreement with SinoCoking.
SinoCoking’s Reasons for the Acquisition (page 14)
SinoCoking’s management considered a traditional initial public offering in the U.S.; however, it concluded that the cost, time and market risks associated with such a transaction outweighed the potential benefits. Management of SinoCoking then explored the possibility of acquiring a public shell for purposes of completing
a reverse take-over transaction. SinoCoking management believes that a reverse take-over by a public reporting company that is trading on a national exchange and reporting with the SEC would provide SinoCoking with the benefits that it is seeking by becoming a publicly traded company.
Transactions Related to the Acquisition (pages 63 – 70)
Conditioned upon closing of the Acquisition, we will (i) adopt and execute a plan of liquidation whereby the pre-acquisition business, assets and liabilities of Ableauctions.com, Inc. will be placed into a liquidating trust for the benefit of
the Ableauctions.com, Inc. shareholders, (ii) we will conduct a reverse stock split of our outstanding shares, within a range of 1-for-20 to 1-for-50, with the exact ratio to be determined by our board of directors, (iii) we will change our name to “SinoCoking Coal & Coke Chemical Industries Inc.”, and (iv) we will conduct a financing with gross proceeds of over $50 million, in the form of debt or equity securities, which may involve the issuance of shares of our common stock which will exceed
20% of our then-outstanding shares (these items are sometimes collectively referred to in this proxy statement as the “Transactions”). Although we have entered into a binding Share Exchange Agreement, the board of directors has approved the Transactions, and Mr. and Mrs. Ladha have entered into a voting agreement with us to agree to vote in favor of the proposals, nonetheless we cannot provide assurance that the Acquisition will be successfully consummated. If the
Acquisition is not consummated for any reason, the Transactions described above, including the liquidation of our pre-acquisition business, reverse stock split, name change and financing, will be abandoned without any further action by our shareholders.
Effect of the Transactions on Shareholders of Ableauctions (page 11)
If the Transactions are consummated, the persons who were shareholders of Ableauctions prior to the closing will continue to hold shares of Ableauctions, and in addition these shareholders will become beneficiaries of the liquidating trust. The
pre-acquisition business, assets and liabilities of Ableauctions will be transferred to the liquidating trust, which will then proceed to pay liabilities, sell and liquidate property, wind down the business and affairs of the prior Ableauctions business, and distribute net proceeds to the Ableauctions shareholders. In addition, the persons who hold shares of Ableauctions immediately prior to the acquisition will be diluted, such that the holders of 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of
Ableauctions pre-acquisition, will hold 3% of the issued and outstanding shares of Ableauctions post-transaction. Following the closing of the acquisition, the business, properties, assets and liabilities of Ableauctions shall become those of SinoCoking.
Vote Required for Approval of the Proposals (page 71)
One-third of the shares of common stock issued and outstanding are required to reach a quorum for the special meeting. If a quorum is met, in order for the proposals to be approved by the shareholders, the holders of 50.01% or more of all of the outstanding shares entitled to vote on the matters presented must vote in favor of each
of the proposals. For purposes of determining whether the affirmative vote of shareholders entitled to vote on a proposal has been obtained, abstentions and shares held in “street name” by brokers or nominees who indicate on their proxies that they do not have discretionary authority to vote such shares as to theses matters (“broker non-votes”) will be included in the number of shares present and entitled to vote but will have no effect on the vote. Mr. Ladha has indicated
that he intends to vote in favor of all of the proposals. As of the date of this proxy statement, Mr. Ladha and his spouse beneficially own 4,720,943 shares of common stock (of which 2,408,042 shares are acquirable pursuant to the conversion of a convertible note, and 739,460 shares are acquirable pursuant to a warrant), which would, on a fully-diluted basis represent over 50.01% of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock on the Record Date. However, the Company anticipates that Mr.
Ladha and affiliates will hold and vote shares constituting approximately 49% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company in favor all proposals presented in this proxy statement. In addition, on July 17, 2009 Mr. Ladha and his spouse entered into a voting agreement with SinoCoking whereby Mr. and Mrs. Ladha agreed to vote in favor of the proposals. (see further description of this arrangement under “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” on page 60).
Dissenters’ or Appraisal Rights
Shareholders will not be entitled to dissenters’ or appraisal rights as a result of the Transactions.
Accounting Treatment
For accounting purposes, the Acquisition will be treated as a reverse acquisition which results in the legal acquirer, the Company, being treated as being acquired by SinoCoking under purchase accounting.
Effective Date of the Transactions
A definitive closing date for the Transactions has not been established at this time, however, management anticipates that the Transaction will close as early as September 15, 2009, but not later than November 30, 2009.
OVERVIEW OF PROPOSALS
This proxy statement includes five proposals requiring shareholder action. The proposals relate to:
1. |
Approval of a plan of share exchange in the form of a Share Exchange Agreement, under which we will acquire SinoCoking by issuing up to 13.2 million shares of our common stock (constituting 97% of the total shares expected to be outstanding post-acquisition) to the shareholders of Top Favour Limited, a British Virgin Islands corporation and parent holding company of Pingdingshan Hongyuan Energy Science and Technology
Development Co., Ltd., which controls Henan Province Pingdingshan Hongli Coal & Coking Co., Ltd. and its subsidiaries (collectively “SinoCoking”); |
2. |
Approval of the terms of a plan of liquidation whereby the pre-acquisition business, assets and liabilities of Ableauctions.com, Inc. will be placed into a liquidating trust for the benefit of the Ableauctions.com, Inc. shareholders (“Liquidating Trust”), as a condition to the closing of the acquisition; |
3. |
Approval of amendments to our Articles of Incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split, which will be within a range of 1-for-20 to 1-for-50 as determined by the board of directors; |
4. |
Approval of a change of our name from “Ableauctions.com, Inc.” to “SinoCoking Coal & Coke Chemical Industries Inc.”; and |
5. |
Approval, in connection with a Financing, of the sale, issuance or potential issuance of our common stock which may equal or exceed 20% or more of our outstanding stock immediately after giving effect to the foregoing share exchange. |
The proposals are discussed in more detail below.
PROPOSALS
PROPOSAL 1
APPROVAL OF ACQUISITION
We intend to acquire a 100% interest in SinoCoking by means of a share exchange transaction. In connection with the Acquisition, the Company will issue up to 13.2 million shares of its common stock to the shareholders of SinoCoking, which shall constitute approximately 97% of the company’s common stock that will be outstanding
after giving effect to the Acquisition.
Section 713 of the Amex Company Guide (or successor provision) requires approval by our shareholders for the acquisition of stock or assets of another company in the following circumstances (in relevant part):
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(b) |
when the issuance or potential issuance of additional shares will result in a change of control of the issuer, including, but not limited to, those issuances that constitute a Reverse Merger as specified in §341. |
The Company’s Board of Directors has approved the acquisition of SinoCoking through a share exchange transaction with the holders of capital stock of SinoCoking. Under Florida law, the shareholders of the Company must approve the plan of share exchange in connection with the Acquisition. In addition, the transaction
contemplated by the Share Exchange Agreement would be considered a “reverse merger” under the rules of the Amex Company Guide, and accordingly, the transaction must be approved by the shareholders of the Company in order to comply with the requirements of NYSE Amex Equities.
SUMMARY TERM SHEET AND DESCRIPTION OF THE ACQUISITION
The Acquisition is described below, and the full text of the Share Exchange Agreement dated as of July 17, 2009 (the “Share Exchange Agreement”) setting forth the terms and conditions of the Acquisition is attached hereto as Attachment A.
The Acquisition will consist of the acquisition of 100% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of SinoCoking from the shareholders of SinoCoking. As a result of the share exchange:
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We will acquire and own 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of SinoCoking from the shareholders of SinoCoking, making SinoCoking our wholly-owned subsidiary; |
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We will issue up to 13.2 million shares of our common stock to the former shareholders of SinoCoking; |
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The shareholders of Ableauctions.com immediately prior to the Acquisition will, after completion of the Acquisition, own approximately 3% of the outstanding shares of the Company; and |
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The former shareholders of SinoCoking will own approximately 97% of the outstanding shares of the Company. |
Prior to the consummation of the Acquisition, the Company will distribute all of its assets relating to the Ableauctions Business (after payment of liabilities) to a liquidating trust for the benefit of the Company’s existing shareholders (see the section below in this proxy statement entitled “Proposal 2 – Approval of Terms
of Plan of Liquidation”).
Following the Acquisition, the Company will cease operating the Ableauctions Business, and the business of SinoCoking will be continued and will constitute the principal business and operations of the Company.
The closing of the Acquisition will be contingent on the simultaneous closing of a proposed Financing of $50 million to $75 million, which may be comprised of debt or equity securities or both, to be determined by the board of directors in consultation with SinoCoking. SinoCoking may waive this condition.
As a condition to and prior to the Acquisition, we agreed to amend our Articles of Incorporation to effect a reverse stock split which shall range between 1-for-20 and 1-for-50 and change our name to “SinoCoking Coal & Coke Chemical Industries Inc.” (see the section below in this proxy statement entitled “Proposal
3 – Reverse Stock Split and Approval of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation”). In addition, immediately prior to the consummation of the Transactions, all of our debts and liabilities will be assumed and paid by the liquidating trust and any remaining assets shall be distributed from the liquidating trust to the beneficiaries, which will be the individuals who were holders of the Company’s stock prior to the Acquisition. Following the Acquisition, members of SinoCoking’s
management will also be appointed as our officers and directors, as described in this proxy statement.
In addition to the conditions described above, the Share Exchange Agreement contains representations, warranties and conditions customary for transactions of this nature. The Share Exchange Agreement provides for indemnification of SinoCoking and its shareholders for breaches of representations, warranties and covenants. In
the event that any of the conditions to the Acquisition are not satisfied, the Acquisition may not be consummated. Neither the company nor SinoCoking can provide any assurances that the Acquisition will ultimately be consummated.
Following the consummation of the Acquisition contemplated by the Share Exchange Agreement, our hypothetical capital structure, in the event of either a 1-for-20 reverse stock split or a 1-for-50 reverse stock split, would be as follows:
Category of Holders |
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Shares
(1-for-20 reverse stock split)(1) |
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Shares
(1-for-50 reverse stock split)(1) |
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Percentage Owned (2) |
SinoCoking Shareholders |
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13,117,952 |
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5,247,181 |
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97 |
% |
Original Ableauctions.com Shareholders |
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415,710 |
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162,284 |
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3 |
% |
TOTAL(2): |
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13,523,662 |
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5,409,465 |
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100 |
% |
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(1) |
Subject to adjustment to address fractional shares. Each of the Company’s shareholders entitled to a fractional share of the Company’s stock as a result of the reverse stock split will receive a whole share of the Company’s common stock in lieu of such fractional share. |
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(2) |
Excludes the effect of the anticipated Financing, the terms of which have yet to be determined. |
For accounting purposes, the Acquisition will be treated as a reverse acquisition which results in the legal acquirer, the Company, being treated as being acquired by SinoCoking under purchase accounting.
The Share Exchange Agreement provides for various covenants, representations and warranties on the part of SinoCoking, the SinoCoking shareholders and Ableauctions, as customary in transaction similar to the Acquisition.
In addition, Ableauctions has agreed to adopt a plan of liquidation reasonably acceptable to SinoCoking under which it shall establish a Liquidating Trust for purposes of assuming outstanding liabilities and distributing the assets of Ableauctions to its shareholders as of a certain record date prior to the closing of the Acquisition. In
compliance with applicable law and any required third party consents, Ableauctions agreed to transfer all its assets and liabilities to the Liquidating Trust prior to or concurrently with the closing. Ableauctions and Abdul Ladha agreed to cause such plan of liquidation to include a covenant to indemnify the Top Favour shareholders for certain claims, damages, costs and expenses, and provide for a reserve fund of at least $1,000,000 in cash or cash equivalents or other assets acceptable to SinoCoking
which shall remain in place for at least 12 months following the closing of the Acquisition and shall be used to discharge any remaining liabilities of Ableauctions not discharged prior to closing. The plan of liquidation will also include a covenant to indemnify Abdul Ladha for certain claims, damages, costs and expenses.
SinoCoking has agreed to file a listing application with the NYSE Amex Equities exchange, with the intent of maintaining the listing of Ableauctions shares on the exchange.
Closing of the Acquisition will require the satisfaction of a number of conditions, briefly described below. Among these conditions, the current officers and directors of Ableauctions must resign. The board of directors of Ableauctions must appoint Jianhua Lv as Chairman of the board of directors, and appoint his designees
to the board of directors to take office immediately after the closing. As of the date of this proxy statement, SinoCoking intends to have Mr. Lv appointed as Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the Board, and Mr. Zan Wu as the Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary. At the time of closing, Ableauctions must have completed its transfer of the prior business, assets and liabilities to the Liquidating Trust, and Ableauctions must have no remaining assets or
liabilities immediately prior to closing. The shareholders of Ableauctions entitled to vote at the special meeting must have voted to approve all proposals. Any third party consents that Ableauctions is required to obtain must have been obtained prior to closing. Ableauctions must have completed its due diligence investigation. Finally, the parties intend to concurrently consummate or shall have secured an irrevocable commitment from a bona fide third party to consummate,
a debt or equity financing to raise a proposed $75 million in gross proceeds. In the event that any of the conditions in the Share Exchange Agreement are not satisfied or waived prior to closing, the Acquisition may not be consummated.
Under the Share Exchange Agreement, the Acquisition may be terminated under the following circumstances:
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(i) |
by both parties if Ableauctions and SinoCoking mutually agree to terminate the Acquisition; |
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(ii) |
by either Ableauctions or the Top Favour Shareholders if the Acquisition shall not have been consummated for any reason by November 30, 2009; provided that the failure to consummate the transaction is not caused by the party that is terminating; |
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(iii) |
by either Ableauctions or the Top Favour Shareholders if a governmental entity shall have issued an order, decree or ruling or taken any other action, in any case having the effect of permanently restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the Transactions, which order, decree, ruling or other action is final and non-appealable; |
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(iv) |
by the Top Favour Shareholders, upon a material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement on the part of Ableauctions or the Ableauctions Shareholders provided in the Share Exchange Agreement, or if any representation or warranty of Ableauctions shall have become materially untrue, unless cured in accordance with the terms of the Share Exchange Agreement; |
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(v) |
by Ableauctions, upon a material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement on the part of Top Favour or the Top Favour Shareholders in the Share Exchange Agreement, or if any representation or warranty of Top Favour or the Top Favour Shareholders shall have become materially untrue, unless cured in accordance with the terms of the Share Exchange Agreement; |
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(vi) |
by Ableauctions, if the results of the due diligence investigation described in the Share Exchange Agreement by Ableauctions is unsatisfactory, and SinoCoking is not able to cure the unsatisfactory condition prior to closing; |
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(vii) |
by Top Favour if Royal Bank of Canada (“RBC”), one of Ableauctions’ lenders, refuses to approve the assumption by the Liquidating Trust of the liabilities and guarantees arising from the Loan Agreements; or |
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(viii) |
by Ableauctions if (i) RBC refuses to approve the assumption by the Liquidating Trust of the liabilities and guarantees arising from the Loan Agreements and (ii) Top Favour does not waive the failure to assign such liability and guarantees. |
A definitive closing date for the Transactions has not been established at this time, however, management anticipates that the Transaction will close as early as September 15, 2009, but not later than November 30, 2009.
The foregoing “Summary Term Sheet and Description of the Acquisition” is qualified in its entirety by the specific language of the Share Exchange Agreement, which is attached to this proxy statement as Attachment A.
Our Reasons for the Acquisition
A significant segment of our business has involved providing liquidation and merchandizing services, along with auction and point-of-sale technology, to businesses to assist them in managing the sale of their products. On April 15, 2008 we announced that we had been notified by eBay that eBay intended to wind down the operations of
its eBay Live Auctions platform effective December 31, 2008. This decision, along with the continued weakness in the U.S. economy, has negatively impacted the revenues earned by our liquidation and live auction broadcast services. In order to address the adverse effect of these events on our revenues and operations, we began exploring a broad range of options that included taking the company in a new direction while also expanding our investment portfolio that is comprised of loans, real property, development
property and a joint venture. While we expect to realize record revenues in 2009 as a result of our investment portfolio and specifically the Gruv development project that we started in 2005, we believe that expanding and focusing on this segment of our business alone will not provide immediate value to our shareholders because of the significant amount of capital and the length of time it takes to develop a project, and the weakness in the global economy, which makes raising and borrowing large sums
of capital difficult.
We have been continuously exploring business opportunities, including potential business combinations. In February 2009, we obtained a proposal for the Acquisition as described above from SinoCoking. On July 17, 2009, the board of directors approved the Share Exchange Agreement with SinoCoking.
SinoCoking’s Reasons for the Acquisition
SinoCoking has been a private operating company in China, which began with the establishment of Henan Province Pingdingshan Hongli Coal & Coke Company, Ltd. (referred to herein as “Hongli”) in 1996, with a focus on coal mining. The company later expanded its business activities to include coke production and
electricity generation. In 2003, Hongli acquired Baofeng Coking Factory of Henan Province (“Baofeng Coking”), which now constitutes SinoCoking’s coking operations. In 2007, Hongli established a wholly owned subsidiary named Baofeng County Hongchang Coal Co. Ltd. (“Hongchang Coal”), which presently holds and operates its coal mining and washing operations. In 2006, Hongli established another wholly owned subsidiary named Baofeng Hongguang Power Co.,
Ltd. (“Hongguang Power”), which now holds and operates its electricity generating business.
Up to the present time, SinoCoking has been financed primarily by its founder, Mr. Jianhua Lv, and through cash flow generated by the business. However, the scale of SinoCoking’s business expansion has been limited by capital constraints. Over the past year, new opportunities were presented to SinoCoking including
expansion of its existing facilities. SinoCoking’s management decided that it was in SinoCoking’s best interest to become a publicly traded company in the U.S. to better position the company to raise capital from outside sources. In addition, management believed that for SinoCoking to effectively compete in its industry and realize its potential, it must have access to capital at a reasonable cost.
SinoCoking’s management considered a traditional initial public offering in the U.S.; however, it concluded that the cost, time and market risks associated with such a transaction outweighed the potential benefits. Management of SinoCoking then explored the possibility of combining with a publicly traded shell company
in a reverse take-over transaction. SinoCoking’s management believes that a reverse take-over by a public reporting company that is trading on a national exchange and reporting with the SEC would provide SinoCoking with the benefits that it is seeking by becoming a publicly traded company.
Contacts between SinoCoking and the Company
In the last half of 2008, SinoCoking considered proposals to become a publicly traded company in the U.S. Numerous meetings were held by SinoCoking’s management, and its management decided that it was in the best interests of the company to become a public reporting company through a business combination with a U.S. publicly
traded company. Representatives were hired to look for a suitable vehicle for a reverse takeover. Such representatives began discussions with the Company in May of 2008. SinoCoking conducted due diligence on the Company and proposed transaction, and determined that the Company was a suitable candidate for a reverse takeover transaction. Both companies consulted with their respective financial, legal and tax advisors regarding the financial terms and structure of a proposed merger
and a non-binding letter of intent was signed in February 2009. Abdul Ladha, the Company’s CEO, President and Chief Financial Officer, represented the Company in discussions, and the parties discussed the proposed business combination including issues related to tax matters, a fair merger exchange ratio taking into account a reverse stock split, appointment of a new board of directors, a liquidating distribution of Ableauctions.com’s assets to the Company’s existing shareholders,
and the confirmatory of legal and accounting due diligence.
Through the first quarter of 2009, both parties continued to conduct due diligence and began the formal process of drafting the Share Exchange Agreement. The Company’s Board was satisfied with the exchange ratio based upon the fair value and net assets contributed by SinoCoking and was satisfied with SinoCoking’s
current financial statements and management team. The Company’s Board concluded that a reverse takeover with SinoCoking, coupled with a liquidating distribution of the Company’s assets, was in the best interest of the Company’s existing shareholders. SinoCoking’s Board was satisfied with the results of its due diligence and the terms of the proposed business combination. On July 17, 2009, a definitive Share Exchange Agreement was executed by SinoCoking
and its shareholders and by the Company. The text of the Share Exchange Agreement, excluding the corresponding schedules and exhibits, is being furnished with this proxy statement.
ABOUT ABLEAUCTIONS.COM
Description of Business
Overview
The following Description of Business describes our current business as it is now conducted, prior to consummation of the Acquisition. As a condition of the closing of the Acquisition, our present business will be liquidated, our net assets distributed to a liquidating trust for the
benefit of our shareholders, and our Company’s business will thereafter consist entirely of the business of SinoCoking (see the section below entitled “Proposal 2 – Approval of Terms of Plan of Liquidation”). Readers of this proxy statement should note that the following description of business is furnished in order to provide a description of our business as it exists prior to the closing of the Acquisition. If the Acquisition is not consummated, our current business
will not be liquidated.
We provide liquidation and merchandizing services along with auction and point-of-sale technology to businesses to assist them with managing the sale of their products. We also provide mortgages and loans to individuals and companies, and develop real estate. We classify our business interests into 4 reportable segments:
the auction, liquidation and technology business, which consists principally of liquidation and merchandizing services; loans, which consists of mortgages and loans; real property and property development, which consists principally of properties held for development; and a segment we call “other” which encompasses our corporate activities such as investor and public relations and the management of cash and marketable securities held for investment. We have included information in the discussion
below about our websites. Information included on our websites is not a part of this proxy statement.
Auction, Liquidation and Technology Segment
Liquidation Services. We sell merchandise through our Unlimited Closeouts and Ableauctions’ liquidation store located in California and British Columbia. We also generate revenues by providing inventory brokerage services at www.unlimitedcloseouts.com.
Auction Broadcast Services. We broadcast business and industrial auctions over the Internet for auctioneers and members of the National Auctioneers Association (NAA). These auctions are facilitated using our proprietary technology (www.ableauctions.com/technology)
through the website www.naalive.com and www.naaonlinesolutions.com. Additionally, we broadcast antique and collectible auctions over the Internet for numerous galleries and auction houses throughout the world. Prior to December 31, 2008, these auctions were facilitated using eBay’s live auction technology. Commencing January 1, 2009, these auctions are facilitated using our proprietary technology (www.ableauctions.com/ technology)
through the website, www.iCollector.com. We also provide auction-related products and services for a fee (www.icollectorlive.com/services.aspx).
Point-of-Sale (POS) Services. Through our subsidiary, Rapidfusion Technologies, Inc. (www.rapidfusion.com/technology), we sell to retailers, install and support our proprietary point-of-sale (POS) sales processing and reporting system.
Real Property Development and Lending Segments
Our wholly owned subsidiary, Axion Investment Corporation, develops real estate and makes short term loans.
As of March 31, 2009, our loan and real estate segments included the following investments:
Investment |
|
Amount |
|
Loans |
|
$ |
2,315,968 |
|
Real Property |
|
$ |
2,088,379 |
|
Real Property held for development |
|
$ |
9,536,629 |
|
Investment in joint venture |
|
$ |
1,181,138 |
|
Investment in Surrey City Central Holdings Ltd. |
|
$ |
1,676,123 |
|
When we deem it necessary, we use the income earned by these investments to support our operations.
Other Segment
Ableauctions.com Inc. manages our corporate and public company affairs and all related activities such as investor and public relations and the management of our cash and marketable securities held for investment.
History
We were incorporated under the laws of the state of Florida as J. B. Financial Services, Inc. on September 30, 1996. We changed our name to Ableauctions.com, Inc. on July 19, 1999. From the date of our incorporation until August 24, 1999, we had no material business and no material revenues, expenses, assets or liabilities.
On August 24, 1999, in exchange for shares of our common stock and cash, we acquired all of the assets and the business operations of Able Auctions (1991) Ltd., a British Columbia corporation engaged in the business of auctioning used equipment, office furnishings and other merchandise. We acquired all of the issued and outstanding
common stock of Able Auctions (1991) Ltd. from Dexton Technologies Corporation, a British Columbia corporation. Our intent in acquiring the assets and business operations of Able Auctions (1991) Ltd. was to expand its bricks and mortar operations and to develop an on-line auction technology.
Because of the significant costs related to traditional auction businesses, such as maintaining a physical auction site and employees necessary to staff the auctions, we decided to abandon our plan to expand our bricks and mortar operations through continued acquisitions of auction businesses. We no longer operate our bricks and
mortar auction businesses.
While our business has evolved away from conducting auctions through bricks and mortar operations, we have expanded our on-line auction operations and branched out into excess inventory liquidation.
Liquidation Services
During 2008, most of our business involving the liquidation of excess inventory was carried out by our wholly owned subsidiary, Unlimited Closeouts, Inc., which contacts major manufacturers and importers to purchase overstocks, order cancellations and discontinued products. Unlimited Closeouts then sells the merchandise to major
retail chains, other resellers or the public.
We earn commissions ranging from 10% to 25% on the inventory that we sell. During the 2008 fiscal year, revenue from our liquidation business totaled $1,653,902, or approximately 59% of all the revenue we earned.
Our liquidation operations are currently dependant on two persons. If we were to lose our current operators, the loss could have a material adverse effect on this sector of our business and on our results of operations.
Auction Broadcast Services
We now provide technology and related services to auction houses and galleries to enable them to broadcast auctions live over the Internet through the use of our proprietary technology.
In a traditional bricks and mortar auction setting, prior to the auction users must register to qualify as bidders. Up until the start of an auction, users are able to preview the merchandise and submit absentee bids. Once the auction begins, the registered users bid against each other for merchandise auctioned at a
physical location with the auctioned merchandise being sold to the highest bidder. A typical auction may draw 500 people and have 1,000 lots of merchandise.
Through our auction broadcast services, as used with our proprietary technology platform, auction houses and galleries are now empowered with technology that enables them to broadcast their auctions over the Internet in real-time, allowing online bidders to bid against bidders physically present at the location. Like a traditional
bricks and mortar auction, users register on-line before the auction begins in order to qualify as bidders, to preview the merchandise and to place absentee bids. Once the auction begins, online bidders bid from their computers in real-time against bidders present at the location (“floor bidders”) and against each other. Online bidders are invoiced electronically for their winning bids and are able to remit payment electronically. We believe that our technology and
services make the online purchase of auction merchandise more convenient for consumers. For auction businesses, we believe that this technology can increase the size of auction audiences by increasing exposure to auctions, increase the final hammer price for merchandise sold and lower overall transaction costs.
We have also developed technology that manages the “back-end” of the auction, enabling auctioneers to run auctions more efficiently, providing them with tools to automate invoicing, collect payment, track lot popularity, view bidder statistics and demographics, and print graphic reports.
iCollector
Through our subsidiary, iCollector.com Technologies Ltd., we broadcast auctions live over the Internet using our proprietary technology platform. iCollector represents antique, fine art and premium collectible auction houses and galleries, whose inventories typically include fine and decorative arts, modern and contemporary art,
memorabilia, wine, fine furniture and collectibles that are obtained primarily from Europe, Canada and the United States. iCollector catalogues its client’s inventory and features it on its website located at www.icollector.com. iCollector also provides back-end auction-related products and services to galleries and auction houses for a fee, so that the auctions can be conducted more efficiently. We provide
galleries and auction houses with tools to automate invoicing, collect payment, track lot popularity, view bidder statistics and demographics, and print graphic reports.
During the 2008 fiscal year, our iCollector operations declined by approximately 35%, facilitating 891 auction sessions. Revenue from our iCollector operations totaled $521,793 during the 2008 fiscal year, or approximately 19% of all the revenue we earned. The fee charged to our auction house clients was approximately $1,500 per
auction plus approximately 5% of the value of the merchandise sold online, which we shared equally between us and eBay.
On May 21, 2009 Ableauctions and iCollector signed a License Agreement with ABC Live Auction World Ltd. (“ABC”). The effective date of the License Agreement was May 15, 2009. ABC is an employee-owned entity not otherwise affiliated with us. Under the terms of the License Agreement, ABC has sublicensed
all of iCollector’s auction and auction-hosting related technology, domain names, intellectual property and various other assets (including those assets used in the operations of NAALive) in consideration for 50% of net profits realized from ABC’s operations or 10% of ABC’s net auction revenue. The sublicense is non-exclusive. We continue to own the licensed assets and will own any enhancements made to them by ABC. ABC has also hired all of iCollector’s
employees as of the effective date and began performing iCollector’s obligations under its auction and auction-hosting agreements. If we complete a sale or license of the iCollector business, then ABC will receive a minimum of 25% of the consideration payable to us upon completion of the transaction.
NAALive
We partnered with the National Auctioneers Association (“NAA”) to serve as its exclusive online auction contractor to broadcast business and industrial equipment auctions for its members on the website www.NAALive.com. We promoted these services to NAA’s estimated 7,000 members with technology that we have developed. This
platform is the only web cast technology for live online auctions endorsed by the National Auctioneers Association.
During the 2008 fiscal year, our NAALive operations declined by approximately 31% and facilitated 188 auction sessions. Revenue from these operations totaled $177,203, or approximately 6% of all the revenue we earned during the 2008 fiscal year. The fee charged to our auction house clients was approximately $300 per auction
plus approximately 2.0% of the value of the merchandise sold online. We pay the NAA up to 20% of the fees we collect for joint marketing. As noted above, ABC Live Auction World now hosts the NAALive auctions.
Point of Sale (POS) Software and Services
We also earned revenues from our subsidiary, Rapidfusion Technologies, Inc. Rapidfusion has developed point-of-sale software and services for retailers. Users of these products and services may select from the following packages:
|
· |
The Rapidfusion POS (Point-of-Sale) 2007 Professional Single-User (Retail $3,000) is our full-featured product for medium to large stores needing a comprehensive, standalone point of sale product. This software may be upgraded to add other users, as necessary. |
|
· |
The Rapidfusion POS (Point-of-Sale) 2007 Professional Multi-User (Retail $3,750) is for medium to large stores requiring two or more terminals (for example, one terminal for inventory management and one terminal for sales) in one complete point of sale product. |
|
· |
The Rapidfusion POS (Point-of-Sale) 2007 Professional Head Office Solution (Retail $4,000) is designed to manage multiple store branches from one central terminal. This product includes functionality of warehouse or store split-purchase orders, full inventory control with inter-store transfers, customer database management, and the ability to consolidate and track all sales data for multiple store branches. |
In early 2007, we released an enhanced version of Rapidfusion’s point of sale software and we became certified by Paymentech Solutions to use its software. As a result, were able to integrate credit card and debit card transactions
into our software through advanced Paymentech Pin-Pads, replacing existing separate point of sale credit card and debit card terminals with simple pin-pad card readers.
Revenue from sales of Rapidfusion’s products totaled $302,585, or approximately 11% of all the revenue we earned during the 2008 fiscal year.
On June 8, 2009 Ableauctions and RapidFusion signed a License Agreement with Pacific Amber Technologies Inc. (“PATI”). The effective date of the License Agreement was June 1, 2009. PATI is an employee-owned entity not otherwise affiliated with us. Under the terms of the License Agreement, PATI
has sublicensed all of RapidFusion’s point of sale technology and its source code, domain names, intellectual property and various other assets used in the operations of Rapidfusion’s business in consideration for 50% of net profits realized from PATI’s operations or 5% of PATI’s gross profits from its point of sale revenues, whichever is greater.. The sublicense is non-exclusive. We continue to own the licensed assets and will own any enhancements made
to the licensed assets by PATI or any of its affiliates in the future. PATI also hired all of Rapidfusion’s employees as of the effective date and has begun performing Rapidfusion’s obligations under its contracts and warranty agreements. If we complete a sale or license of the RapidFusion business, then PATI will receive a minimum of 25% of the consideration payable to us upon completion of the transaction.
Real Property Development
In an effort to expand our business we created Axion Investment Corporation, referred to in this discussion as “Axion”, to develop real estate and make short term loans.
Gruv Development
Currently, through Axion, we are developing a vacant parcel of land located at 9655 King George Highway. We refer to this development as Phase I of the Gruv Development in this report. We acquired the property in August 2005 for $1,270,000.
We are developing the property by improving it with a retail facility of approximately 4,326 square feet and with a residential complex consisting of 111 condominiums. We expect revenue of approximately $22.1 million ($25.4 million CAD) from the sale of the commercial and residential units and we estimate that the cost
to develop the property will be approximately $18.4 million ($21.2 million CAD).
We entered into agreements to pre-sell 100% of the 111 residential condominiums prior to construction and have collected approximately $1.92 million ($2.34 million CAD) in deposits that are being held in trust with Macdonald Realty Ltd. We paid $341,446 ($366,749 CAD) to Macdonald Realty for its services to date. We have budgeted
an additional $600,082 ($689,750 CAD) to be paid to Macdonald Realty for the balance of commissions and bonuses due upon the successful completion of the sales and the final transfer of property title.
We received a building permit from the City of Surrey to develop the property and we have advanced refundable performance bonds for service and work totalling $320,558 ($384,833 CAD) as commitment for the development of Phase I.
On February 15, 2008 we entered into a Construction Management Agreement with Cantera Management Group Ltd. (“Cantera”) to manage the development of Phase I. In consideration of these services, we have agreed to pay Cantera a fixed fee of $454,024 ($553,000 CAD) over the term of the contract calculated on a percentage of completion
basis.
On March 12, 2008, we obtained an updated conditional credit facility in the amount of $14.28 million ($16.42 million CAD) from the Royal Bank of Canada for the development of Phase I.
The credit facility is secured by guarantees from Axion and Ableauctions, by a general security agreement covering all of the assets of Axion and by the property. The advances accrue interest at the prime rate announced by Royal Bank of Canada plus 0.75% per annum. A fee of $47,073 was paid to the Royal Bank of Canada for
arrangement of this credit facility. Of this amount, $35,378 was paid during the 2007 fiscal year with the remaining balance paid in the first quarter of 2008.
The credit facility has been granted subject to a number of conditions, including appraisal of the project, the submission of an environmental report, the submission of a soils report, confirmation of permits and approvals, engagement of a project monitor, submission of a schedule of pre-sales contracts, the purchase of insurance, a cash
investment by Axion of approximately $4.75 million ($4.84 million CAD) toward the development including the cost of the land, and fixed price contracts for at least 50% of Phase I’s hard construction costs prior to the initial draw and 80% by December 2008. By November 10, 2008, Axion had fulfilled all the obligations of the construction credit facility.
Construction Progress as of April 30, 2009 ($ CAD):
Project costs of work completed to date: |
|
$ |
13,828,313 |
|
Project costs of remaining work: |
|
$ |
6,668,905 |
|
Estimated total project costs: |
|
$ |
21,257,869 |
|
Current outstanding principal balance of loan from the Royal Bank of Canada: |
|
$ |
9,752,095 |
|
In addition to the Royal Bank of Canada credit facility, we have from time-to-time borrowed funds from our president and chief executive officer, Abdul Ladha, to cover cash shortfalls that occasionally result from timing issues that may temporarily prevent us from borrowing against the credit facility. As of May 6, 2009, we had
borrowed approximately $913,000 from Mr. Ladha, all of which has been repaid.
On April 28, 2008, construction of Phase I commenced and it is estimated that it will be completed by September 30, 2009. If the development is suspended for any reason, including but not limited to our inability to obtain financing, permits or trades, we will not be able to recover all of our expenses. There can be no assurance
that the development will be successful or that developing the property in this manner will increase, or even maintain, its value.
On October 6, 2008, we entered into a Development Agreement to acquire a 50% interest in Surrey Central City Holdings Ltd. (“Surrey”), a private company controlled by Mr. Ladha. Surrey owns four properties adjacent to Phase I of our Gruv Development. Through Surrey, we intend to explore the potential of developing
a second phase of this project by improving Surrey’s properties with a residential complex consisting of 76 to 138 condominiums. We believe that such a development could potentially generate revenue of approximately $16 million to $30 million before expenses and income splitting.
Under the terms of the Development Agreement, we acquired a 50% interest in the capital stock of Surrey from Surrey’s sole shareholder, Bullion Reef Holdings Ltd. (“Bullion”), an entity controlled by Mr. Ladha and owned by the Ladha Family Trust. While Mr. Ladha is not a beneficiary of the Ladha Family Trust,
members of his family are beneficiaries. The purchase price for the 50% interest was $1,347,440, subject to adjustment. According to the Development Agreement, the purchase price could be increased to reflect the increase in value that will accrue to the Property if Surrey decides to develop the Property with a 6-storey complex rather than a 4-storey complex. The purchase price could also be increased to reflect the increase in value that would accrue to the Property if Surrey
were able to acquire a lot adjacent to the Property commonly known as 13509 96th Avenue, which was owned by an unrelated third party. On October 20, 2008, Surrey entered into an agreement to purchase the lot for approximately $700,000 and the acquisition was completed on December 15, 2008. As a result, the purchase price for the capital stock of Surrey was increased by $191,625.
We agreed to pay $673,720 of the purchase price in cash and the remainder with a promissory note due in one year bearing interest at the prime rate as announced by the Royal Bank of Canada plus 2% per annum. The promissory note also includes a provision allowing Bullion to convert up to $1 million of the principal amount, and any
interest accrued thereon, into shares of our common stock at a price of $0.432 per share. The total number of shares that could be issued if Bullion converts up to $1 million of principal and interest accrued thereon would total 2,465,277 shares. On April 30, 2009 Bullion assigned the promissory note to Abdul Ladha and his spouse, Hanifa Ladha. We will have the right, for a period of one year, to sell back our interest in Surrey for the original purchase price, less one-half of
the expenses incurred by Surrey in its efforts to develop the Property, in the event financing or approval of a preliminary development plan cannot be obtained.
The Development Agreement also anticipates that Mr. Ladha and Overture Development Corporation will provide services to Surrey in developing the Property. These services include managing the build-out; working with government agencies to obtain approval of the development and obtaining the plans, permits and approvals required
to complete the build-out; providing contractor’s services, including liaising with various trades to coordinate construction of the build-out and supervising and directing construction of the build-out; preparing and implementing a marketing plan; providing the construction bonds; and obtaining financing and home warranty coverage for the development. Mr. Ladha and Overture Development Corporation will jointly receive 25% of the net profit from Phase I and 12.5% of the net profit from the development
of the property owned by Surrey for providing these services.
Township Holdings Ltd.
Through Township Holdings Ltd., Axion also holds a 1/3 interest in two vacant lots located in Langley, British Columbia. The lots are comprised of approximately 4.72 acres and are commonly known as 20514 - 80th Avenue and 20542 - 80th Avenue, Langley, British Columbia V3T 2V3. The properties were purchased on August 14, 2006 for
a purchase price of $3.42 million and are currently being offered for sale.
Loans
Axion also provides short term loans to various businesses and individuals in Canada. The loans typically have terms of one year, earn interest at the rate of approximately 10% and are secured by real estate, general security agreements and personal guarantees, as appropriate. At March 31, 2008, Axion had approximately
$2,315,968 outstanding in loans.
Other (Investment)
Investment of our cash and marketable securities is managed by Ableauctions.com, Inc.
Competition
Online Auction Companies
We face competition from traditional auctioneers and from online auction companies that use the Internet to sell or auction surplus capital assets, equipment, art or collectibles. The Internet auction industry is rapidly evolving, and intensely competitive, and we expect competition to intensify in the future. A variety
of auction web sites are presently available on the Internet that are dedicated to facilitating person-to-person and business-to-person transactions on a bid-based format. These auction services allow sellers to post merchandise on their web sites and buyers to locate items and submit bids online. These services generally organize merchandise by categories and provide descriptions, pictures, or video clips of merchandise offered for sale.
Most of our current and potential competitors have larger customer bases, greater brand recognition and significantly greater financial, marketing and other resources than we do and may enter into strategic or commercial relationships with larger, more established companies. Some of our competitors may be able to secure alliances
with customers and affiliates on more favorable terms, devote greater resources to marketing and promotional campaigns and devote substantially more resources to systems development than we do. In addition, new technologies and the expansion of existing technologies may increase the competitive pressures on us.
We cannot assure you that we will be able to compete successfully against current or future competitors, and competitive pressures faced by us could harm our business, operating results and financial condition. We do not currently represent a significant competitive presence in the on-line auction industry.
Real Estate Development
The real estate industry is highly competitive, with developers and homebuilders competing for desirable properties, financing, raw materials and skilled labor. We do not represent a significant competitive presence in the real estate development industry and we do not believe that we will ever have a competitive presence in that
industry. We have only one real estate development project and one real estate development project in the planning stage.
Government Regulation
Online Auction Companies
There are currently few laws or regulations that directly apply to access to, or commerce on, the Internet. Governing bodies have, and may continue to, adopt laws and regulations governing issues such as user privacy on the Internet and the pricing, characteristics, and quality of products and services offered over the Internet. It
is also possible that government authorities will adopt sales or other taxes involving Internet businesses. The passage of any such laws may make the cost of doing business much higher for us, which may adversely impact our results of operations. Currently we have no significant expenses associated with legal or regulatory compliance.
Real Estate Development
To date, our real estate development activities have been centered in the general area of Vancouver, British Columbia. In order to develop property in British Columbia, we must comply with various regulations promulgated by the British Columbia Superintendent of Real Estate. These regulations include, but are not limited
to, the Real Estate Development Marketing Act of British Columbia. To date, we have not found these regulations burdensome to comply with.
Intellectual Property
We have developed the majority of our software internally. We have taken measures to protect our intellectual property, ranging from confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements for contractors and employees to deploying a modular development schedule where individual modules of software developed or coded by employees or contractors
have no stand-alone benefits until they are integrated with the other modules.
We have registered several internet domain names.
We attempt to enter into confidentiality and invention assignment agreements with our employees and contractors, and nondisclosure agreements with parties with which we conduct business in order to limit access to and disclosure of our proprietary information. There can be no assurance that these contractual arrangements or the other steps
we take to protect our intellectual property will prove sufficient to prevent misappropriation of our technology or to deter independent third party development of similar technologies.
Employees
As of July 17, 2009 we have a total of 8 people employed. In addition to management, we employ sales people, administrative staff, and development and technical personnel. From time to time, to further reduce expenses, we may employ independent consultants or contractors to support our research and development, marketing,
sales and support, and administrative organizations. No collective bargaining units represent our employees. We believe our relations with our employees are good.
Dividends
Liquidating Distribution - Assets Relating to Ableauctions Business
On July 17, 2009, in connection with the proposed Transactions, the board of directors of the company authorized management to create a plan of liquidation, the terms under which our assets and liabilities will be distributed to a liquidating trust for the benefit of our shareholders as of a certain record date to be determined by the Board
of Directors. This liquidating distribution is conditioned upon the closing of the Acquisition. For further information concerning the liquidating distribution, please refer to the section below in the proxy statement entitled “Proposal 2 – Approval of Terms of Plan of Liquidation”.
Dividend Policy of the Company Following the Acquisition
The company has not paid any cash dividends on its common stock in the past. We anticipate that any earnings generated from future operations will be used to finance our operations, and except for the distribution discussed above, we do not anticipate that the Company will pay dividends on a regular basis. No restrictions
exist upon the Company’s ability to pay dividends in the future.
Legal Proceedings
There are no legal proceedings pending against the Company.
ABOUT SINOCOKING
Description of Business
Overview
Top Favour Limited (“Top Favour”) is a holding company that, through its wholly owned subsidiary Pingdingshan Hongyuan Energy Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd. (“Hongyuan”), controls Henan Province Pingdingshan Hongli Coal & Coke Co., Ltd. (“Hongli”), a
coal and coal-coke producer in Henan Province in the central region of the People’s Republic of China (“PRC” or “China”). Hongli produces coke, coal, coal byproducts and electricity through its branch operation, Baofeng Coking Factory, and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Baofeng Hongchang Coal Co., Ltd. and Baofeng Hongguang Environment Protection Electricity Generating Co., Ltd, which we refer to collectively as the “Baofeng Subsidiaries”. We refer
to Hongli and Baofeng Subsidiaries collectively as “Hongli Group”. Top Favour controls Hongli Group through contractual arrangements with Hongli Group and its owners. These contractual arrangements provide for management and control rights, and in addition entitle Top Favour to receive the earnings and control the assets of Hongli Group. Other than the interests in these contractual arrangements, neither Top Favor nor Hongyuan has any equity interests in Hongli Group. We
refer to Top Favour, Hongyuan and Hongli Group collectively as “SinoCoking”.
Corporate History of SinoCoking
Top Favour is a holding company that was incorporated in the British Virgin Islands on July 2, 2008. Since incorporation, Top Favour has not conducted any substantive operations of its own except to serve as a holding company that owns 100% of the equity interest of Hongyuan.
Hongyuan is a PRC limited liability company and the wholly owned subsidiary of Top Favour. Hongyuan was approved to as a wholly-owned foreign enterprise (“WFOE”) by the Henan provincial government on February 26, 2009 and formally organized on March 18, 2009. Other than activities relating to its contractual arrangements
with Hongli, Hongyuan has no separate operations of its own.
Hongli is a limited liability company organized in the PRC on July 5, 1996. Hongli holds the government licenses and approvals necessary to operate SinoCoking’s businesses in China. Hongyuan does not own any equity interests in Hongli, but controls and receives the economic benefits of its business operations
through contractual arrangements. In turn, Top Favour is the 100% owner and parent company of Hongyuan.
Baofeng Coking Factory (“Baofeng Coking”) was established on May 31, 2002 as a branch of Hongli. Baofeng Coking produces SinoCoking’s cokes.
Baofeng Hongchang Coal Co., Ltd. (“Hongchang Coal”) is a limited liability company that was organized in the PRC on July 19, 2007. Hongchang Coal is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hongli and operates SinoCoking’s coal mining operations.
Baofeng Hongguang Power Co., Ltd. (“Hongguang Power”) is a limited liability company that was organized in the PRC on August 1, 2006. Hongguang Power is also wholly owned by Hongli and operates SinoCoking’s electricity generating operations.
The Current Corporate Structure of SinoCoking:
Contractual Arrangements with Hongli Group and its Owners
Top Favour’s relationships with Hongli Group and its owners are governed by a series of contractual arrangements, through which Top Favour holds and exercises ownership and management rights over the Hongli Group. Neither Top Favour nor Hongyuan owns any direct equity interest in Hongli Group. According to a legal
opinion issued by PRC counsel to SinoCoking, the contractual arrangements constitute valid and binding obligations of the parties to such agreements, and are enforceable and valid in accordance with the laws of the PRC.
On March 18, 2009, Hongyuan entered into the following contractual arrangements with Hongli Group and its owners:
Consulting Services Agreement. Pursuant to the consulting services agreement, Hongyuan provides the Hongli Group companies with general consulting services relating to their business management and operations on an exclusive basis (the “Services”). Additionally,
Hongyuan owns any intellectual property rights that are developed during course of providing the Services. Each Hongli Group company pays a quarterly consulting service fee in Renminbi (“RMB”) equal to its net income for such quarter to Hongyuan. The consulting services agreement is in effect unless and until terminated by written notice of either party in the event that: (a) the other party causes a material breach of the agreement, provided that if the breach does not relate
to a financial obligation of the breaching party, that party may attempt to remedy the breach within 14 days following the receipt of the written notice; (b) the other party becomes bankrupt, insolvent, is the subject of proceedings or arrangements for liquidation or dissolution, ceases to carry on business, or becomes unable to pay its debts as they become due; (c) Hongyuan terminates its operations; (d) Hongli Group’s business license or any other approval for its business operations is terminated, cancelled
or revoked; or (e) circumstances arise which would materially and adversely affect the performance or the objectives of the consulting services agreement. Additionally, Hongyuan may terminate the consulting services agreement without cause.
Operating Agreement. Pursuant to the operating agreement, Hongyuan provides guidance and instructions on each Hongli Group company’s daily operations, financial management and employment issues. In addition, Hongyuan agrees to guarantee the performance of
each Hongli Group company under any agreements or arrangements relating to its business arrangements with any third party. In return, the owners of Hongli Group must designate Hongyuan’s candidates as their representatives on each Hongli Group company’s board of directors, and Hongyuan has the right to appoint senior executives of each Hongli Group company. Additionally, each Hongli Group company agrees to pledge its accounts receivable and all of its assets to Hongyuan. Moreover,
each Hongli Group company agrees not to engage in any transactions that could materially affect its assets, liabilities, rights or operations without Hongyuan’s prior consent, including without limitation, incurrence or assumption of any indebtedness, sale or purchase of any assets or rights, incurrence of any encumbrance on any of its assets or intellectual property rights in favor of a third party or transfer of any agreements relating to its business operation to any third party. The term of this
agreement is the maximum period of time permitted by law unless sooner terminated by any other agreements reached by all parties or upon a 30-day written notice from Hongyuan. The term may be extended only upon Hongyuan’s written confirmation prior to the expiration of the agreement, with the extended term to be mutually agreed upon by the parties.
Equity Pledge Agreement. Under the equity pledge agreement, the owners of Hongli Group pledged all of their equity interests in Hongli Group to Hongyuan to guarantee each Hongli Group company’s performance of its obligations under the consulting services agreement. If
a Hongli Group company or the owners breach their respective contractual obligations, Hongyuan, as pledgee, will be entitled to certain rights, including, but not limited to, the right to vote with, control and sell the pledged equity interests. The owners of Hongli Group also agreed that upon occurrence of any event of default, Hongyuan shall be granted an exclusive, irrevocable power of attorney to take actions in the place and stead of the owners to carry out the security provisions of the equity
pledge agreement, and take any action and execute any instrument as required by Hongyuan to accomplish the purposes of the agreement. The owners of Hongli Group agreed not to dispose of the pledged equity interests or take any actions that would prejudice Hongyuan’s interest. This agreement will expire two years from the fulfillment of Hongli Group’s obligations under the consulting services agreement.
Option Agreement. Under the option agreement, the owners of Hongli Group irrevocably granted Hongyuan or its designee an exclusive option to purchase, to the extent permitted under Chinese law, all or part of the equity interests in Hongli Group for the cost of the owners’
initial contributions to the registered capital of each Hongli Group company or the minimum amount of consideration permitted by applicable Chinese law. Hongyuan or its designee has sole discretion to decide when to exercise the option, whether in part or in full. The term of this agreement is ten years from January 1, 2006 and may be extended prior to its expiration by written agreement of the parties.
Proxy Agreement. Pursuant to the proxy agreement, the owners of Hongli Group irrevocably granted a Hongyuan designee the right to exercise all voting rights of the owners with respect to their ownership interests in accordance with applicable laws and each Hongli Group company’s
governing charters. This agreement may not be terminated without the unanimous consent of all parties, except that Hongyuan may terminate the proxy agreement with or without cause upon 30-day written notice to the owners.
Principal Products
SinoCoking’s principal product is coke, which it produces from coal that it mines as well as coal that it purchases. SinoCoking produces and sells two types of coke, metallurgical coke primarily used in steel manufacturing and chemical coke (also known as gas coke in the
PRC) used mainly for synthesis gas production. SinoCoking also sells coal, including raw coal, “washed coal” (which is processed coal that is ready for coking), and “medium coal” and coal slurries (both of which are byproducts of the coal-washing process). SinoCoking also uses byproducts from its coke manufacturing process to produce and sell coal tar. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008, SinoCoking produced approximately 225,922 metric tons (“tons”)
of coke, 200,188 tons of raw coal and 10,870 tons of coal tar.
Description of Operations
Overview
SinoCoking is based in Henan Province in the central part of China, a coal-rich region of the country. SinoCoking’s operations are located in Baofeng County, a part of Pingdingshan Prefecture south of the provincial capital of Zhengzhou. SinoCoking extracts coal from
a mine in Zhaozhuang Village in Baofeng County, and trucks the coal to its plant site in the adjacent Hangzhuang Village, where the bulk of the coal is processed and used by SinoCoking to make coke. The finished coke is loaded onsite onto railcars on SinoCoking’s private rail line and transported to customers through the connected state-owned rail system. Castoffs of the coal-washing process are sold to industrial end users and traders primarily as fuel for electricity and heat. Coal
tar is extracted from the gas emitted during the coking process and sold, and the gas is then piped into an onsite electric plant to produce electricity to power SinoCoking’s operations. Excess electricity is sold to the state-owned electricity grid.
Coal Mining Operation
Through its subsidiary Hongchang Coal, SinoCoking currently operates an underground coal mine (“Baofeng mine”) that is accessible by public roads. Coal extracted from Baofeng mine is bituminous coal, and based on historical mining activity, approximately 8% of the coal
extracted typically possesses properties that meet the requirements for coking (metallurgical) coal, however, this percentage varies depending on mine conditions.
The site of Baofeng mine originally encompasses three separate coal mines: Yongshun, Tanglishu and Liangshuiquan, which were separately operated by parties unrelated to SinoCoking pursuant to resource mining permits effective from January 2003 through May 2007. In July 2005, SinoCoking
acquired the resource mining permits and the mining rights to the three mines and assumed mining operations. In July 2007, the Henan provincial government granted Hongchang Coal a resource mining permit for Baofeng mine, encompassing the three original coal mines.
Baofeng mine, including the mine site and the underlying coal and other minerals, is owned by the PRC. Accordingly, the amount of coal that SinoCoking can extract from the mine is based on a mining right issued by the Henan Province Department of Land and Resources. The mining
right is issued pursuant to a reserves appraisal report submitted by government authorized mining engineers, and the mining right is issued upon approval of such appraisal report by the Henan Province Department of Land and Resources. The amount of coal that can be extracted under the mining right represents what SinoCoking can economically and legally extract under applicable PRC law and regulations and as determined by the Department of Land and Resources.
Under SinoCoking’s current mining rights, SinoCoking is permitted to extract 2,479,000 tons of coal from Baofeng mine, provided that the coal underlying the mining rights is fully paid for within six years and two months from the issuance date unless specific good cause exists for an extension.
The price is determined on a per ton basis, and is subject to change based on the prevailing market price as determined by the Henan Province Department of Land and Resources. As of the year ended June 30, 2008, SinoCoking has paid for 1,215,100 tons out of the 2,479,000 tons to which it has mining rights.
In addition to the mining right, SinoCoking operates the Baofeng mine pursuant to a resource mining permit issued by the Henan Province Department of Land and Resources, which specifies the coordinates of the mining area and the mine’s designated annual production capacity. The
resource mining permit for the Baofeng mine estimates that the mine’s capacity is 150,000 tons per year based on mine operating conditions.
Coal is extracted from Baofeng mine using the “room and pillar” method, in which a coal stratum is divided into horizontal planes and the coal is removed from each plane while leaving “pillars” of un-mined materials as supports, working from the uppermost plane down. Each
plane is further divided into grids to determine the optimal pillar placements. Drilling and blasting techniques are used to extract the coal.
All raw coal is loaded and transported by a chain conveyor into crates which are carried out to the surface by an electrical winch. Each crate carries approximately 2.5 tons, and approximately 400 crates are carried to the surface during each 8-hour mining shift. Rock material
is used for floor ballast with the excess sent to the surface for disposal. Air compressors are provided for underground air tool use. Electrical power is supplied internally from SinoCoking’s own power stations through state-owned power lines, and supplied to the underground work site through a double-circuit cable designed to mitigate and circumvent potential power supply disruptions.
Normal water inflow into the mine is controlled by a system of ditches, sumps, pumps and drainpipes installed throughout the mine tunnels. The mine’s ventilation system includes an exhaustive fan on the surface of the main incline. Auxiliary fans are used as needed. The
present mine fan is capable of satisfying ventilation demands of the mining operation.
Baofeng mine’s annual coal production volumes for the years ended June 30, 2006 to 2008, are as follows:
Fiscal Year |
|
Annual Production
(Tons) |
|
2006 |
|
|
131,148 |
|
2007 |
|
|
103,832 |
|
2008 |
|
|
200,188 |
* |
|
* |
while production volume during fiscal 2008 exceeded the amount specified on SinoCoking’s coal production permit, such practice is common in Henan Province, and was accepted by the government because the mining right for the extracted coal and taxes from sales of such coal were paid. |
The extracted coal is trucked to SinoCoking’s plant located approximately two kilometers from the mine site and processed at SinoCoking’s coal-washing facility for washing and sorting. Samples are taken prior to and after the coal-washing to analyze and determine coking
readiness based primarily on moisture, ash, sulfur and volatile contents. Out of the washed coal mined and produced by SinoCoking, typically a portion is sold to customers as washed coal, and certain portions of washed coal, provided that it meets certain chemical and thermal requirements, is used by the company to make coke.
Coal Trading
In addition to mining coal, SinoCoking also engages in coal trading for profit. Depending on market conditions, SinoCoking may broker coal from small independent mine operators in its surrounding areas who may lack the means to transport coal from their mine sites or are otherwise
unable to sell their coal due the size of their operations. If purchased coal meets requirements for coking, SinoCoking will generally use it to produce coke; otherwise, it holds and sells the coal when market conditions are favorable. For the year ended June 30, 2008, SinoCoking acquired approximately 628 tons of coal from these small mines to trade.
Washed Coal
SinoCoking operates a coal-washing facility at its plant site that is capable of processing up to 750,000 tons of coal per year. Under current Chinese coking industry standards, raw coal with no more than 1% sulfur content is deemed suitable for coking, although other factors are
also considered. Thus, in addition to low sulfur content, the industry preference is for lower ash content and volatile matter. While much of the coal from the Baofeng mine is generally suitable for coking based on these parameters, the coal must nevertheless be washed before it is ready for the coking ovens, in order to reduce ash and sulfur content, and to increase thermal value. SinoCoking uses a water-based jig washing process, which is prevalent in China. SinoCoking uses both underground
and recycled water for its coal washing operations. Sorting machines that can process up to 600 tons per hour sort the washed coal according to size.
Approximately 1.33 - 1.38 tons of raw coal yield 1 ton of washed coal. The bulk of the washed coal produced is intended for SinoCoking’s coking plant, although on occasion it sells small amounts if the pricing is favorable. In addition to washed coal, the coal-washing
process produces two byproducts:
|
(1) |
“Medium” coal, a PRC coal industry classification, is coal that does not have sufficient thermal value for coking, and is mixed with raw coal and even coal slurries, and sold for home and industrial heating purposes; and |
|
(2) |
Coal slurries, sometimes called coal slime, are the castoffs and debris from the washing process. Coal slurries can be used as a fuel with low thermal value, and are sold “as is” or mixed with “medium” coal. |
SinoCoking’s annual production volumes of washed coal and the two byproducts of the coal-washing process for the years ended June 30, 2006 to 2008, are as follows:
|
|
Annual Production (Tons) |
|
Fiscal Year |
|
Washed Coal * |
|
|
Medium Coal |
|
|
Coal Slurries |
|
2006 |
|
|
98,574.36 |
|
|
|
10,124 |
|
|
|
20,044 |
|
2007 |
|
|
208,317 |
|
|
|
9,187 |
|
|
|
6,269 |
|
2008 |
|
|
297,120 |
|
|
|
11,740 |
|
|
|
11,442 |
|
Coke Manufacturing
Coke is a hardened, solid carbonaceous residue derived from low-ash, low-sulfur bituminous coal from which the volatile constituents are driven off by baking in an oven without oxygen at high temperatures so that the fixed carbon and residual ash are fused together. Volatile constituents
of the coal include water, coal-gas, and coal-tar. SinoCoking produces two types of coke: metallurgical coke and chemical coke.
Metallurgical coke is primarily used for steel manufacturing. Chemical coke, commonly referred in China to as gas coke, is mainly used in China to produce synthesis gas, a gas mixture largely of hydrogen and carbon monoxide that is combustible and often used as a fuel source or as an intermediate for the production of other chemicals including
methanol, formaldehyde and ammonia. China has exacting national standards for coke, based upon a variety of metrics, including most importantly, ash content, volatilization, caking qualities, sulfur content, mechanical strength and abrasive resistance. Typically, metallurgical coke must have more than 80% fixed carbon, less than 15% ash content, less than 0.8% sulfur content and less than 1.9% volatile matter. Chemical coke, on the other hand, must have more than 80% fixed carbon, less than
18% ash content, less than 1% sulfur content and less than 3% volatile matter. According to national standards, metallurgical coke is classified into three grades – Grade I, Grade II and Grade III, with Grade I being the highest quality – and chemical coke is its separate grade. Generally, customers do not provide specifications for coke (and instead its coke products are standardized and categorized according to these national standards), except that SinoCoking may occasionally make requested
adjustments, for instance to moisture content, as requested by customers from time to time. The amount of each type of coke that SinoCoking produces is based on market demands, although historically Company customers have only required Grade II and III metallurgical coke. For the year ended June 30, 2008, approximately 39.0% of the coke produced by SinoCoking was Grade II, 23.4% was Grade III, and the balance, 37.6%, was chemical coke.
Metallurgical coke and chemical coke are produced using an identical manufacturing process. SinoCoking produces coke onsite from a series of three WG-86 Type coke ovens lined up in a row with an annual capacity of 250,000 tons. SinoCoking’s metallurgical coke has typical characteristics of 85% fixed carbon, less than 12%
ash, less than 1.9% volatile matter and less than 0.7% sulfur. SinoCoking’s chemical coke, on the other hand, has typical characteristics of more than 80% fixed carbon, less than 18% ash, less than 3% volatile matter and less than 0.8% sulfur.
Coal that is either extracted from the Baofeng mine or purchased by SinoCoking that has been processed at SinoCoking’s coal-washing facility is sent to a coal blending room where it is crushed and blended to achieve an optimal coking blend. Samples are taken from the coal blend and tested for moisture, chemical composition
and other properties. The crushed and blended coal is transported by conveyor to a coal bin to be fed into the waiting oven below. After processing through the three temperature-controlled ovens at temperature of 1200°C (2,192 °F), hot coke is pushed out of the oven chamber onto a waiting coke cart, transported to an adjacent quench tower where it is cooled with water spray, and hauled to a platform area adjacent to SinoCoking’s private rail line to be air-dried. Coke samples are taken
at several stages during the process and analyzed in the company’s testing facility, and data is recorded daily and kept by technicians. After drying, the coke is sorted according to size to meet customer requirements.
SinoCoking’s annual production volumes of metallurgical coke and chemical coke for the years ended June 30, 2006 to 2008, are as follows:
|
|
Annual Production (Tons) |
|
Fiscal Year |
|
Metallurgical Coke |
|
|
Chemical Coke |
|
|
Total |
|
2006 |
|
|
48,321.31 |
|
|
|
23,698.89 |
|
|
|
72,020 |
|
2007 |
|
|
88,364.04 |
|
|
|
61,799.60 |
|
|
|
150,164 |
|
2008 |
|
|
147,776.95 |
|
|
|
78,144.78 |
|
|
|
225,922 |
|
Substantially all of the coal from Baofeng mine that is suitable for coking is used to make coke. The amount of metallurgical-quality coal supplied by Baofeng mine, however, is often not sufficient for SinoCoking’s full production capacity, and it regularly sources from third parties to meet the metallurgical coal needs
for its coking plant.
Coke Emissions Recycling
During the coking process, the coal’s volatile contents - including water and coal-tar - are driven off in gaseous forms when heated in the coke oven. Rather than allowing this coal gas to be emitted into the environment, SinoCoking captures the coal gas for recycling. In the recycling process, coal gas is captured and piped
into a cooling tower, where coal tar is separated out of the gas by condensation, and sold to dealers as a fuel byproduct (see section below entitled “Coal Byproducts”). The remaining purified coal gas is then used by SinoCoking to generate electricity, by burning it as a fuel to generate steam that drives steam-powered turbines.
Coal Byproducts
As described above, SinoCoking produces coal tar from the condensation of raw coal gas. Coal tar is an ingredient of coal tar pitch used in the aluminum industry, and can be further refined to create chemicals and additives such as fine phenol, fine naphthalene and modified pitch that can be used as raw material in making concrete
sealant, wood treatment compounds, agricultural pesticides and other chemical products. The coal tar industry in China is currently fragmented and populated with many small producers.
SinoCoking’s annual production volumes of coal tar for the years ended June 30, 2006 to 2008, are as follows:
Fiscal Year |
|
Annual Production (Tons) |
|
2006 |
|
|
3,307 |
|
2007 |
|
|
7,330 |
|
2008 |
|
|
10,870 |
|
Other coal byproducts of the coking process include benzene, sulfur-based chemicals and methanol, which SinoCoking presently does not produce but plans to do so in the future.
Electricity Generation
After coal tar is separated, the resulting purified coal gas is piped to two onsite 3,000-kilowatt power stations (the Daying power station and the Sunling power station) to generate electricity, each of which has an estimated maximum generating capacity of 26,280,000 kilowatts per year. The electricity that is generated is
used primarily to power SinoCoking’s operations at the plant and mine site. SinoCoking estimates that the replacement cost of this electricity, if it had to be purchased from the state-owned utility, would be in excess of USD $1 million per year. For the year ended June 30, 2008, SinoCoking generated approximately 7,172,000 kilowatt-hours of useable electrical power. From time to time, depending on usage and supply and demand conditions, SinoCoking may sell electricity to
the Baofeng Power Bureau, which is the local state-owned electric utility company, at rates fixed by applicable regulatory authorities. SinoCoking may also purchase electricity from time to time, as needs arise, from the Baofeng Power Bureau.
Expansion Plans
On December 9, 2008, SinoCoking entered into an agreement with the Henan Province Pingingshan Municipal Bureau of Land and Resources to acquire the land use rights for approximately 1,270,000 square meters of industrial zoning vacant land in the Baofeng county for a total consideration of $21,954,490 (or RMB 149,860,00) for a term of 50 years.
Under the agreement, SinoCoking agreed to pay $13,185,000 (or RMB 90,000,000) in the first installment by June 30, 2009 and $8,769,490 (or RMB 59,860,000) in an additional installment by September 30, 2009. SinoCoking acquired the land in as a part of a business expansion plan under which a new coking factory and related facilities would be built, which would have a coke-producing capacity of up to 900,000 tons per year, including coal gas-generated power producing capabilities, and ability to produce
an expanded range of other chemical refinery products. Under the agreement, SinoCoking has committed to the completion construction of the new coking factory by March 16, 2011, with a possible one year extension upon application with the Henan Province Pingingshan Municipal Bureau of Land and Resources.
Sales and Marketing
With respect to coke, SinoCoking typically enters into non-binding annual letters of intent that set forth current year supply quantities, suggested pricing, and monthly delivery schedules with its customers at the beginning of each year. The terms of the letters of intent are usually negotiated during the Annual National
Coal Trading Convention organized by the China Coal Transport and Distribution Association. A significant portion of SinoCoking’s coke sales in fiscal 2008 were made through attendance at this convention. Changes in delivery quantity and pricing, which is based on open market pricing at the time of delivery, must be documented in a final written contract on a 30-day advance notice submitted by the party making the change and accepted by the other party. Almost all of SinoCoking’s
current customers enter into these non-binding annual letters of intent, and are generally required to make payment upon delivery of each shipment of product. Other customers are asked to prepay for their orders. In pricing its products, SinoCoking considers factors such as the prices offered by competitors, the quality and grade of the product sold, the volume in national and regional coal inventory build-up and forecasted future trends for coal and coke prices. The remaining
portion of SinoCoking’s coke sales is derived from purchase orders placed by customers throughout the year when they require additional coke.
Coke Sales. SinoCoking’s annual sales volumes of coke for the years ended June 30, 2006, 2007 and 2008, and the weighted average selling price per ton for each fiscal year, were as follows:
Coke Sales |
|
Fiscal Year |
|
Annual Sales *
(Tons) |
|
|
Weighted Average
Price Per Ton
(USD) |
|
2006 |
|
|
71,159 |
|
|
$ |
121 |
|
2007 |
|
|
152,049 |
|
|
$ |
159 |
|
2008 |
|
|
225,779 |
|
|
$ |
249 |
|
|
* |
Includes sales of metallurgical coke and chemical coke. |
SinoCoking has a flexible credit policy and adjusts credit terms for different types of customers. Depending on the customer, SinoCoking may allow open accounts, or require acceptance bills or cash on delivery. SinoCoking considers the creditworthiness and the requested credit amount of each customer when determining
the appropriate payment arrangements and credit terms, which generally do not exceed a period over 90 days. SinoCoking evaluates the creditworthiness of potential new customers before entering into sales contracts and reassesses customer creditworthiness on an annual basis. For customers without a strong credit history, SinoCoking requires immediate settlement of accounts upon delivery.
SinoCoking sells coal and coal tar on a per purchase order basis, and customers are either required to make payment on delivery or to prepay for their orders, depending on their creditworthiness.
Raw Coal Sales. SinoCoking’s annual sales volumes of raw coal for the years ended June 30, 2006, 2007 and 2008, and the weighted average selling price per ton for each fiscal year, were as follows:
Raw Coal Sales |
Fiscal Year |
|
Annual Sales *
(Tons) |
|
|
Weighted Average
Price Per Ton
(USD) |
2006 |
|
|
52,578 |
|
|
$ |
26 |
2007 |
|
|
44,626 |
|
|
$ |
42 |
2008 |
|
|
20,737 |
|
|
$ |
18 |
|
* |
Includes coal extracted from Baofeng mine as well as coal purchased by SinoCoking as part of its coal trading activities, and includes raw coal and raw coal/medium coal/coal slurries mixtures. |
Washed Coal Sales. SinoCoking’s annual sales volumes of washed coal for the years ended June 30, 2006, 2007 and 2008, and the weighted average selling price per ton for each fiscal year, were as follows:
Washed Coal Sales |
Fiscal Year |
|
Annual Sales
(Tons) |
|
|
Weighted Average
Price Per Ton
(USD) |
2006 |
|
|
6,645 |
|
|
$ |
64 |
2007 |
|
|
45,734 |
|
|
$ |
64 |
2008 |
|
|
1,860 |
|
|
$ |
86 |
Coal Tar Sales. SinoCoking’s annual sales volumes of coal tar for the years ended June 30, 2006, 2007 and 2008, and the weighted average selling price per ton for each fiscal year, were as follows:
Coal Tar Sales |
Fiscal Year |
|
Annual Sales
(Tons) |
|
|
Weighted Average
Price Per Ton
(USD) |
2006 |
|
|
3,307 |
|
|
$ |
195 |
2007 |
|
|
7,330 |
|
|
$ |
200 |
2008 |
|
|
10,756 |
|
|
$ |
278 |
Customers
SinoCoking sells all of its products within China. The four biggest customers collectively accounted for approximately 88.43% of SinoCoking’s total revenue in fiscal 2008 as follows:
|
· |
Hengyang Guanxiang Material Co., Ltd. accounted for approximately 37.61% of total sales; |
|
· |
Wuhan Yunjietong Industry & Trading Co., Ltd. accounted for approximately 19.56% of total sales; |
|
· |
Wuhan Zhengtong Industry & Trading Co., Ltd. accounted for approximately 17.36% of total sales; and |
|
· |
Hunan Haobo Trading Development Co., Ltd. accounted for approximately 13.90% of total sales. |
By product types, SinoCoking’s largest coke customer was Hengyang Guanxiang Material Co., Ltd., which accounted for 27.56% of the coke sold in fiscal 2008; Wuhan Tieying Trading Co., Ltd. was the biggest coal customer, accounting for 28.61% of the coal sold in fiscal 2008; and Mr. Wenzhong Wang, who accounted for 29.73% of the coal
tar sold in fiscal 2008, was the single largest coal tar customer.
Company sales personnel conduct routine visits to customers. SinoCoking has long-standing relationships with these customers, and management believes that these relationships are stable.
Nevertheless, as SinoCoking depended on four major customers for a substantial portion of its revenue in fiscal 2008, nonrenewal or termination of SinoCoking’s arrangements with these customers would have a materially adverse effect on SinoCoking’s revenue. In the event that any one of its major customers does not
renew or terminates its arrangement with SinoCoking, there can be no assurance that SinoCoking will be able to enter into another arrangement similar in scope. Additionally, there can be no assurance that SinoCoking’s business will not remain largely dependent on a limited customer base accounting for a substantial portion of the revenue.
Transportation and Distribution
SinoCoking owns and operates a private rail track 4.5 kilometers in length that connects SinoCoking’s plant to the Chinese national railway system at both the East Pingdingshan Railway Station and the Baofeng Railway Station. Industrial loaders load coal and coke from SinoCoking’s platform onto railcars to be transported
to customers primarily in central and southeastern China in the provinces of Henan, Hubei, Hunan and Fujian. SinoCoking’s private railway permits it to exercise control over the transportation cost and execution of its products. Customers can also arrange for trucks to take delivery of products from the plant site.
Competitors
SinoCoking competes primarily with coal and coke producers in the central, eastern and southern regions of China, such Shanxi Coking Co., Ltd., a major coke producer, and Shenhua Group, a major coal producer. SinoCoking also competes against Pingdingshan Coal Group, the largest
regional coal producer, which also sells coke and coal tar. Local coke competitors include Hongyue Coke Factory, Dongxin Coke Factory and Hongjiang Coke Factory. In addition, SinoCoking competes against coal washing operations such as Fange Zhuang Washing Factory. Competitive factors include geographic location, quality (i.e. thermal value, ash and sulfur content, washing and processing, and other characteristics), and reliability of delivery.
Suppliers
Since SinoCoking requires substantially more coking coal than what the Baofeng mine produces, SinoCoking also sources coking coal from local coal mines. SinoCoking mainly purchases from Pingdingshan Coal Group Mine #10 and Mine #9, which supplied 15.15% and 12.68%, respectively, of SinoCoking’s
coal purchases for the year ended June 30, 2008. These suppliers are able to supply SinoCoking with coal of such qualities and quantities consistent with SinoCoking’s coking requirements, and their proximities to SinoCoking’s plant also afford convenience.
As with its coke and coal sales, SinoCoking meets its coking coal needs by entering into non-binding annual letters of intent with these suppliers that set forth supply quantities, suggested pricing and monthly delivery schedule at the beginning of the year. Subject
to changes in delivery quantity and pricing, which is based on the open market price of metallurgical coal at the time of delivery and agreed to by the parties, SinoCoking generally makes payment upon each delivery throughout the year.
SinoCoking believes that it has established stable cooperative relationships with these suppliers. At the same time, SinoCoking can readily find other sources of metallurgical coal that is close to its plant, as Henan Province is one of China’s coal producing centers.
SinoCoking’s other principal raw materials include water, which is provided without charge in the form of treated underground water by the operator of the Hangzhuang Coal Mines, and electricity, most of which SinoCoking generates onsite from its own power stations and which is supplemented
from the local state-owned utility as needed. SinoCoking also requires wood and steel for its operations, and sources these materials from close-by suppliers on a per purchase order basis. These materials are readily available and there is no shortage of suppliers to choose from.
Employees
SinoCoking currently has 664 employees, of which 489 are mine workers, 96 are coking plant workers, and 79 are employed in an administrative or executive capacity. Both the mining operations and the coking plant operate year round in three shifts of eight hours per day. In compliance with the Employment
Contract Law of PRC, SinoCoking has written contracts with all of their employees. SinoCoking considers its relationship with its employees to be good.
Description of Company Facilities and Offices
SinoCoking’s principal executive office is in downtown Pingdingshan, approximately 60 kilometers from its plant, which headquarters its executive and administrative staff and oversees its operations. SinoCoking entered into lease for the premises with the Pingdingshan Credit Cooperative
in June 2008, for an annual rent of USD $8,760 (RMB 66,900). The lease term expired on June 30, 2009, and is currently under renegotiation. The company anticipates renewing its lease with an annual rent of USD $8,900.
SinoCoking’s plant is in nearby Baofeng County, situated on a parcel of land of approximately 160,000 square meters. The Baofeng municipal government issued the land use right for the plant site to SinoCoking on October 20, 1989. SinoCoking’s operational office
and rail track, as well as its coal washing, coking and power generating facilities, are all located onsite.
The land on which Baofeng mine is located is owned by the PRC. However, SinoCoking owns the buildings that house the mining offices and miners’ living quarters, as well as the onsite mining facilities and equipments.
Research and Development
As of the year ended June 30, 2008, SinoCoking did not conduct any research and development activities. SinoCoking does plan to initiate a program focusing on the extraction of chemicals from coal, and the anticipated costs and benefits of the production and sale of such byproducts is being considered.
Intellectual Property
SinoCoking currently has no patents, trademarks, in-bound or outbound licenses, franchises, or royalty arrangements.
Environmental Protection Measures
SinoCoking incorporates measures to reduce the environmental impacts of its operations. SinoCoking’s large-sized furnace reduces the frequency of coal loading and trundling, thereby reduces the amount of dust and soot that is generated. SinoCoking captures coal gas emitted during the coking process to generate electricity
which it uses in its operations. SinoCoking also recycles water - water that is used for coal washing is treated to remove phenol and other contaminants, and then re-used in the coal washing operation. SinoCoking also uses recycled water, in the form of treated underground water, to quench coke and for its power stations, which is provided without cost by the nearby Hanzhuang Coal Mines, which mining rights are owned and operated by unrelated third parties. Additionally, SinoCoking
uses sound insulation to reduce noise pollution, and plants vegetation throughout its plant to help mitigate environmental impacts.
Principal Executive Office
The principal executive office of SinoCoking is located at intersection of Kuanggong Road and Tiyu Road (10th Floor, Chengshi Xin Yong She, Tiyu Road), Xinhua District, Pingdingshan, Henan Province, People’s Republic of China, 467000. The company’s telephone number
is 011-86-3752882999.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Top Favour (SinoCoking) and related notes thereto appearing elsewhere herein.
Forward-Looking Statements
The statements in this discussion that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements”. The words “may,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “could,” “estimate,” “continue”, the negative forms
thereof, or similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements are identified by those words or expressions. Forward-looking statements by their nature involve substantial risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond our control. Actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements depending on a variety of important factors, including, but not limited
to, weather, local, regional, national and global coke and coal price fluctuations, levels of coal and coke production in the region, the demand for raw materials such as iron and steel which require coke to produce, availability of financing and interest rates, competition, changes in, or failure to comply with, government regulations, costs, uncertainties and other effects of legal and other administrative proceedings, and other risks and uncertainties. We are not undertaking to update or revise
any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise.
Overview
Top Favour Limited (“Top Favour”) is a holding company that, through its wholly owned subsidiary Pingdingshan Hongyuan Energy Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd. (“Hongyuan”), controls Henan Province Pingdingshan Hongli Coal & Coke Co., Ltd. (“Hongli”), a
coal and coal-coke producer in Henan Province in the central region of the People’s Republic of China (“PRC” or “China”). Hongli produces coke, coal, coal byproducts and electricity through its branch operation, Baofeng Coking Factory, and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Baofeng Hongchang Coal Co., Ltd. and Baofeng Hongguang Environment Protection Electricity Generating Co., Ltd., which we refer to collectively as the “Baofeng Subsidiaries”. We refer
to Hongli and Baofeng Subsidiaries collectively as “Hongli Group”. Top Favour controls Hongli Group through contractual arrangements with Hongli Group and its owners. These contractual arrangements provide for management and control rights, and in addition entitle Top Favour to receive the earnings and control the assets of Hongli Group. Other than the interests in these contractual arrangements, neither Top Favor nor Hongyuan has any equity interests in Hongli Group. We
refer to Top Favour, Hongyuan and Hongli Group collectively as “SinoCoking”.
On July 17, 2009, Ableauctions.com, Inc. entered into a share exchange agreement with SinoCoking under which it agreed to acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of Top Favour, and in exchange we will issue up to approximately 13.2 million shares of common stock to the former shareholders of Top Favour. The
reverse takeover under the share exchange agreement will be accounted for as reverse acquisition. The legal acquiror is Ableauctions.com. The accounting acquiror is SinoCoking. As described above in this proxy statement, any remaining assets and liabilities outstanding prior to the reverse takeover will be disposed of prior to the closing. The financial statements of the combined company are in substance, the financial statements of Top Favour.
Results of Operations
Nine Months Ended March 31, 2008 Compared to Nine Months Ended March 31, 2009
Revenues. SinoCoking’s revenues decreased by $7,103,627, or 16.5%, for the nine-month period ended March 31, 2009, as compared to the corresponding period ended March 31, 2008. This decrease was caused primarily by a decline in the market prices
for coke along with softening demand for coke by steel producers, offset by significant increases in raw and washed coal prices, occurring primarily toward the latter part of the 2008 calendar year. These changes corresponded with a sudden adverse shift in global economic conditions in the last calendar quarter of 2008, continuing into 2009. As further discussed below in this section, management does not consider these developments to have a durable long term impact on the company’s financial
prospects.
SinoCoking’s revenues for the nine-month periods ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, categorized by product type (coke products and coal products), were as follows:
|
|
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coke Products |
|
|
Coal Products |
|
|
Total |
|
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended March 31, 2008 |
|
$ |
42,799,944 |
|
|
$ |
181,643 |
|
|
$ |
42,981,587 |
|
Nine Months Ended March 31, 2009 |
|
|
26,048,820 |
|
|
|
9,829,140 |
|
|
|
35,877,960 |
|
Increase (decrease) in US$ |
|
$ |
(16,751,124 |
) |
|
$ |
9,647,497 |
|
|
$ |
(7,103,627 |
) |
% Increase (decrease) in US$ |
|
|
(39.14 |
%) |
|
|
5,311.24 |
% |
|
|
(16.53 |
%) |
Quantity Sold (metric tons) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended March 31, 2008 |
|
|
178,534 |
|
|
|
10,683 |
|
|
|
189,217 |
|
Nine Months Ended March 31, 2009 |
|
|
127,498 |
|
|
|
243,112 |
|
|
|
370,610 |
|
Increase (decrease) |
|
|
(51,036 |
) |
|
|
232,429 |
|
|
|
181,393 |
|
% Increase (decrease) |
|
|
(28.59 |
%) |
|
|
2,175.69 |
% |
|
|
95.87 |
% |
Coke products include finished coke, a key raw material for producing steel, and coal tar, a byproduct of the coke making process with various industrial applications. Coal products include washed and raw coal, used primarily for electricity generation and heating applications.
Average sale prices for SinoCoking’s four principal products were as follows, during the nine-month periods ended March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008:
Average Sale Prices |
|
Coke |
|
|
Coal Tar |
|
|
Raw Coal |
|
|
Washed Coal |
|
Nine Months Ended March 31, 2008 |
|
$ |
238 |
|
|
$ |
279 |
|
|
$ |
15 |
|
|
$ |
83 |
|
Nine Months Ended March 31, 2009 |
|
|
207 |
|
|
|
149 |
|
|
|
37 |
|
|
|
135 |
|
Increase (decrease) in US$ |
|
$ |
(31 |
) |
|
$ |
(130 |
) |
|
$ |
22 |
|
|
$ |
52 |
|
% Increase (decrease) in US$ |
|
|
(13.03 |
%) |
|
|
(46.69 |
%) |
|
|
149.81 |
% |
|
|
63.04 |
% |
Average sale prices are driven by a number of factors, including the particular composition and grade or quality of the coal or coke being sold, prevailing market prices for these products in the Chinese local and national market, prevailing market prices in the global marketplace, timing of sales, delivery terms, purchase order
negotiations between SinoCoking and its customers, and relationships with those customers. Management believes that the changes in average selling prices in the nine-month period ended March 31, 2009 were primarily driven by external market forces and the timing of sales by the company. Specifically, management believes lower coke demand resulted from a leveling off of the building boom in preparation for the Olympic Games, and the effects on demand by steel producers in reaction to
global financial instability which became pronounced in the fourth calendar quarter of 2008. With regard to timing, the company chose to sell coal inventory at times when prices were at high levels compared to historical patterns. In addition, the average selling prices for coal products were affected by changes in the mixtures of coals (with different grades and heat content) that were sold to customers.
Sale prices for coke on average declined by approximately 13.03%, from $238 per ton to $207 per ton, during the nine-month period ended March 31, 2009, as compared to the same period ended March 31, 2008. In addition, during this period the company sold less coke as compared to the same period ended March 31, 2008. SinoCoking’s
management believes the decrease in demand for coke is a direct result of (1) Chinese domestic steel producers taking a “wait and see” approach in projecting the future demand by their customers for steel in light of recently emerging global economic conditions during the latter part of the 2008 calendar year, and (2) a pause in certain infrastructure projects funded by the Chinese government immediately following the 2008 Olympic Games. In response to a pause in customer demand for coke
in late 2008 and first half of 2009, SinoCoking’s management moved to cut coke production in the last half of calendar 2008, and focused on generating profits by trading thermal coal and washed coal, for which market sale prices have been more steady and demand for which has been far less elastic, because they are staples in the power generation industry and for heating applications.
Coke product revenues for the nine-month periods ended March 31, 2008 and 2009 were as follows:
|
|
Coke Products |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coke |
|
|
Coal Tar |
|
|
Total |
|
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended March 31, 2008 |
|
$ |
40,563,387 |
|
|
$ |
2,236,557 |
|
|
$ |
42,799,944 |
|
Nine Months Ended March 31, 2009 |
|
|
25,180,329 |
|
|
|
868,491 |
|
|
|
26,048,820 |
|
Increase (decrease) in US$ |
|
$ |
(15,383,058 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,368,066 |
) |
|
$ |
(16,751,124 |
) |
% Increase (decrease) in US$ |
|
|
(37.92 |
%) |
|
|
(61.17 |
%) |
|
|
(39.14 |
%) |
Quantity Sold (metric tons) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended 3/31/2008 |
|
|
170,523 |
|
|
|
8,011 |
|
|
|
178,534 |
|
Nine Months Ended 3/31/2009 |
|
|
121,663 |
|
|
|
5,835 |
|
|
|
127,498 |
|
Increase (decrease) |
|
|
(48,860 |
) |
|
|
(2,176 |
) |
|
|
(51,036 |
) |
% Increase (decrease) |
|
|
(28.65 |
%) |
|
|
(27.16 |
%) |
|
|
(28.59 |
%) |
The combined factors discussed above resulted in a decrease in revenue from coke products of approximately $15.38 million. In addition, sales volume for coke products decreased approximately 28.65% in the nine-month period ending March 31, 2009, as compared to the same period ended March 31, 2008. These decreases
were primarily driven by a decline in market prices for coke throughout the Chinese domestic market during the second half of calendar year 2008. In early 2009, the market sale price declines for coke products began stabilizing, and management believes this was due to curtailment of production by coke producers in China which reduced market supply, in addition to a gradual resumption of buying on the part of Chinese manufacturers in response to a pickup in Chinese domestic consumption in the second
calendar quarter of 2009. These developments occurred as the Chinese government announced certain policies to further stimulate its economy, in the second calendar quarter of 2009.
Since coal tar is produced as a by-product of the coking process, the reduction in the amount of coke that the company produced resulted in a corresponding reduction in the quantity of coal tar produced and sold during the period. The quantity of coal tar sold decreased from 8,011 tons to 5,835 tons, or 27.16%, for the nine
months ended March 31, 2009, as compared to the same nine-month period ending March 31, 2008. The average sale price for coal tar declined to $149 per ton in the nine months ended March 31, 2009, as compared to $279 per ton in the same nine-month period in the previous year. SinoCoking’s sales of coke products, i.e. coke and coal tar, accounted for $26,048,820 in revenue, or approximately 72.60% of the company’s total revenue, for the nine-month period ended March 31, 2009.
Coal product revenues for the nine-month periods ended March 31, 2008 and 2009 were as follows:
|
|
Coal Products |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Raw Coal |
|
|
Washed Coal |
|
|
Total |
|
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended March 31, 2008 |
|
$ |
155,085 |
|
|
$ |
26,558 |
|
|
$ |
181,643 |
|
Nine Months Ended March 31, 2009 |
|
|
8,806,019 |
|
|
|
1,023,121 |
|
|
|
9,829,140 |
|
Increase (decrease) in US$ |
|
$ |
8,650,934 |
|
|
$ |
996,563 |
|
|
$ |
9,647,497 |
|
% Increase (decrease) in US$ |
|
|
5,578.19 |
% |
|
|
3,752.40 |
% |
|
|
5,311.24 |
% |
Quantity Sold (metric tons) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended March 31, 2008 |
|
|
10,363 |
|
|
|
320 |
|
|
|
10,683 |
|
Nine Months Ended March 31, 2009 |
|
|
235,544 |
|
|
|
7,568 |
|
|
|
243,112 |
|
Increase (decrease) |
|
|
225,181 |
|
|
|
7,248 |
|
|
|
232,429 |
|
% Increase (decrease) |
|
|
2,173.93 |
% |
|
|
2,265.00 |
% |
|
|
2,175.69 |
% |
SinoCoking significantly increased its sales of coal products in the nine-month period ended March 31, 2009. Raw coal and washed coal market prices fluctuated significantly in this period leading into and during the winter of 2008 - 2009, at times reaching historically high levels. Management believes this was caused
partly by the fact that domestic energy demand, and the demand for heating coal, remained at relatively high levels in China, in contrast to a more pronounced drop in the demand for coke by steelmakers, whose products are more linked to the global trade, the export market and demand from countries that import steel as an input and in the form of manufactured products from China. During the nine-month period ended March 31, 2009, SinoCoking seized the opportunity to sell thermal coal to its customers
at historically high prices during the winter months when the market supply for thermal coal was very tight. Among its coal-purchasing customers was Wuhan Tieying Steel Company, and sales to this customer generated approximately $10.9 million during the nine-month period ended March 31, 2009. In the months leading up to and throughout the winter of 2008 – 2009, the company had built up a sizable inventory of thermal coal from both its mining operations and from open market purchases
of raw coal, which it then sold during the winter. Average realized sale prices for raw coal increased approximately 146.67% for the nine months ended March 31, 2009, compared to the average sales prices realized for the comparable period in the previous year. SinoCoking sold more than 235,000 tons of various mixtures and composites of raw coals and realized more than $8.8 million in revenue during the nine months ended March 31, 2009, creating a 5,578.19% increase in revenue from the sale
of raw coal as compared to the same period in the previous year. Likewise, the average sales price realized for washed coal increased by 62.65% in the nine-month period ended March 31, 2009. SinoCoking sold much less washed coal than raw coal during the nine-month period ended March 31, 2009. However, the 7,568 tons of washed coal sold in that period generated approximately $1.0 million in revenue, representing a 3,752.40% increase in revenue for that product category as compared
to the same nine-month period in the prior year. SinoCoking’s sales of coal products, i.e. raw coal and washed coal, accounted for $9,829,140 in revenue, or approximately 27.40% of the company’s total revenue, during the nine-month period ended March 31, 2009.
Management believes the decline in coke prices, reduced demand for coke from steel producers, and the increase in prices for thermal coal that occurred in the nine-month period ended March 31, 2009 do not represent long-term trends. Aside from the reasons for price fluctuations explained above, SinoCoking’s management
has observed the following trends, which may have a direct impact on the company’s operations in the near future: (1) coke prices have recovered and have been steadily trending upwards since March 2009, (2) government-initiated policies to consolidate the coking industry are expected to accelerate, hastening the retirement of small-sized and less efficient coking facilities in China, and (3) the stated policy of the central government to ensure a steady national GDP growth at around 8% for 2009, and to
provide economic stimulus packages to maintain momentum and growth in domestic consumption. SinoCoking’s management believes these factors will eventually restore demand levels that existed prior to the sharp pullback in global economic conditions, and that these levels will be exceeded in the long term.
Cost of Good Sold and Gross Profit. Cost of goods sold decreased by $1,167,787, or 5.61%, to $19,632,301 for the nine months ended March 31, 2009, as compared to $20,800,088 for the same period ended March 31, 2008. However, the decrease in cost of
goods sold was disproportionately smaller in dollar amount compared to the decrease in revenue in the same period, resulting in a lower gross profit for the period ended March 31, 2009, because while the company’s production costs and conditions have not changed substantially, the volatility of the sale prices of its coke products in this period caused significant fluctuations in revenues. Gross profit decreased by $5,935,840, or 26.76%, to $16,245,659 in the nine-month period ended March 31,
2009 from $22,181,499 in the corresponding period ended March 31, 2008. SinoCoking’s gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased to 45.28% in the nine-month period ended March 31, 2009 from 51.61% in the same period ended March 31, 2008. The decrease in the company’s gross profit percentage reflects a compressed gross margin due to lower market sale prices for coke in the nine-month period ended March 31, 2009.
Operating Expenses. Operating expenses, substantially all of which consisted of general and administrative expenses decreased by $1,183,928, or 47.59%, to $1,303,663 in the nine-month period ended March 31, 2009 as compared to $2,487,591 for the same period ended March
31, 2008. As a percentage of sales, operating expenses declined to 3.63% from 5.79%. Approximately $816,000 of this decrease is due to a decrease in selling expenses. Approximately $368,000 of the decrease is related to cost savings in general and administrative expenses. These decreases in the above categories were partially offset by a bad debt provision in the amount of $213,681 for the nine months ended March 31, 2009. Since the company derived
a large portion of its sales from one major customer (Wuhan Tieying Steel), the company incurred a smaller amount in selling expenses compared to the previous year. SinoCoking also continues to carry out an expense monitoring program, under which most expense reimbursements are reviewed by management.
Other Income and Expense. Other income for the nine months ended March 31, 2009 consists mainly of a government grant to SinoCoking’s coal gas-generated power plant in the amount of $158,010.
The company’s interest expense increased from $605,116 for the nine months ended March 31, 2008 to $739,781 in the same period ended March 31, 2009, reflecting a higher average balance of outstanding short-term borrowings from $4.5 million to $4.0 million for the nine-month periods ended March 31, 2008 and 2009, respectively, and
a slightly higher average interest rate on its short term borrowings of 10.1% for that period in 2009, as compared to 9.37% for the nine months ended March 31, 2008.
Provision for Income Taxes. Provision for income taxes decreased by $2,387,322, or 39.38%, to $3,674,429 for the nine months ended March 31, 2009, as compared to $6,061,751 the same period ended March 31, 2008, due primarily to lower taxable income caused mainly
by the decrease in the company’s gross profit for the nine months ended March 31, 2009.
Comprehensive Income. As a result of a combination of the factors described above, SinoCoking’s comprehensive income increased by 20.10% to $10,746,201 for the nine months ended March 31, 2009, from $13,450,312 for the corresponding period ended March 31, 2008.
Year Ended June 30, 2008 Compared to Year Ended June 30, 2007
Revenues. SinoCoking’s revenues increased from $30,078,701 for the year ended June 30, 2007 to $58,623,488 for the year ended June 30, 2008 with an increase of $28,544,787, or 94.90%. This increase was driven primarily by rapidly rising market prices
for coal and coke products in China, a trend that was mirrored in the global market, and which became more pronounced in the first half of calendar year 2008. Secondly, SinoCoking changed its production mixture during this period, which affected revenues. During the fiscal year 2008, the company shifted away from coal production and at the same time, ramped up coke production in response to increased order volume for coke products. Coke products carry a higher per-unit sales price
and higher added value compared to coal products, and accordingly, higher coke sales led to a significant increase in revenue. SinoCoking’s revenues for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2008 (“Fiscal 2008”) and June 30, 2007 (“Fiscal 2007”), categorized by product type, were as follows:
|
|
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coke Products |
|
|
Coal Products |
|
|
Total |
|
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal 2007 (in US$) |
|
$ |
25,294,851 |
|
|
$ |
4,783,850 |
|
|
$ |
30,078,701 |
|
Fiscal 2008 (in US$) |
|
|
58,091,026 |
|
|
|
532,462 |
|
|
|
58,623,488 |
|
Increase (decrease) in US$ |
|
$ |
32,796,175 |
|
|
$ |
(4,251,388 |
) |
|
$ |
28,544,787 |
|
% Increase (decrease) in US$ |
|
|
129.66 |
% |
|
|
(88.87 |
%) |
|
|
94.90 |
% |
Quantity Sold (metric tons) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal 2007 |
|
|
159,379 |
|
|
|
90,370 |
|
|
|
249,749 |
|
Fiscal 2008 |
|
|
236,535 |
|
|
|
22,597 |
|
|
|
259,132 |
|
Increase (decrease) |
|
|
77,156 |
|
|
|
(67,773 |
) |
|
|
9,383 |
|
% Increase (decrease) |
|
|
48.41 |
% |
|
|
(75.00 |
%) |
|
|
3.76 |
% |
Average sale prices for SinoCoking’s four principal products were as follows, during the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2007 and June 30, 2008:
Average Sale Prices |
|
Coke |
|
|
Coal Tar |
|
|
Raw Coal |
|
|
Washed Coal |
|
Nine Months Ended 3/31/2007 (in US$) |
|
$ |
157 |
|
|
$ |
200 |
|
|
$ |
42 |
|
|
$ |
64 |
|
Nine Months Ended 3/31/2008 (in US$) |
|
|
244 |
|
|
|
278 |
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
86 |
|
Increase (decrease) in US$ |
|
|
87 |
|
|
|
78 |
|
|
|
(24 |
) |
|
|
22 |
|
% Increase (decrease) in US$ |
|
|
55.41 |
% |
|
|
39.00 |
% |
|
|
(57.14 |
%) |
|
|
34.38 |
% |
As discussed above, average sale prices are driven by a number of factors, including the particular composition and grade or quality of the coal or coke being sold, prevailing market prices for these products in the Chinese local and national market, prevailing market prices in the global marketplace, timing of sales, delivery terms, purchase
order negotiations between SinoCoking and its customers, and relationships with those customers. Management believes that the changes in average sale prices in the twelve-month period ended June 30, 2008 were primarily driven by external market forces. In addition, the average sale prices for raw coal in particular declined due to a higher proportion of lower-grade low thermal value mixtures sold to customers (as high-grade higher thermal value coals were reserved for coke manufacturing
rather than sold).
Coke product revenues for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2007 and 2008 were as follows:
|
|
Coke Products |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coke |
|
|
Coal Tar |
|
|
Total |
|
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal 2007 (in US$) |
|
$ |
23,831,668 |
|
|
$ |
1,463,183 |
|
|
$ |
25,294,851 |
|
Fiscal 2008 (in US$) |
|
|
55,103,692 |
|
|
|
2,987,334 |
|
|
|
58,091,026 |
|
Increase (decrease) in US$ |
|
$ |
31,272,024 |
|
|
$ |
1,524,151 |
|
|
$ |
32,796,175 |
|
% Increase (decrease) in US$ |
|
|
131.22 |
% |
|
|
104.17 |
% |
|
|
129.66 |
% |
Quantity Sold (metric tons) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal 2007 |
|
|
152,049 |
|
|
|
7,330 |
|
|
|
159,379 |
|
Fiscal 2008 |
|
|
225,779 |
|
|
|
10,756 |
|
|
|
236,535 |
|
Increase (decrease) |
|
|
73,730 |
|
|
|
3,426 |
|
|
|
77,156 |
|
% Increase (decrease) |
|
|
48.49 |
% |
|
|
46.74 |
% |
|
|
48.41 |
% |
Coal and coke prices in the Chinese open market rose throughout the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008, as steep demand for coal and coke from the steel industry and power producers outstripped supply. Management believes SinoCoking’s mining operations are relatively safe, however, that not all coal mining operations in China
meet high standards of safety. In recent years, in response to a number of coal mining accidents in unsafe mines, the central and local governments in China have acted to either temporarily or permanently close small-sized privately-owned coal mines, including some in the Henan province, for comprehensive safety inspections. The central and local governments have also cited inefficiency as one of the reasons for prompting the closure of certain privately-owned coal mines. As a
result of these coal mine closures, the overall supply of coal in China was constrained, and management believes this is a key factor, along with persistent industrial demand for coal, that has contributed to a rise in the prices of coal and coke products during the year ended June 30, 2008. Coal and coke prices began to stabilize in the fall of 2008.
SinoCoking’s revenues are principally derived from the sale of coke products. In the year ended June 30, 2008, the company increased the quantity of coke produced and sold by 48.41%, and revenue from coke sales increased 129.66% for the year ended June 30, 2008 as compared to the prior year. Average coke sale
prices per unit to customers (including Grade II, III, and chemical coke) increased by approximately 55.41% during this period. Management believes that increasing demand from steel makers and power producers, coupled with limited aggregate supply in the marketplace, caused this increase in average sale prices. Besides the effect of rising coke prices during the year ended June 30, 2008, another main driving force behind the company’s increased quantity of coke sales is increased
coke production capacity as a result of major equipment renovations in 2005. Annual coke output increased substantially for a second year in a row, from 152,049 tons in 2007 to 225,779 tons in the year ended June 30, 2008. This increased production capacity enabled the company to sell more coke and fill larger orders from its major customers, including Hunan Hengyang Guanxiang Trading Co. Ltd., to whom the company sold over $22 million of coke in 2008 versus $3.5 million in 2007.
The quantity of coal tar produced and sold by Sino Coking increased by 46.74%, and revenue from this product category increased 104.17% from approximately $1.5 million to $3.0 million in the year ended June 30, 2008, as compared to the prior year. The company’s production of coal tar increased due to the increase
in coke production, as coal tar is a byproduct of the coke making process. Average sale prices for coal tar increased by 39.00% in the year ended June 30, 2009 as compared to the prior year, and management believes this was due to heavy customer demand while aggregate market supply remained limited.
Coal product revenues for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2007 and 2008 were as follows:
|
|
Coal Products |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Raw Coal |
|
|
Washed Coal |
|
|
Total |
|
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal 2007 (in US$) |
|
$ |
1,877,489 |
|
|
$ |
2,906,361 |
|
|
$ |
4,783,850 |
|
Fiscal 2008 (in US$) |
|
|
372,312 |
|
|
|
160,150 |
|
|
|
532,462 |
|
Increase (decrease) in US$ |
|
$ |
(1,505,177 |
) |
|
$ |
(2,746,211 |
) |
|
$ |
(4,251,388 |
) |
% Increase (decrease) in US$ |
|
|
(80.17 |
%) |
|
|
(94.49 |
%) |
|
|
(88.87 |
%) |
Quantity Sold (metric tons) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal 2007 |
|
|
44,636 |
|
|
|
45,734 |
|
|
|
90,370 |
|
Fiscal 2008 |
|
|
20,737 |
|
|
|
1,860 |
|
|
|
22,597 |
|
Increase (decrease) |
|
|
(23,899 |
) |
|
|
(43,874 |
) |
|
|
(67,773 |
) |
% Increase (decrease) |
|
|
(53.54 |
%) |
|
|
(95.93 |
%) |
|
|
(75.00 |
%) |
SinoCoking’s quantity of production and sale of raw coal decreased by 53.54%, and revenue from this product category decreased 80.17% from approximately $1.9 million to less than $0.4 million in the year ended June 30, 2008, as compared to the prior year. While SinoCoking concentrated on producing more coke from the coking
factory in the current year, the company had less incentive to sell any large quantity of coking coal as it is more economical to provide the raw coal produced in-house to the company’s own coking needs. As a result, raw coal sales quantity dropped substantially. Per-unit customer sale prices for raw coal sold by the company decreased by approximately 57.14% in the year ended June 30, 2008, as compared to the prior year. This decrease was caused in part by a shift in sales
by the company of lower grade coal with a lower thermal value, which is sold at a lower price per unit. In the coal products category, SinoCoking mainly sold only coal washing residuals and lower grade coals during the year ended June 30, 2008.
SinoCoking’s quantity of production and sale of washed coal decreased by 95.93%, and revenue from this product category decreased 94.49% from approximately $2.9 million to less than $0.2 million in the year ended June 30, 2008, as compared to the prior year. Similar to the decrease in revenue in the raw coal category as
explained above, the company aimed to minimize the sale of coking grade washed coal during the year ended June 30, 2008 because of the strong demand for such washed coals by the company’s own coking plant. The effect on revenues of the company’s decrease in amount of washed coal sold was partially offset by an increase in per-unit customer washed coal sale prices, which increased by 34.38% in the year ended June 30, 2008, as compared to the prior year. Unlike raw coal,
washed coals available for sale do not vary in quality as there is no mixture of other coal washing residual and command very little difference in sales price among different grades of coking purpose washed coal.
Overall, the company’s revenue increased by $28.5 million, or 94.90% for the year ended June 30, 2008 as compared to the prior year as the company shifted its sales and production toward higher value-added coke products and away from lower value raw and washed coal, based on the relative market sale prices for these various products
in during these periods.
Cost of Goods Sold and Gross Profit. Cost of goods sold increased by $5,572,277, or 25.12%, to $27,751,480 during the year ended June 30, 2008, as compared to $22,179,203 during the same period in 2007, due primarily to a dramatic increase in coal and coke production during
this period, in order to satisfy demand for coal and coke products by customers. Gross profit increased by $22,972,510, or 290.81%, to $30,872,008 in the year ended June 30, 2008 from $7,899,498 in the corresponding period in 2007. SinoCoking’s gross profit as a percentage of sales increased to 52.66% in the year ended June 30, 2008 from 26.26% for the same period ended June 30, 2007. Since the company produces a significant amount of metallurgical coal, a key raw
material for coke production, from the company’s own coal mines, the company’s coke producing operations were largely unaffected by the soaring prices of metallurgical coal as a component of cost of goods sold. In the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008, of the total amount of coal acquired and used for coking, 65% originated from the company’s own mines, and the remainder was purchased from coal dealers and other mining companies.
Operating Expenses. Operating expenses, substantially all of which consisted of selling expense and general and administrative expenses, decreased from $4,330,657 for the year ended June 30, 2007 to $3,901,396 for the same period in 2008. As a percentage of
sales, operating expenses declined to 6.66% for the year ended June 30, 2008 from 14.40% for the comparable period ended June 30, 2007. In addition to the effect of diminishing percentage of sales represented by certain fixed costs (such as rent and office expense), starting from year 2007 the Company implemented measures to strengthen certain control procedures to monitor the general and administrative expenses, resulting in the decrease in operating expenses for the year ended June 30, 2008 as compared
to the previous period.
Other Income (Expense), net. Other income (expense), net consisted mainly of finance expenses and other expenses. Finance expense, net (which included finance charges and deducted interest income) increased from $750,950 for the year ended June 30, 2007
to $1,122,569 for the year ended June 30, 2008, an increase of $371,619. This increase, mainly due to interest expense, was in connection with increased borrowing from banks, credit unions and related parties to provide liquidity and working capital, and a slight increase in the company’s average cost of borrowing during the year ended June 30, 2008.
Provision for Income Taxes. Provision for income taxes increased by $5,880,549, or 271.52%, to $8,046,315 for the year ended June 30, 2008, as compared to $2,165,766 for the year ended June 30, 2007, due primarily to the company’s strong revenue growth and
the decrease in operating expenses, creating a higher taxable base for fiscal year 2008.
Comprehensive Income (Loss). As a result of a combination of the factors discussed above, SinoCoking’s comprehensive income increased by $18,116,025 (or 3,955.83%) to $18,573,983 for the year ended June 30, 2008, from $457,958 for the year ended June 30, 2007. Except
for the increase in foreign currency translation adjustment in the amount of approximately $1,054,110, all of the increase in total comprehensive income was due to the increase in net income in fiscal year 2008.
Year Ended June 30, 2007 Compared to Year Ended June 30, 2006
Revenues. SinoCoking acquired its coking factory from the Baofeng County Coking Factory, a state-owned enterprise, in year 2005. Since that time, the company ramped up its coke production through a series of equipment improvements and upgrades. Revenues
increased from $11,039,203 for the year ended June 30, 2006 to $30,078,701 for the year ended June 30, 2007, representing an increase of $19,039,498, or 172.47%. This increase was driven primarily by increased coke production capacity resulting from major equipment renovations completed in 2005. Because of efficiency and a higher production capacity, SinoCoking was able to meet increased demand for coke from its existing and new customers.
SinoCoking’s revenue for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2007 (“Fiscal 2007”) and June 30, 2006 (“Fiscal 2006”), categorized by product type, were as follows:
|
|
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coke Products |
|
|
Coal Products |
|
|
Total |
|
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal 2006 (in US$) |
|
$ |
9,257,723 |
|
|
$ |
1,781,480 |
|
|
$ |
11,039,203 |
|
Fiscal 2007 (in US$) |
|
|
25,294,851 |
|
|
|
4,783,850 |
|
|
|
30,078,701 |
|
Increase (decrease) in US$ |
|
$ |
16,037,128 |
|
|
$ |
3,002,370 |
|
|
$ |
19,039,498 |
|
% Increase (decrease) in US$ |
|
|
173.23 |
% |
|
|
168.53 |
% |
|
|
172.47 |
% |
Quantity Sold (metric tons) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal 2006 |
|
|
74,466 |
|
|
|
59,223 |
|
|
|
133,689 |
|
Fiscal 2007 |
|
|
159,379 |
|
|
|
90,370 |
|
|
|
249,749 |
|
Increase (decrease) |
|
|
84,913 |
|
|
|
31,147 |
|
|
|
116,060 |
|
% Increase (decrease) |
|
|
114.03 |
% |
|
|
52.59 |
% |
|
|
86.81 |
% |
Average sale prices for SinoCoking’s four principal products were as follows, during the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2006 and June 30, 2007:
Average Sale Prices |
|
Coke |
|
|
Coal Tar |
|
|
Raw Coal |
|
|
Washed Coal |
|
Nine Months Ended 3/31/2006 (in US$) |
|
$ |
121 |
|
|
$ |
194 |
|
|
$ |
26 |
|
|
$ |
64 |
|
Nine Months Ended 3/31/2007 (in US$) |
|
|
157 |
|
|
|
200 |
|
|
|
42 |
|
|
|
64 |
|
Increase (decrease) in US$ |
|
$ |
36 |
|
|
$ |
6 |
|
|
$ |
16 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
% Increase (decrease) in US$ |
|
|
29.75 |
% |
|
|
3.09 |
% |
|
|
61.54 |
% |
|
|
0.00 |
% |
As discussed above, average sale prices are driven by a number of factors, including the particular composition and grade or quality of the coal or coke being sold, prevailing market prices for these products in the Chinese local and national market, prevailing market prices in the global marketplace, timing of sales, delivery terms, purchase
order negotiations between SinoCoking and its customers, and relationships with those customers. Management believes that the changes in average sale prices in the twelve-month period ended June 30, 2007 were primarily driven by external market forces.
Coke product revenues for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2006 and 2007 were as follows:
|
|
Coke Products |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coke |
|
|
Coal Tar |
|
|
Total |
|
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal 2006 (in US$) |
|
$ |
8,614,513 |
|
|
$ |
643,210 |
|
|
$ |
9,257,723 |
|
Fiscal 2007 (in US$) |
|
|
23,831,668 |
|
|
|
1,463,183 |
|
|
|
25,294,851 |
|
Increase (decrease) in US$ |
|
$ |
15,217,155 |
|
|
$ |
819,973 |
|
|
$ |
16,037,128 |
|
% Increase (decrease) in US$ |
|
|
176.65 |
% |
|
|
127.48 |
% |
|
|
173.23 |
% |
Quantity Sold (metric tons) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal 2006 |
|
|
71,159 |
|
|
|
3,307 |
|
|
|
74,466 |
|
Fiscal 2007 |
|
|
152,049 |
|
|
|
7,330 |
|
|
|
159,379 |
|
Increase (decrease) |
|
|
80,890 |
|
|
|
4,023 |
|
|
|
84,913 |
|
% Increase (decrease) |
|
|
113.68 |
% |
|
|
121.65 |
% |
|
|
114.03 |
% |
Sales quantity of coke increased almost 114%, from 71,159 tons in Fiscal 2006 to 152,049 tons in Fiscal 2007. Average sale prices to customers for coke increased during this period by approximately 29.75%. This increase in the average sale prices per unit and an increase in the quantity of coke sold by the company
contributed to an approximately $15 million increase in revenue.
Since coal tar is a coking by-product, the company’s production and sale of coal tar increased in rough proportion to its higher coke production in Fiscal 2007 over the previous year, with only a slight increase in the average sale price for coal tar realized in Fiscal 2007.
Coal product revenues for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2006 and June 30, 2007 were as follows:
|
|
Coal Products |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Raw Coal |
|
|
Washed Coal |
|
|
Total |
|
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal 2006 (in US$) |
|
$ |
1,353,376 |
|
|
$ |
428,104 |
|
|
$ |
1,781,480 |
|
Fiscal 2007 (in US$) |
|
|
1,877,489 |
|
|
|
2,906,361 |
|
|
|
4,783,850 |
|
Increase (decrease) in US$ |
|
$ |
542,113 |
|
|
$ |
2,478,257 |
|
|
$ |
3,002,370 |
|
% Increase (decrease) in US$ |
|
|
38.73 |
% |
|
|
578.89 |
% |
|
|
168.53 |
% |
Quantity Sold (metric tons) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal 2006 |
|
|
52,578 |
|
|
|
6,645 |
|
|
|
59,223 |
|
Fiscal 2007 |
|
|
44,636 |
|
|
|
45,734 |
|
|
|
90,370 |
|
Increase (decrease) |
|
|
(7,942 |
) |
|
|
39,089 |
|
|
|
31,147 |
|
% Increase (decrease) |
|
|
(15.11 |
%) |
|
|
588.25 |
% |
|
|
52.59 |
% |
While average sale prices for washed coal did not change substantially, the company sold more washed coal for the year ended June 30, 2007 as compared to the previous year. Total revenue from washed coal accounted for roughly $2.9 million (less than 10% of total revenue from all products). The company sold roughly
the same amount of raw coal (including thermal coal) as it did washed coal in the year ended June 30, 2007. Nevertheless, because the company sold much less washed coal in the year ended June 30, 2006, its 2007 sales in washed coal resulted in a 578.89% increase in revenue over the previous year in this product category.
Cost of Goods Sold and Gross Profit. Cost of goods sold increased by $13,624,361, or 159.26%, to $22,179,203 during the year ended June 30, 2007, as compared to $8,554,842 during the same period ended June 30, 2006. The increase in cost of goods sold was primarily
due to the increase in the amount of product produced and sold during this period, and such increase was generally in proportion to the percentage increase in production and sales quantities. Gross profit increased by $5,415,137, or 217.97%, to $7,899,498 in the year ended June 30, 2007 from $2,484,361 in the corresponding period ended June 30, 2006. SinoCoking’s gross profit as a percentage of sales increased to 26.26 % in the year ended June 30, 2007 from 22.50% in the same period
ended June 30, 2006.
Operating Expenses. Operating expenses, substantially all of which consisted of selling and general and administrative expenses, decreased from $4,521,057 for the year ended June 30, 2006 to $4,330,657 for the same period ended June 30, 2007. As a percentage
of sales, operating expenses declined to 14.40% in the year ended June 30, 2007 from 40.95% in the previous year. This decrease in the amount of $190,400 was primarily due to management’s effort to control expense growth in fiscal year 2007.
Other Income (Expense), net. Other income (expense), net consisted mainly of net interest expense after interest income and other expenses. Finance expense and interest expense after deducted interest income increased from $477,986 for the year ended June
30, 2006 to $750,950 for the year ended June 30, 2007 with an increase of $272,964. This increase was due to increased short-term borrowing from banks, credit unions and related parties in the year ended June 30, 2007.
Provision for Income Taxes. Provision for income taxes increased by $1,840,296, or 565.43%, to $2,165,766 during the year ended June 30, 2007, as compared to $325,470 the same period ended June 30, 2006. The change was attributable to the increase in total
taxable income in fiscal year 2007. Despite a consolidated net loss for the entire group, SinoCoking’s coking subsidiary, as a legal entity, was subject to the PRC corporate income tax and reported income tax provision which amounted to $325,470 for the year ended June 30, 2006.
Comprehensive Income (Loss). As a result of a combination of the factors described above, SinoCoking’s comprehensive income increased by 115.50% to $457,958 for the year ended June 30, 2007, from a total comprehensive loss of $2,954,422 for the year ended June 30,
2006.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Nine Months Ended March 31, 2008 Compared to Nine Months Ended March 31, 2009
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended March 31, 2009 decreased to a deficit of $2,973,692 compared to the positive amount of $9,072,107 for the same period ended March 31, 2008, resulting in a net change of $12,045,799. The primary reasons for the increase were the large ending balances of accounts
receivable (accounting for a net increase for almost $15.3 million from July 1, 2008 to March 31, 2009) and advances to suppliers for prepaid purchase of coal. In the nine-month period ended March 31, 2009, increases in the balances of customer deposits (for prepaid but undelivered sales revenue) and accrued taxes payable by $2.0 million and $2.6 millions, respectively, helped to create additional cash flows in addition to the amount of cash flows represented by the net income of the period.
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities for the nine-month period ended March 31, 2009 decreased to $1,408,658 from $6,609,594 in the same period ended March 31, 2008. The primary use of funds for both years was the repayment of the acquisition cost to the previous individual owners of the company’s coal mines, as well as
payments for capital expenditures, including the purchase of new coking equipment, and mining facility improvements to increase mining capacity from 300,000 tons annually to 600,000 tons annually. In addition, the company used approximately $1.9 million and $0 of cash to make payments in connection with its prior acquisition of rights to Baofeng coking plant during the nine-month periods ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended March 31, 2009 was $148,489. While SinoCoking has from time to time borrowed from and made repayment to Mr. Jianhua Lv, the Chairman, President and CEO of Hongli Coal & Coke as well as a significant shareholder of the company, SinoCoking borrowed additional loans (net
of current year shareholder capital contribution) in the total amount of approximately $1.8 million from Mr. Lv during the nine-month period ended March 31, 2009. Nevertheless, during the nine months ended March 31, 2009 the Company made loan repayments to Mr. Liuchang Yang, director and Vice President of Hongli (referred to in this proxy statement as SinoCoking) in the total amount of $2.0 million. By March 31, 2009 the balance of the company’s short-term loans from various banks
and individuals decreased slightly by $148,489 during the nine months then ended.
Year Ended June 30, 2008 Compared to Year Ended June 30, 2007
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities for the twelve months ended June 30, 2008 increased to $13,060,249 compared to $4,646,495 for the same period ended June 30, 2007. The primary reasons for the increase were the increase in revenue, partly driven by soaring coal and coke prices in the first half of calendar year 2008,
and an increase in net income (which rose from $602,750 to $17,664,665 for fiscal year 2008), partially offset by an increase in accounts receivable, advances to suppliers, and above all, cash used to pay other payables and accrued liabilities. In fiscal 2008, other payables decreased by $4.6 million because SinoCoking’s strong cash flow position allowed it to pay down balances to various vendors or other non-purchase accounts payable at a faster pace. SinoCoking is required to pay
some of its major suppliers on an expedited basis for products purchased during a period of increasing costs for supplies.
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended June 30, 2008 increased to $8,471,010 from $6,538,812 in the same period in 2007. The primary use of funds for both years was capital expenditures, including the purchase of new coking equipment, and mining facility improvements to increase mining capacity from 300,000
tons annually to 600,000 tons annually. In addition, SinoCoking used approximately $5.8 million of cash to make payments in connection with its prior acquisition of rights to three coal mines and the Baofeng coking plant during the year ended June 20, 2008.
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended June 30, 2008 was $937,425. While SinoCoking has borrowed from time to time from Jianhua Lv , the company’s CEO, Chairman and a major shareholder, the company repaid some of these loans (net of current year shareholder capital contribution) in the total amount of
$1,226,574 to Mr. Lv during the year ended June 30, 2008. The balance of SinoCoking’s short-term loans from various banks and individuals rose slightly by $289,149 at June 30, 2008 as compared to the balance at June 30, 2007.
Capital Sources
Funding for SinoCoking’s business activities has historically been provided by cash flow from operations, and short-term lender financings, including loans from its major shareholder, Mr. Lv, and related parties.
SinoCoking did not have any line of credit facility as of June 30, 2008.
Part of the business plan of SinoCoking is to grow its business through (1) expansion and modernization of its production facilities, to achieve greater energy efficiency and lessen environmental impact; (2) recapturing of more coking by-products for refinement into useful industrial chemicals, and to produce more high value-added chemical
products, and (3) potentially acquire other coal mines to source raw materials. Any future facility expansion and acquisitions will require additional financing and/or equity capital and will be dependent upon the availability of financing arrangements and capital at the time. As described elsewhere in this proxy statement, SinoCoking entered into a share exchange agreement with Ableauctions.com, Inc. whereby it will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Ableauctions.com, Inc. Ableauctions.com,
Inc. will change its name to “SinoCoking”, its financial statements will reflect the operations of SinoCoking, and the combined company will continue to be a reporting entity subject to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1934. SinoCoking believes that as a public company it will have better access to capital markets and financings, and that the market for its stock will provide a source of partial financing of future acquisitions.
Capital Expenditures
During the nine months ended March 31, 2009 SinoCoking had capital expenditures of $1.4 million, and the year ended June 30, 2008 it had capital expenditures of approximately $8.5 million. These capital expenditures were made in order to purchase vehicles, mining equipment and coking equipment for the company’s coal
and coke production sites. Additionally, the company paid off remaining amounts owed to the seller of the Baofeng coking plant in Baofeng, which the company acquired in 2004. Also, the company made partial payments to the prior rights holders of the three coal mines, of which a balance of approximately $0.9 million remains. SinoCoking expects capital expenditures for the twelve months ended June 30, 2009 to be approximately comparable to the twelve months ended June 30,
2008, and expects to fund such expenditures from a combination of cash flow from operations and borrowings.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
SinoCoking does not use derivative financial instruments and has no foreign exchange contracts. SinoCoking’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, accounts payable and long-term obligations. The company generally considers investments in highly liquid instruments
purchased with a remaining maturity of 90 days or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. However, in order to manage the foreign exchange risks, the company may from time to time engage in hedging activities to manage its financial exposure related to currency exchange fluctuation. In these hedging activities, SinoCoking might use fixed-price, forward, futures, financial swaps and option contracts traded in the over-the-counter markets or on exchanges, as well as long-term
structured transactions when feasible. Currently SinoCoking does not engage in any of these types of currency hedging transactions.
Interest Rates. SinoCoking’s exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to its short-term obligations. Accordingly, fluctuations in applicable interest rates would not have a material impact on the fair value of these instruments. At
June 30, 2008, the company had approximately $4,705,129 in cash. A hypothetical 10% increase or decrease in applicable interest rates would not have a material impact on the company’s earnings or loss, or the fair market value or cash flows of these instruments.
Foreign Exchange Rate. All of the sales and inputs of SinoCoking are transacted in Renminbi (“RMB”). As a result, changes in the relative values of U.S. Dollars and RMB affect the company’s reported levels of revenues and profitability as the
results are translated into U.S. Dollars for reporting purposes. However, since SinoCoking conducts its sales and purchase inputs in RMB, fluctuations in exchange rates are not expected to significantly affect financial stability, or gross and net profit margins. SinoCoking does not currently expect to incur significant foreign exchange gains or losses, or gains or losses associated with any foreign operations.
Market for Common Equity and Related Shareholder Matters
SinoCoking’s stock does not have a public trading market.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
There have been no changes in SinoCoking’s accountants or any disagreements between SinoCoking and its accountants.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The audited financial statements of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the unaudited financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2009 are attached to this proxy statement as Attachment B. The audited financial statements for the years ended June 30, 2006, 2007 and 2008, and the unaudited
financial statements of Top Favour Limited (SinoCoking) for the nine-month periods ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 are attached to this proxy statement as Attachment C. The historical financial statements of Top Favour Limited will become the historical financial statements of Ableauctions.com, therefore, pro forma financial information of Ableauctions.com is not presented in this proxy statement (see Attachment D).
DILUTION OF COMPANY SHAREHOLDERS
As a result of the Transactions (which includes the Acquisition), the shareholders of the Company will incur substantial dilution in their interests in the Company. Following the Transactions, the Company’s current shareholders will own approximately 3% of the outstanding common stock. Consequently, not only
will the Company shareholders’ capital interest in the company be reduced from 100% to 3%, but their voting power will be similarly reduced. Following the Acquisition, the current shareholders of SinoCoking will own 97% of the outstanding common stock of the company and will be able to control the company’s affairs, including the election of all members of the Company’s Board of Directors. Nonetheless, the shareholders of the Company who are shareholders on the applicable
ex-dividend and record dates will be entitled to receive a pro-rata distribution of the assets of Ableauctions.com, and furthermore, shares of common stock of the Company that are held through and after the Acquisition will represent, post-transaction shares of the combined company which shall include the business of SinoCoking.
Regulatory Approvals
There are no federal or state regulatory requirements that must be complied with in regard to the Transactions, other than disclosure obligations under the SEC rules, the filing of charter amendments with the Secretary of State of the State of Florida, and filings with the SEC and state securities regulatory authorities that may be required
in connection with the proposed Financing.
Reports, Opinions, Appraisals
As of the date of this proxy statement, no reports, opinions or appraisals have been obtained in connection with the Transactions.
Appraisal Rights
None of the company shareholders have any appraisal rights as a result of the Transactions.
Approval of Transactions
Our Articles of Incorporation require that the proposals be approved by holders of 50.01% or more of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company, as more specifically discussed above.
Appointment of New Directors
Contingent upon the closing of the Acquisition, the board of directors has identified six successor director candidates to be appointed to the board of directors at the closing, as designated by SinoCoking. Furthermore, concurrent with the closing of the Acquisition, the four directors currently on the board of directors have agreed
to resign from the board of directors.
Management Prior to the Acquisition
The following table sets forth the names and ages of our directors and executive officers, as of the date of this proxy statement and prior to the closing of the Acquisition:
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Age |
|
Position |
Abdul Ladha |
|
|
47 |
|
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director |
Barrett E.G. Sleeman |
|
|
68 |
|
Director |
Dr. David Vogt |
|
|
52 |
|
Director |
Michael Boyling |
|
|
50 |
|
Director |
Abdul Ladha, Age 47
Abdul Ladha has been a director, president, and chief executive officer of the company since August 24, 1999. He also currently serves as the chief financial officer. In addition, Mr. Ladha is president of all of the company’s wholly owned subsidiaries. Mr. Ladha holds an honors degree in Electrical Engineering
and Mathematics from the University of British Columbia. In 1985 he founded Dexton Enterprises Inc., a subsidiary of Dexton Technologies Corporation, which was a company engaged in the business of the development and provision of web-based business solutions to small to mid-size retail and business-to-business customers, and the marketing and sale of personal computer hardware and network systems to corporate and retail customers, as well as computer training and after-sales upgrade and support services. Mr.
Ladha was president, chief executive officer, and a director of Dexton Technologies from December 1994 to July 2001. In 1997, Dexton Technologies acquired Able Auctions (1991) Ltd., which Dexton sold to the Company on August 24, 1999. Mr. Ladha is the executive director of CITA, the Canadian Institute for Technological Advancement, a non-profit organization dedicated to developing Canada’s technological entrepreneurs. CITA is sponsored by the University of British Columbia,
Simon Fraser University, the World Trade Centre, Ernst & Young, and some 60 corporations and institutions.
Barrett E.G. Sleeman, Age 68
Barrett Sleeman, a director since August 24, 1999, is a professional engineer. He has also been a director of Crystal Graphite Corporation, a graphite property development company, from February 1999 to February 2004, and the chief executive officer of THEMAC Resources Group Limited from October 2001 to the present. From
April 1997 to September 2001, he was a director of Dexton Technologies Corporation, a technology company. From May 1988 to May 2000, he was a director and the president of Omicron Technologies Inc., whose focus is the acquisition, research and development, and marketing of leading edge technologies for the aerospace, telecommunications, defense, and consumer electronics industries, as well as Internet-based business concepts. Mr. Sleeman served as a director of Java Group Inc., an oil and
gas company, from November 1997 to March 2000. Mr. Sleeman also served as president (October 1996 to October 1997) and a director (August 1996 to October 1997) of White Hawk Ventures Inc., and president (August 1995 to April 1997) and a director (March 1995 to January 1998) of International Bravo Resources Inc., both mining exploration companies.
Dr. David Vogt, Age 52
Dr. David Vogt, a director since April 17, 2000, is a seasoned technology innovator with experience in the corporate, research and development and academic sectors. In September 2006 he founded, and since that date he has been the chief executive officer of, CrowdTrust Technologies Inc., a web-based company offering personal knowledge
and identity management solutions. Since October 2004 he has also served as executive director of the Mobile MUSE Network, an applied research collaborative serving as an innovation engine for the emerging mobile media industry. Since August 1999 Dr. Vogt has also served as the director of Digital Learning Projects for the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Education. Dr. Vogt began his career with a Ph.D.
in astronomy and was Director of Observatories at the University of British Columbia. He then became Director of Science at Science World, a public science museum. In 1996 he founded and became chief executive officer of Brainium Technologies Inc., a pioneer of Internet-based learning products for K through 12 students. More recently, Dr. Vogt was chief research officer at the New Media Innovation Centre (NewMIC) in Vancouver, British Columbia. Dr. Vogt lives in Vancouver
and contributes to a number of public and private boards.
Michael Boyling, Age 50
Michael Boyling, a director since 2002, is vice president of Rogers Associate Partners Inc., a position he has held since January 1999. Rogers Associate Partners Inc., the stock of which is traded on the Toronto Securities Exchange, is an insurance and financial services
company based in Vancouver, British Columbia with offices in Edmonton Alberta, Calgary Alberta and Winnipeg Manitoba. Rogers Associate Partners Inc. provides insurance and financial services to high net worth individuals and medium sized companies. Since August 1999 Mr. Boyling has also provided consulting services through West Coast Global Equity Ventures Inc., a company he founded, which provides debt financing
and investing services to private clients. Since 1999 he has worked as a consultant and broker with foreign and domestic companies arranging non-traditional equity and debt financing. In this capacity, Mr. Boyling has brokered debt and equity financing over the previous two years in excess of CDN$63 million. Mr. Boyling served with the Canadian Military (Army) from the age of 17 to the age of 38.
Management After the Acquisition
The following table sets forth the names and ages of the directors and executive officers who will take and hold office, contingent upon and following the closing of the Acquisition:
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Age |
|
Position |
Jianhua Lv |
|
|
41 |
|
President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors |
Liuchang Yang |
|
|
54 |
|
Vice-President, Secretary and Director |
Zan (“Sam”) Wu |
|
|
32 |
|
Chief Financial Officer |
Hui Zheng |
|
|
37 |
|
Vice President of Operations and Director |
Hui Huang |
|
|
42 |
|
Independent Director |
Yushan Jiang |
|
|
55 |
|
Independent Director |
Jin Yao |
|
|
61 |
|
Independent Director |
Jianhua Lv, Age 41
Jianhua Lv has been the Executive Director and Chairman of Hongli since 1996, when he founded the company. Prior to this, from 1989 to 1996 Mr. Lv held a number of positions at the Henan Province Pingdingshan Coal Group, where he has developed many years of experience in the coal and coking industries. In early 2007,
Mr. Lv was appointed as a standing committee member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference of Baofeng, Henan Province, and as a standing committee member of the National People’s Congress of Baofeng, Henan Province. Mr. Lv has been honored as an outstanding entrepreneur of the year in 2003 and 2004. Mr. Lv holds a bachelors degree from Henan University in Chinese, a master degree in economics from Henan University, and a master of law degree from the Central Party School.
Liuchang Yang, Age 54
Liuchang Yang has served as a Director of Hongli since 2003, and as its Vice Chairman since January 2006. Prior to this, Mr. Yang held various offices at the company’s predecessors from 1983 to 2005, including secretary, deputy director, director and general manager of human resources. Mr. Yang has extensive experience
in management, human resources and administration. Mr. Yang holds a bachelor’s degree in Law from Beijing University, a degree from the Center Party School in Economics and Management, and a graduate degree in Finance and Banking from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
Zan (“Sam”) Wu, Age 32
Zan Wu has served as the Chief Financial Officer of Hongli since July 2009. Prior to this, Mr. Wu worked as an auditor at the Zhong Rui Hui Accounting Firm from 2000 to 2001. Mr. Wu was a financial analyst at VIR Consultancy Ltd. from 2003 to 2004. From 2004 through 2006, Mr. Wu held the positions of assistant manager and
financial manager at Domino Scientific Equipment Ltd. Mr. Wu was the chief representative of Global American, Inc. (China Representative Office) from 2006 – 2009. Mr. Wu holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the Capital University of Economics and Business and a master’s degree in financial management and control from Aston Business School.
Hui Zheng, Age 37
Hui Zheng has served as vice manager of Human Resources at Henan Province Pingdingshan Hongli Coal & Coke Co., Ltd. (SinoCoking) since 2006. Prior to this Mr. Zheng worked at SinoCoking as a stastician, secretary and vice-dean. Mr. Zheng has worked in the materials industry since 1996. Mr. Zheng holds a
degree from Zhengzhou University.
Hui Huang, Age 42
Hui Huang is the Chief Executive Officer of Wuhan Pingdingshan Coal and Wuhan Steel Unification Coking Company. Mr. Huang has also served as Director of Sales and Administration, and as Director of the Economics and Technology Cooperation Center of the Pingdingshan Coal Group. Mr. Huang is also a director of the China
Association of Comprehensive Resource Utilization, a Vice-Director of the Henan Institute of Coal (a branch of the China Association of Comprehensive Resource Utilization), and Vice-Secretary of the Pingdingshan Youth Union.
Yushan Jiang, Age 55
Yushan Jiang has served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Pingdingshan Coal Group Shoushan Coking Co., Ltd. since February 2007. Prior to this, from 2001 to 2007, he was Chief Engineer at the Henan Tianhong Coking Company. Prior to this Mr. Jiang developed expensive experience in the coking industry as he held
numerous positions since 1972 as a worker, director, and head of research and development for various coking operations. Mr. Jiang is also currently a Vice-Director and member of the Coking Committee of the Henan Province Metals Association, and Vice-Secretary of the Henan Province Institute of Coal & Coke. Mr. Jiang holds a Bachelor’s degree in Coal and Chemistry from the Wuhan College of Iron & Steel.
Jin Yao, Age 61
Jin Yao is Vice-Chairman of the China Division of the Asia Pacific CEO Association, a position he has held since 2003. Prior to this Mr. Yao served as General Manager at the Beijing Gaoping Technology Development Company from 1989 to 2003. Mr. Yao holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in Electrical
Engineering from the Beijing Institute of Technology.
As of the date of this proxy statement, SinoCoking has not yet designated an audit committee financial expert, however management anticipates that such expert shall be designated prior to the closing of the Transactions. The appointment of the new directors named above will take effect following the closing of the Acquisition
and 10 days following the date on which the Company files a Schedule 14f-1.
About the Board of Directors
There are no family relationships among our current directors or executive officers, nor among the persons identified as candidates to be appointed as directors and officers following the Closing of the Acquisition.
During the past five years, except as described below, none of our directors, executive officers, or candidates for director or officer positions have been involved in any of the following events:
· |
Any bankruptcy petition filed by or against any business of which a director or executive officer was a general partner or executive officer either at the time of the bankruptcy or within two years prior to that time; |
· |
Any conviction in a criminal proceeding or being subject to a pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and other minor offenses); |
· |
Being subject to any order, judgment or decree not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court of competent jurisdiction, permanently or temporarily enjoining, barring, suspending or otherwise limiting his involvement in any type of business, securities or banking activities; and |
· |
Being found by a court of competent jurisdiction (in a civil action), the Commission or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to have violated a federal or state securities or commodities law, and the judgment has not been reversed, suspended or vacated. |
In 2002 it was determined that iCollector PLC, a subsidiary of Ableauctions.com, could not sustain its operations and it was eventually placed into formal bankruptcy proceedings pursuant to the laws of the United Kingdom. In 2002, Ableauctions.com
(Washington) Inc., our wholly owned subsidiary, ceased its bricks and mortar operations in San Mateo and San Francisco. Our current officers and directors also served as our officers and directors during this period.
Director Independence and Nomination Process
We do not have, nor are we required by the rules of the NYSE Amex Equities to have, a standing nominating or compensation committee. The board of directors believes that, considering the Company’s size and current available resources, the need for these committees is not appropriate or compelling at this time, and currently
the functions of a nominating and compensation committee are effectively handled by the full board of directors. Our board of directors is presently made up of four members, three of whom are deemed to be “independent”: Messrs. Barrett Sleeman and Michael Boyling and Dr. David Vogt are independent, as that term is defined in Section 803 of the Rules of the NYSE Amex Equities. Mr. Barrett Sleeman and Dr. David Vogt are members of our audit committee.
Among the seven proposed candidates for appointment to the board of directors following the closing of the Acquisition, the board of directors believes three candidates would not be independent, and three would meet the criteria for independence under the rules of the NYSE Amex Equities exchange. Prior to the closing of the
Acquisition, SinoCoking intends to designate one additional independent director who will be appointed to serve as the audit committee financial expert for SinoCoking’s board of directors, effective from and after the date of the closing.
Communications with Members of our Board of Directors
The board of directors has not established a formal process for shareholders to send communications to its members. Any shareholder may send a communication to any member of the board of directors in care of our address below:
Ableauctions.com, Inc.
Attn: President
Suite 200 - 1963 Lougheed Highway, Coquitlam
British Columbia, Canada V3K 3T8
Telephone (604)-521-3369
Fax (604)-521-4911
If a communication is sent to our address, we will forward any such communication to the board member. If the shareholder would like the communication to be confidential, it should be so marked.
Corporate Governance
The board of directors met four times during the 2008 fiscal year. These meetings were attended by all the directors. We have no policy with regard to the attendance by board members at our annual or special meetings of shareholders. All of the members of our board of directors attended the last annual meeting of shareholders.
There have been no material changes to the procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees to our Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors has an audit committee that was established in accordance with section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The audit committee members include Mr. Barrett Sleeman and Dr. David Vogt.
While we believe that members of our audit committee each have some of the attributes of an audit committee financial expert, no single individual possesses all of the attributes therefore, no one on our audit committee can be deemed to be an audit committee financial expert. However, we believe that the collective experience and
education of the members of our audit committee provide us with the expertise that an audit committee financial expert could provide.
Executive Compensation
The table below shows, for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, compensation paid or accrued to our chief executive officer and the four most highly paid individuals whose total compensation exceeded $100,000.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Summary Compensation Table |
|
|
Name and principal position |
Year(1) |
|
Salary
($) |
|
|
Bonus or Commissions
($) |
|
|
Stock Awards
($) |
|
|
Option Awards
($) |
|
|
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation
($) |
|
|
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings
($) |
|
|
All Other
Compensation(2)
($) |
|
|
Total ($) |
|
|
Abdul Ladha
President and CEO |
2008 |
|
|
156,000 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
156,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Abdul Ladha
President and CEO |
2007 |
|
|
156,000 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
156,000 |
|
|
Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table
Our compensation program consists of the following three components:
· |
awards of options to purchase common stock from our 1999 Stock Option Plan. |
We believe that a combination of cash and options will allow us to attract and retain the services of the individuals who will help us achieve our business objectives, thereby increasing value for our shareholders.
In setting the compensation for our sole executive officer, our Board of Directors looked primarily at his responsibilities, at salaries paid to others in businesses comparable to ours, at his experience and at our ability to replace him. We expect the salary of our executive officer to remain relatively constant unless his responsibilities
are materially changed.
Bonuses are used to reward performance, either by the individual or by the company. Bonuses are discretionary. No bonuses were granted to our executive officers during the 2008 fiscal year.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
The following table shows the outstanding equity awards granted to our highest paid executive officers as of December 31, 2008. Equity awards granted to Mr. Ladha were granted in connection with his service as a director.
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END |
|
OPTION AWARDS |
|
STOCK AWARDS |
Name |
|
Number of securities underlying unexercised options (#) Exercisable |
|
|
Number of securities underlying unexercised options (#)
Unexercis-able |
|
|
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Securities underlying unexercised unearned options (#) |
|
|
Option exercise price ($) |
|
Option expiration date |
|
Number of shares or units of stock that have not vested (#) |
|
|
Market value of shares or units of stock that have not vested ($) |
|
|
Equity incentive plan awards: number of unearned shares, units or other rights that have not vested (#) |
|
|
Equity incentive plan awards: Market or payout value of unearned shares, units or other rights that have not vested (#) |
Abdul Ladha |
|
|
121,186 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
4.80 |
|
11/16/2014 |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
Employment Agreements
We have an employment agreement with our Chief Executive Officer, Abdul Ladha, that is dated April 1, 2002. The term of the agreement commenced as of April 1, 2002 and will continue until Mr. Ladha dies or is permanently disabled, we terminate the agreement for cause, we and Mr. Ladha mutually agree to terminate the agreement,
Mr. Ladha elects to terminate the agreement or we elect to terminate the agreement. If Mr. Ladha elects to terminate the agreement, he must give us at least 90 days written notice of his intent to terminate. If we elect to terminate the agreement, we must give Mr. Ladha written notice equal to no less than the greater of one year or two months for each year of completed service. In lieu of such notice, we can pay Mr. Ladha compensation for the notice period. Mr. Ladha’s
cash compensation is $156,000 per year, which may be increased by the board of directors. Mr. Ladha also receives an automobile allowance of $500 per month and, upon execution of the agreement, he was granted options to purchase 1,000,000 shares of our common stock.
Compensation Paid to Members of our Board of Directors
We did not compensate our directors during the 2008 fiscal year. The Company has no plans at the present time to pay any compensation to the new directors who shall take office following the closing of the Acquisition.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
The following table sets forth information, as of March 16, 2009 regarding the beneficial ownership of the Company’s common stock by any person known to the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding common stock, by directors and certain executive officers, and by all directors and executive officers of the
Company as a group.
Name and Address(1) |
|
Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership of Securities |
|
|
Percent of Class(2) |
|
Abdul Ladha, Director and Executive Officer |
|
|
4,835,787 |
(3)(4)(5) |
|
|
49.4 |
% |
Barrett Sleeman, Director |
|
|
37,500 |
(4) |
|
|
* |
|
Dr. David Vogt, Director |
|
|
20,833 |
(4) |
|
|
* |
|
Michael Boyling |
|
|
37,500 |
(4) |
|
|
* |
|
Renaissance Technologies LLC (6) |
|
|
364,600 |
(7) |
|
|
6.2 |
% |
James H. Simons (6) |
|
|
364,600 |
(7) |
|
|
6.2 |
% |
All current directors and executive officers as a group
(4 persons) |
|
|
4,931,620 |
|
|
|
51.32 |
% |
* Less than 1%.
|
(1) |
The address of each of our officers and directors is c/o Ableauctions.com, Inc., 1963 Lougheed Highway, Coquitlam, British Columbia V3K 3T8. |
|
(2) |
Based on aggregate shares outstanding as of March 16, 2009. Beneficial ownership is determined under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The number of shares shown as beneficially owned in the tables below are calculated pursuant to Rule 13d-3(d)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Under Rule 13d-3(d)(1), shares not outstanding that are subject to options, warrants, rights or conversion
privileges exercisable within 60 days are deemed outstanding for the purpose of calculating the number and percentage owned by such person, but not deemed outstanding for the purpose of calculating the percentage owned by each other person listed. Except in cases where community property laws apply or as indicated in the footnotes to this table, we believe that each stockholder identified in the table possesses sole voting and investment power over all of the shares of common stock. |
|
(3) |
Abdul Ladha, President of the Company, is a beneficiary of the Ladha (1999) Family Trust. Hamilton Trust Company Limited is the trustee of the Ladha (1999) Family Trust. Mr. Ladha disclaims beneficial ownership of the 250,572 shares held by the Ladha (1999) Family Trust. |
|
(4) |
Consists of stock, warrants and options exercisable to acquire shares of common stock. |
|
(5) |
Includes shares which may be acquired through the exercise of a convertible loan held by Abdul and Hanifa Ladha. |
|
(6) |
The address for Renaissance Technologies LLC and James H. Simons is 800 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10022. |
|
(7) |
Information regarding the holdings of Renaissance Technologies LLC and James H. Simons was obtained from a Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 12, 2009. We have not verified this information. Mr. Simons controls Renaissance Technologies LLC and is deemed to be the beneficial owner of securities owned by Renaissance Technologies LLC. |
Material Legal Proceedings involving Affiliates
To our knowledge, none of the Company’s directors, officers or affiliates, or any 5% or greater shareholder of the Company, or any associate or any such directors, officers or affiliates, is a party that is adverse to the Company in any material legal proceeding.
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act requires our directors, executive officers and persons who own more than 10% of our common stock to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership of our common stock with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Directors, executive officers and persons who own more than 10% of our
common stock are required by Securities and Exchange Commission regulations to furnish to us copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
To our knowledge, based solely upon review of the copies of such reports received or written representations from the reporting persons, we believe that during our 2008 fiscal year our directors, executive officers and persons who own more than 10% of our common stock complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements.
Code of Ethics
We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. Our code of ethics will be provided to any person without charge, upon request. Requests should be addressed to Mr. Abdul
Ladha, c/o Ableauctions.com, Inc. 1963 Lougheed Highway, Coquitlam, British Columbia V3K 3T8.
On January 1, 2007 we entered into a three year lease of approximately 2,851 square feet of storage space from Bullion Reef Holdings Ltd., a private company controlled by our executive officer and director, Abdul Ladha, and owned by the Ladha Family Trust. While Mr. Ladha is not a beneficiary of the Ladha Family Trust, members
of his family are beneficiaries. The monthly rent on the property, located at 3112 Boundary Road, Coquitlam, British Columbia, was approximately $1,777 based on a triple-net lease. In 2007 the building was sold and the lease was terminated with no penalty.
We market the condominium units being developed by our subsidiary, Axion, using the brand name “Overture LivingTM”. The mark, “Overture Living™” belongs to Abdul Ladha, an officer and director. Mr. Ladha has received
no compensation for the use of this mark.
On April 9, 2007 Abdul Ladha entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with us pursuant to which he purchased units consisting of one share of our common stock, $0.001 par value, and a warrant to purchase three shares of our common stock. The purchase price was $0.20 per unit (pre-split), the last sale price of our common stock on
Thursday, April 5, 2007, the last trading day prior to the purchase. Mr. Ladha purchased a total of 2,941,175 units (pre-split), representing 2,941,175 shares of common stock and warrants (pre-split) to purchase an additional 8,823,525 shares (pre-split). The total purchase price for the investment was $588,000. The warrants have an exercise price of $0.20 (pre-split), a term of 10 years and will expire, if not exercised, on April 9, 2017.
From October 2007 through December 2007, we rented approximately 1,681 square feet of residential property adjacent to our Gruv Development from Surrey Central City Holdings Ltd., a private company wholly-owned by Bullion Reef Holdings Ltd, which,
as described above, is a company controlled by Mr. Ladha and owned by the Ladha Family Trust. The rent for the three month period was $5,043 ($5,000 CAD), or approximately $1,680 ($1,666 CAD) per month. We believe that we received fair value for the rent and that if we had paid an independent party, we would have paid approximately the same amount per month, based on market rents at the time.
During the year ended December 31, 2007, we received a payment of $12,661 from Bullion Reef Holdings Ltd. as reimbursement of office and personnel expenses.
On August 19, 2008, we entered into an Agreement to Convert Debt with Mr. Ladha. Pursuant to the Agreement, Mr. Ladha agreed to accept units consisting of one share of the common stock and a warrant to purchase 1.5 shares of the common stock as partial payment of loans made to us totaling $384,000. Pursuant to the Agreement,
Mr. Ladha accepted units consisting of 400,000 shares of common stock and warrants for the purchase of 600,000 shares of common stock as full payment of the principal amount of the loans. The number of units to be issued was computed by using the last sale price of the Company’s common stock on August 19, 2008, which was $0.96. The warrant exercise price is $1.08 and the warrant term is 5 years. The agreement was subject to the approval of the NYSE Amex Equities (formerly the American
Stock Exchange), which was received on October 2, 2008. On October 6, 2008, the shares were issued and all the warrants were exercised by Mr. Ladha, resulting in the issuance of a total of 1,000,000 shares of common stock to him.
On October 6, 2008 our Board of Directors approved a Development Agreement between us and Mr. Ladha, Overture Development Corporation, Surrey Central City Holdings Ltd. (“Surrey”) and Bullion Reef Holdings Ltd. (“Bullion”). Mr. Ladha is the sole officer, director and shareholder of Overture Development Corporation
and the sole officer and director of Surrey. Bullion is the sole shareholder of Surrey. Both Surrey and Bullion are controlled by Mr. Ladha. We agreed to purchase one-half of the shares of “Class A” common stock issued and outstanding in Surrey from Bullion for the purchase price of $1,347,440. One-half of the purchase price will be paid with a promissory note. Bullion may, at its election, accept shares of our common stock in payment of up to $1 million
in principal amount and the interest accrued thereon. The purchase price may be adjusted upward in the event of either of the following occurrences. The purchase price may be increased to reflect the increase in value that will accrue to the property owned by Surrey if Surrey decides to develop the property with a 6-storey complex rather than a 4-storey complex. The purchase price may also be increased to reflect the increase in value that will accrue to the property if Surrey
is able to acquire an adjacent lot owned by an unrelated third party. On October 23, 2008, Surrey entered into an agreement to acquire the adjacent lot for $701,668 and in December 2008 the purchase of this lot was completed. This acquisition increased the value of our 50% interest in Surrey to $1,671,638.
In addition to the Royal Bank of Canada credit facility, we have from time-to-time borrowed funds from our president and chief executive officer, Abdul Ladha, to cover cash shortfalls related to our Gruv Development that occasionally result from timing issues that may temporarily prevent us from borrowing against the credit facility. As
of March 16, 2009, we had borrowed approximately $1,110,000 from Mr. Ladha, all of which has been repaid. Loans made to us from January 1, 2007 through March 25, 2009 from Mr. Ladha or his affiliates include the following:
|
|
|
Beginning US Balance |
|
US$ |
|
Days |
|
5%
Interest |
|
|
End Balance |
|
|
May 23, 2008 |
Abdul Ladha |
|
|
0 |
|
$ |
100,190.00 |
|
4 |
|
$ |
54.90 |
|
|
$ |
100,244.90 |
|
May 27, 2008 |
Abdul Ladha |
|
$ |
100,244.90 |
|
$ |
100,190.00 |
|
23 |
|
$ |
315.84 |
|
|
$ |
200,750.74 |
|
June 19, 2008 |
Abdul Ladha |
|
$ |
200,750.74 |
|
$ |
(100,190.00) |
|
5 |
|
$ |
137.50 |
|
|
$ |
100,698.24 |
|
June 24, 2008 |
Abdul Ladha |
|
$ |
100,698.24 |
|
$ |
(100,190.00) |
|
21 |
|
$ |
289.68 |
|
|
$ |
797.92 |
|
July 15, 2008 |
Abdul Ladha |
|
$ |
797.92 |
|
$ |
125,237.50 |
|
9 |
|
$ |
0.98 |
|
|
$ |
126,036.40 |
|
July 24, 2008 |
Abdul Ladha |
|
$ |
126,036.40 |
|
$ |
375,712.50 |
|
26 |
|
$ |
448.90 |
|
|
$ |
502,197.80 |
|
August 19, 2008 |
Payment of Loans with Common Stock |
|
$ |
502,197.80 |
|
$ |
(384,000.00) |
|
23 |
|
$ |
1,582.27 |
|
|
$ |
119,780.07 |
|
September 11, 2008 |
Abdul Ladha |
|
$ |
119,780.07 |
|
$ |
409,222.48 |
|
21 |
|
$ |
344.57 |
|
|
$ |
529,347.12 |
|
October 2, 2008 |
Abdul Ladha |
|
$ |
529,347.12 |
|
$ |
(529,347.12) |
|
0 |
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
(0.00) |
|
On July 17, 2009, Mr. Ladha and his spouse entered into a voting agreement with SinoCoking whereby Mr. and Mrs. Ladha has agreed to vote in favor of the proposals at any annual or special meeting of the Ableauctions’ shareholders. Under the voting agreement,
Mr. and Mrs. Ladha agreed to convert their interests in a convertible promissory note into shares of the Company's common stock. After the conversion, Mr. and Mrs. Ladha will hold at least 49% of the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock on the date of the voting agreement. In addition, if necessary under certain circumstances, Mr. Ladha will acquire additional shares of common stock (up to a maximum acquisition price of $400,000). Under the voting agreement, Mr. and
Mrs. Ladha have also agreed to use their voting power, if necessary, to replace the board of directors. For the full text of the voting agreement, please refer to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 17, 2009.
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
Common Stock
We are authorized to issue up to 100,000,000 shares of common stock at a par value of $0.001 per share. Each shareholder is entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters to be voted upon by the shareholders. Our shares of common stock have no preemptive, conversion, or redemption rights. If we are
liquidated, dissolved or wound up, the holders of common stock are entitled to share in proportion to the percentage of their ownership all assets remaining after payment of liabilities. All of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and non-assessable.
Stock Option Plan
On October 14, 1999, the Board of Directors and a majority of the Company’s shareholders approved the 1999 Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”). The Plan provides for the grant of incentive and non-qualified options to purchase up to 3,000,000 shares of common stock to officers, directors, employees, and other
qualified persons that may be selected by the Plan Administrator (which currently is the Board of Directors). The Plan is intended to help attract and retain key employees and any other persons that may be selected by the Plan Administrator and to give those persons an equity incentive to achieve the objectives of the Company.
Incentive stock options may be granted to any individual who, at the time of grant, is an employee of the Company or any subsidiary. Non-qualified stock options may be granted to employees and other persons that may be selected by the Plan Administrator. The Plan Administrator uses its discretion to fix the exercise
price for options, subject to certain minimum exercise prices in the case of incentive stock options. Options will not be exercisable until they vest according to a vesting schedule specified by the Plan Administrator at the time of grant of the option.
Options are non-transferable except by will or the laws of descent and distribution. With certain exceptions, vested but unexercised options terminate on the earlier of:
|
(i) |
the expiry of the option term specified by the Plan Administrator at the date of grant (generally 10 years; or, with respect to incentive stock options granted to greater-than 10% shareholders, a maximum of five years); |
|
(ii) |
the date an employee optionee’s employment or contractual relationship with the Company or any subsidiary is terminated for cause; |
|
(iii) |
the expiry of three months from the date an optionee’s employment or contractual relationship with the Company or any subsidiary is terminated for any reason, other than cause, death or disability; or |
|
(iv) |
the expiry of one year from the date of death of an optionee or cessation of an optionee’s employment or contractual relationship by death or disability. |
Unless accelerated in accordance with the Plan, unvested options terminate immediately on termination of employment of the optionee by the Company for any reason whatsoever, including death or disability.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS
THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE ACQUISITION.
PROPOSAL 2
APPROVAL OF TERMS OF PLAN OF LIQUIDATION
As a condition to consummation of the Acquisition, the Share Exchange Agreement requires, and the Company has agreed, to liquidate its assets, discharge its liabilities, and wind up the business conducted prior to the Acquisition, including its on-line auction services, real estate development business and related properties, as existing
and outstanding immediately prior to the closing of the Acquisition (“Prior Business”). In connection with the foregoing, the board of directors has authorized management of the Company to create a Plan of Liquidation with the terms described below, the execution of which shall be contingent on the completion of the Acquisition.
The terms of the Plan of Liquidation will set forth the steps to be taken to execute the liquidation of the Prior Business. Under the Plan of Liquidation, the Company will establish a Liquidating Trust, to which the Company shall transfer assets and liabilities relating to the Prior Business. The trustees of the Liquidating
Trust, who we anticipate will be the current members of our board of directors, will cause all of such liabilities to be paid, and assets sold. The trustees may, but are not required to, establish a reserve fund, and obtain insurance policies to cover unknown or contingent liabilities. Upon complete discharge of the liabilities and liquidation of the assets relating to the Prior Business, the trustees shall cause any remaining cash to be distributed to the shareholders of the Company
pro rata in proportion to shares held on the appropriate record date. We expect to compensate the trustees for their management of the Liquidating Trust.
The board of directors shall determine and announce a record date for the determination of shareholders who are entitled to become a pro rata beneficiary of the Liquidating Trust.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS
THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE TERMS OF THE PLAN OF LIQUIDATION.
PROPOSAL 3
REVERSE STOCK SPLIT AND AMENDMENT
TO ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
The Board of Directors has unanimously adopted and approved amendments to the Company’s articles of incorporation (the “Articles Amendments”) to, among other things, effect a Reverse Stock Split of the Company’s outstanding common stock, within a range of 1-for-20 to 1-for-50, the exact ratio to be determined by
subsequent resolution of the board of directors (“Reverse Stock Split”). The Articles Amendments are conditioned upon the successful consummation of the Acquisition.
The Reverse Stock Split will be implemented by filing the Articles Amendments with the Secretary of State of Florida. The number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance shall remain unchanged as a result of this Articles Amendment, and the Company will continue to have 100,000,000 shares of common stock authorized
for issuance. Effective upon the filing of the Articles Amendments, the number of outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock will be reduced from approximately 8.3 million shares to a number of shares ranging from approximately 166,000 to 415,000 shares (the exact number of which shall depend on the ratio of the Reverse Stock Split, and any adjustments to address fractional shares). Each shareholder entitled to a fractional share of the Company’s common stock as a result
of the Reverse Stock Split will receive a whole share of the Company’s common stock in lieu of such fractional share. Once the Company files the Articles Amendments, the Company will have approximately 99.6 million authorized but unissued shares of common stock available for issuance.
In completing the Acquisition, the Company will issue a number of shares ranging from approximately 13.2 million to 5.3 million shares of its common stock (depending on the ratio of the Reverse Stock Split determined by the board of directors) to the shareholders of SinoCoking, which amount will nonetheless represent approximately 97%
of the total outstanding shares of the Company, excluding the effect of an anticipated Financing. The shares issued by the Company will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933 based on an exemption from registration under Regulation S under the Securities Act, and may not be resold unless the shares are registered under the Securities Act or an exemption from such registration is available.
The remaining authorized but unissued shares of common stock will be available for issuance from time to time as may be deemed advisable or required for various purposes, including the issuance of shares in connection with financing or acquisition transactions and the issuance or reservation of common stock to consultants, contractors
or employees. The Company’s Board will be able to authorize the issuance of shares for these transactions without the necessity, and related costs and delays, of either calling a special shareholders’ meeting or waiting for the regularly scheduled annual meeting of shareholders in order to increase the authorized capital. If in a particular transaction shareholder approval was required by law or by the rules of any stock exchange, or was otherwise deemed advisable by the Board,
then the matter would be referred to the shareholders for their approval notwithstanding that the Company may have the requisite number of voting shares to consummate the transaction.
The Articles Amendment are not intended to have any anti-takeover effect and are not part of any series of anti-takeover measures contained in any debt instruments or the articles of incorporation or the Bylaws of the Company in effect on the date of this proxy statement. However, the Company’s shareholders should note that
the availability of additional authorized and unissued shares of common stock could make any attempt to gain control of the Company or the Board more difficult or time consuming and that the availability of additional authorized and unissued shares might make it more difficult to remove management (See “Effect of Reverse Split and Potential Anti-Takeover Effect” below).
The Articles Amendments will become effective upon the filing of the articles of amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Florida.
The Reverse Stock Split
The following table reflects the hypothetical number of shares of common stock that would be outstanding as a result of the Reverse Stock Split and the approximate percentage reduction in the number of outstanding shares based on approximately 8.1 million shares of common stock that are anticipated to be outstanding on the Record Date, in
a scenario in which the Reverse Stock Split ratio is 1-for-20 and 1-for-50, respectively.
Proposed
Reverse
Split Ratio |
|
Percentage
Reduction |
|
|
Approximate Shares
of Common Stock
to be Outstanding
After the Reverse Split (1) |
|
1-for-20 reverse split |
|
|
95.0 |
% |
|
|
405,710 |
|
1-for-50 reverse split |
|
|
98.0 |
% |
|
|
162,284 |
|
(1) Excludes the shares of common stock issuable in the Acquisition, and any Financing.
Previous 1-for-12 Reverse Stock Split and Reasons for the Currently Proposed Reverse Stock Split
On September 18, 2008 we received a letter from the NYSE Amex Equities (formerly the American Stock Exchange and referred to in this discussion as the “Exchange”) indicating that the low selling price of our common stock may not be suitable for auction market trading. Over the three months preceding the date of the letter,
the price per share of our common stock ranged between $0.06 and $0.10. The Exchange indicated in its letter that, in accordance with Section 1003(f)(v) of the Company Guide, we were required to undertake a reverse split of our common stock. In response to this letter, and in effort to avoid possible suspension or delisting of our common stock from the Exchange, we effected a 1-for-12 reverse stock split which became effective on January 15, 2009.
Although the Company has already undertaken a 1-for-12 reverse stock split, management determined, in conjunction with its discussions with SinoCoking, that in order to adjust the Company’s capital structure to achieve a capital structure that is appropriate for the Company following the Acquisition (i.e., appropriate per-share price
taking into account the hypothetical market value of the combined entity, and the number of shares that would be outstanding post-Acquisition), the Company would need to undergo an additional reverse stock split.
Our primary reason for effecting the Reverse Stock Split described in this proxy statement is to prepare the Company to issue shares in the Acquisition, and maintain a number of shares outstanding post-Acquisition that management believes would be necessary in order for the combined entity to achieve a per-share price that is above the threshold
required of companies whose stock is listed on the Exchange. The anticipated per-share price of the Company’s common stock following the Acquisition will be based on the assets, liabilities, financial condition, and business of SinoCoking, which will exclude the Ableauctions Prior Business. For further information concerning the Liquidating Distribution, please refer to the section above entitled “Proposal 2 – Approval of Terms of Plan of Liquidation."
The Reverse Stock Split will also benefit shareholders that would otherwise end up with less than one share of common stock, because any shareholder who is entitled to less than one post-Reverse Stock Split share will receive one whole share.
We estimate that of our approximately 576 record shareholders, approximately 83 shareholders have fewer than 50 shares of our common stock.
Based on the foregoing, our board of directors determined that the Reverse Stock Split would be in the best interests of our Company and its shareholders. The criteria for determining the split ratio included the reasons discussed above.
Effectiveness of the Reverse Stock Split and Mechanism for Share Exchange
The Reverse Stock Split will become effective with the filing of the Articles Amendments with the Florida Secretary of State. A form of the proposed Articles Amendments is attached to this proxy statement as Annex 1. The board of directors may abandon the Articles Amendments, if the directors determine that it is in the best interests
of the company and our shareholders to do so. The Company intends to file the Articles Amendments on or about the time of the closing of the Acquisition.
Upon effectiveness of the Reverse Stock Split, each share of common stock outstanding will immediately and automatically be changed, as of the effective date of the Articles Amendments, into the equivalent of a fraction equal to 1 divided by a number between 20 and 50, depending on the reverse stock split ratio determined by the board of
directors. In addition, proportional adjustments will be made to the number of shares issuable upon exercise or conversion of, and the exercise price or conversion formula, of our outstanding options and warrants.
The table below illustrates, as of the date of this proxy statement, the number of shares of common stock that are anticipated to be issued and outstanding on the Record Date for the special meeting (which includes conversion of a convertible note held by Mr. Ladha), and the number of shares of common stock that are authorized for issuance.
Number of
Shares
Outstanding |
|
|
Number of Shares
Authorized |
|
8,114,197 |
|
|
|
100,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Upon effectiveness of the Reverse Stock Split, the number of issued and outstanding shares of our common stock would be reduced in accordance with the exchange ratio for the Reverse Stock Split. The par value of our common stock would remain unchanged at $0.001 per share and the number of authorized shares of common stock would remain
at 100,000,000. Giving effect to the Reverse Stock Split (however excluding the effect of the Share Exchange, the anticipated Financing, and rounding up to whole shares), the table below illustrates the number of shares of common stock that will be issued and outstanding and the number of shares of common stock that will be authorized for issuance, in the case of a 1-for-20 reverse stock split, and a 1-for-50 reverse stock split, respectively.
Reverse Stock Split Ratio |
|
Number of
Shares
Outstanding |
|
Number of Shares
Authorized and
Reserved for Issuance |
1-for-20 |
|
405,710 |
|
100,000,000 |
1-for-50 |
|
162,284 |
|
100,000,000 |
Except as discussed in proposal 5 below, we have no plans, proposals or arrangements to issue the additional shares that will be unreserved and available for issuance as a result of the reverse split.
No fractional shares of common stock will be issued in connection with the reverse split. Instead, fractional shares will be rounded up to the next whole share.
Effect of Reverse Split and Potential Anti-Takeover Effect
Management does not anticipate that our financial condition, the percentage ownership of management, the number of our shareholders, or any aspect of our business will materially change as a result of the Reverse Stock Split, considered by itself. Because the Reverse Stock Split will apply to all issued and outstanding shares of common
stock and outstanding rights to purchase common stock or to convert other securities into common stock, the proposed Reverse Stock Split will not alter the relative rights and preferences of existing shareholders. However, as noted above, the number of authorized shares of common stock will remain at 100,000,000, but the number of shares of common stock outstanding will be decreased. As a result, we could potentially issue (using the number of shares of common stock outstanding and the number of shares
authorized and reserved for issuance as of the Record Date) a total of approximately 99.6 to 99.8 million additional shares of common stock, as opposed to a total of approximately 91.7 million additional shares of common stock that would have been available to issue had the Reverse Stock Split not occurred. As discussed in Proposal 1 above, in connection with the Acquisition the Company will issue up to approximately 13.2 million shares of its common stock to the shareholder of SinoCoking. Therefore,
holders of our common stock will experience immediate dilution, and could experience substantially greater dilution of their shareholdings if, in the future, we issue all of the authorized but unissued shares of common stock.
The effective increase in our authorized shares could also potentially be used by management to make it more difficult or to discourage a future merger, tender offer or proxy contest or the removal of incumbent management. Management could use the additional shares to resist a third-party transaction favored by a majority of the independent
shareholders, even if it would provide an above-market premium, by issuing additional shares to frustrate the takeover effort. However, this proposal is not the result of management’s knowledge of an effort to accumulate our securities or to obtain control of our company by means of a merger, tender offer, solicitation or otherwise.
Neither our articles of incorporation nor our by-laws presently contain any provisions having anti-takeover effects and this proposal is not a plan by management to adopt a series of amendments to our articles of incorporation or by-laws to institute anti-takeover provisions. We do not presently have any plans or proposals to adopt
other provisions or enter into other arrangements that may have material anti-takeover consequences.
There are no rules or practices on any stock exchange that permit such exchange to reserve the right to refuse to list or to de-list any stock which completes a reverse stock split.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Reverse Stock Split
The reason for the Reverse Stock Split, and the principal advantage of engaging in the Reverse Stock Split, is to adjust our capital structure as a condition to completing the Acquisition. Secondly, management believes that the Reverse Stock Split will raise the per share price at which our common stock trades, which would
enable us to meet the minimum per-share price requirements for listing on the Exchange. With the exception of a low trading price of our common stock, we believe that we meet all the criteria for listing.
A potential disadvantage to the Reverse Stock Split is that we may issue the additional shares of common stock for the purpose of discouraging any potential takeover attempts, even if they are favored by the shareholders.
Market for Common Equity and Related Shareholder Matters
Market Price of Common Equity
Our common stock has traded on the NYSE Alternext US (formerly the American Stock Exchange) since June 29, 2000 under the symbol “AAC”. Prior to June 29, 2000 our common stock traded on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board (OTCBB) under the symbol “ABLC”. The range of high and low sale prices per
share for our common stock for each quarter during the period from January 1, 2007 through June 30, 2009, as published by NYSE Amex Equities, is set forth below. The table gives effect to a 1-for-12 stock split that we effected on January 15, 2009.
Quarterly Common Stock Price Ranges
(Adjusted for reverse stock split on January 15, 2009)
|
|
2007 |
|
Quarter Ended |
|
High |
|
|
Low |
|
March 31 |
|
$ |
2.28 |
|
|
$ |
2.16 |
|
June 30 |
|
$ |
2.28 |
|
|
$ |
2.04 |
|
September 30 |
|
$ |
2.52 |
|
|
$ |
2.40 |
|
December 31 |
|
$ |
1.80 |
|
|
$ |
1.56 |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
Quarter Ended |
|
High |
|
|
Low |
|
March 31 |
|
$ |
1.80 |
|
|
$ |
1.56 |
|
June 30 |
|
$ |
0.96 |
|
|
$ |
0.96 |
|
September 30 |
|
$ |
0.72 |
|
|
$ |
0.48 |
|
December 31 |
|
$ |
0.36 |
|
|
$ |
0.24 |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
Quarter Ended |
|
High |
|
|
Low |
|
March 31 |
|
$ |
0.45 |
|
|
$ |
0.17 |
|
June 30 |
|
$ |
0.81 |
|
|
$ |
0.21 |
|
September 30 |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
December 31 |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
There were 576 record holders of our common stock as of July 3, 2008. This number does not include an indeterminate number of shareholders whose shares are held by brokers in street name.
We have not paid dividends on our common stock since our inception. The decision to pay dividends on common stock is within the discretion of the Board of Directors. It is our current policy to retain any future earnings to finance the operations
and growth of our business.
Exchange of Stock Certificates
The board of directors intends to notify each holder of record with instructions for the surrender and exchange of certificates.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR”
THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT AND AMENDMENT OF THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
PROPOSAL 4
CHANGE OF NAME
The Board of Directors has approved a change to the name of the Company to “SinoCoking Coal & Coke Chemical Industries Inc.” The amendment to effect the change to the Company’s name is conditioned upon the successful consummation of the Acquisition.
The name change will be accomplished by amending the Articles of Incorporation of Ableauctions.com, Inc. This change will become effective upon the filing of Articles Amendments with the Secretary of State of the state of Florida.
We are changing the name of the corporation to “SinoCoking Coal & Coke Chemical Industries Inc.” effective on or near the date of the Acquisition, in order to better reflect the operating business of the Company upon the completion of the Acquisition. Further, we
have agreed to this corporate name change as a part of our Acquisition agreement.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT
YOU VOTE “FOR” THE NAME CHANGE
PROPOSAL 5
APPROVAL OF ISSUANCE OF SHARES IN CONNECTION WITH FINANCING
We intend to pursue a Financing which may consist of debt or equity or a combination of both, involving the issuance of our securities for $50 million to $75 million in gross proceeds. The exact terms of such financing have not been finalized at this time, however, the issuance of such securities is anticipated to require the issuance
of a significant amount of our common stock or securities convertible into our common stock.
Section 712 of the NYSE Amex Company Guide (or successor provision) requires approval by our shareholders for the acquisition of stock or assets of another company in the following circumstances:
|
(a) |
if any individual director, officer or substantial shareholder of the listed company has a 5% or greater interest (or such persons collectively have a 10% or greater interest), directly or indirectly, in the company or assets to be acquired or in the consideration to be paid in the transaction and the present or potential issuance of common stock, or securities convertible into common stock, could result in an increase
in outstanding common shares of 5% or more; or |
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(b) |
where the present or potential issuance of common stock, or securities convertible into common stock, could result in an increase in outstanding common shares of 20% or more. |
The Company’s Board of Directors has approved the issuance of additional shares of common stock in connection with a Financing, the terms of which shall be determined in negotiations with investors. Approval by holders of more than 50.01% of the shares represented at the special meeting must approve the issuance of such
shares in order for the Company to proceed with such issuance.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR”
THE ISSUANCE OF SHARES IN CONNECTION WITH THE FINANCING
VOTE REQUIRED FOR APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSALS
The Board of Directors of the Company recommends that you vote “for” all five of the foregoing proposals.
One-third of the shares of common stock issued and outstanding are required to reach a quorum for the special meeting. If a quorum is met, in order for the proposals to be approved by the shareholders, the holders of 50.01% or more of all of the outstanding shares entitled to vote on the matters presented must vote in favor
of each of the proposals. For purposes of determining whether the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares entitled to vote on a proposal has been obtained, abstentions and shares held in “street name” by brokers or nominees who indicate on their proxies that they do not have discretionary authority to vote such shares as to theses matters (“broker non-votes”) will be included in the number of shares present and entitled to vote but will have no effect on the vote. Mr.
Ladha has indicated that he intends to vote in favor of all of the proposals.
As of the date of this proxy statement, Mr. Ladha and his spouse beneficially own 4,720,943 shares of common stock (of which 2,408,042 shares are acquirable pursuant to the conversion of a convertible note, and 739,460 shares are acquirable pursuant to a warrant), which would, on a fully-diluted basis represent over 50.01% of our issued and
outstanding shares of common stock on the Record Date. The Company anticipates that Mr. Ladha and affiliates will hold and vote shares constituting approximately 49% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company in favor all proposals presented in this proxy statement.
On July 17, 2009, Mr. Ladha and his spouse entered into a voting agreement with SinoCoking whereby Mr. and Mrs. Ladha has agreed to vote in favor of the proposals at any annual or special meeting of the Ableauctions’ shareholders. Under the voting agreement,
Mr. and Mrs. Ladha agreed to convert their interests in a convertible promissory note into shares of the Company's common stock. After the conversion, Mr. and Mrs. Ladha will hold at least 49% of the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock on the date of the voting agreement. In addition, if necessary under certain circumstances, Mr. Ladha will acquire additional shares of common stock (up to a maximum acquisition price of $400,000). Under the voting agreement, Mr. and
Mrs. Ladha have also agreed to use their voting power, if necessary, to replace the board of directors. For the full text of the voting agreement, please refer to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 17, 2009.
Although we have entered into a binding Share Exchange Agreement, the board of directors has approved the Transactions, and our CEO and major beneficial shareholder has entered into the above-described voting agreement, nonetheless we cannot provide assurance that the Acquisition will be successfully consummated. If the Acquisition
is not consummated for any reason, the Transactions described above, including the liquidation of our pre-acquisition business, reverse stock split, name change and financing, will be abandoned without any further action by our shareholders.
TRANSACTION OF OTHER BUSINESS
Management is not aware of any matters to be brought before the meeting other than those referred to in this proxy statement. If any matters which are not specifically set forth in the form of proxy and this proxy statement properly come before the meeting, the persons designated as proxies will vote thereon in accordance with their
best judgment.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
Shareholder proposals intended for inclusion in our upcoming proxy statement for the special meeting and form of proxy must be directed to the Corporate Secretary at Ableauctions.com, Inc., Attention: President, Suite 200 – 1963 Lougheed Highway, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada V3K 3T8. The deadline for shareholders to
submit a proposal is a reasonable time before the Company begins to print and send this proxy statement in final form to its shareholders. The Company estimates that it will submit the final form of this proxy statement to shareholders on or around July 31, 2009. Accordingly, shareholders must submit, and we must receive any such proposal several days in advance of this date in order for the proposal to be considered for inclusion. Shareholder proposals will be excluded unless
they are timely and in compliance with the proxy rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. For proposals that are not timely filed, we retain discretion to vote proxies we receive. For proposals that are timely filed, we retain discretion to vote proxies we receive, provided that (i) we include in our proxy statement advice on the nature of the proposal and how we intend to exercise our voting discretion and (ii) the proponent does not issue a proxy statement.
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The audit committee oversees our financial reporting process on behalf of the board of directors. Management is responsible for our financial statements and the financial reporting process, including the system of internal controls. The independent auditors are responsible for expressing an opinion on the conformity of those audited
financial statements with generally accepted accounting principles.
The audit committee has discussed with the independent auditors the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, Communication with Audit Committees, as amended. In addition, the audit committee has discussed with the independent auditors the auditors’
independence from the company and its management including the matters in the written disclosures provided to the audit committee as required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, Independence Discussions with Audit Committees.
The audit committee recommended to the board of directors, and the board of directors approved, the inclusion of the audited financial statements in this proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Members of the Audit Committee
/s/ Barrett Sleeman
/s/ Dr. David Vogt
July 17, 2009
ATTACHMENT A
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF SHARE EXCHANGE
BY AND AMONG ABLEAUCTIONS.COM, INC.
AND
TOP FAVOUR LIMITED
SHARE EXCHANGE AGREEMENT
by and among
Top Favour Limited (“Top Favour“)
a British Virgin Islands international business company,
and
the Shareholders of Top Favour,
on the one hand;
and
Ableauctions.com, Inc. (“Ableauctions”),
a Florida corporation,
and
Certain Shareholders of Ableauctions,
on the other hand
July 17, 2009
SHARE EXCHANGE AGREEMENT
This Share Exchange Agreement, dated as of July 17, 2009 (this “Agreement”), is made and entered into by and among Top Favour Limited, an international business company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands (“Top Favour”), and the shareholders
of Top Favour (“Top Favour Shareholders”) listed on the Signature Pages for Top Favour Shareholders that are attached hereto, on the one hand; and Ableauctions.com, Inc., a Florida corporation (“Ableauctions”), and the shareholders or noteholders of Ableauctions listed on the signature page for Ableauctions Shareholders that is attached hereto (the “Ableauctions
Shareholders”), on the other hand.
R E C I T A L S
WHEREAS, Ableauctions intends to deliver newly-issued shares of its common stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Common Stock”) to Top Favour Shareholders in exchange for all of the equity interests of Top Favour (the “Acquisition”),
upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth in this Agreement;
WHEREAS, the Top Favour Shareholders own all of the equity (in shares of capital stock or otherwise) of Top Favour (the “Top Favour Equity Interest”);
WHEREAS, the Ableauctions Shareholders will hold voting control of 49% of the issued and outstanding shares of Ableauctions common stock immediately prior to a meeting of Ableauctions shareholders to vote to approve the Acquistion;
WHEREAS, the Ableauctions Shareholders will enter into this Agreement for the purpose of making certain covenants and Abdul Ladha has agreed to make certain indemnifications; and
WHEREAS, upon consummation of the transaction contemplated by this Agreement, Top Favour will become a 100% wholly-owned subsidiary of Ableauctions.
A G R E E M E N T
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1
THE ACQUISITION
1.1 The Acquisition. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions hereof, at the Closing (as hereinafter defined) the parties shall do the following:
(a) The Top Favour Shareholders will each sell, convey, assign, transfer and deliver to Ableauctions certificates representing the Top Favour Equity Interest held by each Top Favour Shareholder as set forth in Column II of Annex
I hereto, which in the aggregate shall constitute 100% of the issued and outstanding equity interests of Top Favour, accompanied by a properly executed and authenticated stock power or instrument of like tenor.
(b) As consideration for the acquisition of the Top Favour Equity Interests, Ableauctions will issue to each Top Favour Shareholder, in exchange for such Top Favour Shareholder’s portion of the Top Favour Equity Interests, the number of shares of Common Stock such that
such Top
Favour Shareholders holds a percentage of the outstanding Common Stock on a fully-diluted basis immediately after the Closing set forth opposite such party’s name in Column III on Annex I attached hereto (collectively, the “Ableauctions
Shares”). The Ableauctions Shares to be issued shall equal approximately 97% of the outstanding shares of Ableauctions’ common stock at the time of Closing. For example, if there are at least 100.0 million shares of Ableauctions common stock authorized and 3.0 million shares of Ableauctions’ common stock outstanding immediately prior to the Closing, then there shall be 97.0 million shares of Ableauctions’ common stock issued to the Top Favour Shareholders at
Closing.
1.2 Closing Date. The closing of the Acquisition (the “Closing”) shall take place as soon as practicable upon signing of this Agreement, and prior to November 30, 2009, or on such other date as may
be mutually agreed upon by the parties. Such date is referred to herein as the “Closing Date.”
1.3 Taking of Necessary Action; Further Action. If, at any time after the Closing, any further action is necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of this Agreement, the Top Favour Shareholders, Top Favour,
the Ableauctions Shareholders, and/or Ableauctions (as applicable) will take all such lawful and necessary action.
1.4 Certain Definitions. The following capitalized terms as used in this Agreement shall have the following respective definitions:
“Affiliate” means any Person that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by or is under common control with a Person, as such terms are used in and construed under Rule 405 under the Securities Act.
“Contract” means any contract, lease, license, indenture, note, bond, agreement, permit, concession, franchise or other instrument.
“FINRA” means Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.
“Knowledge” means the actual knowledge of the officers, directors or advisors of the referenced party.
“Liens” means a lien, charge, security interest, encumbrance, right of first refusal, preemptive right or other restriction.
“Material Adverse Effect” means an adverse effect on either referenced party or the combined entity resulting from the consummation of the transaction contemplated by this Agreement, or on the financial condition, results of operations or business, before or after
the consummation of the transaction contemplated in this Agreement, which as a whole is or would be considered material to an investor in the securities of Ableauctions.
“Non-U.S. Person” means any person who is not a U.S. Person or is deemed not to be a U.S. Person under Rule 902(k)(2).
“Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, business association, organization, governmental authority or other entity.
“Restricted Period” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(b)(vi).
“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
“Tax Returns” means all federal, state, local and foreign returns, estimates, information statements and reports relating to Taxes.
“Tax” or “Taxes” means any and all applicable central, federal, provincial, state, local, municipal and foreign taxes, including, without limitation, gross receipts, income, profits,
sales, use, occupation, value added, ad valorem, transfer, franchise, withholding, payroll, recapture, employment, excise and property taxes, assessments, governmental charges and duties together with all interest, penalties and additions imposed with respect to any such amounts and any obligations under any agreements or arrangements with any other person with respect to any such amounts and including any liability of a predecessor entity for any such amounts.
“Trading Day” means a day on which the principal Trading Market is open for trading.
“Trading Market” means the following markets or exchanges on which Ableauctions’ common stock is listed or quoted for trading on the date in question: the NYSE Amex, the Nasdaq Capital Market, the Nasdaq Global Market, the Nasdaq Global Select Market, the
New York Stock Exchange or the OTC Bulletin Board.
“Transaction” means the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the share exchange.
“United States” means and includes the United States of America, its territories and possessions, any State of the United States, and the District of Columbia.
“U.S. Person” as defined in Regulation S means: (i) a natural person resident in the United States; (ii) any partnership or corporation organized or incorporated under the laws of the United States;
(iii) any estate of which any executor or administrator is a U.S. Person; (iv) any trust of which any trustee is a U.S. Person; (v) any agency or branch of a foreign entity located in the United States; (vi) any nondiscretionary account or similar account (other than an estate or trust) held by a dealer or other fiduciary for the benefit or account of a U.S. Person; (vii) any discretionary account or similar account (other than an estate or trust) held by a dealer or other fiduciary organized, incorporated and
(if an individual) resident in the United States; and (viii) a corporation or partnership organized under the laws of any foreign jurisdiction and formed by a U.S. Person principally for the purpose of investing in securities not registered under the Securities Act, unless it is organized or incorporated, owned, by accredited investors (as defined in Rule 501(a) under the Securities Act) who are not natural persons, estates or trusts).
ARTICLE 2
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF TOP FAVOUR
Except as otherwise disclosed herein or in a disclosure schedule attached hereto, Top Favour hereby represents and warrants to Ableauctions and the Ableauctions Shareholders as of the date hereof (unless otherwise indicated) as follows:
2.1 Organization. Top Favour has been duly incorporated, validly exists as a corporation, and is in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation, and has the requisite power to carry on
its business as now conducted.
2.2 Capitalization. The authorized capital stock of Top Favour consists of 10,000 ordinary shares, US$1.00 par value, of which at the Closing, no more than 10,000 shares shall be issued and outstanding. All of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of Top Favour, as of the Closing, are duly authorized, validly issued,
fully paid, non-assessable and free of preemptive rights. There are no voting trusts or any other agreements or understandings with respect to the voting of Top Favour’s capital stock.
2.3 Subsidiaries. As of the Closing, Top Favour has no direct or indirect subsidiaries, except as disclosed in Schedule 2.3 of the disclosure
schedules hereto (collectively the “Top Favour Subsidiaries,” and each a “Top Favour Subsidiary”). Each Top Favour Subsidiary is an entity duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its respective jurisdiction of formation and has the requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease and to carry on its business as
now being conducted. Top Favour holds beneficial ownership rights and control rights over each Top Favour Subsidiary, and there are no outstanding options, warrants, subscriptions, conversion rights or other rights, agreements or commitments obligating any Top Favour Subsidiary to issue any additional shares of common stock or ordinary stock, as the case may be, of such subsidiary, or any other securities convertible into, exchangeable for or evidence the right to subscribe for or acquire from any
Top Favour Subsidiary any shares of such subsidiary.
2.4 Certain Corporate Matters. Top Favour is duly qualified to do business as a corporation and is in good standing under the laws of British Virgin Islands, and in each other jurisdiction in which the ownership
of its property or the conduct of its business requires it to be so qualified, except where the failure to be so qualified would not have a Material Adverse Effect on Top Favour’s financial condition, results of operations or business. Top Favour has full corporate power and authority and all authorizations, licenses and permits necessary to carry on the business in which it is engaged and to own and use the properties owned and used by it.
2.5 Authority Relative to this Agreement. Top Favour has the requisite power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to carry out its respective obligations hereunder. The execution,
delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby by Top Favour have been duly authorized by Top Favour’s Board of Directors and no other actions on the part of Top Favour are necessary to authorize this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Top Favour and constitutes a valid and binding agreement, enforceable against Top Favour in accordance with its terms, except as such
enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally or by general principles of equity.
2.6 Consents and Approvals; No Violations. Except for applicable requirements of foreign and United States federal securities laws and state securities or blue-sky laws, no filing with, and no permit, authorization,
consent or approval of, any third party, public body or authority is necessary for the consummation by Top Favour of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Top Favour nor the consummation by Top Favour of the transactions contemplated hereby, nor compliance by them with any of the provisions hereof, will (a) conflict with or result in any breach of any provisions of the charter or bylaws (or operating agreement) of Top Favour or any Top Favour
Subsidiary, (b) result in a violation or breach of, or constitute (with or without due notice or lapse of time or both) a default (or give rise to any right of termination, cancellation or acceleration) under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, license, Contract, agreement or other instrument or obligation to which Top Favour or any Top Favour Subsidiary is a party or by which any of their respective properties or assets may be bound or (c) violate any order, writ,
injunction, decree, statute, rule or regulation applicable to Top Favour or any Top Favour Subsidiary, or any of its properties or assets, except in the case of clauses (b) and (c) for violations, breaches or defaults which are not in the aggregate material to Top Favour taken as a whole.
2.7 Books and Records. The books and records of Top Favour delivered to Ableauctions prior to the Closing fully and fairly reflect the transactions to which Top Favour is a party or by which it or its properties
are bound.
2.8 Intellectual Property. Top Favour has no knowledge of any claim that, or inquiry as to whether, any product, activity or operation of Top Favour infringes upon or involves, or has resulted in the infringement
of, any trademarks, trade-names, service marks, patents, copyrights or other proprietary rights of any other person, corporation or other entity; and no proceedings have been instituted, are pending or are threatened.
2.9 Litigation. Top Favour and each of the Top Favour Subsidiaries are not subject to any judgment or order of any court or quasi-judicial or administrative agency of any jurisdiction, domestic or foreign, nor
is there any charge, complaint, lawsuit or governmental investigation pending against Top Favour or any of the Top Favour Subsidiaries. Top Favour and each of the Top Favour Subsidiaries is not a plaintiff in any action, domestic or foreign, judicial or administrative. There are no existing actions, suits, proceedings against or investigations of Top Favour or any of the Top Favour Subsidiaries, and Top Favour knows of no basis for such actions, suits, proceedings or investigations. There are no unsatisfied judgments,
orders, decrees or stipulations affecting Top Favour or any of the Top Favour Subsidiaries or to which Top Favour or any of the Top Favour Subsidiaries is a party.
2.10 Legal Compliance. To the best knowledge of Top Favour, after due investigation, no claim has been filed against Top Favour or any of the Top Favour Subsidiaries alleging a violation of any applicable laws
and regulations of foreign, federal, state and local governments and all agencies thereof. Top Favour and each of the Top Favour Subsidiaries holds all of the material permits, licenses, certificates or other authorizations of foreign, federal, state or local governmental agencies required for the conduct of their respective businesses as presently conducted.
2.11 Contracts. Except as disclosed in Schedule 2.11 of the disclosure schedules hereto, there are no Contracts that are material to the business,
properties, assets, condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations or prospects of Top Favour. Top Favour is not in violation of or in default under (nor does there exist any condition which upon the passage of time or the giving of notice would cause such a violation of or default under) any Contract to which they are a party or by which they or any of their properties or assets are bound, except for violations or defaults that would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be
expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
2.12 Material Changes. Since January 1, 2009, except as disclosed in Schedule 2.12 of the disclosures schedules hereto: (i) there has been no
event, occurrence or development that has had or that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, (ii) Top Favour has not incurred any liabilities (contingent or otherwise) other than (A) trade payables and accrued expenses incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and (B) liabilities not required to be reflected in Top Favour’s financial statements pursuant to GAAP, (iii) Top Favour has not altered its method of accounting, (iv) Top Favour has not
declared or made any dividend or distribution of cash or other property to its shareholders or purchased, redeemed or made any agreements to purchase or redeem any shares of its capital stock and (v) Top Favour has not issued any equity securities to any officer, director or Affiliate.
2.13 Labor Relations. No material labor dispute exists or, to the knowledge of Top Favour and the Top Favour Shareholders, is imminent with respect to any of the employees of Top Favour which could
reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. None of Top Favour’s or Top Favour Subsidiaries’ employees is a member of a union that relates to such employee’s relationship with Top Favour or such Top Favour Subsidiary, and neither Top Favour nor any of the Top Favour Subsidiaries is a party to a collective bargaining agreement, and Top Favour and the Top Favour Subsidiaries believe that their relationships with their employees are good. No executive officer,
to the knowledge of Top Favour and the Top Favour Shareholders, is, or is now expected to be, in violation of any material term of any employment contract, confidentiality, disclosure or proprietary information agreement or non-competition agreement, or any other contract or agreement or any restrictive covenant in favor of any third party, and the continued employment of each such executive officer does not subject Top Favour or any of the Top Favour Subsidiaries to any liability with respect to any of the foregoing
matters. Top Favour and the Top Favour Subsidiaries are in compliance with all U.S. federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations relating to employment and employment practices, terms and conditions of employment and wages and hours, except where the failure to be in compliance could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
2.14 Title to Assets. Top Favour and the Top Favour Subsidiaries have good and marketable title in fee simple to all real property owned by them and good and marketable title in all personal property
owned by them that is material to the business of Top Favour and the Top Favour Subsidiaries, in each case free and clear of all Liens, except for Liens that do not materially affect the value of such property and do not materially interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such property by Top Favour and the Top Favour Subsidiaries and Liens for the payment of Taxes, the payment of which is neither delinquent nor subject to penalties. Any real property and facilities held under lease by
Top Favour and the Top Favour Subsidiaries are held by them under valid, subsisting and enforceable leases with which Top Favour and the Top Favour Subsidiaries are in compliance.
2.15 Certain Fees. Except as disclosed in Schedule 2.15 of the disclosure schedules hereto, no brokerage or finder’s fees or
commissions are or will be payable by Top Favour to any broker, financial advisor or consultant, finder, placement agent, investment banker, bank or other Person with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
2.16 Registration Rights. No Person has any right to cause (or any successor) to effect the registration under the Securities Act of any securities of Top Favour (or any successor but excluding Ableauctions).
2.17 Application of Takeover Protections. Top Favour has taken all necessary action, if any, in order to render inapplicable any control share acquisition, business combination, poison pill (including
any distribution under a rights agreement) or other similar anti-takeover provision under Top Favour’s certificate of incorporation (or similar charter documents) or the laws of its state of incorporation that is or could become applicable as a result of Top Favour fulfilling its obligations or exercising its rights under this Agreement.
2.18 No General Solicitation. Neither Top Favour nor any person acting on behalf of Top Favour has offered or sold securities in connection herewith by any form of general solicitation or general
advertising.
2.19 Minute Books. The minute books of Top Favour and the Top Favour Subsidiaries made available to Ableauctions contain a complete summary of all meetings and written consents in lieu of meetings of directors
and shareholders since the time of incorporation.
ARTICLE 3
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE TOP FAVOUR SHAREHOLDERS
Except as otherwise disclosed herein or in a disclosure schedule attached hereto, the Top Favour Shareholders each hereby represent and warrant to Ableauctions as follows:
3.1 Ownership of the Top Favour Equity Interest. The Top Favour Shareholders own, beneficially and of record, good and marketable title to the amount of the Top Favour Equity Interest, free and clear
of all security interests, liens, adverse claims, encumbrances, equities, proxies, options or voting agreements. The Top Favour Shareholders represent that they each have no right or claims whatsoever to any equity interests of Top Favour, other than the Top Favour Equity Interest and each Top Favour Shareholder represents that he does not have any options, warrants or any other instruments entitling him to exercise or purchase or convert into additional equity interests of Top Favour. At the Closing,
the Top Favour Shareholders will convey to Ableauctions good and marketable title to the Top Favour Equity Interest, free and clear of any security interests, liens, adverse claims, encumbrances, equities, proxies, options, shareholders’ agreements or restrictions.
3.2 Authority Relative to this Agreement. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by the Top Favour Shareholders and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of such person, enforceable
against such person in accordance with its terms, except as such enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally or by general principles of equity.
3.3 Purchase of Restricted Securities for Investment. The Top Favour Shareholders each acknowledge that the Ableauctions Shares will not be registered pursuant to the Securities Act or any applicable state securities
laws, that the Ableauctions Shares will be characterized as “restricted securities” under federal securities laws, and that under such laws and applicable regulations the Ableauctions Shares cannot be sold or otherwise disposed of without registration under the Securities Act or an exemption therefrom. In this regard, each Top Favour Shareholder is familiar with Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act, as currently in effect, and understands the resale limitations imposed thereby
and by the Securities Act. Further, each Top Favour Shareholder acknowledges and agrees that:
(a) Each Top Favour Shareholder is acquiring the Ableauctions Shares for investment for such Top Favour Shareholder’s own account and not as a nominee or agent, and not with a view to the resale or distribution of any part thereof, and each Top Favour Shareholder has
no present intention of selling, granting any participation in, or otherwise distributing the same. Each Top Favour Shareholder further represents that he, she or it does not have any Contract, undertaking, agreement or arrangement with any person to sell, transfer or grant participation to such person or to any third person, with respect to any of the Ableauctions Shares.
(b) Each Top Favour Shareholder understands that the Ableauctions Shares are not registered under the Securities Act on the ground that the sale and the issuance of securities hereunder is exempt from registration under the Securities Act pursuant to Section 4(2) thereof,
and that Ableauctions’ reliance on such exemption is predicated on the each Top Favour Shareholder’s representations set forth herein.
3.4 Status of Shareholder. Each of the Top Favour Shareholders hereby makes the representations and warranties in either paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section 3.4, as indicated on the Signature Page of Top Favour
Shareholders which is attached and part of this Agreement:
(a) Accredited Investor Under Regulation D. The Top Favour Shareholder is an “Accredited Investor” as that term is defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act, an excerpt
of which is included in the attached Annex II, and such Top Favour Shareholder is not acquiring its portion of the Ableauctions Shares as a result of any advertisement, article, notice or other communication regarding the Ableauctions Shares published in any newspaper, magazine or similar media or broadcast over television or radio or presented at any seminar or any other general solicitation or general advertisement.
|
(b) |
Non-U.S. Person Under Regulation S. The Top Favour Shareholder: |
(i) is not a “U.S. person” as defined by Rule 902 of Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act, was not organized under the laws of any U.S. jurisdiction, and was not formed for the purpose of investing in securities not registered under the Securities
Act;
(ii) at the time of Closing, the Top Favour Shareholder was located outside the United States;
(iii) no offer of the Ableauctions Shares was made to the Top Favour Shareholder within the United States;
(iv) the Top Favour Shareholder is either (a) acquiring the Ableauctions Shares for its own account for investment purposes and not with a view towards distribution, or (b) acting as agent for a principal that has signed this Agreement or has delivered representations and
warranties substantially similar to this Section 3.4(b);
(v) all subsequent offers and sales of the Ableauctions Shares by the Top Favour Shareholder will be made outside the United States in compliance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 of Regulation S, pursuant to registration of the Shares under the Securities Act, or pursuant to an
exemption from such registration; the Top Favour Shareholder understands the conditions of the exemption from registration afforded by section 4(1) of the Securities Act and acknowledges that there can be no assurance that it will be able to rely on such exemption.
(vi) the Top Favour Shareholder will not resell the Ableauctions Shares to U.S. Persons or within the United States until after the end of the one (1) year period commencing on the date of Closing (the “Restricted Period”);
(vii) the Top Favour Shareholder shall not and hereby agrees not to enter into any short sales with respect to the common stock of Ableauctions at any time after the execution of this Agreement by the Top Favour Shareholder and prior to the expiration of the Restricted Period;
(viii) the Top Favour Shareholder understands that the Ableauctions Shares are being offered and sold to it in reliance on specific provisions of United States federal and state securities laws and that the parties to this Agreement are relying upon the truth and accuracy
of the representations, warranties, agreements, acknowledgments and understanding of the Top Favour Shareholder set forth herein in order to determine the applicability of such provisions. Accordingly, the Top Favour Shareholder agrees to notify Ableauctions of any events which would cause the representations and warranties of the Top Favour Shareholder to be untrue or breached at any time after the execution of this Agreement by such Top Favour Shareholder and prior to the expiration of the Restricted
Period;
(ix) in the event of resale of the Ableauctions Shares to non-U.S. Persons outside of the U.S. during the Restricted Period, the Top Favour Shareholder shall provide a written confirmation or other written notice to any distributor, dealer, or person receiving a selling
concession, fee, or other remuneration in respect of the Shares stating that such purchaser is subject to the same restrictions on offers and sales that apply to the undersigned, and shall require that any such purchase shall provide such written confirmation or other notice upon resale during the Restricted Period;
(x) the Top Favour Shareholder has not engaged, nor is it aware that any party has engaged, and it will not engage or cause any third party to engage in any “directed selling” efforts (as such term is defined in Regulation S) in the United States with respect
to the Ableauctions Shares;
(xi) the Top Favour Shareholder is not a “distributor” as such term is defined in Regulation S, and it is not a “dealer” as such term is defined in the Securities Act;
(xii) the Top Favour Shareholder has not taken any action that would cause any of the parties to this Agreement to be subject to any claim for commission or other or remuneration by any broker, finder, or other person; and
(xiii) the Top Favour Shareholder hereby represents that it has fully satisfied the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is located or domiciled, in connection with the acquisition of the Ableauctions Shares or this Agreement, including (i) the legal requirements of the
Top Favour Shareholder’s jurisdiction for the purchase and acquisition of the Ableauctions Shares, (ii) any foreign exchange restrictions applicable to such purchase and acquisition, (iii) any governmental or other consents that may need to be obtained, and (iv) the income tax and other tax consequences, if any, which may be relevant to the purchase, holding, redemption, sale, or transfer of the Ableauctions Shares; and further, the Top Favour Shareholder agrees to continue to comply with such laws as long
as it shall hold the Ableauctions Shares.
3.5 Investment Risk. The Top Favour Shareholder is able to bear the economic risk of acquiring the Ableauctions Shares pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, including a complete loss of such the Top Favour
Shareholder’s investment in the Ableauctions Shares.
3.6 Restrictive Legends. The Top Favour Shareholder acknowledges that the certificate(s) representing the Top Favour Shareholder’s pro rata portion of the Ableauctions Shares shall each conspicuously set
forth on the face or back thereof a legend in substantially either of the two following forms, corresponding to the shareholder’s status as set forth in Section 3.4 and the signature pages hereto:
REGULATION D LEGEND:
“THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED. THEY MAY NOT BE SOLD, OFFERED FOR SALE, PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED IN THE ABSENCE OF AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AS TO THE SECURITIES UNDER SAID ACT OR PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE
COMPANY THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED.”
REGULATION S LEGEND:
“THE SHARES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND MAY NOT BE SOLD, TRANSFERRED, ASSIGNED, PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED EXCEPT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF REGULATION S PROMULGATED UNDER THE SECURITIES
ACT, PURSUANT TO REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, OR PURSUANT TO ANOTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION; HEDGING TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING THE SHARES REPRESENTED HEREBY MAY NOT BE CONDUCTED UNLESS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE SECURITIES ACT.”
3.7 Disclosure. The representations and warranties and statements of fact made by the Top Favour Shareholders in this Agreement are, as applicable, accurate, correct and complete and do not contain
any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements and information contained herein not false or misleading.
ARTICLE 4
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ABLEAUCTIONS
Except as otherwise disclosed herein or in a disclosure schedule attached hereto, Ableauctions hereby represents and warrants to Top Favour and the Top Favour Shareholders as of the date hereof (unless otherwise indicated), as follows:
4.1 Organization and Qualification. Ableauctions is an entity duly incorporated or otherwise organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation
or organization, with the requisite power and authority to own and use its properties and assets and to carry on its business as currently conducted. Ableauctions is not in violation nor default of any of the provisions of its certificate or articles of incorporation, bylaws or other organizational or charter documents (collectively the “Charter Documents”). Ableauctions is duly qualified to conduct business and
is in good standing as a foreign corporation or other entity in each jurisdiction in which the nature of the business conducted or property owned by it makes such qualification necessary, except where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing, as the case may be, could not have or reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, and no proceeding has been instituted in any such jurisdiction revoking, limiting or curtailing or seeking to revoke, limit or curtail such power and authority
or qualification.
4.2 Authorization; Enforcement. Ableauctions has the requisite corporate power and authority to enter into and to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and otherwise to carry
out its obligations hereunder. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Ableauctions and, subject to Ableauctions obtaining the approval of its shareholders, the consummation by it of the transaction contemplated hereby will have been duly authorized by all other necessary action on the part of Ableauctions and no further action will be required in connection therewith other than in connection with the Required Approvals, as defined in Section 4.4. This Agreement has been (or upon
delivery will have been) duly executed by Ableauctions and, when approved by Ableauctions shareholders and delivered in accordance with the terms hereof, will constitute the valid and binding obligation of Ableauctions enforceable against Ableauctions in accordance with its terms, except: (i) as limited by general equitable principles and applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, (ii) as limited
by laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies and (iii) insofar as indemnification and contribution provisions may be limited by applicable law.
4.3 No Conflicts. Except as included on Schedule 4.3, the execution, delivery and performance by Ableauctions of this Agreement and the consummation by Ableauctions of the other transactions to which
it is a party and as contemplated hereby do not and will not: (i) conflict with or violate any provision of Ableauctions’ certificate or articles of incorporation, bylaws or other organizational or charter documents, (ii) conflict with, or constitute a default (or an event that with notice or lapse of time or both would become a default) under, result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the properties or assets of Ableauctions,
or give to others any rights of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation (with or without notice, lapse of time or both) of, any agreement, credit facility, debt or other instrument (evidencing a Ableauctions debt or otherwise) or other understanding to which Ableauctions is a party or by which any property or asset of Ableauctions is bound or affected, or (iii) subject to the Required Approvals, as defined by Section 4.4, conflict with or result in a violation of any law, rule, regulation, order,
judgment, injunction, decree or other restriction of any court or governmental authority to which Ableauctions is subject (including United States federal and state securities laws and regulations), or by which any property or asset of Ableauctions is bound or affected; except in the case of each of clauses (ii) and (iii), such as could not have or reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
4.4 Filings, Consents and Approvals. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.4, Ableauctions is not required to obtain any consent, waiver, authorization or order of, give any notice to, or make any filing
or registration with, any court or other federal, state, local or other governmental authority or other Person in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by Ableauctions of this Agreement, other than a consent of the holders of the majority of outstanding voting equity securities of Ableauction (“Majority Ableauctions Shareholders”) or approval of the Acquisition at a duly authorized meeting of the Ableauctions Shareholders, the filing of Form D with the Commission and such filings
as are required to be made under applicable state securities laws (collectively, the “Required Approvals”).
4.5 Issuance of Ableauctions Shares. The Ableauctions Shares will be duly authorized and, when issued and paid for in accordance with this Agreement, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable, free and clear of all Liens imposed on or by Ableauctions other than restrictions on transfer provided for in this Agreement.
4.6 Capitalization. The capitalization of Ableauctions is as set forth on Schedule 4.6, which Schedule
4.6 shall also include the number of shares of Ableauctions’ common stock owned beneficially, and of record, by Affiliates of Ableauctions as of the date hereof, if any. Ableauctions has not issued any capital stock since its most recently filed periodic report under the Exchange Act. No Person has any right of first refusal, preemptive right, right of participation, or any similar right to participate in the transaction contemplated by this Agreement. Except as set
forth on Schedule 4.6, there are no outstanding options, warrants, scrip rights to subscribe to, calls or commitments of any character whatsoever relating to, or securities, rights or obligations convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for, or giving any Person any right to subscribe for or acquire any shares of Ableauctions’ common stock, or Contracts, commitments, understandings or arrangements by which Ableauctions or any Ableauctions
Subsidiary is or may become bound to issue additional shares of Ableauctions’ common stock or Common Stock Equivalents. The issuance of the Ableauctions Shares will not obligate Ableauctions to issue shares of Ableauctions’ common stock or other securities to any Person (other than the Top Favour Shareholders) and will not result in a right of any holder of Ableauctions securities to adjust the exercise, conversion, exchange or reset price under any of such securities. All of
the outstanding shares of capital stock of Ableauctions are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, have been issued in compliance with all United States federal and state securities laws, and none of such outstanding shares was issued in violation of any preemptive rights or similar rights to subscribe for or purchase securities. No further approval or authorization of Ableauctions’ Board of Directors is required for the issuance of the Ableauctions Shares; provided however that Ableauctions’
Shareholder Approval (as defined below) will be required. There are no shareholders agreements, voting agreements or other similar agreements with respect to Ableauctions’ capital stock to which Ableauctions is a party or, to the knowledge of Ableauctions, between or among any of Ableauctions’ shareholders. “Common Stock Equivalents” means any
securities of Ableauctions or Ableauctions Subsidiaries which would entitle the holder thereof to acquire at any time Ableauctions’ common stock, including, without limitation, any debt, preferred stock, rights, options, warrants or other instrument that is at any time convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for, or otherwise entitles the holder thereof to receive Ableauctions’ common stock.
4.7 SEC Reports; Financial Statements. Ableauctions has filed all reports, schedules, forms, statements and other documents required to be filed by Ableauctions under the Securities Act and the Exchange
Act, including pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) thereof, for the two years preceding the date hereof (or such shorter period as Ableauctions was required by law or regulation to file such material) (the foregoing materials, including the exhibits thereto and documents incorporated by reference therein, being collectively referred to herein as the “SEC Reports”) on a timely basis or within the period set forth in Rule 12b-25 Exchange
Act. As of their respective dates, the SEC Reports complied in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, as applicable, and none of the SEC Reports, when filed, contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The financial statements of Ableauctions
included in the SEC Reports (“Financial Statements”) comply in all material respects with applicable accounting requirements and the rules and regulations of the Commission with respect thereto as in effect at the time of filing. Such financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, except as may be otherwise specified in such financial statements or the notes thereto and except that unaudited financial statements
may not contain all footnotes required by GAAP, and fairly present in all material respects the financial position of Ableauctions and its consolidated Ableauctions Subsidiaries as of and for the dates thereof and the results of operations and cash flows for the periods then ended, subject, in the case of unaudited statements, to normal, immaterial, year-end audit adjustments.
4.8 Material Changes. Since the date of the latest audited financial statements included within the SEC Reports, except as specifically disclosed in a subsequent SEC Report filed prior to the date hereof or
in connection herewith: (i) there has been no event, occurrence or development that has had or that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, (ii) Ableauctions has not incurred any liabilities (contingent or otherwise) other than (A) trade payables and accrued expenses incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and (B) liabilities not required to be reflected in Ableauctions’ financial statements pursuant to GAAP or disclosed in filings made with
the Commission, (iii) Ableauctions has not altered its method of accounting, (iv) Ableauctions has not declared or made any dividend or distribution of cash or other property to its shareholders or purchased, redeemed or made any agreements to purchase or redeem any shares of its capital stock and (v) Ableauctions has not issued any equity securities to any officer, director or Affiliate. Ableauctions does not have pending before the Commission any request for confidential treatment of information. Except
for the issuance of the Ableauctions Shares contemplated by this Agreement or as set forth on Schedule 4.8, no event, liability or development has occurred or exists with respect to Ableauctions or its Ableauctions Subsidiaries or their respective business, properties, operations or financial condition, that would be required to be disclosed by Ableauctions under applicable securities laws at the time this representation is made or deemed made that
has not been publicly disclosed at least one (1) Trading Day prior to the date that this representation is made.
4.9 Litigation. There is no action, suit, inquiry, notice of violation, proceeding or investigation pending or, to the knowledge of Ableauctions, threatened against or affecting Ableauctions or any
of its properties before or by any court, arbitrator, governmental or administrative agency or regulatory authority (federal, state, county, local or foreign) (collectively, an “Action”) which (i) adversely affects or challenges the legality, validity or enforceability of this Agreement or the Ableauctions Shares or (ii) could, if there were an unfavorable decision, have or reasonably be expected to
result in a Material Adverse Effect. Neither Ableauctions nor any director or officer thereof, is or has been the subject of any Action involving a claim of violation of or liability under United States federal or state securities laws or a claim of breach of fiduciary duty. There has not been, and to the knowledge of Ableauctions, there is not pending or contemplated, any investigation by the Commission involving Ableauctions or any current or former director or officer of Ableauctions. The
Commission has not issued any stop order or other order suspending the effectiveness of any registration statement filed by Ableauctions under the Securities Act.
4.10 Labor Relations. No material labor dispute exists or, to the knowledge of Ableauctions, is imminent with respect to any of the employees of Ableauctions which could reasonably be expected to
result in a Material Adverse Effect. None of Ableauctions’ employees is a member of a union that relates to such employee’s relationship with Ableauctions, and Ableauctions is not a party to a collective bargaining agreement, and Ableauctions believes that its relationships with its employees are good. No executive officer, to the knowledge of Ableauctions, is, or is now expected to be, in violation of any material term of any employment contract, confidentiality, disclosure
or proprietary information agreement or non-competition agreement, or any other Contract or agreement or any restrictive covenant in favor of any third party, and the continued employment of each such executive officer does not subject Ableauctions to any liability with respect to any of the foregoing matters. Ableauctions is in compliance with all federal, state local and foreign laws and regulations relating to employment and employment practices, terms and conditions of employment and
wages and hours, except where the failure to be in compliance could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
4.11 Compliance. Except as other disclosed on Schedule 4.11, Ableauctions: (i) is not in default under or in violation of (and no event has occurred that has not been waived that, with notice or lapse
of time or both, would result in a default by Ableauctions under), nor has Ableauctions received notice of a claim that it is in default under or that it is in violation of, any indenture, loan or credit agreement or any other agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which it or any of its properties is bound (whether or not such default or violation has been waived), (ii) is not in violation of any order of any court, arbitrator or governmental body, or (iii) is not or has not been in violation of
any statute, rule or regulation of any governmental authority, including without limitation all foreign, federal, state and local laws applicable to its business and all such laws that affect the environment, except in each case as could not have or reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
4.12 Regulatory Permits. Ableauctions possesses all certificates, authorizations and permits issued by the appropriate federal, state, local or foreign regulatory authorities necessary to conduct
its business, except where the failure to possess such permits could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect (“Material Permits”), and Ableauctions has not received any notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification of any Material Permit.
4.13 Title to Assets. Ableauctions has good and marketable title in all personal property owned by it that is material to the business of, in each case free and clear of all Liens, except for Liens
that do not materially affect the value of such property and do not materially interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such property by Ableauctions and Liens for the payment of Taxes, the payment of which is neither delinquent nor subject to penalties. Ableauctions does not own any real property other than as set forth in Section 4.13. Any real property and facilities held under lease by Ableauctions, if any, is held by Ableauctions under valid, subsisting and enforceable
leases with which Ableauctions is in compliance.
4.14 Reserved.
4.15 Transactions with Affiliates and Employees. Except as set forth in the SEC Reports, none of the officers or directors of Ableauctions and, to the knowledge of Ableauctions, none of the employees
of Ableauctions is presently a party to any transaction with Ableauctions (other than for services as employees, officers and directors), including any Contract, agreement or other arrangement providing for the furnishing of services to or by, providing for rental of real or personal property to or from, or otherwise requiring payments to or from any officer, director or such employee or, to the knowledge of Ableauctions, any entity in which any officer, director, or any such employee has a substantial interest
or is an officer, director, trustee or partner, in each case in excess of $120,000, other than for: (i) payment of salary or consulting fees for services rendered, (ii) reimbursement for expenses incurred on behalf of Ableauctions and (iii) other employee benefits.
4.16 Sarbanes-Oxley; Internal Accounting Controls. Ableauctions is in material compliance with all provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 which are applicable to it as of the Closing Date. Ableauctions
maintains a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that: (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorizations, (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP and to maintain asset accountability, (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization, and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets
is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences. Ableauctions has established disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for Ableauctions and designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that information required to be disclosed by Ableauctions in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the
time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms. Ableauctions’ certifying officers have evaluated the effectiveness of Ableauctions’ disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by Ableauctions’ most recently filed periodic report under the Exchange Act (such date, the “Evaluation Date”). Ableauctions presented in its most recently filed periodic report
under the Exchange Act the conclusions of the certifying officers about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on their evaluations as of the Evaluation Date. Since the Evaluation Date, there have been no changes in Ableauctions’ internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in the Exchange Act) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Ableauctions’ internal control over financial reporting.
4.17 Certain Fees. No brokerage or finder’s fees or commissions are or will be payable by Ableauctions to any broker, financial advisor or consultant, finder, placement agent, investment banker,
bank or other Person with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
4.18 Issuance of Ableauctions Shares. Assuming the accuracy of the Top Favour Shareholders’ representations and warranties set forth in Section 3, no registration under the Securities Act is required for
the offer and issuance of the Ableauctions Shares by Ableauctions to the Top Favour Shareholders as contemplated hereby. So long as the approval of the Ableauctions Shareholders is obtained, the issuance of the Ableauctions Shares hereunder does not contravene the rules and regulations of the applicable Trading Market.
4.19 Investment Company. Ableauctions is not, and is not an Affiliate of, an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
4.20 Listing and Maintenance Requirements. Ableauctions’ common stock is currently quoted on the NYSE Amex Equities, formerly known as American Stock Exchange (“NYSE
Amex”) and, except as disclosed in Schedule 4.20, Ableauctions has not, in the 24 months preceding the date hereof, received any notice from the NYSE Amex or FINRA or any trading market on which Ableauctions’ common stock is or has been listed or quoted to the effect that Ableauctions is not in compliance with the quoting, listing or maintenance requirements of the NYSE Amex or such other trading market. Ableauctions
is, and has no reason to believe that it will not, in the foreseeable future continue to be, in compliance with all such quoting, listing and maintenance requirements.
4.21 Application of Takeover Protections. Ableauctions has taken all necessary action, if any, in order to render inapplicable any control share acquisition, business combination, poison pill (including
any distribution under a rights agreement) or other similar anti-takeover provision under Ableauctions’ certificate of incorporation (or similar charter documents) or the laws of its state of incorporation that is or could become applicable to the Top Favour Shareholders as a result of the Top Favour Shareholders and Ableauctions fulfilling their obligations or exercising their rights under this Agreement, including without limitation as a result of Ableauctions’ issuance of the Ableauctions Shares
and the Top Favour Shareholders’ ownership of the Ableauctions Shares.
4.22 No Integrated Offering. Assuming the accuracy of the Top Favour Shareholders’ representations and warranties set forth in Section 3, neither Ableauctions, nor any of its Affiliates, nor any Person
acting on its or their behalf has, directly or indirectly, made any offers or sales of any security or solicited any offers to buy any security, under circumstances that would cause this offering of the Ableauctions Shares to be integrated with prior offerings by Ableauctions for purposes of (i) the Securities Act which would require the registration of any such securities under the Securities Act, or (ii) any applicable shareholder approval provisions of any Trading Market on which any of the securities of Ableauctions
are listed or designated.
4.23 Tax Status. Except for matters that would not, individually or in the aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, Ableauctions has filed all necessary Tax
Returns and has paid or accrued all Taxes shown as due thereon, and Ableauctions has no knowledge of a tax deficiency which has been asserted or threatened against Ableauctions.
4.24 No General Solicitation. Neither Ableauctions nor any person acting on behalf of Ableauctions has offered or sold any of the Ableauctions Shares by any form of general solicitation or general
advertising.
4.25 Foreign Corrupt Practices. Neither Ableauctions, nor to the knowledge of Ableauctions, any agent or other person acting on behalf of Ableauctions, has: (i) directly or indirectly, used any funds
for unlawful contributions, gifts, entertainment or other unlawful expenses related to foreign or domestic political activity, (ii) made any unlawful payment to foreign or domestic government officials or employees or to any foreign or domestic political parties or campaigns from corporate funds, (iii) failed to disclose fully any contribution made by Ableauctions (or made by any person acting on its behalf of which Ableauctions is aware) which is in violation of law or (iv) violated in any material respect any
provision of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended.
4.26 Accountants. Ableauctions’ accounting firm is set forth on Schedule 4.26 of the disclosure schedules. To the
knowledge and belief of Ableauctions, such accounting firm: (i) is a registered public accounting firm as required by the Exchange Act and (ii) expressed its opinion with respect to the financial statements included in Ableauctions’ Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2008.
4.27 No Disagreements with Accountants and Lawyers. There are no disagreements of any kind, including but not limited to any disagreements regarding fees owed for services rendered, presently existing,
or reasonably anticipated by Ableauctions to arise, between Ableauctions and the accountants and lawyers formerly or presently employed by Ableauctions which could affect Ableauctions’ ability to perform any of its obligations under this Agreement, and Ableauctions is current with respect to any fees owed to its accountants and lawyers.
4.28 Regulation M Compliance. Ableauctions has not, and to the knowledge of Ableauctions no one acting on its behalf has, (i) taken, directly or indirectly, any action designed to cause or to result in
the stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of Ableauctions to facilitate the sale or resale of any of Ableauctions Shares, (ii) sold, bid for, purchased, or paid any compensation for soliciting purchases of, any of the securities of Ableauctions, or (iii) paid or agreed to pay to any Person any compensation for soliciting another to purchase any other securities of Ableauctions.
4.29 Money Laundering Laws. The operations of Ableauctions are and have been conducted at all times in compliance with the money laundering statutes of applicable jurisdictions, the rules and regulations thereunder
and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by any applicable governmental agency (collectively, the “Money Laundering Laws”) and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving Ableauctions with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the best knowledge of Ableauctions, threatened.
4.30 Minute Books. The minute books of Ableauctions made available to Top Favour and the Top Favour Shareholders contain a complete summary of all meetings and written consents in lieu of meetings of directors
and shareholders since the time of incorporation.
4.31 Employee Benefits. Ableauctions has not (nor for the two years preceding the date hereof has) had any plans which are subject to ERISA. “ERISA”
means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 or any successor law and the regulations and rules issued pursuant to that act or any successor law.
4.32 Business Records and Due Diligence. Prior to the Closing, Ableauctions delivered to Top Favour all records and documents relating to Ableauctions, which Ableauctions possesses, including, without
limitation, books, records, government filings, Tax Returns, Charter Documents, corporate records, stock records, consent decrees, orders, and correspondence, director and shareholder minutes, resolutions and written consents, stock ownership records, financial information and records, and other documents used in or associated with Ableauctions and Ableauctions Subsidiaries.
4.33 Contracts. Except as set forth in Schedule 4.33 of the disclosure schedules hereto, there are no Contracts that are material to
the business, properties, assets, condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations or prospects of Ableauctions taken as a whole. Ableauctions is not in violation of or in default under (nor does there exist any condition which upon the passage of time or the giving of notice would cause such a violation of or default under) any Contract to which it is a party or by which it or any of its properties or assets is bound, except for violations or defaults that would not, individually or in the
aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
4.34 No Undisclosed Liabilities. Except as otherwise disclosed in Schedule 4.34 of the disclosure schedules, Ableauctions’ Financial
Statements or incurred in the ordinary course of business after the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 (the financial statements of which were filed with the SEC on Form 10-K on March 25, 2009), Ableauctions has no other undisclosed liabilities whatsoever, either direct or indirect, matured or unmatured, accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise.
4.35 No SEC or FINRA Inquiries. Since the acquisition of Able Auctions (1991) Ltd., neither Ableauctions nor any of its officers or directors is, or has been, the subject of any formal or informal inquiry or
investigation by the SEC or FINRA or to its actual knowledge, was there any formal or informal inquiry or investigation of Ableauctions or its officers or directors prior to the acquisition of Able Auctions (1991) Ltd..
4.36 Disclosure. The representations and warranties and statements of fact made by Ableauctions in this Agreement are, as applicable, accurate, correct and complete and do not contain any untrue statement
of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements and information contained herein not false or misleading.
ARTICLE 5
INDEMNIFICATION; SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS
5.1 Indemnification.
(a) Subject to the provisions of this Article 5, Ableauctions and Abdul Ladha shall cause the Liquidating Trust (for purposes of Sections 5.1(a) and 5.3, “Indemnifying Party”) to agree to, jointly
and severally, indemnify fully in respect of, hold harmless and defend Top Favour, the Top Favour Shareholders and each of the officers, agents and directors of Top Favour or the Top Favour Shareholders (each shall be referred to as an “Indemnified Party” when the Liquidating Trust is the Indemnifying Party) against any damages (with the exception of special or consequential damages), liabilities, costs, claims, proceedings, investigations,
penalties, judgments, deficiencies, including taxes, expenses (including, but not limited to, any and all interest, penalties and expenses whatsoever reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any litigation, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever) and losses (each, a “Claim”) to which it or they may become subject arising out of or based on either (i) any breach of or inaccuracy in any of the representations
and warranties or covenants or conditions made by Ableauctions and/or Ableauctions Shareholders herein in this Agreement; or (ii) any and all liabilities arising out of or in connection with: (A) any of the assets of Ableauctions prior to the Closing; or (B) the operations of Ableauctions prior to the Closing.
(b) Subject to the provisions of this Article 5, Abdul Ladha shall agree to indemnify each Indemnified Party against any Claim to which it or they may become subject arising out of or based on any agreement
or instrument to which Ableauctions was a party that was known to Abdul Ladha but was not disclosed to Top Favour prior to Closing.
(c) Subject to the provisions of this Article 5, Top Favour (for purposes of Sections 5.1(c) and 5.3, “Indemnifying Party”) agrees to, indemnify fully in respect of, hold harmless and defend Ableauctions,
Abdul Ladha and each of the officers, agents and directors of Ableauctions (each shall be referred to as an “Indemnified Party” when Top Favour is the Indemnifying Party) against any damages (with the exception of special or consequential damages), liabilities, costs, claims, proceedings, investigations, penalties, judgments, deficiencies, including taxes, expenses (including, but not limited to, any and all interest, penalties and expenses
whatsoever reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any litigation, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever) and losses (each, a “Claim”) to which it or they may become subject arising out of or based on either (i) any breach of or inaccuracy in any of the representations and warranties or covenants or conditions made by Top Favour and/or Top Favour Shareholders herein in this Agreement; or (ii) any
and all liabilities arising out of or in connection with: (A) any of the assets of Top Favour prior to the Closing; or (B) the operations of Top Favour prior to the Closing.
5.2 Survival of Representations and Warranties. Notwithstanding provision in this Agreement to the contrary, the representations and
warranties given or made by Ableauctions, the Ableauctions Shareholders, Top Favour and Top Favour Shareholders under this Agreement shall survive the date hereof for a period of twelve (12) months from and after the Closing Date (the last day of such period is herein referred to as the “Expiration Date”), except that any written claim for breach thereof
made and delivered prior to the Expiration Date to the party against whom such indemnification is sought shall survive thereafter and, as to any such claim, such applicable expiration will not effect the rights to indemnification of the party making such claim; provided, however, that any representations and warranties that were fraudulently made shall not expire on the Expiration
Date and shall survive indefinitely, and claims with respect to fraud by Ableauctions, Ableauctions Shareholders, Top Favour, Top Favour Shareholders may be made at any time.
5.3 Method of Asserting Claims, Etc. All Claims for indemnification by any Indemnified Party under this Article V shall be asserted as follows:
(a) In the event that any Claim or demand for which an Indemnifying Party would be liable to an Indemnified Party hereunder is asserted against or sought to be collected from such Indemnified Party by a third party, said Indemnified Party shall with reasonable promptness
notify the Indemnifying Party of such claim or demand, specifying the nature of and specific basis for such claim or demand and the amount or the estimated amount thereof to the extent then feasible (which estimate shall not be conclusive of the final amount of such Claim or demand) (the “Claim Notice”). The Indemnified Party’s failure to so notify the Indemnifying Party in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement
shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party of liability hereunder unless such failure materially prejudices the Indemnifying Party’s ability to defend against the claim or demand. The Indemnifying Party shall have 30 days from the giving of the Claim Notice (the “Notice Period”) to notify the Indemnified Party: (i) whether or not the Indemnifying Party disputes the liability of the Indemnifying Party to the
Indemnified Party hereunder with respect to such Claim or demand, and (ii) whether or not the Indemnifying Party desires, at the sole cost and expense of the Indemnifying Party, to defend the Indemnified Party against such Claims or demand; provided, however, that any Indemnified Party is hereby authorized prior to and during the Notice Period to file any motion, answer or other pleading which he shall deem necessary or appropriate to protect his interests or those of the Indemnifying Party and not prejudicial
to the Indemnifying Party. In the event that the Indemnifying Party notifies the Indemnified Party within the Notice Period that he does not dispute liability for indemnification under this Article V and that he desires to defend the Indemnified Party against such claim or demand and except as hereinafter provided, the Indemnifying Party shall have the right to defend by all appropriate proceedings, which proceedings shall be promptly settled or prosecuted by him to a final conclusion. The
Indemnified Party shall have the right to employ separate counsel in any such action and participate in the defense thereof, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Indemnified Party except to the extent that the employment thereof has been specifically authorized by the Indemnifying Party in writing, the Indemnifying Party has failed after a reasonable period of time to assume such defense and to employ counsel or in such action there is, in the reasonable opinion of such separate
counsel, a material conflict on any material issue between the position of the Indemnifying Party and the position of such Indemnified Party (a “Material Conflict”). If requested by the Indemnifying Party and there is no Material Conflict, the Indemnified Party agrees to cooperate with the Indemnifying Party and his counsel in contesting any Claim or demand which the Indemnifying Party elects to contest or, if appropriate
and related to the Claim in question, in making any Counterclaim against the person asserting the third party Claim or demand, or any cross-complaint against any person. No Claim for which indemnity is sought hereunder and for which the Indemnifying Party has acknowledged liability for indemnification under this Article V may be settled without the consent of the Indemnifying Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.
(b) In the event any Indemnified Party should have a Claim against any Indemnifying Party hereunder which does not involve a Claim or demand being asserted against or sought to be collected from
him by a third party, the Indemnified Party shall give a Claim Notice with respect to such Claim to the Indemnifying Party. If, after receipt of a Claim Notice, the Indemnifying Party does not notify the Indemnified Party within the Notice Period that he disputes such Claim, then the Indemnifying Party shall be deemed to have admitted liability for such Claim in the amount set forth in the Claim Notice.
5.4 Limits on Indemnification. The total of all Claims made for indemnification under Section 5.1(a) may not exceed $1,000,000. Any Claims for indemnification under Section 5.1(b)
must be made within twelve (12) months from the date of the Closing (the “Ladha Contract Indemnification Period”). Any written Claim made against Abdul Ladha in connection with Section 5.1(b) and delivered prior to the expiration of the Ladha Contract Indemnification Period shall survive thereafter and, as to any such Claim, such applicable expiration will not effect the rights to indemnification of the party making such Claim.
ARTICLE 6
COVENANTS OF THE PARTIES
6.1 Corporate Examinations and Investigations. Prior to the Closing, each party shall be entitled, through its employees and representatives, to make such investigations and examinations of the books, records
and financial condition of Top Favour and Ableauctions as each party may request. In order that each party may have the full opportunity to do so, Top Favour and Ableauctions, the Top Favour Shareholders and the Ableauctions Shareholders shall furnish each party and its representatives during such period with all such information concerning the affairs of Top Favour or Ableauctions as each party or its representatives may reasonably request and cause Top Favour or Ableauctions and their respective officers, employees,
consultants, agents, accountants and attorneys to cooperate fully with each party’s representatives in connection with such review and examination and to make full disclosure of all information and documents requested by each party and/or its representatives. Any such investigations and examinations shall be conducted at reasonable times and under reasonable circumstances, it being agreed that any examination of original documents will be at each party’s premises, with copies thereof to be provided
to each party and/or its representatives upon request.
6.2 Cooperation; Consents. Prior to the Closing, each party shall cooperate with the other parties to the end that the parties shall (i) in a timely manner make all necessary filings with, and conduct negotiations
with, all authorities and other persons the consent or approval of which, or the license or permit from which is required for the consummation of the Acquisition and (ii) provide to each other party such information as the other party may reasonably request in order to enable it to prepare such filings and to conduct such negotiations. If, at any time after the date of this Agreement, any further action is necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of this Agreement or the Voting Agreement entered
into by Top Favour and certain Ableauctions Shareholders as of this same date, the parties will take all such lawful and necessary action.
6.3 Conduct of Business. Subject to the provisions hereof, from the date hereof through the Closing, Ableauctions hereto shall (i) conduct its business in the ordinary course and (ii) not enter into any material
transactions or incur any material liability not required or specifically contemplated hereby, without first obtaining the written consent of Top Favour. Without the prior written consent of Top Favour, or Ableauctions, as applicable, except as required or specifically contemplated hereby, no party shall undertake or fail to undertake any action if such action or failure would render any of said warranties and representations untrue in any material respect as of the Closing. Ableauctions shall take
all actions necessary to have its common stock traded on the NYSE Amex at Closing.
6.4 Litigation. From the date hereof through the Closing, each party hereto shall promptly notify the representative of the other parties of any lawsuits, claims, proceedings or investigations which after the date
hereof are threatened or commenced against such party or any of its affiliates or any officer, director, employee, consultant, agent or shareholder thereof, in their capacities as such, which, if decided adversely, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Ableauctions.
6.5 Notice of Default. From the date hereof through the Closing, each party hereto shall give to the representative of the other parties prompt written notice of the occurrence or existence of any event, condition
or circumstance occurring which would constitute a violation or breach of this Agreement by such party or which would render inaccurate in any material respect any of such party’s representations or warranties herein.
6.6 Bylaws. If necessary, Ableauctions shall amend its bylaws to permit the election and/or appointment of additional new directors to Ableauctions’ Board of Directors as set forth in Section 7.1(a) below.
6.7 Confidentiality; Access to Information.
(a) Confidentiality. Any confidentiality agreement or letter of intent previously executed by the parties shall be superseded in its entirety by the provisions of this Agreement. Each party agrees to maintain
in confidence any non-public information received from the other party, and to use such non-public information only for purposes of consummating the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Such confidentiality obligations will not apply to (i) information which was known to the one party or their respective agents prior to receipt from the other party; (ii) information which is or becomes generally known; (iii) information acquired by a party or their respective agents from a third party who was not bound
to an obligation of confidentiality; and (iv) disclosure required by law. In the event this Agreement is terminated as provided in Article 8 hereof, each party will return or cause to be returned to the other all documents and other material obtained from the other in connection with the Transaction contemplated hereby.
(b) Access to Information.
(i) Top Favour will afford Ableauctions and its financial advisors, accountants, counsel and other representatives reasonable access during normal business hours, upon reasonable notice, to the properties, books, records and personnel of Top Favour during the period prior
to the Closing to obtain all information concerning the business, including the status of product development efforts, properties, results of operations and personnel of Top Favour, as Ableauctions may reasonably request. No information or knowledge obtained by Ableauctions in any investigation pursuant to this Section 6.7 will affect or be deemed to modify any representation or warranty contained herein or the conditions to the obligations of the parties to consummate the Transaction.
(ii) Ableauctions will afford Top Favour and its financial advisors, underwriters, accountants, counsel and other representatives reasonable access during normal business hours, upon reasonable notice, to the properties, books, records and personnel of Ableauctions during
the period prior to the Closing to obtain all information concerning the business, including the status of product development efforts, properties, results of operations and personnel of Ableauctions, as Top Favour may reasonably request. No information or knowledge obtained by Top Favour in any investigation pursuant to this Section 6.7 will affect or be deemed to modify any representation or warranty contained herein or the conditions to the obligations of the parties to consummate the Transaction.
6.8 Public Disclosure. Except to the extent previously disclosed or to the extent the parties believe that they are required by applicable law or regulation to make disclosure, prior to Closing, no party shall
issue any statement or communication to the public regarding the transaction contemplated herein without the consent of the other party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. To the extent a party hereto believes it is required by law or regulation to make disclosure regarding the Transaction, it shall, if possible, immediately notify the other party prior to such disclosure. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties hereto agree that Ableauctions will prepare and file a Current Report on Form 8-K
pursuant to the Exchange Act to report the execution of this Agreement.
6.9 No Liabilities. Ableauctions shall extinguish, satisfy or assign all liabilities such that at the date of Closing, Ableauctions shall have no liabilities or obligations whatsoever, either direct
or indirect, matured or unmatured, accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise.
6.10 Articles of Incorporation Amendment. Prior to Closing, Ableauctions shall file an amendment to its Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of its state of incorporation, to (i)
effect a reverse stock split with a stock split ratio to be determined by Top Favour at a date prior to closing but no less than 1 for 20 (every 20 shares are combined into one share) and no more than 1 for 50, and (ii) change its name from “AbleAuctions.com, Inc.” to “SinoCoking Coal&Coke Corporation.”
6.11 Information Statement for Change in Majority of Directors. As directed by Top Favour, Ableauctions and the Ableauctions Shareholders will use their best efforts to ensure that Abdul Ladha, an
Ableauctions’ current director, will remain a director of Ableauctions until the expiration of the 10-day period beginning on the date of the filing of the information statement relating to a change in majority of directors of Ableauctions with the SEC pursuant to Rule 14f-1 promulgated under the Exchange Act (“Information Statement”).
6.12 Assistance with Post-Closing SEC Reports and Inquiries. Upon the reasonable request of Top Favour, after the Closing Date, Abdul Ladha shall use his reasonable best efforts to provide such information available
to it, including information, filings, reports, financial statements or other circumstances of Ableauctions occurring, reported or filed prior to the Closing, as may be necessary or required by Ableauctions for the preparation of the post-Closing Date reports that Ableauctions is required to file with the SEC to remain in compliance and current with its reporting requirements under the Securities Act, or filings required to address and resolve matters as may relate to the period prior to the Closing and any SEC
comments relating thereto or any SEC inquiry thereof.
6.13 No Solicitation. In recognition of the substantial expenditures of time, effort and expense to be incurred by both parties in connection with the activities proceeding toward the execution of
the Agreement and the closing of the transactions contemplated herein, Ableauctions, the Ableauctions Shareholders, Top Favour, and Top Favour Shareholders agree that they will not directly or indirectly submit, solicit, initiate, encourage or discuss any proposal or offer from any third party relating to competing “going public” transaction or “reverse merger” (either as an acquirer or targer) or knowingly furnish any information with respect to, assist or participate in or facilitate
in any other manner any effort or attempt by any person to do or seek a competing “going public” or “reverse merger” transaction.
6.14 Conversion of Notes. The Ableauctions Shareholders shall convert certain outstanding promissory notes into shares of Ableauctions common stock after public disclosure of this Agreement, such
that the Ableauctions Shareholders will hold 49% of the outstanding Ableauctions voting equity securities within 15 days of this Agreement. Immediately following the date that the Ableauctions Shareholders have converted such promissory notes, the Ableauctions Shareholders shall vote its shares of Common Stock at any shareholder meeting to vote on the Acquisition and the other transactions set
forth in this Agreement. Following such conversion, Ableauctions may not issue additional shares of equity securities to any other person such that the Ableauctions Shareholders no longer hold at least 49% interest of the Ableauctions voting securities other than as contemplated in this Agreement prior to Closing. Prior
to Closing and except for shares of its common stock issued pursuant to an equity financing concurrent with the Closing, Ableauctions shall not issue or grant any shares of its common stock or options, warrants, convertible notes or other rights to acquire its common stock. Ableauctions shall not reduce the exercise price of any existing option or warrant.
6.15 Liquidating Trust. Unless prohibited by state or federal law, Ableauctions shall adopt a plan of liquidation reasonably acceptable to Top Favour under which it shall establish a liquidating
trust (“Liquidating Trust”) for purposes of assuming outstanding liabilities and distributing the assets of Ableauctions to its shareholders as of a certain record date prior to the Closing. In compliance with applicable law and any required third party consents (which Ableauctions shall use its reasonable best efforts to obtain), Ableauctions shall transfer all its assets and liabilities to the Liquidating Trust prior to or concurrently with the Closing. Ableauctions and Abdul
Ladha shall cause such plan of liquidation to include a covenant to indemnify the Top Favour Shareholders for Claims made under Section 5.1(a), and shall provide for a reserve fund of at least $1,000,000 in cash or cash equivalents or other assets acceptable to Top Favour which shall remain in place for at least 12 months following the Closing and shall be used to discharge any remaining liabilities of Ableauctions not discharged prior to Closing. Subject to the foregoing sentence, the plan of liquidation
shall also include a covenant to indemnify Abdul Ladha for Claims made under Section 5.1(b).
6.16 NYSE Amex Application. Top Favour shall file a listing application with the NYSE Amex Equities (“NYSE Amex”) intended to cause the Ableauctions shares of common stock to be listed
on the NYSE Amex following the Closing.
6.17 Shareholder Meeting; Proxy Statement. After execution of this Agreement, Ableauctions shall, as promptly as reasonably practicable after the date hereof (i) take all steps reasonably necessary
to call, give notice of and hold either an annual or special meeting for the shareholders (the “Ableauctions Shareholder Meeting”) for the purpose of securing the vote of the approval by the holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock at a meeting of the shareholders of Ableauctions where a quorum is present, on the applicable record date (the “Ableauctions Shareholders’
Approval”), (ii) distribute to its shareholders a proxy statement regarding a vote on the Acquisition and the other transactions described herein in accordance with applicable federal and state law and with its articles of incorporation and bylaws (“Proxy Statement”), (iii) subject to applicable fiduciary duties, use all reasonable efforts to solicit from its shareholders proxies in favor of the approval and adoption of
this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and to secure the Ableauctions Shareholders’ Approval, and (iv) cooperate and consult with Top Favour with respect to each of the foregoing matters.
6.18 Preparation of the Proxy Statement. Within one business day after the date hereof, Ableauctions shall prepare and file with the SEC a preliminary version of the Proxy Statement and will use all
reasonable efforts to respond to the comments of the SEC in connection therewith and to furnish all information required to prepare the definitive Proxy Statement. Promptly after the date that the SEC has no additional comments to the Proxy Statement, Ableauctions shall cause the Proxy Statement to be mailed to its respective shareholders, and if necessary, after the definitive Proxy Statement shall have been mailed, promptly circulate amended, supplemented or supplemental proxy materials and,
if required in connection therewith, re-solicit proxies or written consents, as applicable.
ARTICLE 7
CONDITIONS TO CLOSING
7.1 Conditions to Obligations of Top Favour and the Top Favour Shareholders. The obligations of Top Favour and the Top Favour Shareholders under this Agreement shall be subject to each of the following conditions:
(a) Closing Deliveries. At the Closing, Ableauctions and/or the Ableauctions Shareholders shall have delivered or caused to be delivered to Top Favour and the Top Favour Shareholders the following:
(i) this Agreement duly executed by Ableauctions and the Ableauctions Shareholders;
(ii) letter of resignation from Ableauctions’ current sole officer, with his resignation as to all of the offices he currently holds with Ableauctions to be effective upon Closing and confirming that he has no claim against Ableauctions in respect of any outstanding
remuneration or fees of whatever nature to be effective upon closing;
(iii) letter of resignation of Ableauctions’ current directors, with the resignation of such directors to take effect immediately, other than Abdul Ladha, whose resignation shall be effective on the expiration of the 10 calendar day period following the date of the
mailing of the Schedule 14f-1 to the shareholders of Ableauctions;
(iv) resolutions duly adopted by the Board of Directors of Ableauctions approving the following events or actions, as applicable:
|
a. |
the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement; |
|
b. |
the Acquisition and the terms thereof; |
|
c. |
adoption of bylaws in the form agreed by the parties; |
|
d. |
fixing the number of authorized directors on the board of directors at seven (7); |
|
e. |
the appointment of Jianhua Lv as Chairman of the board of directors to serve on Ableauctions board of directors, effective on the Closing Date, and the appointment of designees of Mr. Lv as additional directors to serve on Ableauctions’ board of directors on the date the resignation of Ableauctions’ current directors except Abdul Ladha becomes effective; and |
|
f. |
the appointment of the following persons as officers of Ableauctions, effective on the Closing Date, with the titles set forth opposite his name (the “Top Favour Officers”): |
Jianhua Lv Chief Executive Officer, President and
Chairman of the Board
Wu Zan Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and
Secretary
(v) a certificate of good standing for Ableauctions from its jurisdiction of incorporation, dated not earlier than five (5) days prior to the Closing Date;
(vi) an instruction letter signed by the President of Ableauctions addressed to Ableauctions’ transfer agent of record, in a form reasonably acceptable to Top Favour and consistent with the terms of this Agreement, instructing the transfer agent to issue stock certificates
representing Ableauctions Shares to be delivered pursuant to this Agreement registered in the names of the Top Favour Shareholders as set forth in Annex I;
(vii) a shareholder list of Ableauctions as certified by Ableauctions’ Secretary or transfer agent, dated within ten (10) days of the Closing Date;
a. a certificate of the Secretary of Ableauctions, dated as of the Closing Date, certifying as to (i) the incumbency of officers of Ableauctions executing this Agreement and all exhibits and schedules hereto and all other documents, instruments and writings required pursuant to this Agreement (the “Transaction
Documents”), (ii) a copy of the Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws of Ableauctions, as in effect on and as of the Closing Date, and (iii) a copy of the resolutions of the Board of Directors of Ableauctions authorizing and approving Ableauctions’ execution, delivery and performance of the Transaction Documents, all matters in connection with the Transaction Documents, and the transactions contemplated thereby;
(viii) all corporate records, board minutes and resolutions, tax and financial records, agreements, seals and any other information or documents reasonably requested by Top Favour’s representatives with respect to Ableauctions; and
(ix) such other documents as Top Favour and/or the Top Favour Shareholders may reasonably request in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.
(b) Representations and Warranties to be True. The representations and warranties of Ableauctions herein contained shall be true in all material respects at the Closing with the same effect as though made at
such time. Ableauctions and the Ableauctions Shareholders shall have performed in all material respects all obligations and complied in all material respects with all covenants and conditions required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by them at or prior to the Closing.
(c) No Assets and Liabilities. At the Closing, other than accrued property or other taxes that will not exceed $1,000, Ableauctions shall have no liabilities, debts or payables (contingent or otherwise), no
tax obligations, no material assets (or alternatively, shall have an irrevocable commitment to sell, distribute or otherwise transfer all pre-Closing assets of Ableauctions which shall occur immediately after Closing), and except as contemplated in this Agreement, no material changes to its business or financial condition shall have occurred since the date of this Agreement.
(d) SEC Filings. At the Closing, Ableauctions will be current in all SEC filings required by it to be filed.
(e) Outstanding Common Stock. Ableauctions shall have at least 100,000,000 shares of its common stock authorized and shall have less than 8,200,000 shares (prior to the contemplated reverse stock
split of Section 6.10) of its common stock issued and outstanding in the aggregate at the Closing on a fully-diluted basis.
(f) Financing. Ableauctions shall have closed a debt and/or equity financing of at least $75,000,000 immediately prior to the Closing, or shall have irrevocable commitments from bona fide third party
to close such financing immediately subsequent to the Closing.
(g) Approval of Ableauctions Shareholders. The Acquisition and the other transactions described herein shall have been obtained Ableauction Shareholders’ Approval.
(h) Officer’s Certificate. The Chief Executive Officer shall execute an officer’s certificate which provides that (i) the representations and warranties of Ableauctions contained in the
Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date when made and as of the Closing Date, as though made on and as of such date, except for such representations and warranties that speak as of a specific date and (ii) Ableauctions shall have performed, satisfied and complied in all material respects with all covenants, agreements and conditions required by the Agreement to be performed, satisfied or complied with by it at or prior to the Closing.
(i) Principal Trading Market. The Ableauctions Common Stock (i) shall be designated for quotation or listed on the NYSE Amex and (ii) shall not have been suspended, as of the Closing Date, by the
Commission or the NYSE Amex from trading on the NYSE Amex nor shall suspension by the Commission or the NYSE Amex have been threatened, as of or immediately subsequent to the Closing Date, either (A) in writing by the Commission or the NYSE Amex or (B) by falling below the minimum listing maintenance requirements of the NYSE Amex.
(j) No Adverse Effect. The business and operations of Ableauctions will not have suffered any Material Adverse Effect.
(k) Third Party Assignment Consent. Ableauctions shall have obtained a consent from Royal Bank of Canada (“RBC”) releasing Ableauctions as a Guarantor in connection with that Loan Agreement
dated as of March 7, 2008 by and among, RBC, Ableauctions and Axion Investment Corp. and that Loan Agreement dated August 3, 2006 by and among RBC, Ableauctions and 0716590 B.C. Ltd. (collectively, the “Loan Agreements”)
7.2 Conditions to Obligations of Ableauctions and Ableauctions Shareholders. The obligations of Ableauctions and Ableauctions Shareholders under this Agreement shall be subject to each of the following conditions:
(a) Closing Deliveries. On the Closing Date, Top Favour and/or the Top Favour Shareholders shall have delivered to Ableauctions the following:
(i) this Agreement duly executed by Top Favour and the Top Favour Shareholders;
(ii) resolutions duly adopted by the Board of Directors of Top Favour authorizing and approving the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement;
(iii) certificates representing the Top Favour Equity Interests to be delivered pursuant to this Agreement duly endorsed or accompanied by duly executed stock powers or instruments of like tenor; and
(iv) such other documents as Ableauctions may reasonably request in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.
(b) Representations and Warranties True and Correct. The representations and warranties of Top Favour and the Top Favour Shareholders herein contained shall be true in all material respects at the Closing with
the same effect as though made at such time. Top Favour and the Top Favour Shareholders shall have performed in all material respects all obligations and complied in all material respects with all covenants and conditions required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by them at or prior to the Closing.
(c) No Adverse Effect. The business and operations of Top Favour will not have suffered any Material Adverse Effect.
(d) Due Diligence. Ableauctions shall have the opportunity to conduct a due diligence investigation of Top Favour’s business, financial condition and assets to determine that the audited
financial statements of Top Favour for the last two full fiscal years as delivered to Ableauctions are materially accurate and complete. Such due diligence investigation shall commence upon execution of this Agreement and shall continue until 30 days after the execution of this Agreement (“Diligence Expiration Date”); provided, however, that if Top Favour has not provided to Ableauctions audited financial statements
for Top Favour’s 2 most recent fiscal years within 15 days of the date of this Agreement, the period of investigation shall continue for a period of 45 days following the date that such audited financial statements are provided to Ableauctions. Ableauctions shall be deemed to be satisfied with the results of the due diligence investigation if it does not send written notice of due diligence disapproval to Top Favour within three (3) business days after the Diligence Expiration Date. During
the due diligence period, Ableauctions (and its attorneys, advisors, agents and accountants) will be given reasonable access to the assets, properties, buildings, offices, books, files, data, financial statements, leases, licenses, contracts, agreements and records of Top Favour and its subsidiaries. All records, files, financial statements and the like relating
to Top Favour and its subsidiaries shall remain and be deemed to be the property of Top Favour and its subsidiaries until consummation of the Transaction. In the event the Transaction is not consummated, Ableauctions shall return all of the foregoing materials to Top Favour together with all copies thereof.
(e) Transfer of Assets to and Assumption of Liabilities by Trust. Immediately prior to the Closing, all of the assets of Ableauctions shall have been transferred into a trust the beneficiaries of which
will be its creditors and shareholders or shall have irrevocably committed to transfer all of its assets to such trust and either (i) all of its liabilities shall have been assumed by the trust, unless otherwise disposed of or (ii) Top Favour shall have waived Ableauctions’ failure to assign such liabilities.
(f) Approval of Ableauctions Shareholders. The Acquisition and the other transactions described herein shall have obtained Ableauctions Shareholders’ Approval.
ARTICLE 8
SEC FILING; TERMINATION
8.1 This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Closing:
(a) by mutual written agreement of Ableauctions and the Top Favour Shareholders;
(b) by either Ableauctions or the Top Favour Shareholders if the Transaction shall not have been consummated for any reason by November 30, 2009; provided, however, that the right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 8.1(b) shall not be available to any party whose
action or failure to act has been a principal cause of or resulted in the failure of the Transaction to occur on or before such date and such action or failure to act constitutes a breach of this Agreement;
(c) by either Ableauctions or the Top Favour Shareholders if a governmental entity shall have issued an order, decree or ruling or taken any other action, in any case having the effect of permanently restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the Transaction, which order,
decree, ruling or other action is final and non-appealable;
(d) by the Top Favour Shareholders, upon a material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement on the part of Ableauctions or the Ableauctions Shareholders set forth in this Agreement, or if any representation or warranty of Ableauctions shall have become
materially untrue, in either case such that the conditions set forth in Section 7.1 would not be satisfied as of the time of such breach or as of the time such representation or warranty shall have become untrue, provided, that if such inaccuracy in Ableauctions’ representations and warranties or breach by Ableauctions or the Ableauctions Shareholders is curable by Ableauctions or the Ableauctions Shareholders prior to the Closing Date, then the Top Favour Shareholders may not terminate this Agreement under
this Section 8.1(d) for thirty (30) days after delivery of written notice from the Top Favour Shareholders to Ableauctions and the Ableauctions Shareholders of such breach, provided Ableauctions and the Ableauctions Shareholders continue to exercise commercially reasonable efforts to cure such breach (it being understood that the Top Favour Shareholders may not terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 8.1(d) if they shall have materially breached this Agreement or if such breach by Ableauctions or the
Ableauctions Shareholders is cured during such thirty (30) day period);
(e) by Ableauctions, upon a material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement on the part of Top Favour or the Top Favour Shareholders set forth in this Agreement, or if any representation or warranty of Top Favour or the Top Favour Shareholders shall
have become materially untrue, in either case such that the conditions set forth in Section 7.2 would not be satisfied as of the time of such breach or as of the time such representation or warranty shall have become untrue, provided, that if such inaccuracy in Top Favour’s or the Top Favour Shareholders’ representations and warranties or breach by Top Favour or the Top Favour Shareholders is curable by Top Favour or the Top Favour Shareholders prior to the Closing Date, then Ableauctions may not
terminate this Agreement under this Section 8.1(e) for thirty (30) days after delivery of written notice from Ableauctions to Top Favour and the Top Favour Shareholders of such breach, provided Top Favour and the Top Favour Shareholders continue to exercise commercially reasonable efforts to cure such breach (it being understood that Ableauctions may not terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 8.1(e) if it shall have materially breached this Agreement or if such breach by Top Favour or the Top Favour
Shareholders is cured during such thirty (30) day period);
(f) by Ableauctions, if the results of the due diligence investigation are unsatisfactory in accordance with Section 7.2(d) and if Top Favour is unable to remedy, to the satisfaction of Ableauctions, any matter objected to prior to the Closing Date, as the Closing Date may
be extended by the parties;
(g) by Top Favour if RBC refuses to approve the assumption by the Liquidating Trust of the liabilities and guarantees arising from the Loan Agreements; or
(h) by Ableauctions if (i) RBC refuses to approve the assumption by the Liquidating Trust of the liabilities and guarantees arising from the Loan Agreements and (ii) Top Favour does not waive the failure to assign such liabilities and guarantees.
8.2 Notice of Termination; Effect of Termination. Any termination of this Agreement under Section 8.1 above will be effective immediately upon (or, if the termination is pursuant to Section 8.1(d) or Section
8.1(e) and the proviso therein is applicable, thirty (30) days after) the delivery of written notice of the terminating party to the other parties hereto. In the event of the termination of this Agreement as provided in Section 8.1, this Agreement shall be of no further force or effect and the Transaction shall be abandoned, except as set forth in Section 8.1 and Article 9 (General Provisions), each of which shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
ARTICLE 9
GENERAL PROVISIONS
9.1 Notices. Any and all notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed duly given to the party to whom the same is so delivered, sent or mailed at addresses and contact information
set forth on the signature pages hereof (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified by like notice) Any and all notices or other communications or deliveries required or permitted to be provided hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed given and effective on the earliest of: (a) on the date of transmission, if such notice or communication is delivered via facsimile at the facsimile number set forth on the signature pages attached hereto prior to 5:30 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time) on a
business day, (b) on the next business day after the date of transmission, if such notice or communication is delivered via facsimile at the facsimile number set forth on the signature pages attached hereto on a day that is not a business day or later than 5:30 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time) on any business day, (c) on the second business day following the date of mailing, if sent by U.S. nationally recognized overnight courier service or (d) upon actual receipt by the party to whom such notice is required to be
given.
9.2 Interpretation. The headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. References to Sections and Articles
refer to sections and articles of this Agreement unless otherwise stated.
9.3 Severability. If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions,
covenants and restrictions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated and the parties shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement to preserve each party’s anticipated benefits under this Agreement.
9.4 Miscellaneous. This Agreement (together with all other documents and instruments referred to herein): (a) constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all other prior agreements and undertakings, both
written and oral, among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof; (b) except as expressly set forth herein, is not intended to confer upon any other person any rights or remedies hereunder and (c) shall not be assigned by operation of law or otherwise, except as may be mutually agreed upon by the parties hereto.
9.5 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of California. All questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and
interpretation of this Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the internal laws of the State of California, without regard to the principles of conflicts of law thereof. Each party agrees that all legal proceedings concerning the interpretations, enforcement and defense of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (whether brought against a party hereto or its respective affiliates,
directors, officers, shareholders, employees or agents) shall be commenced exclusively in the state and federal courts sitting in the City of Los Angeles. Each party hereby irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts sitting in the City of Los Angeles, County of Los Angeles for the adjudication of any dispute hereunder or in connection herewith or with any transaction contemplated hereby or discussed herein (including with respect to the enforcement of the Agreement),
and hereby irrevocably waives, and agrees not to assert in any suit, action or proceeding, any claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of any such court, that such suit, action or proceeding is improper or is an inconvenient venue for such proceeding. Each party hereby irrevocably waives personal service of process and consents to process being served in any such suit, action or proceeding by mailing a copy thereof via registered or certified mail or overnight delivery
(with evidence of delivery) to such party at the address in effect for notices to it under this Agreement and agrees that such service shall constitute good and sufficient service of process and notice thereof. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to limit in any way any right to serve process in any other manner permitted by law. If either party shall commence an action or proceeding to enforce any provisions of the Agreement, then the prevailing party in such action or proceeding shall
be reimbursed by the other party for its reasonable attorneys’ fees and other costs and expenses incurred with the investigation, preparation and prosecution of such action or proceeding.
9.6 Counterparts and Facsimile Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, which together shall constitute a single agreement. This Agreement and any documents relating to it may
be executed and transmitted to any other party by facsimile, which facsimile shall be deemed to be, and utilized in all respects as, an original, wet-inked manually executed document.
9.7 Amendment. This Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented only by an instrument in writing executed by Top Favour, Ableauctions, and holders of a majority of the equity interests of Top Favour and
the holders of a majority of outstanding voting stock of Ableauctions; provided that, the consent of any Top Favour or Ableauctions shareholder that is a party to this Agreement shall be required if the amendment or modification would disproportionately affect such shareholder (other than by virtue of their ownership of Top Favour or Ableauctions shares, as applicable).
9.8 Parties In Interest. Except as otherwise provided herein, the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the respective heirs, legal representatives, successors
and assigns of the parties hereto.
9.9 Waiver. No waiver by any party of any default or breach by another party of any representation, warranty, covenant or condition contained in this Agreement shall be deemed to be a waiver of any subsequent
default or breach by such party of the same or any other representation, warranty, covenant or condition. No act, delay, omission or course of dealing on the part of any party in exercising any right, power or remedy under this Agreement or at law or in equity shall operate as a waiver thereof or otherwise prejudice any of such party’s rights, powers and remedies. All remedies, whether at law or in equity, shall be cumulative and the election of any one or more shall not constitute a waiver of the right
to pursue other available remedies.
9.10 Expenses. At or prior to the Closing, the parties hereto shall pay all of their own expenses relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including, without limitation, the fees and expenses
of their respective counsel and financial advisers.
[Remainder of Page Left Blank Intentionally]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Share Exchange Agreement as of the date first written above.
ABLEAUCTIONS:
ABLEAUCTIONS.COM, INC.,
a Florida corporation
By:
Abdul Ladha
Chief Executive Officer and President
Address for Notices:
Address: Suite 200 – 1963 Lougheed Highway, Coquitlam
British Columbia, Canada V3K 3T8
Tel: (604) 521-3369
Fax: (604) 521-4911
SIGNATURE PAGE OF ABLEAUCTIONS SHAREHOLDERS
ABLEAUCTIONS SHAREHOLDERS:
Name
|
Address, Telephone, and Facsimile Number for Notice: |
Signature: |
Abdul Ladha
Hanifa Ladha
|
1963 Lougheed Highway, Coquitlam
Suite 200
British Columbia, Canada V3K 3T8
Tel: (604) 521-3369
Fax: (604) 521-4911
1963 Lougheed Highway, Coquitlam
Suite 200
British Columbia, Canada V3K 3T8
Tel: (604) 521-3369
Fax: (604) 521-4911
|
|
SIGNATURE PAGE OF TOP FAVOUR
TOP FAVOUR:
TOP FAVOUR LIMITED
By:
Jianhua Lv, Chairman
Address for Notices:
Top Favour Limited
Address: Intersection between Kuanggong Road and Tiyu Road
(10th Floor, Chenshi Xin Yong She, Tiyu Road)
Xinhua District
Pindingshan City, Henan Province
People’s Republic of China, 467000
Tel: +863752882999
Fax: +863752912026
SIGNATURE PAGES OF TOP FAVOUR SHAREHOLDERS
TOP FAVOUR SHAREHOLDERS:
Print SSN or Taxpayer ID of Top Favour Shareholder (if U.S. entity or person):
|
Print Name of Top Favour Shareholder:
|
Shareholder is a(n):
____ individual
____ corporation (an officer must sign)
____ partnership (all general partners must sign)
____ trust
____ limited liability company |
Signature:
(Please sign here) |
State or country of Shareholder’s Organization
(if entity): |
State of Shareholder’s Residence
(if U.S. person): |
Print name and title of Signing Person:
(if signatory is a corporation, partnership or other similar entity)
Name:
Title:
|
|
Address of Shareholder:
Facsimile No.: |
Please Check One:
The Top Favour Shareholder hereby certifies that it is:
|
____ |
an “Accredited Investor” under Regulation D of the Securities Act (see Section 3.4 and Annex II of this Agreement); or |
|
____ |
a Non-U.S. Person, that hereby confirms that the representations and warranties in Section 3.4(b) of this Agreement are true and correct as to such Top Favour Shareholder, and hereby accepts and agrees to comply with the covenants in Section 3.4(b). |
ANNEX I
(I)
Name of
Top Favour Shareholders |
(II)
Top Favour Equity
Interests Transferred to Ableauctions |
(III)
Percentage of Ableauctions
Common Shares (on a fully-diluted basis) to be
Held by
Top Favour Shareholders after Closing |
Honour Express Limited, a BVI Company |
5,103 |
49.499% |
Liuchang Yang |
438 |
4.249% |
Ruiyun Li |
696 |
6.751% |
Shusen Feng |
155 |
1.499% |
Chang Zhaozhen |
155 |
1.499% |
Zhao Qun |
103 |
1.000% |
Wu Dongfang |
20 |
0.196% |
Liu Yongchun |
10 |
0.098% |
Liang Xiao |
20 |
0.196% |
Li Ping |
392 |
3.802% |
Wang Shuo |
402 |
3.900% |
Xu Binzhi |
461 |
4.468% |
Wang Yeming |
495 |
4.802% |
Portswealth Holdings Ltd. |
485 |
4.704% |
Cawston Enterprises Ltd. |
494 |
4.802% |
Suzhou Capital Advisors, LLC d/b/a Morgan Cate Capital |
261 |
2.528% |
Causeway Bay Capital, LLC |
310 |
3.007% |
Total |
10,000 |
97% |
ANNEX II
ACCREDITED INVESTOR DEFINITION
Category A |
The undersigned is an individual (not a partnership, corporation, etc.) whose individual net worth, or joint net worth with his or her spouse, presently exceeds $1,000,000. |
|
|
Category B |
The undersigned is an individual (not a partnership, corporation, etc.) who had an income in excess of $200,000 in each of the two most recent years, or joint income with his or her spouse in excess of $300,000 in each of those years (in each case including foreign income, tax exempt income and full amount of capital gains and losses but excluding
any income of other family members and any unrealized capital appreciation) and has a reasonable expectation of reaching the same income level in the current year. |
|
|
Category C |
The undersigned is a director or executive officer of Ableauctions which is issuing and selling the securities. |
|
|
Category D |
The undersigned is a bank; a savings and loan association; insurance company; registered investment company; registered business development company; licensed small business investment company (“SBIC”); or employee benefit plan within the meaning of Title 1 of ERISA and (a) the investment decision is made by a plan fiduciary which
is either a bank, savings and loan association, insurance company or registered investment advisor, or (b) the plan has total assets in excess of $5,000,000 or (c) is a self directed plan with investment decisions made solely by persons that are accredited investors. |
|
|
Category E |
The undersigned is a private business development company as defined in section 202(a)(22) of the Investment Advisors Act of 1940. |
|
|
Category F |
The undersigned is either a corporation, partnership, Massachusetts business trust, or non-profit organization within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, in each case not formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the Securities and with total assets in excess of $5,000,000. |
|
|
Category G |
The undersigned is a trust with total assets in excess of $5,000,000, not formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the Securities, where the purchase is directed by a “sophisticated investor“ as defined in Regulation 506(b)(2)(ii) under the Act. |
|
|
Category H |
The undersigned is an entity (other than a trust) in which all of the equity owners are “accredited investors” within one or more of the above categories. If relying upon this Category alone, each equity owner must complete a separate copy of this Agreement. |
LIST OF OMITTED SCHEDULES
The Schedules listed below have been omitted from this filing. The Company will furnish supplementally to the Commission, upon request, a copy of any omitted Schedule.
Share Exchange Agreement
Schedule 2.3 |
SinoCoking Subsidiaries |
|
Schedule 2.11 |
SinoCoking Contracts |
|
|
Schedule 2.12 |
Material Changes |
|
|
Schedule 2.15 |
Certain Fees |
|
|
Schedule 4.3 |
Ableauctions Conflicts |
|
|
Schedule 4.4 |
Required Approvals of Ableauctions |
Schedule 4.6 |
Capitalization of Ableauctions |
|
Schedule 4.8 |
Material Changes |
|
|
Schedule 4.13 |
Real Property of Ableauctions |
|
Schedule 4.20 |
Listing and Maintenance Requirements |
Schedule 4.26 |
Accountants |
|
|
ATTACHMENT B
HISTORICAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF
ABLEAUCTIONS.COM, INC.
Independent Auditors’ Report
Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2009 (unaudited) and December 31, 2008 (audited)
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2009 (unaudited)
Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2009 (unaudited)
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive (Loss) Income for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2009 (unaudited)
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2009 (unaudited)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – March 31, 2009
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - Cinnamon Jang Willoughby & Company
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm – STS Partners LLP
Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2008 (audited)
Consolidated Statement of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 (audited)
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive (Loss) Income for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 (audited)
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 (audited)
Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the twelve-month period ending December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 (audited)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – December 31, 2008
ABLEAUCTIONS.COM, INC.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2009
ABLEAUCTIONS.COM, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MARCH 31 |
|
|
DECEMBER 31 |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
364,947 |
|
|
$ |
223,592 |
|
Accounts receivable – trade, net of allowance |
|
|
634,321 |
|
|
|
545,740 |
|
Employee receivable |
|
|
278,072 |
|
|
|
248,072 |
|
Mortgages and loans receivable |
|
|
2,315,968 |
|
|
|
2,294,745 |
|
Inventory |
|
|
486,077 |
|
|
|
666,138 |
|
Prepaid expenses |
|
|
55,665 |
|
|
|
63,841 |
|
|
|
|
4,135,050 |
|
|
|
4,042,128 |
|
Deposits |
|
|
309,802 |
|
|
|
320,558 |
|
Property and Equipment |
|
|
2,198,172 |
|
|
|
2,312,187 |
|
Property Held for Development |
|
|
9,536,629 |
|
|
|
8,520,055 |
|
Investment in Joint Venture |
|
|
1,181,138 |
|
|
|
1,223,728 |
|
Investment in Surrey City Central |
|
|
1,676,123 |
|
|
|
1,671,638 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
19,036,914 |
|
|
$ |
18,090,294 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
|
$ |
265,995 |
|
|
$ |
519,043 |
|
Due to related party |
|
|
1,363,765 |
|
|
|
1,363,765 |
|
Bank loan |
|
|
8,069,889 |
|
|
|
6,367,756 |
|
|
|
|
9,699,649 |
|
|
|
8,250,564 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital Stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Authorized: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100,000,000 common shares with a par value of $0.001 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issued and outstanding: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,907,281 common shares at March 31, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,906,957 common shares at December 31, 2008 |
|
|
5,907 |
|
|
|
5,907 |
|
Additional paid-in capital |
|
|
37,903,221 |
|
|
|
37,903,221 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deficit |
|
|
(28,320,471 |
) |
|
|
(28,152,681 |
) |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) |
|
|
(224,471 |
) |
|
|
83,283 - |
|
Treasury Stock, at cost |
|
|
(26,921) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,337,265 |
|
|
|
9,839,730 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
19,036,914 |
|
|
$ |
18,090,294 |
|
ABLEAUCTIONS.COM, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
|
|
THREE MONTHS ENDED |
|
|
|
MARCH 31 |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
Net Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales and commissions |
|
$ |
641,347 |
|
|
$ |
797,888 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost Of Revenues |
|
|
406,678 |
|
|
|
414,510 |
|
Gross Profit |
|
|
234,669 |
|
|
|
383,378 |
|
Investment Income |
|
|
81,024 |
|
|
|
35,002 |
|
|
|
|
315,693 |
|
|
|
418,380 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating expenses |
|
|
468,002 |
|
|
|
507,701 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
16,408 |
|
|
|
45,358 |
|
|
|
|
484,410 |
|
|
|
553,059 |
|
Loss from Operations |
|
|
(168,717 |
) |
|
|
(134,679 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Items |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share of net income (loss) of joint venture |
|
|
(587 |
) |
|
|
712 |
|
Provision for legal claim |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(65,035 |
) |
Foreign exchange gain |
|
|
1,514 |
|
|
|
4,951 |
|
|
|
|
927 |
|
|
|
(59,372 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss for the Period |
|
|
(167,790 |
) |
|
$ |
(194,051 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic Loss per Share |
|
$ |
(0.03 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.04 |
) |
Diluted Loss per Share |
|
$ |
(0.03 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.04 |
) |
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
|
5,852,673 |
|
|
|
5,072,026 |
|
Diluted |
|
|
5,852,673 |
|
|
|
5,072,026 |
|
ABLEAUCTIONS.COM, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
(Unaudited)
|
|
THREE MONTHS ENDED |
|
|
|
MARCH 31 |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss for the Period |
|
$ |
(167,790 |
) |
|
$ |
(194,051 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Comprehensive Loss, net of tax |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency translation adjustments |
|
|
(307,754 |
) |
|
|
(410,664 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Comprehensive Loss |
|
$ |
(475,544 |
) |
|
$ |
(604,715 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic and Diluted Comprehensive Loss per Share |
|
$ |
(0.08 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.12 |
) |
ABLEAUCTIONS.COM, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
|
|
THREE MONTHS ENDED |
|
|
|
MARCH 31 |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows From Operating Activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss for the year from continuing operations |
|
$ |
(167,790 |
) |
|
$ |
(194,051 |
) |
Non-cash items included in net income (loss): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
16,408 |
|
|
|
45,358 |
|
Stock-based compensation |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
8,000 |
|
Joint Venture Share of Income |
|
|
587 |
|
|
|
(712 |
) |
|
|
|
(150,795 |
) |
|
|
(141,405 |
) |
Changes in operating working capital items: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Increase) Decrease in accounts receivable |
|
|
(99,432 |
) |
|
|
63,914 |
|
(Increase) Decrease in inventory |
|
|
179,116 |
|
|
|
(147,142 |
) |
(Increase) Decrease in prepaid expenses |
|
|
7,870 |
|
|
|
17,977 |
|
(Increase) Decrease in employee receivable |
|
|
(30,000 |
) |
|
|
(30,389 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase (Decrease) accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
|
|
(250,442 |
) |
|
|
(113,546 |
) |
Increase in deferred revenue |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(6,630 |
) |
Net cash used in operating activities |
|
|
(343,683 |
) |
|
|
(357,221 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows From Investing Activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of property and equipment, net |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(19,058 |
) |
Purchase of property held for development |
|
|
(1,363,474 |
) |
|
|
(122,071 |
) |
Loan advances |
|
|
(100,000 |
) |
|
|
(450,775 |
) |
Investment in surrey city Central |
|
|
(4,485 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
Other receivables |
|
|
- - |
|
|
|
94,013 |
|
Deposits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,001) |
|
Net cash from (used in) investing activities |
|
|
(1,467,959 |
) |
|
|
(501,892 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows From Financing Activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advances from Bank Loan |
|
|
1,989,018 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Repayment of Bank Loan |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Purchase of treasury stock |
|
|
(26,921 |
) |
|
|
(224,678 |
) |
Net cash (used in) from financing activities |
|
|
1,962,097 |
|
|
|
(224,678 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effect Of Exchange Rates On Cash |
|
|
(9,100 |
) |
|
|
(25,485 |
) |
Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents For The Period |
|
|
150,455 |
|
|
|
(1,083,791 |
) |
Cash And Cash Equivalents, Beginning Of Period |
|
|
223,592 |
|
|
|
1,594,657 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash And Cash Equivalents, End Of Period |
|
$ |
364,947 |
|
|
$ |
485,381 |
|
ABLEAUCTIONS.COM, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2009
(Unaudited)
1. BUSINESS AND BASIS OF ORGANIZATION
Ableauctions.com, Inc. (the 'Company') was organized on September 30, 1996, under the laws of the State of Florida, as J.B. Financial Services, Inc. On July 19, 1999, an Article of Amendment was filed with the State of Florida for the change of the Company's name from J.B. Financial Services, Inc. to Ableauctions.com, Inc.
The Company provides liquidation and merchandising services along with auction and point-of-sale technology to businesses to assist them with managing the sale of their products. The Company also provides mortgages and loans to individuals and companies, and develops real property. The Company classifies its business interests
into four reportable segments: Auction, Liquidation & Technology Business consisting principally of liquidation and merchandizing services; Mortgages and Loans consisting of mortgages, loans and other investments; Real Property & Property Development consisting principally of properties held for development and Other consisting of all other activities of the Company including management, investor relations and other related head office expenses. Financial information for Ableauctions.com’s
various reportable segments is presented in Note 11.
The Company's operating subsidiaries are:
Unlimited Closeouts, Inc., a U.S. based liquidation business.
Jarvis Industries Ltd., a Canadian based liquidation business
Icollector.Com Technologies Ltd., a Canadian based Internet auction facility.
Rapidfusion Technologies Inc., a Canadian based Internet auction business.
Gruv Development Corporation, a Canadian based real estate
Axion Investment Corp., a Canadian based investment business.
1963 Lougheed Holdings Ltd., a Canadian based real estate holding company
AAC Holdings Ltd., a Canadian-based holding company (incorporated on April 24, 2007)
0716590 B.C. Ltd., a Canadian based real estate holding company
The unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company at March 31, 2009 include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and operating
results for the interim period. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted in these interim statements under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accounting policies used in fiscal 2009 are consistent with those used in fiscal 2008. The results of operations for the three month period
ended March 31, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire fiscal year ending December 31, 2009. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Form 10K filed with the SEC on March 25, 2009. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.
ABLEAUCTIONS.COM, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2009
(Unaudited)
Accounting changes
Effective January 1, 2009, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (SFAS No. 141(R)) as amended by FASB staff position FSP 141(R)-1, “Accounting for Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in a Business Combination That Arise from Contingencies.”
SFAS No. 141(R) generally requires an entity to recognize the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, contingencies, and contingent consideration at their fair value on the acquisition date. In circumstances where the acquisition-date fair value for a contingency cannot be determined during the measurement period and it is concluded that it is probable that an asset or liability exists as of the acquisition date and the amount can be reasonably estimated, a contingency is recognized as of the acquisition date
based on the estimated amount. It further requires that acquisition-related costs be recognized separately from the acquisition and expensed as incurred, restructuring costs generally be expensed in periods subsequent to the acquisition date, and changes in accounting for deferred tax asset valuation allowances and acquired income tax uncertainties after the measurement period impact income tax expense. In addition, acquired in-process research and development is capitalized as an intangible asset and amortized
over its estimated useful life. SFAS No 141(R) is applicable to business combinations on a prospective basis beginning in the first quarter of 2009. We did not complete any business combinations in the first quarter of 2009.
Effective January 1, 2009, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an amendment of ARB No. 51 (SFAS No. 160). SFAS No. 160, which was retrospectively applied
and requires the noncontrolling interest to be separately presented as a component of shareholders’ equity on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and Shareholders’ Equity.
In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157” (FSP 157-2), which delayed the effective date of SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS No. 157) for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed
at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually), until the beginning of the first quarter of 2009. Therefore, effective January 1, 2009, we adopted SFAS No. 157 for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities that are not measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
2. MORTGAGES & LOANS RECEIVABLE
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
December 31, 2008 |
|
i) Loan advanced originally in the amount of $115,000 CAD and increased to $125,000 CAD, bears interest at 10.9% per annum (receivable at $1,064 ($1,135 CAD) per month), with the principal due for repayment on January 31, 2009, and secured by a mortgage on the property of the borrower. The loan has been extended month-to-month
pending renewal. |
|
|
99,104 |
|
|
|
102,627 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ii) Loan advanced in the amount of $230,000 CAD, bears interest at 10% per annum (receivable at $1,797 ($1,917 CAD) per month), with the principal due for repayment on April 4, 2007. The loan was subsequently renewed under the same terms and is due for repayment on February 9, 2010. The loan is secured by a mortgage
on the property of the borrower and a General Security Agreement.
|
|
|
182,351 |
|
|
|
188,834 |
|
iii) Loan advanced to an employee in the amount of $55,000 CAD, bears interest at 10% per annum (receivable at $429 ($458 CAD) per month), with the principal due for repayment on February 9, 2009, and secured by a mortgage on the property of the borrower and a personal guarantee of the borrower. The loan has been extended
month-to-month pending renewal. |
|
|
43,606 |
|
|
|
45,156 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
iv) Loan advanced in the amount of $140,000 CAD, bears interest at 15% per annum (receivable at $1,640 ($1,750 CAD) per month), with the principal due for repayment on March 31, 2008, and secured by a mortgage on the property of the borrower. The loan is in default and is currently under negotiation.
|
|
|
110,997 |
|
|
|
114,943 |
|
v) Loan advanced on August 7, 2007 in the amount of $45,000 CAD, bears interest at 9.75% per annum (receivable at $312 ($333 CAD) per month), with the principal due for repayment on August 8, 2008, and secured by a mortgage on the property of the borrower and personal guarantees. The loan is extended month-to-month pending
renewal.
|
|
|
35,678 |
|
|
|
36,946 |
|
viii) Loan advanced in the amount of $450,000 CAD, bears interest at 9.5% per annum (receivable at $3,685 ($3,932 CAD) per month), with the principal due for repayment on January 27, 2009, and secured by a mortgage on the property of the borrower. The loan has been extended month-to-month pending renewal. |
|
|
356,775 |
|
|
|
369,458 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ix) Loan advanced in the amount of $1,750,000 CAD, bears interest at 12% per annum (receivable at $16,400 ($17,500 CAD) per month), with the principal due for repayment on July 17, 2009, and secured by a mortgage on the property of the borrower. |
|
|
1,387,457 |
|
|
|
1,436,781 |
|
ix) Loan advanced in the amount of $100,000 pursuant to the Bridge Investment Agreement entered with other investors as of March 5, 2009, to provide bridge financing in connection with an acquisition by a US public company. The loan is repayable upon closing of the acquisition transaction, and the Company will receive shares
of the public company equal to 0.75% of the total shares of common stock outstanding after the acquisition transaction.
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
$ |
2,315,968 |
|
|
$ |
2,294,745 |
|
3. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
|
a) |
During the three month period ended March 31, 2009, the Company incurred $39,000 (2008: $39,000) in management fees to a director of the Company. |
|
b) |
At March 31, 2009, a balance of $278,072 (December 31, 2008: $248,072) is owing from employees to the Company as a result of overpayments in commissions, which will be offset by commissions to be paid in the following quarters. |
|
c) |
During the periods ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company marketed condominium units being developed in Surrey using the brand name “Overture LivingTM”. The mark, “Overture Living™” belongs to Abdul Ladha, the Company’s President. Mr. Ladha did not receive compensation for the
use of this mark. |
|
d) |
On August 19, 2008, the president entered into an Agreement to Convert Debt with the Company. Pursuant to the Agreement, the president agreed to accept units consisting of 1 share of the common stock and a warrant to purchase 1.5 shares of the common stock as partial payment of loans made to the Company. Pursuant to the Agreement, the president accepted units consisting of 400,000 shares of
common stock and warrants for the purchase of 600,000 shares of common stock as full payment of $384,000 in principal amount of the loans. The number of units to be issued was computed by using the last sale price of the Company’s common stock on August 19, 2008, which was $0.96. The warrant exercise price is $1.08 and the warrant term is 5 years. The agreement was subject to the approval of the NYSE Amex (formerly the American Stock Exchange), which was received on October 2, 2008. On
October 6, 2008, the shares were issued and all the warrants were exercised by the president, resulting in the issuance of 1,000,000 common shares. |
ABLEAUCTIONS.COM, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2009
(Unaudited)
3. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Continued)
|
e) |
As described in Note 9, the Company acquired a 50% interest in Surrey Central City Holdings Ltd. (referred to as “Surrey”), resulting in a balance of $1,363,765 owing to the director as of March 31, 2009. |
4. PROPERTY HELD FOR DEVELOPMENT
On August 3, 2005, the Company entered into a Contract of Purchase and Sale (the “Agreement”) for property located at 9655 King George Highway, Surrey, British Columbia (the “Property”). The Agreement was subject to the Company’s satisfactory investigation of the development potential of the Property. This
investigation was completed on August 9, 2005, at which time the Company released to the seller, Imara Venture Ltd. (the “Seller”), a down payment of $41,195 to be credited against a total purchase price of $1,270,000. The remaining balance was paid in cash on August 15, 2005. The purchase price was negotiated between the Company and the Seller, who are not related to each other.
|
The Company’s subsidiary Axion Investment Corp, intends to develop this property which consists of approximately 1.46 acres that is zoned for mixed commercial and residential use. Axion intends to develop the Property through the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Gruv Development Corporation, by improving it with a retail facility of approximately 4,326 square feet and with a residential complex of approximately
91,132 square feet which will consist of 111 condominiums (the “Development”). |
On March 16, 2007, the Company filed a disclosure statement with the Superintendent of Real Estate under the Real Estate Development Marketing Act of British Columbia to pre-sell the units. The Company engaged the services of Platinum Project Marketing Group and Macdonald Realty Ltd. (the “Agent”) to market the strata
lots and, by May 9, 2007, the Company had entered into agreements to pre-sell 100% of the condominiums prior to construction and collected approximately $1.92 million ($2.34 million CAD) in deposits that are being held in trust with Macdonald Realty Ltd.
If the Company is successful in selling all of the condominiums, it expects to receive sale proceeds of approximately $22.1 million ($25.4 million CAD). The Agent has been paid $341,446 ($366,749 CAD) for services provided to date. The Company is committed to additional commissions and bonuses to be paid in the amount of $600,082 ($689,750
CAD) upon the successful completion of the sales and transfer of the strata lots.
The Company has obtained a building permit from the City of Surrey and has advanced performance bonds for service and work totaling $320,558 ($384,833 CAD) to the City of Surrey, as commitment for the development. On satisfactory completion of the intended service and work, the City of Surrey will refund the deposits to the
Company.
ABLEAUCTIONS.COM, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2009
(Unaudited)
4. PROPERTY HELD FOR DEVELOPMENT (continued)
On February 15, 2008, the Company entered into a construction management contract with Cantera Management Group Ltd. (“Cantera”) to manage the development of the project. In consideration for its services, the Company has agreed to pay Cantera a fixed fee of $454,024 ($553,000 CAD) over the term of the contract calculated on
a percentage of completion basis.
On March 12, 2008, the Company obtained an updated conditional credit facility from the Royal Bank of Canada for the development in Surrey in the amount of $14.28 million ($16.42 million CAD).
The credit facility is secured by guarantees from Axion Investment Corporation and Ableauctions.com Inc., by a general security agreement covering the assets of Axion and by the property. The advances will accrue interest at the prime rate set by Royal Bank of Canada plus .75% per annum, payable monthly. A fee of $47,073 ($48,000
CAD) was advanced to the Royal Bank of Canada for the arrangement of this credit facility.
The credit facility has been granted subject to a number of conditions, including appraisal of the project, the submission of an environmental report, the submission of a soils report, confirmation of permits and approvals, engagement of a project monitor, submission of a schedule of pre-sales contracts, the purchase of insurance, expenditures
of approximately $4.75 million ($4.84 million CAD) on the development including the cost of the land, and fixed price contracts for at least 50% of the project’s hard construction costs prior to the initial draw and 80% by December 2008. As of November 10, 2008, Axion has fulfilled all the conditions of the construction credit facility.
As of March 31, 2009 draws totalling $6,527,829 ($8,233,551 CDN) had been made against the credit facility. Borrowings are to be repaid from 100% of the net sales proceeds received on the closing of sales of units in the Project. In any event, all borrowings shall be repayable in full by December 31, 2009.
On April 28, 2008, construction of the project commenced and it is estimated that it will be completed by September 30, 2009. If the development is suspended for any reason, including but not limited to the Company’s inability to obtain any additional financing that may be required or additional permits, the Company will not be able
to recover all of its expenses. There can be no assurance that the development will be successful or that developing the property in this manner will increase or even maintain its value.
ABLEAUCTIONS.COM, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2009
(Unaudited)
|
5. INVESTMENT IN JOINT VENTURE |
|
a) |
On July 14, 2006 Axion Investment Corp. (“Axion”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a Joint Venture Agreement (the “Agreement”) with two unrelated parties, Canitalia Industries (“Canitalia”) and 449991 B.C. Ltd. (“449991”), to form a joint venture for the purpose of purchasing two vacant lots located in Langley, B.C. for development (the “Project”). On
July 28, 2006, Axion entered into a supplemental agreement with these two parties in respect to an arrangement for a bank loan to fund the purchase price and pay expenses related to acquiring the properties. |
|
b) |
Pursuant to the Agreement, a new company, Township Holdings Ltd. (“THL”), has |
been formed and is equally and jointly owned by the three parties to the Agreement.. All expenses incurred and all profits earned by THL in conjunction with the Project are to be allocated in equal shares among Axion and the two remaining parties. The initial deposit was provided by Axion and 449991 BC Ltd. The
total purchase price of the property to be developed was $3.42 million ($3.49 million CAD). During the 2006 year, Axion paid its share of the investment in the amount of $1,441,913 CAD.
Pursuant to an agreement dated July 28, 2006, Axion was to advance a loan to one of the unrelated parties to pay for its portion of the purchase price. During the 2006 year, Axion advanced a loan in the amount of $516,028 to two shareholders of this party for a one year term, bearing interest at 10% per annum. The
loan was repaid during the 2006 year.
|
c) |
On March 13, 2007, Axion authorized Envision Credit Union (“ECU”) to make a demand loan to THL in the amount of $1.30 million ($1.4 million CAD) for the benefit of the other two parties, Canitalia and 449991 (the “Loan”). The parties have acknowledged that the Loan is for the sole benefit of 449991 and Canitalia and have agreed that none of THL, Axion or Abdul Ladha,
the Company’s president, will have responsibility for payments of the Loan (see the discussion below) and that THL, Axion and the president will be fully indemnified for any expenses or payments they become liable for thereunder. |
In exchange for the Loan, ECU received a promissory note from THL requiring the payment of interest only at the rate of prime plus 1% per annum until ECU demands payment of the principal. The loan is secured with a mortgage against the Property and a security interest in the personal
property of THL. ECU also required Axion and the president of the Company to enter into a Debt Service Agreement.
Pursuant to the Debt Service Agreement, the president and Axion agree that they will be responsible for the monthly interest payments required by the promissory note in the event that 449991 and Canitalia fail to make the payments as required.
ABLEAUCTIONS.COM, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2009
(Unaudited)
5. INVESTMENT IN JOINT VENTURE (continued)
If 449991 and Canitalia default on the loan obligation to ECU, Axion will be entitled, but not obligated, to purchase the shares of stock in THL that are owned by the responsible parties at a price discount to market. If Axion exercises its right to purchase the stock owned by the responsible parties, then it will have no further
recourse against 449991 and Canitalia for payment of the Loan.
If Axion does not exercise its right to purchase the stock owned by the responsible parties, then the responsible parties agree that they shall indemnify and hold the president, Axion and THL harmless from and against any amounts that they or any of them may pay in order to bring the Loan into good standing or to prevent ECU from foreclosing
on its security, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any payments of principal, interest, and legal fees made by Axion, the president or THL.
|
d) |
The Company has originally estimated a value of $40,535 for the above guarantee, and has provided a provision of $40,535 for the guarantee liability, which is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities at March 31, 2009. The Company decided to leave the guarantee at its original amount until expiration of the guarantee in the year 2012, as the change in value is not significant. The
maximum potential amount of future payments under this guarantee as of March 31, 2009 is $367,367. |
|
e) |
The Company considered the limited exception contained in FIN 46R exempting from consideration as a Variable Interest Entity a joint venture that is a business, under certain conditions. In the Company’s view, this joint venture meets these conditions. |
|
f) |
Summarized financial statements for the joint venture investment: |
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
Dec 31, 2008 |
|
Balance Sheet |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets |
|
$ |
2,750,824 |
|
|
$ |
2,850,416 |
|
Liabilities |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Equity |
|
|
2,750,824 |
|
|
|
2,850,416 |
|
|
3 months ended March 31, 2009 |
|
3 months ended March 31, 2008 |
|
Statement of Operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
2,191 |
|
Expenses |
|
|
1,761 |
|
|
|
55 |
|
Net Income (loss) |
|
|
(1,761 |
) |
|
|
2,136 |
|
ABLEAUCTIONS.COM, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2009
(Unaudited)
6. INVESTMENT IN SURREY CITY CENTRAL
On October 6, 2008 the board of directors approved a Development Agreement with the Company’s president, Mr. Abdul Ladha, Overture Development Corporation, Surrey Central City Ltd. (“Surrey”) and Bullion Reef Holdings Ltd. (“Bullion”). Mr. Ladha is the sole officer, director and shareholder of Overture
Development Corporation and the sole officer and director of Surrey. Bullion is the sole shareholder of Surrey. A trust created for the benefit of Mr. Ladha’s family is the sole shareholder of Bullion.
Surrey is the owner of 4 vacant lots (collectively referred to as the “Property”) adjacent to the Gruv Development on 9655 King George Highway, Surrey, British Columbia. Surrey intends to explore the potential of developing the Property by improving it with a residential complex of at least 4-stories which will consist of at
least 76 condominiums. The Company’s board of directors believes that this development has significant potential and determined to acquire a 50% interest in Surrey.
On the date of the Development Agreement, Surrey had no assets other than the Property and no liabilities. Surrey had 299 shares of common stock issued and outstanding, all of which were owned by Bullion. The Company agreed to purchase 149.5 of these shares from Bullion and agreed to pay $1,347,440 for these shares. The
purchase price was based on appraisals provided to the Company by independent appraisers and a fairness opinion. The purchase price is subject to an upward adjustment in the event that Surrey decides to develop the Property with a 6-storey complex rather than a 4-storey complex. The purchase price could also be increased to reflect the increase in value that would accrue to the Property if Surrey were able to acquire a lot adjacent to the Property commonly known as 13509 96th Avenue,
which was owned by an unrelated third party. On October 20, 2008, Surrey entered into an agreement to purchase the lot for approximately $700,000 and the acquisition was completed on December 15, 2008.
The Company is to pay $673,720 of the purchase price in cash and the remainder of the purchase price with a promissory note. The promissory note accrues simple interest at the rate of prime plus 2% per annum. As discussed below, on October 22, 2008, the promissory note was amended to include a provision that allows
Bullion to convert up to $1 million of the principal amount and the interest accrued thereon into shares of the Company’s common stock. The number of shares of common stock to be issued to Bullion upon conversion of the principal and accrued interest will be computed at 20% above the last sale price of one share of the Company’s common stock on the date on which the Development Agreement was executed. The last sale price of our common stock on October 6, 2008 was $0.36, therefore
the number of shares of common stock will be computed using a price of $0.432 per share. The entire unpaid principal balance, together with any accrued interest and other unpaid charges or fees are due and payable on October 6, 2009.
ABLEAUCTIONS.COM, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2009
(Unaudited)
6. INVESTMENT IN SURREY CITY CENTRAL (Continued)
In the event that Surrey is unable to successfully obtain the approval of a preliminary development plan and a commitment for financing to complete the build-out of the Property, or if for any reason Surrey determines that the build-out of the Property is not in its best interests, notice of this event will be provided to the Company. Within
20 days of receiving the notice, the Company may put the stock purchased to Bullion and Bullion will, within 120 days from receiving the put notice, repurchase the stock by paying to the Company in cash the purchase price (including the adjustments described above, if any), less one-half of the expenses incurred by Surrey in its efforts to develop the Property. This put right will expire within 12 months from the date of the Development Agreement.
The Development Agreement anticipates that Mr. Ladha and Overture Development Corporation will provide certain management services to Surrey in developing the Property in consideration for 12.5% of the net profit (the “Developer’s Fee”). The term “net profit” means the revenue received from the
sale of the residential units after deducting expenses.
Net profit is to be determined when the project receives a conditional occupancy permit and when any and all loans or other debt related to the project have been paid in full. If the sale of the residential units included in the build-out of the Property fails to realize a net profit, Mr. Ladha and Overture Development
Corporation will not receive the Developer’s Fee. If units remain unsold following the payment in full of the loans or other debt related to the build-out of the Property, the Developer’s Fee will be paid as each such unit is sold.
On October 20, 2008, Surrey entered into an agreement to purchase a fifth lot, 13509 96th Ave., for approximately $700,000 from an un-related party. On October 22, 2008 the Company and Bullion, Surrey, Mr. Ladha and Overture Development Corporation
agreed to amend the Development Agreement to provide that Bullion will be entitled to convert up to $1 million of principal amount and interest accrued on such amount into shares of the Company’s common stock at a price of $0.432 per share. The total number of shares that could be issued if Bullion converts up to $1 million of principal and interest accrued thereon would total 2,465,277 shares.
|
The total investment of $1,676,123 has been recorded as “Investment in Surrey City Central” on the balance sheet as of March 31, 2009, with an amount of $1,363,765 owing to Bullion as of March 31, 2009. |
ABLEAUCTIONS.COM, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2009
(Unaudited)
7. BANK LOAN
On October 11, 2006, the Company arranged for a credit facility in the amount of $1,879,346 ($2,000,000 CAN) (the “Credit Facility”) from the Royal Bank of Canada (the “Bank”). The Credit Facility bore interest at the prime rate as announced by the Bank, plus 0.50% per year. Blended payments
of interest and principal in the amount of $14,914 CANare due each month. Principal is due to be paid in full on the last day of a two to five year term chosen by the Company on the date of a draw down. Repayment of the Credit Facility is secured by a mortgage, which includes an assignment of rents, against the property where the Company’s head office is located and a guarantee and postponement of claim
signed by the Company in favour of the Bank. As of March 31, 2009, the amount of the loan was $1,542,060.
Bank Loan #1 (Note 4) $ 6,527,829
Bank Loan #2 1,542,060
Total Bank Loan
8,069,889
8. |
SETTLEMENT OF LEGAL CLAIM |
On April 2, 2008, a former employee and agent, Mr. Steve Gold and Gold Network, Inc. (collectively, the “Plaintiffs”), filed a legal action against the Company for breach of contract relating to commissions they alleged were not paid to them. The action was filed in the Superior Court of Ventura County, California. On
May 2, 2008 the Company reached an agreement with the Plaintiffs regarding the dispute and paid the sum of $65,000 to the Plaintiffs in exchange for a release of their claims. The Company has recorded the full amount as “provision for legal claim” in the Statement of Operations during the period ended March 31, 2008, with the offsetting liability included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities at March 31, 2008.
9. CAPITAL STOCK
Stock-based Compensation
During the 3 month period ended March 31, 2008, the Company recognized an expense of $8,000 in respect to stock options granted in the 2006 year, which are vested as of March 31, 2008.
Treasury Stock
On July 23, 2007, the Company initiated a stock purchase program. The purchases would occur from time to time at the Company’s discretion, with the Company’s currently available cash reserves. No specific number of shares or dollar value has been established by the Company.
For the 3 month period ended March 31, 2008, the Company repurchased 1,530,966 shares for a total cost of $224,678.
For the 3 month period ended March 31, 2009, the Company repurchased 112,386 shares for a total cost of $26,921. Subsequent to March 31, 2009, the Company repurchased an additional 40,723 shares for a total cost of $10,396. On May 1, 2009, the total number of 153,109 shares repurchased were cancelled and returned
to the authorized capital stock of the Company.
ABLEAUCTIONS.COM, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2009
(Unaudited)
Warrants
On January 4, 2008, 795,384 of the warrants that were exercisable at $0.80 per share expired.
On March 13, 2009 our wholly-owned subsidiary, 0716590 BC Ltd., entered into a Contract of Purchase and Sale (the “Agreement”) for sale of the real property located at 1963 Lougheed Highway, Coquitlam, British Columbia. The property consists of approximately 19,646 square feet of commercial space and approximately
2,300 square feet of residential space and is located on approximately eight-tenths of an acre. The purchaser is Business World Development Inc., a party unrelated to our company or any of our officers or directors (the “Purchaser”).
The Purchaser will pay a purchase price of CDN$3,400,000 for the property. The sale is due to close on November 2, 2009.
On April 6, 2009, the Agreement was amended to provide that we would provide financing to the Purchaser. We have agreed to finance 80% of the purchase price. The loan will have a term of 7 years and will bear simple interest at 6.5% per annum. The payments will be amortized over 20 years. The
loan will be secured by a mortgage, including an assignment of rents, recorded against the property.
11. |
SEGMENTED INFORMATION |
The Company has four reportable segments:
- Auction, Liquidation and Technology Business segment
- Real Property and Property Development segment
- Investment segment
- Other segment
Through the Auction, Liquidation and Technology Business segment, the Company provides auction broadcast technology, liquidation and merchandizing services, and technology to businesses to assist them with managing the sale of their products.
This segment information consists of the iCollector, Jarvis, Unlimited Closeouts and Rapidfusion operations.
Through the Real Property and Property Development segment, the Company manages its real property and property development. This segment information consists of 1963 Lougheed Holding Ltd., a holding company where the Ableauctions’ head office is located - 1963 Lougheed Highway, Coquitlam, B.C., Gruv Holding Corporation,
the Company’s real estate project located at 9655 King George Highway, Surrey, Gruv Development Corporation, 0716590 B.C. Ltd. and the Company’s interest in the Township Holdings’ joint venture.
ABLEAUCTIONS.COM, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2009
(Unaudited)
Through the Mortgages and Loans segment, the Company manages its marketable securities, mortgages and loans to third parties. This segment consists of investments by Axion Investment Corporation, Ableauctions.com Inc and AAC Holdings Ltd.
The Other segment encompasses all other activities of the Company including management, investor relations and other related head office expenses incurred by Ableauctions.com Inc., which are also included in determining this segment’s profits.
The Company's reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services and are managed separately.
|
Following is the segmented information for the period ended March 31, 2009: |
|
|
Real Property
& Property Development |
|
|
Mortgages
& Loans |
|
|
Auction,
Liquidation & Technology Businesses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
External revenue by market |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
US |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
503,523 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
503,523 |
|
Canada |
|
|
31,894 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
102,380 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
134,274 |
|
Other |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
3,550 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
3,550 |
|
Total Revenue From External Customer |
|
|
31,894 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
609,453 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
641,347 |
|
Investment income |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
81,024 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
81,024 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
16,010 |
|
|
|
47,391 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
63,401 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
7,948 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
8,460 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
16,408 |
|
Segment profit |
|
|
(26,891 |
) |
|
|
6,249 |
|
|
|
(55,221 |
) |
|
|
(91,927 |
) |
|
|
(167,790 |
) |
Segment assets |
|
|
15,147,012 |
|
|
|
931,295 |
|
|
|
1,402,385 |
|
|
|
1,556,222 |
|
|
|
19,036,914 |
|
Expenditures on long-lived assets |
|
|
1,363,474 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,363,474 |
|
Investment in joint venture |
|
|
1,181,138 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,181,138 |
|
Investment in Surrey City Central |
|
|
1,676,123 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,676,123 |
|
ABLEAUCTIONS.COM, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2009
(Unaudited)
|
Following is the segmented information for the period ended March 31, 2008: |
|
|
Real Property
& Property Development |
|
|
Mortgages
& Loans |
|
|
Auction,
Liquidation & Technology Businesses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
External revenue by market |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
US |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
605,026 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
605,026 |
|
Canada |
|
|
39,574 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
143,189 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
182,763 |
|
Other |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
10,099 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
10,099 |
|
Total Revenue From External Customer |
|
|
39,574 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
758,314 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
797,888 |
|
Investment income |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
35,002 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
35,002 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
10,269 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
35,089 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
45,358 |
|
Segment profit |
|
|
33,828 |
|
|
|
36,368 |
|
|
|
(127,622 |
) |
|
|
(136,625 |
) |
|
|
(194,051 |
) |
Segment assets |
|
|
8,681,360 |
|
|
|
1,809,157 |
|
|
|
2,900,451 |
|
|
|
83,407 |
|
|
|
13,474,375 |
|
Expenditures on long-lived assets |
|
|
122,071 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
19,058 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
141,129 |
|
Investment in joint venture |
|
|
1,456,408 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,456,408 |
|
ABLEAUCTIONS.COM, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2009
(Unaudited)
12. OPERATING EXPENSES
|
|
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31 |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
Operating Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounting and legal |
|
$ |
5,197 |
|
|
$ |
1,866 |
|
Advertising and promotion |
|
|
4,999 |
|
|
|
6,586 |
|
Automobile |
|
|
7,684 |
|
|
|
3,028 |
|
Commission |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
40,413 |
|
Interest |
|
|
63,401 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Insurance |
|
|
6,476 |
|
|
|
7,412 |
|
Investor relations and shareholder information |
|
|
30,447 |
|
|
|
23,670 |
|
Management fees |
|
|
39,000 |
|
|
|
39,000 |
|
Office and administration |
|
|
44,376 |
|
|
|
10,428 |
|
Rent and utilities |
|
|
19,542 |
|
|
|
15,801 |
|
Repairs and maintenance |
|
|
4,097 |
|
|
|
3,640 |
|
Salaries and benefits |
|
|
205,679 |
|
|
|
317,321 |
|
Telephone |
|
|
11,785 |
|
|
|
7,779 |
|
Travel |
|
|
7,944 |
|
|
|
14,610 |
|
Website maintenance |
|
|
17,375 |
|
|
|
16,147 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Operating Expenses |
|
$ |
468,002 |
|
|
$ |
507,701 |
|
13. |
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS |
|
(i) |
In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-4, “Determining Fair Value When Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly” (FSP 157-4). FSP 157-4 provides guidance on how to determine the fair value of assets and liabilities when the volume and level of activity for the asset/liability has significantly decreased.
FSP 157-4 also provides guidance on identifying circumstances that indicate a transaction is not orderly. In addition, FSP 157-4 requires disclosure in interim and annual periods of the inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value and a discussion of changes in valuation techniques. FSP 157-4 is effective for us beginning in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009. The adoption of FSP 157-4 is not expected to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements. |
|
(ii) |
In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment” (FSP 115-2/124-2). FSP 115-2/124-2 amends the requirements for the recognition and measurement of other-than-temporary impairments for debt securities by modifying the pre-existing “intent and ability” indicator. Under FSP 115-2/124-2, an other-than-temporary impairment
is triggered when there is an intent to sell the security, it is more likely than not that the security will be required to be sold before recovery, or the security is not expected to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. Additionally, FSP 115-2/124-2 changes the presentation of an other-than-temporary impairment in the income statement for those impairments involving credit losses. The credit loss component will be recognized in earnings and the remainder of the impairment will be recorded
in other comprehensive income. FSP 115-2/124-2 is effective for us beginning in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009. Upon implementation at the beginning of the second quarter of 2009, FSP 115-2/124-2 is not expected to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements. |
|
(iii) |
In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, “Interim Disclosure about Fair Value of Financial Instruments” (FSP 107-1/APB 28-1). FSP 107-1/APB 28-1 requires interim disclosures regarding the fair values of financial instruments that are within the scope of FAS 107, “Disclosures about the Fair Value of Financial Instruments.” Additionally, FSP 107-1/APB 28-1 requires disclosure
of the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments on an interim basis as well as changes of the methods and significant assumptions from prior periods. FSP 107-1/APB 28-1 does not change the accounting treatment for these financial instruments and is effective for us beginning in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009. |
ABLEAUCTIONS.COM, INC.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2008
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Ableauctions.com, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Ableauctions.com, Inc. as of December 31, 2008, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2008. Ableauctions.com, Inc.’s management is responsible for these consolidated
financial statements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit. The consolidated financial statements of Ableauctions.com, Inc. as of December 31, 2007, were audited by other auditors whose report dated March 26, 2007, expressed an unqualified opinion on those statements.
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 provides 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 Ableauctions.com, Inc. as of December 31, 2008, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America.
/s/ “Cinnamon Jang Willoughby & Company”
Chartered Accountants
Burnaby, Canada
February 26, 2009
MetroTower II - Suite 900 - 4720 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC Canada V5H 4N2. Telephone: +1 604 435 4317. Fax: +1 604 435 4319.
HLB Cinnamon Jang Willoughby & Company is a member of HLB International. A world-wide organization of accounting firms and business advisors
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Ableauctions.com, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Ableauctions.com, Inc. as of December 31, 2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, cash flows and stockholders’ equity for the year then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with 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 consolidated 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 consolidated 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, based on our audit, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Ableauctions.com, Inc. as at December 31, 2007, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States of America.
/s/ STS PARTNERS LLP
CHARTERED
ACCOUNTANTS
Vancouver BC
March 24, 2008
ABLEAUCTIONS.COM, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
|
|
DECEMBER 31 |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
223,592 |
|
|
$ |
1,594,657 |
|
Accounts receivable – trade, net of allowance |
|
|
545,740 |
|
|
|
888,199 |
|
Employee receivable |
|
|
248,072 |
|
|
|
298,464 |
|
Mortgages and loans receivable |
|
|
2,294,745 |
|
|
|
1,009,846 |
|
Inventory |
|
|
666,138 |
|
|
|
817,448 |
|
Prepaid expenses |
|
|
63,841 |
|
|
|
37,055 |
|
|
|
|
4,042,128 |
|
|
|
4,645,669 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other receivable |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
215,067 |
|
Deposits |
|
|
320,558 |
|
|
|
388,212 |
|
Intangible Assets |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
355,759 |
|
Property and Equipment |
|
|
2,312,187 |
|
|
|
3,183,055 |
|
Property Held for Development |
|
|
8,520,055 |
|
|
|
4,124,221 |
|
Investment in Joint Venture |
|
|
1,223,728 |
|
|
|
1,507,403 |
|
Investment in Surrey City Central |
|
|
1,671,638 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
18,090,294 |
|
|
$ |
14,419,386 |
|
LIABILITIES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
|
$ |
519,043 |
|
|
$ |
398,629 |
|
Deferred revenue |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
8,450 |
|
Due to Director |
|
|
1,363,765 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Bank loan |
|
|
6,367,756 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
8,250,564 |
|
|
|
407,079 |
|
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital Stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Authorized: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100,000,000 common shares with a par value of $0.001 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issued and outstanding: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,906,957 common shares at December 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,445,668 common shares at December 31, 2007 |
|
|
5,907 |
|
|
|
5,446 |
|
Additional paid-in capital |
|
|
37,903,221 |
|
|
|
37,941,538 |
|
Deficit |
|
|
(28,152,681 |
) |
|
|
(25,380,855 |
) |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income |
|
|
83,283 |
|
|
|
2,115,740 |
|
Treasury Stock, at cost (2007: 298,781 shares) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(669,562 |
) |
|
|
|
9,839,730 |
|
|
|
14,012,307 |
|
Contingent Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments |
|
$ |
18,090,294 |
|
|
$ |
14,419,386 |
|
Approved By The Directors:
“Abdul Ladha” “Barrett
Sleeman”
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
ABLEAUCTIONS.COM, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
|
|
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales & Commissions |
|
$ |
2,806,136 |
|
|
$ |
4,938,918 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of Revenues |
|
|
2,065,759 |
|
|
|
2,980,221 |
|
Gross Profit |
|
|
740,377 |
|
|
|
1,958,697 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment Income |
|
|
207,781 |
|
|
|
397,977 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
948,158 |
|
|
|
2,356,674 |
|
Operating Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounting and legal |
|
|
266,878 |
|
|
|
124,973 |
|
Advertising and promotion |
|
|
29,181 |
|
|
|
60,990 |
|
Automobile and travel |
|
|
110,094 |
|
|
|
77,056 |
|
Bad debts |
|
|
86,143 |
|
|
|
225,111 |
|
Commission |
|
|
195,049 |
|
|
|
423,564 |
|
Depreciation and amortization of fixed assets |
|
|
135,664 |
|
|
|
194,737 |
|
Insurance |
|
|
28,250 |
|
|
|
37,615 |
|
Interest and penalties |
|
|
206,244 |
|
|
|
52,012 |
|
Investor relations and shareholder information |
|
|
149,821 |
|
|
|
111,906 |
|
Management fees, salaries and benefits |
|
|
1,364,465 |
|
|
|
1,243,207 |
|
Office and administration |
|
|
102,787 |
|
|
|
112,821 |
|
Rent, utilities and maintenance |
|
|
148,209 |
|
|
|
170,070 |
|
Telephone and internet |
|
|
119,353 |
|
|
|
160,002 |
|
|
|
|
2,942,138 |
|
|
|
2,994,064 |
|
Loss from Operations |
|
|
(1,993,980 |
) |
|
|
(637,390 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Items |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign exchange loss |
|
|
(96,411 |
) |
|
|
(67,221 |
) |
Share of net income (Loss) of joint venture |
|
|
(21,356 |
) |
|
|
11,353 |
|
Impairment of intangible assets |
|
|
(321,612 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Impairment of property and equipment |
|
|
(273,432 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
Settlement of legal claim |
|
|
(65,035 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
(777,846 |
) |
|
|
(55,868 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss for the Year |
|
$ |
(2,771,826 |
) |
|
$ |
(693,258 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic loss per Share |
|
$ |
(0.53 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.13 |
) |
Diluted loss per Share |
|
$ |
(0.53 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.13 |
) |
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
|
5,194,037 |
|
|
|
5,314,628 |
|
Diluted |
|
|
5,194,037 |
|
|
|
5,314,628 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
ABLEAUCTIONS.COM, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
|
|
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss for the Year |
|
$ |
(2,771,826 |
) |
|
$ |
(693,258 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency translation adjustments |
|
|
(2,032,457 |
) |
|
|
1,919,436 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Comprehensive Income (Loss) |
|
$ |
(4,804,283 |
) |
|
$ |
1,226,178 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
ABLEAUCTIONS.COM, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
|
|
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Cash Flows from Operating Activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss for the year from continuing operations |
|
$ |
(2,771,826 |
) |
|
$ |
(693,258 |
) |
Non-cash items included in net loss: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
135,664 |
|
|
|
194,737 |
|
Bad debt expense |
|
|
86,741 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Stock-based compensation |
|
|
20,625 |
|
|
|
37,224 |
|
Inventory write down |
|
|
553,731 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Impairment of assets |
|
|
595,044 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Joint Venture Income |
|
|
21,356 |
|
|
|
(11,353 |
) |
|
|
|
(1,358,665 |
) |
|
|
(472,650 |
) |
Changes in operating working capital items: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Increase) Decrease in accounts receivable |
|
|
255,718 |
|
|
|
599,478 |
|
(Increase) Decrease in inventory |
|
|
(408,606 |
) |
|
|
126,418 |
|
(Increase)Decrease in prepaid expenses |
|
|
(26,332 |
) |
|
|
13,256 |
|
(Increase) Decrease in employee receivable |
|
|
50,392 |
|
|
|
(256,902 |
) |
Increase (Decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
|
|
125,559 |
|
|
|
221,939 |
|
Increase (Decrease) in deferred revenue |
|
|
(8,450 |
) |
|
|
7,188 |
|
Net cash from (used in) operating activities |
|
|
(1,370,384 |
) |
|
|
238,727 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Investing Activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of property and equipment, net |
|
|
(21,014 |
) |
|
|
(34,267 |
) |
Purchase of property held for development |
|
|
(6,206,805 |
) |
|
|
(1,816,545 |
) |
Loan advances |
|
|
(2,173,130 |
) |
|
|
(186,464 |
) |
Loan repayments |
|
|
394,596 |
|
|
|
3,420,332 |
|
Investment in Surrey |
|
|
(1,671,638 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
Investment in joint venture |
|
|
(17,806 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
Other receivables |
|
|
215,067 |
|
|
|
(82,977 |
) |
Deposits |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(361,435 |
) |
Note receivable |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,931 |
|
Net cash from (used in) Investing Activities |
|
|
(9,480,730 |
) |
|
|
940,575 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Financing Activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceed from bank loan |
|
|
7,606,086 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Repayment of Bank Loan |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(548,694 |
) |
Advances from Director |
|
|
1,747,765 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Proceeds from issuance of capital stock, net |
|
|
601,385 |
|
|
|
528,235 |
|
Purchase of treasury stock |
|
|
(374,304 |
) |
|
|
(669,562 |
) |
|
|
|
9,580,932 |
|
|
|
(690,021 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents for the Year |
|
|
(1,270,182 |
) |
|
|
489,281 |
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning Of Year |
|
|
1,594,657 |
|
|
|
1,004,558 |
|
Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash |
|
|
(100,883 |
) |
|
|
100,818 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year |
|
$ |
223,592 |
|
|
$ |
1,594,657 |
|
Supplemental Disclosures With Respect To Cash Flows (Note 14)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
ABLEAUCTIONS.COM, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
DECEMBER 31, 2008
|
|
COMMON STOCK |
|
|
ADDITIONAL
PAID-IN
CAPITAL |
|
|
ACCUMULATED
OTHER
COMPREHENSIVE
INCOME |
|
|
TREASURY
STOCK,
AT
COST |
|
|
DEFICIT |
|
|
TOTAL
STOCKHOLDERS’
EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2006 |
|
|
5,200,570 |
|
|
$ |
5,201 |
|
|
$ |
37,376,324 |
|
|
$ |
196,304 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
(24,687,597 |
) |
|
$ |
12,890,232 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance of capital stock |
|
|
245,098 |
|
|
|
245 |
|
|
|
527,990 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
528,235 |
|
Repurchase of treasury stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(669,562 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(669,562 |
) |
Stock-based compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
37,224 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
37,224 |
|
Translation adjustment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,919,436 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,919,436 |
|
Income (loss) for the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(693,258 |
) |
|
|
(693,258 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2007 |
|
|
5,445,668 |
|
|
$ |
5,446 |
|
|
$ |
37,941,538 |
|
|
$ |
2,115,740 |
|
|
$ |
(669,562 |
) |
|
$ |
(25,380,855 |
) |
|
$ |
14,012,307 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance of capital stock |
|
|
1,000,000 |
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
984,385 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
985,385 |
|
Fractional share adjustment |
|
|
591 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Repurchase of treasury stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(374,304 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(374,304 |
) |
Cancellation of treasury stock |
|
|
(539,302 |
) |
|
|
(539 |
) |
|
|
(1,043,327 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,043,866 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
|
Stock-based compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,625 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,625 |
|
Translation adjustment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,032,457 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,032,457 |
) |
Income (loss) for the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,771,826 |
) |
|
|
(2,681,826 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2008 |
|
|
5,906,957 |
|
|
$ |
5,907 |
|
|
$ |
37,903,221 |
|
|
$ |
83,283 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
(28,152,681 |
) |
|
$ |
9,839,730 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
ABLEAUCTIONS.COM, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2008
1. |
BUSINESS AND BASIS OF ORGANIZATION |
Ableauctions.com, Inc. (the 'Company') was organized on September 30, 1996, under the laws of the State of Florida, as J.B. Financial Services, Inc. On July 19, 1999, an Article of Amendment was filed with the State of Florida for the change of the Company's name from J.B. Financial Services, Inc. to Ableauctions.com, Inc.
The Company provides liquidation and merchandising services along with auction and point-of-sale technology to businesses to assist them with managing the sale of their products. The Company also provides mortgages and loans to individuals and companies, and develops real property. The Company classifies its business interests
into four reportable segments: Auction, Liquidation & Technology Business: consisting principally of liquidation and merchandizing services; Mortgages and Loans: consisting of mortgages, loans and other investments; Real Property & Property Development: consisting principally of properties held for development and Other consisting of all other activities of the Company including management, investor relations and other related head office expenses. Financial information for Ableauctions.com’s
various reportable segments is presented in Note 22.
The Company's operating subsidiaries are:
Unlimited Closeouts, Inc., a U.S. based liquidation business.
Jarvis Industries Ltd., a Canadian based liquidation business
Icollector.Com Technologies Ltd., a Canadian based Internet auction facility.
Rapidfusion Technologies Inc., a Canadian based Internet auction business.
Gruv Development Corporation, a Canadian based real estate
Axion Investment Corp., a Canadian based investment business.
1963 Lougheed Holdings Ltd., a Canadian based real estate holding company
AAC Holdings Ltd., a Canadian-based holding company (incorporated on April 24, 2007)
0716590 B.C. Ltd., a Canadian based real estate holding company
Effective December 31, 2007, two of the subsidiaries, Axion Investment Corp. and Gruv Holdings Corp. were amalgamated retaining the name of Axion Investment Corp.
2. |
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
|
a) |
Principles of Consolidation |
These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Ableauctions.com, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, from the dates of acquisition. Any significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
|
b) |
Foreign Currency Translation |
The Company accounts for foreign currency transactions and translation of foreign currency financial statements under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 52, "Foreign Currency Translation" ("SFAS 52"). The Company uses the current rate method as the functional currency is the Canadian dollar. All assets and liabilities
are translated at the current rates, while stockholder’s equity accounts are translated at the appropriate historical rate or rates. Revenues and expenses are translated at the weighted-average rate for the year. Gains and losses from restatement of foreign assets and liabilities are included in comprehensive income. Revenues and expenses are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing on the dates such items are recognized in earnings.
Financial statements of the Company's Canadian subsidiaries (see Note 1) are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate at the balance sheet date for assets and liabilities. The Company's investments in the structural capital of the Canadian subsidiaries have been recorded at the historical cost in U.S. dollars. The
resulting gains or losses are reported as a separate component of stockholders' equity. The functional currency of the Canadian subsidiaries is the local currency, the Canadian dollar.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amount of revenues
and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
|
d) |
Cash and Cash Equivalents |
Cash and cash equivalents include cash and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.
The Company's accounts receivable primarily include amounts due from its customers. The carrying value of each account is carefully monitored to assess the likelihood of collection. An allowance for doubtful accounts is provided for as an estimate of losses that could result from customers defaulting on their obligations to the Company.
In assessing the amount of allowance required, a number of factors are considered including the age of the account, the credit worthiness of the customer, payment terms, the customer's historical payment history and general economic conditions. Activity in the following allowance for doubtful accounts was as follows:
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Balance, beginning of period |
|
$ |
(57,680 |
) |
|
$ |
167,431 |
|
Written off during the year |
|
|
143,823 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Charge to costs and expenses |
|
|
(86,143 |
) |
|
|
(225,111 |
) |
Balance, end of period |
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
(57,680 |
) |
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
|
f) |
Fair Value of Financial Instruments |
Effective January 1, 2008, we adopted SFAS 157, Fair Value Measurements ("SFAS 157"). SFAS 157 provides a definition of fair value, establishes a hierarchy for measuring fair value under generally accepted accounting principles, and requires certain disclosures about fair values
used in the financial statements. SFAS 157 defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value under SFAS 157 must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The standard describes a fair
value hierarchy based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, that may be used to measure fair value, which are the following:
|
Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. |
|
Level 2 – Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. |
|
Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. |
The Company uses the following methods and significant assumptions to estimate fair values:
Loans: The Company does not record loans at their fair value on a recurring basis. However, the Company evaluates certain loans for impairment when it is probable the payment of interest and principal will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Once a loan has been determined to be impaired, it is measured
to establish the amount of the impairment, if any, based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, except that collateral-dependent loans may be measured for impairment based on the fair value of the collateral, less cost to sell. If the measure of the impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, a valuation allowance is recognized. At December 31, 2008, the Company has determined that there has been no impairment of its loans.
The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, employee receivable, inventory, deposits, accounts payable, due to director and bank loan for all periods presented approximates their respective carrying amounts due to the short-term nature of these balances.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments:
SFAS No. 107, “Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments”, requires disclosure of the estimated fair value of financial instruments. A portion of the Company’s assets and liabilities are considered financial instruments as defined in SFAS No. 107. Many of the Company’s financial instruments, however, lack
an available, or readily determinable, trading market as characterized by a willing buyer and willing seller engaging in an exchange transaction.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
The Company can use significant estimations and present value calculations for the purposes of estimating fair values. Accordingly, fair values are based on various factors relative to current economic conditions, risk characteristics, and other factors. The assumptions and estimates used in the fair value determination process are subjective
in nature and involve uncertainties and significant judgment and, therefore, fair values cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect these estimated values.
Inventory is stated at the lower of cost and estimated net realizable value using the average cost method. The Company incurred an inventory write down of $553,731 for the year ended December 31, 2008 (2007: $163,415).
The Company has adopted Statement of Position 98-1 ("SOP 98-1"), "Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use", as its accounting policy for internally developed computer software costs. Under SOP 98-1, computer software costs incurred in the preliminary development stage are expensed
as incurred. Computer software costs incurred during the application development stage are capitalized and amortized over the software's estimated useful life.
|
i) |
Property and Equipment |
Property and equipment are recorded at cost. The cost of property and equipment is depreciated using the declining balance method at the following annual rates:
Building |
4% |
Furniture and fixtures |
20% |
Server equipment |
10% |
Computer equipment |
30% |
Computer software |
10% |
Vehicles |
30% |
Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the terms of the leases.
Intangible assets are recorded at cost and amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the agreement.
|
k) |
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets |
The Company periodically evaluates potential impairments of its long-lived assets, including property and equipment, and intangibles with definite lives. The Company tests the recoverability of the assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
When the Company determines that the carrying value of long-lived assets may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more indicators of impairment, the Company evaluates the projected undiscounted cash flows related to the assets. If these cash flows are less
than the carrying value of the assets, the Company measures the impairment using discounted cash flows or other methods of determining fair value.
Long-lived assets to be disposed of are carried at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated costs of disposal.
|
l) |
Investment in Joint Venture |
|
The Company accounts for its investment in joint venture on an equity basis. |
The Company provides all of its home buyers with a limited warranty as to workmanship and mechanical equipment. The Company also provides many of its home buyers with a limited ten-year warranty as to structural integrity. The Company accrues for expected warranty costs at the time each home is closed and title and possession
have been transferred to the buyer.
Auction/ liquidation and technology business
The Company's net revenues result from fees and revenue associated with Internet based listing fees and auction activities. Internet related listing fees are derived principally from enabling independent auction houses to simultaneously broadcast their auctions over the Internet. These fees are recognized upon successful completion
of each individual auction when the final terms of sales and commissions have been determined.
The Company generally earns revenues from its auction activities either through consignment sales, or through sales of inventory purchased by the Company. For consignment sales, the Company earns auction fees charged to consignees, and buyer's premiums charged to purchasers, determined as a percentage of the sale price. For
inventory sales, the Company earns a profit or incurs a loss on the sale, to the extent the purchase price exceeds or is less than the purchase price paid for such inventory.
For each type of auction revenue, an invoice is rendered to the purchaser, and revenue is recognized by the Company, at the date of the auction. The auction purchase creates a legal obligation upon the purchaser to take possession of, and pay for the merchandise. This obligation generally provides the Company with
reasonable assurance of collection of the sale proceeds, from which the Company's earnings are derived, including the fees from consignees and purchasers, as well as resale profits.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Mortgages and Loans
(a) |
Mortgages are stated at cost which includes amounts advanced and applicable charges, less repayments. |
(b) |
Interest is accounted for on the accrual basis for amounts advanced unless a mortgage is identified as impaired. For amounts committed but unadvanced, |
recognition of such fees as revenue would be deferred until the advance of the loan.
(c) |
A mortgage is classified as impaired when, in the opinion of management, there is reasonable doubt as to the ultimate collectibility of principal and interest. |
(d) |
When a mortgage is identified as impaired, the accrual of interest is discontinued. A provision for estimated losses is recorded when the principal and accrued interest exceed the estimated net underlying value of the security or if management otherwise feels a provision would be prudent. |
Real property and property development
Rental income in respect to commercial and residential property leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
For condominium development projects, profit is recognized on the percentage-of-completion method in respect to individual units sold on a pre-sale basis, when all the following criteria are met:
i. |
Construction is beyond a preliminary stage. |
ii. |
The buyer may only receive a refund in the circumstances of non-delivery of the unit. |
iii. |
Sufficient units have already been sold to assure that the entire property will not revert to rental property. |
iv. |
Sales prices are collectible. Pursuant to EITF 06-8, the collectibility of the sales price is assessed by the Company primarily based on the adequacy of the buyer’s continuing investment in the form of non-refundable deposits, and the age and location of the property. The credit standing of the buyer is taken into
account if known. |
v. |
Aggregate sales proceeds and costs can be reasonably estimated. |
Deposits received in respect to sales which do not meet the criteria for revenue recognition described above shall be accounted for as deposits until the criteria are met.
No revenue related to condominium sales has been recognized by the Company as at December 31, 2008.
All revenue and costs related to the project are deferred until the completion of the development and the successful completion of the sales and transfer of Strata lots
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
|
o) |
Acquisitions and Goodwill |
All business acquisitions have been accounted for under the purchase method and, accordingly, the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired has been recorded as goodwill in the consolidated balance sheet. The results of operations, changes in equity and cash flows of acquired companies are included
in operations only for the period between the date of acquisition and the end of the financial year. All goodwill arising from acquisitions of businesses was written off in previous periods.
The Company recognizes advertising expenses in accordance with Statement of Position 98-7, "Reporting on Advertising Costs". As such, the Company expenses the cost of communicating advertising in the period in which the advertising space or airtime is used.
In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings Per Share" ("SFAS 128"). Under SFAS 128, basic and diluted earnings per share are to be presented. Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders
by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding in the period. Diluted earnings per share takes into consideration common shares outstanding (computed under basic earnings per share) and potentially dilutive common shares.
Income taxes are provided in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes". A deferred tax asset or liability is recorded for all temporary differences between financial and tax reporting and net operating loss carry forwards. Deferred tax expense (benefit) results
from the net change during the year of deferred tax assets and liabilities.
Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, based upon currently available information, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax
assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.
s) |
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Tax |
In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB interpretation No.48. Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Tax – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109(“Fin 48”), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income tax positions. This interpretation requires that the Company recognize in the consolidated financial
statements the tax benefits related to tax positions that are more likely than not to be sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the position. The provisions of Fin 48 became effective to Ableauctions.Com Inc. as of the beginning of the Company’s 2007 fiscal year. The guidance has had no cumulative impact on the accumulated deficit of the company as at January 1, 2007.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
To the extent interest and penalties may be assessed by taxing authorities on any underpayment of income tax, such amounts would be accrued and classified as a component of income tax expense in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company elected this accounting policy, which is a continuation of our historical policy, in connection
with our adoption of FIN 48.
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, "Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information", establishes standards for reporting information about the operating and geographic segments of the Company's business. Effective January 1, 2006, the nature and extent of the Company's operations are such
that it operates in three reportable segments, as an auction house and liquidator, a property developer and an investment company. Information regarding the Company's geographic segments is set forth in Note 22.
|
u) |
Stock-Based Compensation |
Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123(R), using the modified-prospective-transition method. Under that transition method, compensation cost recognized as of December 31, 2006 includes compensation cost for all share-based payments granted prior to, but not yet vested
as of January 1, 2006, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the original provisions of Statement 123. Results for prior periods have not been restated.
The fair value at grant date of stock options is estimated using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model. Compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the stock option vesting period based on the estimated number of stock options that are expected to vest.
|
Certain reclassifications of prior year’s balances have been made to conform to the current format on the consolidated financial statement. |
|
Direct costs incurred in connection with the issuance of debt measured under the fair value option and revolving credit facilities are expensed as incurred. Direct costs incurred in connection with the issuance of debt not measured under the fair value option are presented as a deferred charge on the balance sheet and are amortized over the term of the debt. |
3. MORTGAGES & LOANS RECEIVABLE
|
|
December 31, 2008 |
|
|
December 31, 2007 |
|
i) Loan advanced originally in the amount of $115,000 CAD and increased to $125,000 CAD, bears interest at 10.9% per annum (receivable at $1,064 ($1,135 CAD) per month), with the principal due for repayment on January 31, 2009, and secured by a mortgage on the property of the borrower. The loan has been extended month-to-month
pending renewal. |
|
|
102,627 |
|
|
|
116,010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ii) Loan advanced in the amount of $230,000 CAD, bears interest at 10% per annum (receivable at $1,797 ($1,917 CAD) per month), with the principal due for repayment on April 4, 2007. The loan was subsequently renewed under the same terms and is due for repayment on February 9, 2010. The loan is secured by a mortgage
on the property of the borrower and a General Security Agreement.
|
|
|
188,834 |
|
|
|
232,018 |
|
iii) Loan advanced to an employee in the amount of $55,000 CAD, bears interest at 10% per annum (receivable at $429 ($458 CAD) per month), with the principal due for repayment on February 9, 2009, and secured by a mortgage on the property of the borrower and a personal guarantee of the borrower. The loan has been extended
month-to-month pending renewal.
|
|
|
45,156 |
|
|
|
55,482 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
iv) Loan advanced in the amount of $237,000 CAD, bears interest at 10% per annum (receivable at $1,851 ($1,975 CAD) per month), with the principal due for repayment on May 27, 2007, and secured by a mortgage on the property of the borrower. The loan is extended month-to-month pending renewal. The loan was repaid
on August 13, 2008. |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
239,080 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
v) Loan advanced in the amount of $179,060 CAD, bears interest at 10% per annum (receivable at $1,398 ($1,492 CAD) per month), with the principal due for repayment on May 1, 2008, and secured by a mortgage on the property of the borrower. The loan was subsequently renewed under the same terms and is due for repayment on May
1, 2009.
On August 1, 2008, the loan was repaid in full. |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
180,632 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3. MORTGAGES & LOANS RECEIVABLE (Continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
vi) Loan advanced in the amount of $140,000 CAD, bears interest at 15% per annum (receivable at $1,640 ($1,750 CAD) per month), with the principal due for repayment on March 31, 2008, and secured by a mortgage on the property of the borrower. The loan is in default and is currently under negotiation.
|
|
|
114,943 |
|
|
|
141,229 |
|
vii) Loan advanced on August 7, 2007 in the amount of $45,000 CAD, bears interest at 9.75% per annum (receivable at $ 312 ($333 CAD) per month), with the principal due for repayment on August 8, 2008, and secured by a mortgage on the property of the borrower and personal guarantees. The loan is extended month-to-month
pending renewal. .
|
|
|
36,946 |
|
|
|
45,395 |
|
viii) Loan advanced in the amount of $450,000 CAD, bears interest at 9.5% per annum (receivable at $3,685 ($3,932 CAD) per month), with the principal due for repayment on January 27, 2009, and secured by a mortgage on the property of the borrower. The loan has been extended month-to-month pending renewal. |
|
|
369,458 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ix) Loan advanced in the amount of $1,750,000 CAD, bears interest at 12% per annum (receivable at $16,400 ($17,500 CAD) per month), with the principal due for repayment on July 17, 2009, and secured by a mortgage on the property of the borrower.
|
|
|
1,436,781 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
$ |
2,294,745 |
|
|
$ |
1,009,846 |
|
4. OTHER RECEIVABLE
i) |
Included in Other receivable at December 31, 2007 is a balance of $121,053 ($120,000 CAD) owing from Charan Singh, a director of THL and the project coordinator for the Gruv Development. The loan balance, which is unsecured and interest free, was due on May 1, 2008. This was deemed to be paid in full as it was offset against amounts
owing to Charan Singh for services related to the Gruv Development that were provided in accordance with the terms of a consulting agreement. |
|
ii) Included in Other receivable at December 31, 2007 is a balance of $94,014 ($93,196 CAD) outstanding from a third party related to a prior licensing agreement. As per the agreement, the Company has agreed to accept inventory goods from the party for an equivalent value in settlement of the balance. |
5. INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible assets are comprised of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ACCUMULATED |
|
|
IMPAIRMENT |
|
|
|
|
|
COST |
|
|
AMORTIZATION |
|
|
|
|
|
NET |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Affiliate related relationship |
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
30,833 |
|
|
|
69,167 |
|
|
|
- |
Intellectual property |
|
|
338,034 |
|
|
|
85,589 |
|
|
|
252,445 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
438,034 |
|
|
$ |
116,422 |
|
|
$ |
321,612 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ACCUMULATED |
|
|
|
|
|
COST |
|
|
AMORTIZATION |
|
|
NET |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-competition agreement |
|
$ |
150,000 |
|
|
$ |
150,000 |
|
|
$ |
- |
Affiliate related relationship |
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
25,833 |
|
|
|
74,167 |
Intellectual property |
|
|
338,034 |
|
|
|
56,442 |
|
|
|
281,592 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
588,034 |
|
|
$ |
232,275 |
|
|
$ |
355,759 |
Non-competition agreement consists of payments made to three former principals of a company that was a direct competitor of Ableauctions. In consideration of payments received in 2004 for $150,000, the former principals agreed to cease any activities that directly compete with Ableauctions for a period of three years. The
cost is amortized on a straight-line basis over three years.
On June 1, 2005, the Company made a cash payment in the amount of $100,000 to an unrelated third party as consideration for exclusive rights relating to that party’s auction services. The cost is amortized on a straight-line basis over ten years.
During the 2007 and 2006 years, the Company incurred development costs to enhance the current on-line auction technology. These costs include fees paid to programmers to develop the systems, software and processes related to the enhancement. The Company completed the final stage in July 2007, and has started to amortize
the costs over the estimated useful life of the technology of three years beginning in July 2007.
At December 31, 2008, the Company determined a net recoverable amount of $0 for these intangible assets, thus the carrying cost of the intangible assets was written off, and an impairment loss of $321,612 was charged to operations for the 2008 year.
6. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
|
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ACCUMULATED |
|
|
|
|
|
NET BOOK |
|
|
|
COST |
|
|
DEPRECIATION |
|
|
IMPAIRMENT |
|
|
VALUE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Land |
|
|
1,380,788 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,380,788 |
|
Building |
|
|
936,975 |
|
|
|
124,288 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
812,687 |
|
Leasehold improvements |
|
|
107,175 |
|
|
|
80,746 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,429 |
|
Furniture and fixtures |
|
|
124,502 |
|
|
|
79,618 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
44,884 |
|
Server equipment |
|
|
1,162,532 |
|
|
|
930,021 |
|
|
|
232,511 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Computer equipment |
|
|
104,670 |
|
|
|
59,687 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
44,983 |
|
Computer software |
|
|
189,865 |
|
|
|
155,313 |
|
|
|
34,552 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Vehicles |
|
|
22,163 |
|
|
|
13,378 |
|
|
|
6,369 |
|
|
|
2,416 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
4,028,670 |
|
|
|
1,443,051 |
|
|
|
273,432 |
|
|
|
2,312,187 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ACCUMULATED |
|
|
NET BOOK |
|
|
|
COST |
|
|
DEPRECIATION |
|
|
VALUE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Land |
|
|
1,696,560 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,696,560 |
|
Building |
|
|
1,151,205 |
|
|
|
106,172 |
|
|
|
1,045,033 |
|
Leasehold improvements |
|
|
107,175 |
|
|
|
70,028 |
|
|
|
37,147 |
|
Furniture and fixtures |
|
|
116,121 |
|
|
|
69,445 |
|
|
|
46,676 |
|
Server equipment |
|
|
1,162,532 |
|
|
|
911,169 |
|
|
|
251,363 |
|
Computer equipment |
|
|
99,082 |
|
|
|
42,836 |
|
|
|
56,246 |
|
Computer software |
|
|
189,865 |
|
|
|
152,512 |
|
|
|
37,353 |
|
Vehicles |
|
|
27,232 |
|
|
|
14,555 |
|
|
|
12,677 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
4,549,772 |
|
|
|
1,366,717 |
|
|
$ |
3,183,055 |
|
At December 31, 2008, the Company determined a net recoverable amount of $0 for the server equipment and computer software, and a lower net recoverable amount for vehicles, thus the carrying cost of these assets was written off or down, and an impairment loss of $273,432 was charged to operations for the 2008 year.
7. PROPERTY HELD FOR DEVELOPMENT
On August 3, 2005, the Company entered into a Contract of Purchase and Sale (the “Agreement”) for property located at 9655 King George Highway, Surrey, British Columbia (the “Property”). The Agreement was subject to the Company’s satisfactory investigation of the development potential of the Property. This
investigation was completed on August 9, 2005, at which time the Company released to the seller, Imara Venture Ltd. (the “Seller”), a down payment of $41,195 to be credited against a total purchase price of $1,270,000. The remaining balance was paid in cash on August 15, 2005. The purchase
price was negotiated between the Company and the Seller, who are not related to each other.
7. PROPERTY HELD FOR DEVELOPMENT (continued)
|
The Company’s subsidiary Axion Investment Corp, intends to develop this property which consists of approximately 1.46 acres that is zoned for mixed commercial and residential use. Axion intends to develop the Property through the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Gruv Development Corporation, by improving it with a retail facility of approximately 4,326 square feet and with a residential complex of approximately
91,132 square feet which will consist of 111 condominiums (the “Development”). |
On March 16, 2007, the Company filed a disclosure statement with the Superintendent of Real Estate under the Real Estate Development Marketing Act of British Columbia to pre-sell the units. The Company engaged the services of Platinum Project Marketing
Group and Macdonald Realty Ltd. (the “Agent”) to market the strata lots and, by May 9, 2007, the Company had entered into agreements to pre-sell 100% of the condominiums prior to construction and collected approximately $1.92 million ($2.34 million CAD) in deposits that are being held in trust with Macdonald Realty Ltd.
If the Company is successful in selling all of the condominiums, it expects to receive sale proceeds of approximately $22.1 million ($25.4 million CAD). The Agent has been paid $341,446 ($366,749 CAD) for services provided to date. The Company is committed to additional commissions and bonuses to be paid in the amount of $600,082 ($689,750
CAD) upon the successful completion of the sales and transfer of Strata lots.
The Company has obtained a building permit from the City of Surrey and has advanced performance bonds for service and work totaling $320,558 ($384,833 CAD) to the City of Surrey, as commitment for the development. On satisfactory completion of the intended service and work, the City of Surrey will refund the deposits to the
Company.
On February 15, 2008, the Company entered into a Construction Management contract with Cantera Management Group Ltd. (“Cantera”) to manage the development of the project. In consideration for its services, the Company has agreed to pay Cantera a fixed fee of $454,024 ($553,000 CAD) over the term of the contract calculated on
a percentage of completion basis.
On March 12, 2008, the Company obtained an updated conditional credit facility from the Royal Bank of Canada for the development in Surrey in the amount of $14.28 million ($16.42 million CAD).
The credit facility is secured by guarantees from Axion Investment Corporation and Ableauctions.com Inc., by a general security agreement covering the assets of Axion and by the property. The advances will accrue interest at the prime rate set by Royal Bank of Canada plus .75% per annum, payable monthly. A fee of $47,073 ($48,000
CAD) was advanced to the Royal Bank of Canada for the arrangement of this credit facility.
The credit facility has been granted subject to a number of conditions, including appraisal of the project, the submission of an environmental report, the submission of a soils report, confirmation of permits and approvals, engagement of a project monitor, submission of a schedule of pre-sales contracts, the purchase of insurance, expenditures
of approximately $4.75 million ($4.84 million CAD) on the development including the cost of the land, and fixed price contracts for at least 50% of the project’s
7. PROPERTY HELD FOR DEVELOPMENT (continued)
hard construction costs prior to the initial draw and 80% by December 2008. As of November 10, 2008, Axion has fulfilled all the conditions of the construction credit facility.
As of December 31, 2008 draws totalling $4,729,825 ($5,760,926 CDN) had been made against the credit facility. Borrowings are to be repaid from 100% of the net sales proceeds received on the closing of sales of units in the Project. In any event, all borrowings shall be repayable in full by December 31, 2009.
On April 28, 2008, construction of the project commenced and it is estimated that it will be completed by September 30, 2009. If the development is suspended for any reason, including but not limited to the Company’s inability to obtain any additional financing that may be required or additional permits, the Company will not be able
to recover all of its expenses. There can be no assurance that the development will be successful or that developing the property in this manner will increase or even maintain its value.
8. INVESTMENT IN JOINT VENTURE
a) |
On July 14, 2006 Axion Investment Corp. (“Axion”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a Joint Venture Agreement (the “Agreement”) with two unrelated parties, Canitalia Industries (“Canitalia”) and 449991 B.C. Ltd. (“449991”), to form a joint venture for the purpose of purchasing two vacant
lots located in Langley, B.C. for development (the “Project”). On July 28, 2006, Axion entered into a supplemental agreement with these two parties in respect to an arrangement for a bank loan to fund the purchase price and pay expenses related to acquiring the properties. |
b) |
Pursuant to the Agreement, a new company, Township Holdings Ltd. (“THL”), has |
been formed and is equally and jointly owned by the three partners. All expenses incurred and all profits earned by THL in conjunction with the Project are to be allocated in equal shares among Axion and the two unrelated parties. The initial deposit was provided by Axion and 449991 BC Ltd. The total purchase
price of the property to be developed was $3.42 million ($3.49 million CAD). During the 2006 year, Axion paid its share of the investment in the amount of $1,441,913 CAD.
Pursuant to the agreement of July 28, 2006, Axion was to advance a loan to one of the unrelated parties to pay for its portion of the purchase price. During the 2006 year, Axion advanced a loan in the amount of $516,028 to two shareholders of this party for a one year term, bearing interest rate at 10% per annum. The
loan was repaid during the 2006 year.
c) |
On March 13, 2007, Axion authorized Envision Credit Union (“ECU”) to make a demand loan to THL in the amount of $1.30 million ($1.4 million CAD) for the benefit of the other two shareholders, Canitalia and 449991 (the “Loan”). The parties have acknowledged that the Loan is for the sole benefit of 449991 and
Canitalia and have agreed that none of THL, Axion or the president of the Company will have responsibility for payments of the Loan and that THL, Axion and the president will be fully indemnified for any expenses or payments they become liable for thereunder. |
8. INVESTMENT IN JOINT VENTURE (Continued)
In exchange for the Loan, ECU received a promissory note from THL requiring the payment of interest only at the rate of prime plus 1% per annum until ECU demands payment of the principal. The loan is secured with a mortgage against the Property and a security interest in the personal
property of THL. ECU also required Axion and the president of the Company to enter into a Debt Service Agreement.
Pursuant to the Debt Service Agreement, the president and Axion agree that they will be responsible for the monthly interest payments required by the promissory note in the event that 449991 and Canitalia fail to make the payments as required.
If 449991 and Canitalia default on the loan obligation to ECU, Axion will be entitled, but not obligated, to purchase the shares of stock in THL that are owned by the responsible parties at a price discount to market. If Axion exercises its right to purchase the stock owned by the responsible parties, then it will have no further
recourse against 449991 and Canitalia for payment of the Loan.
If Axion does not exercise its right to purchase the stock owned by the responsible parties, then the responsible parties agree that they shall indemnify and hold the president, Axion and THL harmless from and against any amounts that they or any of them may pay in order to bring the Loan into good standing or to prevent ECU from foreclosing
on its security, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any payments of principal, interest, and legal fees made by Axion, the president or THL.
d) |
The Company has originally estimated a value of $40,535 for the above guarantee, and has provided a provision of $40,535 for the guarantee liability, which is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities at December 31, 2008. The Company decided to leave the guarantee at its original amount until expiration of the guarantee in the year
2012, as the change in value is not significant. The maximum potential amount of future payments under this guarantee as of December 31, 2008 is $367,367. |
e) |
The Company considered the limited exception contained in FIN 46R exempting from consideration as a Variable Interest Entity a joint venture that is a business, under certain conditions. In the Company’s view, this joint venture meets these conditions. |
f) |
Summarized financial statements for the joint venture investment: |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Balance Sheet |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets |
|
$ |
2,850,416 |
|
|
$ |
3,256,580 |
|
Liabilities |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Equity |
|
|
2,850,416 |
|
|
|
3,256,580 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Statement of Operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
|
$ |
5,937 |
|
|
|
36,887 |
|
Expenses |
|
|
70,005 |
|
|
|
2,924 |
|
Net Income(Loss) |
|
|
(64,068 |
) |
|
|
33,963 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9. INVESTMENT IN SURREY CITY CENTRAL
On October 6, 2008 the board of directors approved a Development Agreement with the company’s CEO Mr. Abdul Ladha, Overture Development Corporation, Surrey Central City Ltd. (“Surrey”) and Bullion Reef Holdings Ltd. (“Bullion”). Mr. Ladha is the sole officer, director and shareholder of Overture
Development Corporation and the sole officer and director of Surrey. Bullion is the sole shareholder of Surrey. A trust created for the benefit of Mr. Ladha’s family is the sole shareholder of Bullion.
Surrey is the owner of 4 vacant lots (collectively referred to as the “Property”) adjacent to the Gruv Development on 9655 King George Highway, Surrey, British Columbia. Surrey intends to explore the potential of developing the Property by improving it with a residential complex of at least 4-stories which will consist of at
least 76 condominiums. The Company’s board of directors believes that this development has significant potential and determined to acquire a 50% interest in Surrey.
Surrey has no assets other than the Property and no liabilities. Surrey currently has 299 shares of common stock issued and outstanding, all of which are owned by Bullion. The Company has agreed to purchase 149.5 of these shares from Bullion and has agreed to pay $1,347,440 for these shares. The purchase
price is based on an appraisal provided to the Company by an independent appraiser and a fairness opinion. The purchase price is subject to an upward adjustment in the event that Surrey decides to develop the Property with a 6-storey complex rather than a 4-storey complex.
The Company intends to pay one-half of the purchase price in cash and the remainder of the purchase price with a promissory note. The promissory note will be due on demand and will accrue simple interest at the rate of prime plus 2% per annum. The promissory note will include a provision that will allow Bullion to
convert up to $1 million of the principal amount and the interest accrued thereon into shares of the Company’s common stock. The number of shares of common stock to be issued to Bullion upon conversion of the principal and accrued interest will be computed at 20% above the last sale price of one share of the Company’s common stock on the date on which the Development Agreement was executed. The last sale price of our common stock on October 6, 2008 was $0.36, therefore the number
of shares of common stock will be computed using a price of $0.432 per share. The entire unpaid principal balance, together with any accrued interest and other unpaid charges or fees are due and payable on October 6, 2009.
In the event that Surrey is unable to successfully obtain the approval of a preliminary development plan and a commitment for financing to complete the build-out of the Property, or if for any reason Surrey determines that the build-out of the Property is not in its best interests, notice of this event will be provided to the Company. Within
20 days of receiving the notice, the Company may put the stock purchased to Bullion and Bullion will, within 120 days from receiving the put notice, repurchase the stock by paying to the Company in cash the purchase price (including the adjustments described above, if any), less one-half of the expenses incurred by Surrey in its efforts to develop the Property. This put right will expire within 12 months from the date of the Development Agreement.
The Development Agreement anticipates that Mr. Ladha and Overture Development Corporation will provide certain management services to Surrey in developing the Property in consideration for 12.5% of the net profit (the “Developer’s Fee”). The term “net profit” means the revenue received from the
sale of the residential units after deducting expenses.
9. INVESTMENT IN SURREY CITY CENTRAL (Continued)
Net profit is to be determined when the project receives a conditional occupancy permit and when any and all loans or other debt related to the project have been paid in full. If the sale of the residential units included in the build-out of the Property fails to realize a net profit, Mr. Ladha and Overture Development Corporation
will not receive the Developer’s Fee. If units remain unsold following the payment in full of the loans or other debt related to the build-out of the Property, the Developer’s Fee will be paid as each such unit is sold.
On October 20, 2008, Surrey entered into an agreement to purchase a fifth lot, 13509 96th Ave., for approximately $700,000 from an un-related party. On October 22, 2008 the Company and Bullion, Surrey, Mr. Ladha and Overture Development Corporation
agreed to amend the Development Agreement to provide that Bullion will be entitled to convert up to $1 million of principal amount and interest accrued on such amount into shares of the Company’s common stock at a price of $0.432 per share. The total number of shares that could be issued if Bullion converts up to $1 million of principal and interest accrued thereon would total 2,465,277 shares.
The total purchase price of $1,671,638 has been recorded as “Investment in Surrey City Central” on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2008, with an amount of $1,363,765
owing to the director as of December 31, 2008.
10. BANK LOAN
On October 11, 2006, the Company arranged for a credit facility in the amount of $1,879,346 ($2,000,000 CAN) (the “Credit Facility”) from the Royal Bank of Canada (the “Bank”). The Credit Facility bore interest at the prime rate as announced by the Bank, plus 0.50% per year. Blended payments
of interest and principal in the amount of $14,914 CAN are due each month. Principal is due to be paid in full on the last day of a two to five year term chosen by the Company on the date of a draw down. Repayment of the Credit Facility is secured by a mortgage, which includes an assignment of rents, against the property where the Company’s head office is located and a guarantee and postponement of claim signed by the Company in favour of the Bank. As of December 31, 2008, the amount
of the loan was $1,637,931.
Bank Loan #1 (Note 7) $ 4,729,825
Bank Loan #2 1,637,931
Total Bank Loan
6,367,756
11. SETTLEMENT OF LEGAL CLAIM
On April 2, 2008, a former employee and agent, Mr. Steve Gold and Gold Network, Inc. (collectively, the “Plaintiffs”), filed a legal action against the Company for breach of contract relating to commissions they alleged were not paid to them. The action was filed in the Superior Court of Ventura County, California. On
May 2, 2008 the Company reached an agreement with the Plaintiffs regarding the dispute and paid the sum of $65,000 to the Plaintiffs in exchange for a release of their claims. The Company has recorded the full amount as “settlement of legal claim” in the Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2008.
12. WARRANTS
The Company has issued warrants entitling the holders to acquire common shares of the Company. All warrant prices and numbers presented below have been adjusted to give effect to the 1 for 12 common share consolidation as described in Note 19. A summary of changes in unexercised warrants during the 2008 and 2007 years is presented
below:
|
|
Warrants @$6.48
(1) |
|
|
Warrants @$9.60
(2) |
|
|
Warrants @$2.40
(3) |
|
|
Warrants @$1.08
(4) |
|
|
Total |
|
Outstanding, Dec 31, 2006 |
|
|
8,333 |
|
|
|
74,615 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
82,948 |
|
Expired during year |
|
|
(8,333 |
) |
|
|
(8,333 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(16,666 |
) |
Granted during year |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
735,294 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
735,294 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding, Dec 31, 2006 |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
66,282 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
801,576 |
|
Expired during year |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(66,282 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(66,282 |
) |
Granted during year |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
600,000 |
|
|
|
600,000 |
|
Excersied during year |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(600,000 |
) |
|
|
(600,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding, Dec 31, 2008 |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
735,294 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
735,294 |
|
(1) Exercisable until September 23, 2007, granted pursuant to private placement.
(2) Of the 74,615 warrants, 8,333 warrants are exercisable until December 30, 2007, and the remaining 66,282 warrants are exercisable until January 4, 2008.
(3) Exercisable until April 9, 2017, granted pursuant to the private placement as described in Note 19.
(4) Exercisable until October 2, 2013, granted pursuant to the debt conversion agreement as described in Note 19.
All investment income earned for the 2008 and 2007 years relates to loan interest.
14. SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES WITH RESPECT TO CASH FLOWS
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Cash paid for income taxes |
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
Cash paid for arrangement of construction financing |
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
38,000 |
|
Cash paid for interest |
|
$ |
116,244 |
|
|
$ |
52,012 |
|
During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company incurred the following non-cash transactions:
a) |
The Company recorded $20,625 as stock-based compensation expense. |
14. |
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES WITH RESPECT TO CASH FLOWS (Continued) |
b) |
On August 19, 2008, the president entered into an Agreement to Convert Debt with the Company. Pursuant to the Agreement, the president accepted units consisting of 400,000 shares of common stock and warrants for the purchase of 600,000 shares of common stock as full payment of $384,000 in principal amount of loans. |
During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company incurred the following non-cash transactions:
c) |
The Company recorded $37,224 as stock-based compensation expense. |
d) |
The Company recorded a balance of $40,535 in “Investment in joint venture” related to the estimate of guarantee liability as described in Note 8, with the offsetting balance included in “Accounts payable and accrued liabilities”. |
At December 31, 2008, the Company has net operating losses carried forward of approximately $7,300,000 which expire in years ranging from 2009 to 2028. The Company has provided a full valuation allowance of $2,771,600 on the deferred tax asset because of the uncertainty of realizability.
A reconciliation of the Company’s effective income tax rate to the approximate combined federal, provincial and state statutory income tax rates of 34% [2007– 34%] is as follows:
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
Income tax recovery computed at statutory rates |
|
|
(942,422 |
) |
|
|
(235,708 |
) |
Effect of reduction in tax rates |
|
|
88,940 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Non capital losses expiring in the year |
|
|
(65,282 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
Losses carried forward for which tax benefits were recognized |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
223,052 |
|
Stock based compensation not deductible for tax purposes |
|
|
7,013 |
|
|
|
12,656 |
|
Tax benefit from share issuance costs not recognized |
|
|
(15,849 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance |
|
|
927,600 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Income tax (recovery) expense |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets are as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
Operating losses carried forward |
|
|
2,442,932 |
|
|
|
2,006,000 |
|
Tax value of share issuance costs in excess of book value |
|
|
12,680 |
|
|
|
|
|
Tax value of property and equipment in excess of book value |
|
|
217,153 |
|
|
|
(140,000) |
|
Tax value of intangible assets in excess of book value |
|
|
98,835 |
|
|
|
(22,000 |
) |
Total deferred tax assets |
|
|
2,771,600 |
|
|
|
1,844,000 |
|
Less: Valuation allowance |
|
|
(2,771,600) |
|
|
|
(1,844,000) |
|
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Of the net operating tax losses carried forward, approximately $3,200,000 (deferred tax asset of $1,000,000) are available for Canadian tax purposes. |
|
16. CONCENTRATION OF RISK
Following is a description of certain areas of concentration of risk to which management considers the Company vulnerable to near-term severe impact. This is not a complete analysis of risks faced by the Company, which are listed in other regulatory filings of the Company.
Credit and Economic Dependency Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of accounts receivable and loans receivable.
The majority of the Company’s trade receivables are derived from fees and revenue associated with Internet based listing fees and auction activities. The Company’s largest customer accounted for 21% of net revenue for the 2008 year, and 40% for the 2007 year. At December 31, 2008, the largest customer accounted
for 14% of net accounts receivable (15% of net accounts receivable at December 31, 2007). Management believes that the receivable balance from this customer does not represent a significant credit risk based on past collection experience.
Property development risk
Approximately 74% (December 31, 2007: 58%) of the Company’s assets on December 31, 2008 were invested in various real properties. Real estate values can be seriously affected by factors such as bank liquidity, the availability of financing, and by factors such as a zoning change or an increase in property taxes and the
general economic outlook.
Interest rate risk
Approximately 13% (December 31, 2007: 7%) of the Company’s assets on December 31, 2008 were invested in various mortgage loans receivable. The value of the mortgage loans can be seriously affected by factors such as interest rate fluctuations, bank liquidity, and the availability of financing.
Reliance on suppliers
Substantially all of the computer hardware for operating the Company’s service is located at the facilities of Telus in British Columbia. Any damage to or failure of the systems could result in reductions in, or terminations of, the Company’s service.
On April 15, 2008, the Company was notified by eBay that eBay intends to wind down the operations of its eBay Live Auctions platform effective December 31, 2008. This event may cause the Company to suspend the live auction segment of its business. The Company’s subsidiary, iCollector.com, currently derives approximately $520,000 in annual revenue (or 17% of the Company’s
total revenues) from auctions broadcast on the eBay Live Auctions platform.
Foreign currency risk
While the Company’s financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars, a majority of the Company’s obligations, investments and expenditures with respect to the operations were incurred in Canadian dollars. Variations in the exchange rate may give rise to foreign exchange gains or losses that may be significant.
17. |
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS |
a) |
During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company incurred $156,000 (2007: $156,000) in management fees to a director of the Company. |
b) |
At December 31, 2008, a balance of $248,072 (December 31, 2007: $298,464) is owing from employees to the Company as a result of overpayments in commissions, which will be offset by commissions to be paid in the following quarters. |
c) |
During the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company marketed condominium units being developed in Surrey using the brand name “Overture LivingTM”. The mark, “Overture Living™” belongs to Abdul Ladha, the Company’s President. Mr.
Ladha did not receive compensation for the use of this mark. |
d) |
On August 19, 2008, the president entered into an Agreement to Convert Debt with the Company. Pursuant to the Agreement, the president agreed to accept units consisting of 1 share of the common stock and a warrant to purchase 1.5 shares of the common stock as partial payment of the loans made to the Company. Pursuant to the Agreement,
the president accepted units consisting of 400,000 shares of common stock and warrants for the purchase of 600,000 shares of common stock as full payment of $384,000 in principal amount of the loans. The number of units to be issued was computed by using the last sale price of the Company’s common stock on August 19, 2008, which was $0.96. The warrant exercise price is $1.08 and the warrant term is 5 years. The agreement was subject to the approval of the NYSE Alternext US (formerly
the American Stock Exchange), which was received on October 2, 2008. On October 6, 2008, the shares were issued and all the warrants were exercised by the President, resulting in the issuance of 1,000,000 common shares. |
e) |
As described in Note 9, the Company acquired a 50% interest in Surrey, resulting in a balance of $1,363,765 owing to the director as of December 31, 2008. |
f) |
During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company incurred rent expense of $27,715 to a private company owned by a trust the beneficiaries of which are members of the family of the Company’s president. |
On July 31, 2007, pursuant to the sale of the property, the rental agreement was reassigned to an unrelated company, 796257 BC Ltd.
g) |
At December 31, 2007, included in “other receivable” is a balance of $121,053 ($120,000 CAD) owing from Charan Singh, a director of Township Holdings Ltd, and the project coordinator for the Gruv Development (see Note 4). The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Axion Investment Corp. is a shareholder of Township Holdings Ltd. The
loan balance that was due on May 1, 2008 was deemed to be paid in full as it was offset against amounts owing to Charan Singh for services related to the Gruv Development. |
h) |
During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company incurred rent expense related to office space of $4,655 to a private company owned by Bullion Reef Holding, a company controlled by Abdul Ladha. |
17. |
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Continued) |
i) |
On April 9, 2007, the Company completed a private placement of 245,098 units consisting of one common share and three share purchase warrants (the "Warrants") priced at $2.40 per Unit, with the President and director of the Company, as described in Note 19. |
j) |
During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company received a payment of $12,661 from Bullion Reef Holdings Ltd., a private company wholly-owned by a trust created for the family of Abdul Ladha, as reimbursement of office and personnel expenses. |
18. |
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION |
|
All option prices and numbers presented below have been adjusted to give effect to the 1 for 12 common share consolidation as described in Note 19. |
During the 2007 year, the Company issued options to consultants to acquire 20,833 common shares of the Company at an exercise price of $3.60 per share, exercisable for a period of 2 years. The estimated fair value of these options, totalling $10,000 is recognized in the statement of operations.
During the 2006 year, the Company issued options to employees to acquire 133,333 common shares of the Company at an exercise price of $4.20. The estimated fair value of these options, totalling $64,000 is recognized over the 2 year vesting period. Of the total amount, $20,625 (2007: $27,224) is recognized in the 2008
year.
During the year ended December 31, 2008, the SFAS 123R share-based compensation expense recorded for awards under the stock option plans was $20,625 (2007: $37,224), net of estimated forfeitures.
A summary of the Company's stock option plan and changes during 2008 and 2007 are presented below:
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
WEIGHTED |
|
|
|
|
|
WEIGHTED |
|
|
|
NUMBER |
|
|
AVERAGE |
|
|
NUMBER |
|
|
AVERAGE |
|
|
|
OF |
|
|
EXERCISE |
|
|
OF |
|
|
EXERCISE |
|
|
|
SHARES |
|
|
PRICE |
|
|
SHARES |
|
|
PRICE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding, beginning of year |
|
|
911,352 |
|
|
$ |
4.66 |
|
|
|
890,519 |
|
|
$ |
4.68 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,833 |
|
|
|
3.60 |
|
Exercised |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
Expired |
|
|
(276,833 |
) |
|
|
4.06 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding, end of year |
|
|
634,519 |
|
|
|
4.91 |
|
|
|
911,352 |
|
|
|
4.66 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average fair value of options granted during the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
0.48 |
|
18. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)
The fair value of consultant and employee options granted during the 2007 and 2006 years respectively was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model assuming a dividend yield of 0.0%, expected volatility of 62%, risk free interest rate of 4.6% and weighted average expected option terms of 2 years.
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2008:
|
|
|
|
|
AVERAGE |
|
|
|
RANGE OF |
|
|
WEIGHTED |
|
REMAINING |
|
|
|
EXERCISE |
|
|
NUMBER |
|
CONTRACTUAL |
|
NUMBER |
|
PRICE |
|
|
OUTSTANDING |
|
LIFE |
|
EXERCISABLE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1.8 |
|
|
|
33,333 |
|
4 years |
|
|
33,333 |
|
|
3.00 – 3.60 |
|
|
|
26,250 |
|
1 year |
|
|
26,250 |
|
|
4.32 4.80 |
|
|
|
29,167 183,686 |
|
1 year |
|
|
29,167 183,686 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6 years |
|
|
|
|
|
5.04 – 6.00 |
|
|
|
362,083 |
|
1 year |
|
|
362,083 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
634,519 |
|
|
|
|
634,519 |
|
19. CAPITAL STOCK
Common Share Consolidation
On January 12, 2009, the Company received regulatory approval for a 1 for 12 consolidation of its outstanding common shares effective January 15, 2009. The Company’s shares began trading on a consolidated basis on January 15, 2009. All references to share and per-share data (including warrants and options) for
all periods presented in the consolidated financial statements have been adjusted to give effect to the 1 for 12 common share consolidation. As a result of the common share consolidation, the number of shares of the Company outstanding as of December 31, 2008 was reduced from 70,876,378 to 5,906,957 after taking into account fractional share adjustment, without any change in par value per common share.
Issuance of Capital Stock
On April 9, 2007, the Company completed a private placement of 245,098 units consisting of one common share and three share purchase warrants (the "Warrants") priced at $2.40 per Unit, with the President and director of the Company. Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase three additional common shares at an exercise price
of $2.40 for a term of 10 years expiring, if not exercised, on April 9, 2017. The total purchase price of the Units was $588,235 with share issuance costs incurred by the Company of $60,000.
Based on the market trading price at the time of the offering the fair market value of each share was calculated to be $2.40 and the fair market value of each warrant was calculated to be $1.08. The Black-Scholes model was used to determine the fair market value of each warrant with an exercise price of $2.40, an expected exercise term
of 5 years, a volatility of 44% based on price fluctuations over a prior one year period and a risk adjusted market interest rate of 4%.
19. CAPITAL STOCK (Continued)
On October 6, 2008, 400,000 common shares were issued as a result of the debt conversion agreement described in Note 17(d). On the same day, 600,000 additional common shares were issued due to the exercise of warrants granted pursuant to the debt conversion agreement described in Note 17(d).
Treasury Stock
On July 23, 2007, the Company initiated a stock purchase program. The purchases would occur from time to time at the Company’s discretion, with the Company’s currently available cash reserves. No specific number of shares or dollar value has been established by the Company.
For the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company repurchased 298,781 shares for a total cost of $669,562, but the shares have not been cancelled as of December 31, 2007.
For the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company repurchased an additional 240,521 shares for a total cost of $374,304. The total number of 539,302 shares repurchased were subsequently cancelled and returned to the authorized capital stock of the Company during the 2008 year.
20. |
CONTINGENT LIABILITIES |
The Company is ordinarily involved in claims and lawsuits which arise in the normal course of business. In management's opinion none of these claims will have a significant effect on the Company's financial position.
a) |
The Company is committed to payments with respect to an agreement to lease office premises. Future minimum payments required under the lease are as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
23,756 |
|
2010 |
|
|
20,556 |
|
2011 |
|
|
5,139 |
|
|
|
$ |
49,451 |
|
b) |
The Company is committed to additional commissions and bonuses to be paid in the amount of $600,082 ($689,750 CAD) upon the successful completion of the sales and transfer of strata lots related to the development of its condominium project in Surrey as described in Note 7. |
c) |
The Company is committed to a payment of $103,342 ($111,000 CAD) for 2/5/10 year home warranty insurance coverage related to its condominium development project in Surrey as described in Note 7. |
21. |
COMMITMENTS (Continued) |
d) |
The Company has unconditionally guaranteed the interest and repayment of a demand loan to Envision Credit Union (“ECU”) related to its Township Holdings Joint Venture. The guarantee continues until the loans, including accrued interest and fees, have been paid in full, with the final loan amount due upon demand. The Company estimated
a value of $40,535 for this guarantee, and has provided a provision of $40,535 for the guarantee liability, which is included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities at December 31, 2008. |
22. |
SEGMENTED INFORMATION |
The Company has four reportable segments:
- Auction, Liquidation and Technology Business segment
- Real Property and Property Development segment
- Investment segment
- Other segment
Through the Auction, Liquidation and Technology Business segment, the Company provides auction broadcast technology, liquidation and merchandizing services, and technology to businesses to assist them with managing the sale of their products.
This segment information consists of the iCollector, Jarvis, Unlimited Closeouts and Rapidfusion operations.
Through the Real Property and Property Development segment, the Company manages its real property and property development. This segment information consists of 1963 Lougheed Holding Ltd., a holding company where the Ableauctions’ head office is located - 1963 Lougheed Highway, Coquitlam, B.C., Gruv Holding Corporation,
the Company’s real estate project located at 9655 King George Highway, Surrey, Gruv Development Corporation, 0716590 B.C. Ltd. and the Company’s interest in the Township Holdings’ joint venture.
Through the Mortgages and Loans segment, the Company manages its marketable securities, Mortgages and loans to third parties. This segment consists of investments by Axion Investment Corporation, Ableauctions.com Inc and AAC Holdings Ltd.
The Other segment encompasses all other activities of the Company including management, investor relations and other related head office expenses incurred by Ableauctions.com Inc., which are also included in determining this segment’s profits.
The Company's reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services and are managed separately.
22. |
SEGMENTED INFORMATION (Continued) |
|
Following is the segmented information for the year ended December 31, 2008: |
|
|
Real Property
& Property Development |
|
|
Mortgages
& Loans |
|
|
Auction,
Liquidation & Technology Businesses |
|
|
Other |
|
|
Total |
|
External revenue by market |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
US |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
2,256,264 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
2,256,264 |
|
Canada |
|
|
150,653 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
364,269 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
514,922 |
|
Other |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
34,950 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
34,950 |
|
Total Revenue From External Customer |
|
|
150,653 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
2,655,483 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
2,806,136 |
|
Investment income |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
207,781 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
207,781 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
46,560 |
|
|
|
65,498 |
|
|
|
1,011 |
|
|
|
3,175 |
|
|
|
116,244 |
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
38,650 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
97,014 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
135,664 |
|
Impairment of asset |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
595,044 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
595,044 |
|
Segment profit(loss) |
|
|
(129,781 |
) |
|
|
181,664 |
|
|
|
(1,810,678 |
) |
|
|
(1,013,031 |
) |
|
|
(2,771,826 |
) |
Segment assets |
|
|
14,342,434 |
|
|
|
931,942 |
|
|
|
1,347,418 |
|
|
|
1,468,500 |
|
|
|
18,090,294 |
|
Expenditures on long-lived assets |
|
|
6,206,805 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21,014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,227,819 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment in joint venture |
|
|
1,223,728 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,223,728 |
|
Investment in Surrey City Central |
|
|
1,671,638 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,671,638 |
|
22. |
SEGMENTED INFORMATION (Continued) |
|
Following is the segmented information for the year ended December 31, 2007: |
|
|
Real Property
& Property Development |
|
|
Mortgages
& Loans |
|
|
Auction,
Liquidation & Technology Businesses |
|
|
Other |
|
|
Total |
|
External revenue by market |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
US |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
4,329,617 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
4,329,617 |
|
Canada |
|
|
143,050 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
417,504 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
560,554 |
|
Other |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
48,747 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
48,747 |
|
Total Revenue From External Customer |
|
|
143,050 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
4,795,868 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
4,938,918 |
|
Investment income |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
397,977 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
397,977 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
52,012 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
52,012 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
39,765 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
154,972 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
194,737 |
|
Segment profit |
|
|
(132,378 |
) |
|
|
511,253 |
|
|
|
(425,807 |
) |
|
|
(646,326 |
) |
|
|
(693,258 |
) |
Segment assets |
|
|
8,951,031 |
|
|
|
2,172,035 |
|
|
|
2,955,711 |
|
|
|
340,609 |
|
|
|
14,419,386 |
|
Expenditures on long-lived assets |
|
|
1,816,545 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34,267 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,850,812 |
|
Investment in joint venture |
|
|
1,507,403 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,507,403 |
|
During the 2008 year, the revenue of the Company from one customer of the Auction, Liquidation and Technology Businesses segment exceeded 10% of its total revenue. Revenue from the customer totalled $602,263.
During the 2007 year, the revenue of the Company from one customer of the Auction, Liquidation and Technology Business segment exceeded 10% of its total revenue. Revenue from the customer totalled $1,932,241.
22. SEGMENTED INFORMATION (Continued)
Geographic Information
The external sales and long-lived assets of the Company's businesses by geographical region are summarized below:
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
External Sales |
|
|
|
|
|
|
United States |
|
$ |
2,256,264 |
|
|
$ |
4,329,617 |
|
Canada |
|
|
514,922 |
|
|
|
560,554 |
|
Other |
|
|
34,950 |
|
|
|
48,747 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,806,136 |
|
|
$ |
4,938,918 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-Lived Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
United States |
|
$ |
8,845 |
|
|
$ |
12,752 |
|
Canada |
|
|
10,823,397 |
|
|
|
7,650,283 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
10,832,242 |
|
|
$ |
7,663,035 |
|
|
Subsequent to December 31, 2008, the Company repurchased additional 78,276 shares of its common stock for a cost of $18,867. |
24. |
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS |
|
(i) In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“FAS”) No. 141 (Revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“FAS 141(R)”). FAS 141(R) establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer in a business combination recognizes and
measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interests in the acquiree, as well as the goodwill acquired. Significant changes from current practice resulting from FAS 141(R) include the expansion of the definitions of a “business” and a “business combination.” For all business combinations (whether partial, full or step acquisitions), the acquirer will record 100% of all assets and liabilities of the acquired business,
including goodwill, generally at their fair values; contingent consideration will be recognized at its fair value on the acquisition date and, for certain arrangements, changes in fair value will be recognized in earnings until settlement; and acquisition-related transaction and restructuring costs will be expensed rather than treated as part of the cost of the acquisition. FAS 141(R) also establishes disclosure requirements to enable users to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination.
FAS 141(R) applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Earlier adoption is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of this statement. |
24. |
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS (Continued) |
(ii) In December 2007, the FASB issued FAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements - An amendment of ARB No. 51” (“FAS 160”). FAS 160 amends Accounting Research Bulletin 51, “Consolidated Financial Statements,” to establish accounting and reporting standards for
the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. It clarifies that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary, which is sometimes referred to as minority interest, is a third-party ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as a component of equity in the consolidated financial statements. Among other requirements, FAS 160 requires the consolidated statement of income to be reported at amounts that include the amounts attributable to both the parent
and the noncontrolling interest. FAS 160 also requires disclosure on the face of the consolidated statement of income of the amounts of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest. FAS 160 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Earlier adoption is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of this statement.
(iii) In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157” (“FSP 157-2”), to partially defer FASB Statement No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157”). FSP 157-2 defers the effective date of FAS 157 for nonfinancial assets
and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually), to fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after November 15, 2008. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting the provisions of FAS 157 as it relates to non-financial assets and liabilities.
(iv) In March 2008, the FASB issued FAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“FAS 161”). FAS 161 amends and expands the disclosure requirements of FAS 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” and requires qualitative disclosures
about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. This statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal periods beginning after November 15, 2008. Earlier adoption is not permitted. We do not believe the adoption of FAS 161 will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
(v) In April 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) FAS 142-3, “Determination of Useful Life of Intangible Assets” (“FSP FAS 142-3”). FSP FAS 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing the renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a
recognized intangible asset under FAS 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” FSP FAS 142-3 also requires expanded disclosure related to the determination of intangible asset useful lives. FSP FAS 142-3 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. Earlier adoption is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the potential impact the adoption of FAS FSP 142-3 will have on our consolidated financial statements.
24. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS (Continued)
(vi) In May 2008, the FASB issued FSP APB 14-1, “Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement)” (FSP APB 14-1). FSP APB 14-1 requires recognition of both the liability and equity components of convertible debt instruments with cash settlement
features. The debt component is required to be recognized at the fair value of a similar instrument that does not have an associated equity component. The equity component is recognized as the difference between the proceeds from the issuance of the note and the fair value of the liability. FSP APB 14-1 also requires an accretion of the resulting debt discount over the expected life of the debt. Retrospective application to all periods presented is required. APB 14-1 is effective for fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 2008. We are currently evaluating the potential impact the adoption of FSP APB 14-1 will have on our consolidated financial statements.
(vii) In June 2008, the FASB ratified FSP No. EITF 03-6-1, “Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions are Participating Securities” (FSP No. EITF 03-6-1), which addresses whether instruments granted in share-based payment awards are participating securities prior to vesting and,
therefore, must be included in the earnings allocation in calculating earnings per share under the two-class method described in SFAS No. 128, “Earnings per Share” (SFAS No. 128). FSP No. EITF 03-6-1 requires that unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend-equivalents be treated as participating securities in calculating earnings per share. FSP No. EITF 03-6-1 is effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2008, and shall be applied retrospectively to all prior periods. We are currently evaluating the effects, if any that FSP No. EITF 03-6-1 may have on earnings per share.
(viii) In October 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position FAS 157-3, Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset Is Not Active ("FSP 157-3"). FSP 157-3 clarifies the application of SFAS 157 in a market that is not active, and demonstrates how the
fair value of a financial asset is determined when the market for the financial assets is inactive. FSP 157-3 was effective upon issuance, including prior periods for which financial statements had not been issued. The implementation of this standard did not have an impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
ATTACHMENT C
HISTORICAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF
TOP FAVOUR LIMITED (“SINOCOKING”)
Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2009 (unaudited) and June 30, 2008
Consolidated Statements of Operation and Other Comprehensive Income for the Nine Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 (unaudited)
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity - March 31, 2009 (unaudited)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 (unaudited)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – March 31, 2009 (unaudited)
Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2008 and 2007
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007, and 2006
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007, and 2006
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – June 30, 2008
TOP FAVOUR LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
AS OF MARCH 31, 2009 AND JUNE 30, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A S S E T S |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
June 30, 2008 |
|
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
CURRENT ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash |
|
$ |
192,093 |
|
|
$ |
4,705,129 |
|
Notes receivable |
|
|
1,488,084 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Accounts receivable, trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $213,754 |
|
and $0 as of March 31, 2009 and June 30, 2008, respectively |
|
|
17,162,783 |
|
|
|
3,552,733 |
|
Other receivables |
|
|
851,529 |
|
|
|
996,190 |
|
Inventories |
|
|
79,019 |
|
|
|
206,690 |
|
Advances to suppliers |
|
|
6,664,571 |
|
|
|
1,646,714 |
|
Total current assets |
|
|
26,438,079 |
|
|
|
11,107,456 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net |
|
|
15,100,562 |
|
|
|
13,468,704 |
|
CONSTRUCTION-IN-PROGRESS |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
2,740,204 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Intangible - Land use rights, net |
|
|
1,961,761 |
|
|
|
2,001,379 |
|
Intangible - Mineral rights, net |
|
|
6,418,823 |
|
|
|
8,014,599 |
|
Other assets |
|
|
102,550 |
|
|
|
102,130 |
|
Total other assets |
|
|
8,483,134 |
|
|
|
10,118,108 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
$ |
50,021,775 |
|
|
$ |
37,434,472 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
L I A B I L I T I E S A N D S H A R E H O L D E R S' E Q U I T Y |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT LIABILITIES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable, trade |
|
$ |
1,344,919 |
|
|
$ |
3,576,790 |
|
Short term loans |
|
|
3,950,099 |
|
|
|
3,896,989 |
|
Other payables - related parties |
|
|
6,602,692 |
|
|
|
6,760,388 |
|
Other payables and accrued liabilities |
|
|
1,217,722 |
|
|
|
2,076,990 |
|
Customer deposits |
|
|
2,504,381 |
|
|
|
511,628 |
|
Taxes payable |
|
|
5,531,400 |
|
|
|
2,947,118 |
|
Total liabilities |
|
|
21,151,213 |
|
|
|
19,769,903 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common share, $1.00 par value, 50,000 authorized, 1,000 issued and |
|
|
|
|
|
outstanding as of March 31, 2009 |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
Paid-in capital |
|
|
3,504,595 |
|
|
|
3,044,803 |
|
Contribution receivables |
|
|
(1,000 |
) |
|
|
(1,000 |
) |
Statutory reserves |
|
|
573,412 |
|
|
|
573,412 |
|
Retained earnings |
|
|
24,008,951 |
|
|
|
13,340,814 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
|
|
783,604 |
|
|
|
705,540 |
|
Total shareholders' equity |
|
|
28,870,562 |
|
|
|
17,664,569 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity |
|
$ |
50,021,775 |
|
|
$ |
37,434,472 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
TOP FAVOUR LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATION AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME |
|
|
|
|
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2009 and 2008 |
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine months ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
REVENUES |
|
$ |
35,877,960 |
|
|
$ |
42,981,587 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COST OF REVENUES |
|
|
19,632,301 |
|
|
|
20,800,088 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GROSS PROFIT |
|
|
16,245,659 |
|
|
|
22,181,499 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPERATING EXPENSES: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selling expenses |
|
|
371,879 |
|
|
|
1,187,794 |
|
General and administrative expenses |
|
|
931,784 |
|
|
|
1,299,797 |
|
Total operating expenses |
|
|
1,303,663 |
|
|
|
2,487,591 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS |
|
|
14,941,996 |
|
|
|
19,693,908 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER EXPENSE, net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expenses, net |
|
|
(739,781 |
) |
|
|
(605,116 |
) |
Other income (expenses), net |
|
|
140,351 |
|
|
|
(132,532 |
) |
Other expense, net |
|
|
(599,430 |
) |
|
|
(737,648 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES |
|
|
14,342,566 |
|
|
|
18,956,260 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES |
|
|
3,674,429 |
|
|
|
6,061,751 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET INCOME |
|
|
10,668,137 |
|
|
|
12,894,509 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency translation adjustment |
|
|
78,064 |
|
|
|
555,803 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME |
|
$ |
10,746,201 |
|
|
$ |
13,450,312 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
TOP FAVOUR LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Accumulated deficit) / Retained Earnings |
|
|
Accumulated other |
|
|
|
Common Stock |
|
|
Paid-in |
|
|
Contribution |
|
|
Statutory |
|
|
|
|
|
comprehensive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Par Value |
|
|
capital |
|
|
Receivable |
|
|
reserves |
|
|
Unrestricted |
|
|
(loss) income |
|
|
Total |
|
BALANCE, June 30, 2007 |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,555,906 |
|
|
$ |
(1,000 |
) |
|
$ |
107,596 |
|
|
$ |
(3,858,035 |
) |
|
$ |
(203,778 |
) |
|
$ |
(2,398,311 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,894,509 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,894,509 |
|
Adjustment of statutory reserves |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
434,048 |
|
|
|
(434,048 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
|
Shareholder contribution |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
851,968 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
851,968 |
|
Imputed interests on loans from
related parties waived |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
355,898 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
355,898 |
|
Foreign currency translation adjustments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
555,803 |
|
|
|
555,803 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BALANCE, March 31, 2008 (Unaudited) |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,000 |
|
|
$ |
2,763,772 |
|
|
$ |
(1,000 |
) |
|
$ |
541,644 |
|
|
$ |
8,602,426 |
|
|
$ |
352,025 |
|
|
$ |
12,259,867 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,770,156 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,770,156 |
|
Adjustment of statutory reserves |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31,768 |
|
|
|
(31,768 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
|
Imputed interests on loans from
related parties waived |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
281,031 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
281,031 |
|
Foreign currency translation adjustments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
353,515 |
|
|
|
353,515 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BALANCE, June 30, 2008 |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,000 |
|
|
$ |
3,044,803 |
|
|
$ |
(1,000 |
) |
|
$ |
573,412 |
|
|
$ |
13,340,814 |
|
|
$ |
705,540 |
|
|
$ |
17,664,569 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,668,137 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,668,137 |
|
Imputed interests on loans from
related parties waived |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
459,792 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
459,792 |
|
Foreign currency translation adjustments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
78,064 |
|
|
|
78,064 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BALANCE, March 31, 2009 (Unaudited) |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,000 |
|
|
$ |
3,504,595 |
|
|
$ |
(1,000 |
) |
|
$ |
573,412 |
|
|
$ |
24,008,951 |
|
|
$ |
783,604 |
|
|
$ |
28,870,562 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
TOP FAVOUR LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS |
|
|
|
|
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2009 AND 2008 |
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine months ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
10,668,137 |
|
|
$ |
12,894,509 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash (used in) |
|
|
|
|
|
provided by operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation |
|
|
1,322,840 |
|
|
|
868,506 |
|
Amortization and depletion |
|
|
1,676,011 |
|
|
|
1,494,666 |
|
Bad debt expense |
|
|
213,681 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Additional capital increased by forfeited imputed interest |
|
|
459,792 |
|
|
|
355,898 |
|
Change in operating assets and liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable, trade |
|
|
(15,292,057 |
) |
|
|
(1,675,075 |
) |
Other receivables |
|
|
148,835 |
|
|
|
311,655 |
|
Inventories |
|
|
128,477 |
|
|
|
52,058 |
|
Advances to suppliers |
|
|
(4,716,475 |
) |
|
|
(2,181,670 |
) |
Other current assets |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
138,018 |
|
Accounts payable, trade |
|
|
(2,245,812 |
) |
|
|
(1,285,555 |
) |
Other payables and accrued liabilities |
|
|
101,626 |
|
|
|
(2,421,978 |
) |
Customer deposits |
|
|
1,989,969 |
|
|
|
(1,755,354 |
) |
Taxes payable |
|
|
2,571,284 |
|
|
|
2,276,429 |
|
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities |
|
|
(2,973,692 |
) |
|
|
9,072,107 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of equipment |
|
|
(148,238 |
) |
|
|
(97,978 |
) |
Purchase of intangible asset |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(612,482 |
) |
Payment on purchase of HongChang |
|
|
(967,520 |
) |
|
|
(3,925,027 |
) |
Payments on acquisition of Baofeng |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(1,861,472 |
) |
Prepayments on construction-in-progress |
|
|
(292,900 |
) |
|
|
(112,635 |
) |
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
|
(1,408,658 |
) |
|
|
(6,609,594 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholder contributions |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
851,968 |
|
Repayments to short-term loans |
|
|
(726,392 |
) |
|
|
(1,085,120 |
) |
Proceeds from short-term loans |
|
|
2,389,059 |
|
|
|
2,021,036 |
|
Payments to related parties |
|
|
(1,811,156 |
) |
|
|
(1,611,617 |
) |
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities |
|
|
(148,489 |
) |
|
|
176,267 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE ON CASH |
|
|
17,803 |
|
|
|
218,585 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH |
|
|
(4,513,036 |
) |
|
|
2,857,365 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH, beginning of period |
|
|
4,705,129 |
|
|
|
725,166 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH, end of period |
|
$ |
192,093 |
|
|
$ |
3,582,531 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: |
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for interest expense |
|
$ |
131,744 |
|
|
$ |
199,736 |
|
Cash paid for income taxes |
|
$ |
2,924,628 |
|
|
$ |
4,310,559 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NON-CASH TRANSACTIONS OF INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES |
|
Construction-in-progress transferred to fixed assets |
|
$ |
2,750,534 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
Bank loan paid off by shareholder |
|
$ |
1,625,595 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
TOP FAVOUR LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2009
(Unaudited)
Note 1 – Organization
Top Favour Limited (“Top Favour (BVI)”, “we”, “our” or “the Company”) was incorporated in the British Virgin Islands on July 2, 2008. Through its wholly-owned subsidiary Pingdingshan Hongyuan Energy Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd. (“Hongyuan” or “the
WFOE”), which was formed on March 18, 2009, and the variable interest entity (“VIE”) - Henan Pingdingshan Hongli Coal & Coking Co., Ltd. (“Hongli”) The Company produces and sells coal, coke, coal gas-generated electricity, and other coking by-products in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC” or China).
Henan Pingdingshan Hongli Coal & Coking Co., Ltd. (“Hongli”) was incorporated as a trading and holding Company on June 5, 1996 under the laws of the PRC. In addition to operating the Baofeng Coking Factory, Hongli sells coals and coke to its customers,
most of whom are energy trading companies procuring coking coals for steel manufacturers and chemical refineries in China. Hongli has a registered capital of RMB $8,080,000 and is located in the city of Pingdingshan, Henan Province.
Baofeng Coking Factory (“Baofeng Coking”) is a division of Hongli and was established in May 2002. Hongli and Baofeng Coking are engaged in coal selling, coal washing and coking, using raw coals produced by its affiliate or purchased from other raw or washed coal vendors.
Baofeng Hongchang Coal Co., Ltd. (“Hongchang Coal”) was formed in July 19, 2007 under the laws of the PRC and is 100% owned by Hongli. Hongchang Coal owns the coal mining rights over three underground coal mines and produces raw coal suitable for coke producing
and other industrial uses. Total proven coal reserves for all three mines as of July 2007 were 2,475,000 metric tones, of which the Company is permitted to extract (by means of paying for the mining privilege to the government) up to 1,215,000 metric tones. The majority of its products are internally sold to Baofeng Coking and Hongli.
Baofeng Hongguang Power Co., Ltd. (“Hongguang Power”) was formed on August 1, 2006, which is another 100% owned subsidiary of Hongli. Hongguang Power operates its 2x3000-kilowatt (kw) power plant and provides electricity to Baofeng Coking and the national power grid which is generated from the coal gas emitted from
the coking process of Baofeng Coking. Hongguang is mandatorily required to sale the surplus of electricity to the national power grid by the local government after supplying to Baofeng Coking.
Hongli and its operating subsidiaries hold the approved licenses necessary to operate the coal mining, coal sales, coking and power plant businesses in China. PRC law currently has limits on foreign ownership of these companies. To comply with these foreign ownership restrictions and in order for Top Favour (BVI) to obtain control over
Hongli’s PRC operating entities, on March 18, 2009, Top Favour (BVI), through the WFOE, entered into contractual arrangements with Hangli on March 18, 2009. The Contractual Arrangements are comprised of a series of agreements, including: (1) a Consulting Services Agreement, through which the WFOE has the right to advise, consult, manage and operate Hongli and its subsidiaries (“Operating Companies”), collect, and own all of the respective net profits of the Operating Companies; (2) an Operating
Agreement, through which the WFOE has the right to recommend director candidates and appoint the senior executives of the Operating Companies, approve any transactions that may materially affect the assets, liabilities, rights or operations of the Operating Companies, and guarantee the contractual performance by the Operating Companies of any agreements with third parties, in exchange for a pledge by the Operating Companies of their respective
accounts receivable and assets; (3) a Proxy Agreement, under which the shareholders of the Operating Companies have vested their voting control over the Operating Companies to the WFOE and will only transfer their equity interests in the Operating Companies to the WFOE or its designee(s); (4) an Option Agreement, under which the shareholders of the Operating Companies have granted the WFOE the irrevocable right and option to acquire
all of its equity interests in the Operating Companies, or, alternatively, all of the assets of the Operating Companies; and (5) an Equity Pledge Agreement, under which the shareholders of the Operating Companies have pledged all of their rights, title and interest in the Operating Companies to the WFOE to guarantee the Operating Companies’ performance of their respective obligations under the Consulting Services Agreement.
TOP FAVOUR LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2009
(Unaudited)
Since Top Favour (BVI) and Hongli are under common control, this has been accounted for as a reorganization of entities and the consolidation of Top Favour (BVI) and Hongli has been accounted for at historical cost and prepared on the basis as if the aforementioned exclusive agreements between Top Favour (BVI) and Hongli had become effective
as of the beginning of the first period presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The Company’s consolidated assets do not include any collateral for Hongli’s obligations. The creditors of Hongli do not have recourse against Top Favour (BVI) and Hongyuan.
Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company, its wholly-owned subsidiary - Hongyuan and its VIEs – Hongli and its subsidiaries. All significant
inter-company transactions and balances between the Company, its subsidiaries and VIEs are eliminated upon consolidation.
In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 46R, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” ("FIN 46R") and Interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletins (“ARB”) 51, VIEs are generally entities that lack
sufficient equity to finance their activities without additional financial support from other parties or whose equity holders lack adequate decision making ability. All VIEs with which the Company is involved must be evaluated to determine the primary beneficiary of the risks and rewards of the VIE. The primary beneficiary is required to consolidate the VIE for financial reporting purposes. As a result of these contractual arrangements (Note 1), that obligates Top Favour (BVI) to absorb a majority of the risk
of loss from Hongli’s activities and enable Top Favour (BVI) to receive a majority of its expected residual returns, Top Favour (BVI) accounts for Hongli as a VIE and is the primary beneficiary.
Use of estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with 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 consolidated financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The more significant areas requiring the use of management estimates and assumptions relate to coal reserves that are the basis for future cash flow estimates and units-of-production depletion calculations; asset impairments; valuation allowances for deferred income taxes; reserves for contingencies and litigation and the fair value and accounting treatment of certain financial instruments. Management bases its estimates on historical
experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Accordingly, actual results may differ significantly from these estimates. In addition, different assumptions or conditions could reasonably be expected to yield different results.
Management has included all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary to give a fair presentation of operating results for the periods resented. Interim results are not necessarily
indicative the results of a full year. The information included in the consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with information included in the 2008 annual report.
TOP FAVOUR LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2009
(Unaudited)
Revenue recognition
The Company's revenue recognition policies are in compliance with Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) 104. Coal and coke sales revenue is recognized at the date of shipment to customers when a formal arrangement exists, the price is fixed or determinable, the delivery is completed, no other significant obligations of the Company
exist and collectability is reasonably assured. This generally occurs when coal is loaded onto trains or trucks at one of the Company’s loading facilities or at third party facilities.
Most of the electricity generated by Hongguan Power is used internally by Baofeng Coking. Supply of surplus electricity generated by Hongguang Power to the national power grid is mandated by the local utilities board. The value of the surplus utilities supplied is calculated based on actual kilowatt-hour produced and
transmitted and at a fixed rate determined under contract.
Coal and coke sales revenue represents the invoiced value of goods, net of a value-added tax (VAT), sales discount and actual returns at the time when merchandise is sold to a customer.
Shipping and handling costs
Shipping and handling costs related to costs of the raw materials purchased is included in cost of revenues. Total shipping and handling costs related to sales were recorded as selling expenses. For the nine months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 shipping and handling cost related to sales were $133,220, and $289,948, respectively.
Foreign currency translation and other comprehensive income
The reporting currency of the Company is the US dollar. The functional currency of the Company and its subsidiaries is the Chinese Renminbi (RMB).
For the subsidiaries whose functional currencies are other than the US dollar, all assets and liabilities accounts were translated at the exchange rate on the balance sheet date; shareholder's equity is translated at the historical rates and items in the statement of operations are translated at the average rate for the year. Items in the
cash flows statement are also translated at average translation rates for the period, therefore, amounts reported on the statement of cash flows will not necessarily agree with changes in the corresponding balances on the balance sheet. Translation adjustments resulting from this process are included in accumulated other comprehensive income in the statement of shareholders’ equity. The resulting translation gains and losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated
in a currency other than the functional currency are included in the results of operations as incurred.
The balance sheet amounts with the exception of equity at March 31, 2009 and 2008 were translated at RMB 6.83 to $1.00 and at RMB 7.00 to $1, respectively. The
average translation rates applied to income and cash flow statement amounts for the nine months ended March 31, 2009, and 2008 were at RMB 6.83 to $1.00 and at RMB 7.37 to 1, respectively.
Fair value of financial instruments
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) 107, Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, defines financial instruments and requires fair value disclosures of those financial instruments. On January 1, 2008, the Company adopted SFAS 157, Fair Value Measurements, which defines fair value, establishes a
three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosures of fair value measurement and enhances disclosures requirements for fair value measures. The carrying amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets for current assets and current liabilities qualify as financial instruments are a reasonable estimate of fair value because of the short period of time between the origination of such instruments and their expected
realization and the current market rates of interest. The three levels of valuation hierarchy are defined as follows:
TOP FAVOUR LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2009
(Unaudited)
Level 1 |
Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
|
Level 2 |
Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the assets or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instruments.
|
Level 3 |
Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value. |
The Company did not identify any assets and liabilities that are required to be presented on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value in accordance with SFAS 157.
Cash
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents for cash flow statement purposes. Cash includes cash on hand and demand deposits in accounts maintained with state owned banks within the PRC.
Accounts receivables, trade
During the normal course of business, the Company extends unsecured credit to its customers. Management regularly reviews aging of receivables and changes in payment trends by its customers, and records a reserve when they believe collection of amounts due are at risk. Accounts considered uncollectible are written off. Management reserved
the allowance for doubtful accounts in the amounts of $213,754 and $0 as of March 31, 2009 and June 30, 2008. The Company regularly reviews the credit worthiness of its customers and, based on the results of the credit review, determines whether extended payment terms can be granted to or, in some cases, partial prepayment is required from certain customers. Account receivables after allowance for bad debt were $ 17,162,783 and $3,552,733
as of March 31, 2009 and June 30, 2008, respectively.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, using weighted average cost method. Inventories consist of raw materials and supplies; work in process, and finished goods. Raw materials mainly consist of coal (mined and purchased), rail, steel, wood and additives used in coking. The cost of finished
goods included (1) direct costs of raw materials, (2) direct labor, (3) indirect production costs, such as allocable utilities cost, and (4) indirect labor related to the production activities, such as assembling and packaging.
Advances to suppliers
The Company advances monies to certain suppliers for raw materials purchase and construction contracts. These advances are interest-free and unsecured.
TOP FAVOUR LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2009
(Unaudited)
Property, plant and equipment, net
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to earnings as incurred; while additions, renewals and betterments are capitalized. When items of plant and equipment are retired or otherwise disposed, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from
the respective accounts, and any gain or loss is included in operations. Depreciation of plant and equipment is provided using the straight-line method for substantially all assets with estimated lives as follows:
|
Estimated Useful Life |
Building and plant |
30-40 years |
Machinery and equipment |
10-20 years |
Other equipment |
5 years |
Transportation equipment |
5-7 years |
Construction-in-progress
Construction-in-progress includes direct costs of construction of mining tunnels and the mining/coking facilities. Interest incurred during the period of construction, if material, is capitalized. All other interest is expensed as incurred. For the 9 months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, $0 and
$121,437 interest was capitalized into construction for progress. Construction-in-progress is not depreciated until such time the assets are completed and put into service. Maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are charged to expense as incurred. Major additions and betterment to property and equipment are capitalized. As of March 31, 2009, all construction-in-progress was placed in service and converted into various fixed assets.
Intangible - land use rights, net
Costs to obtain land use rights are recorded based on the fair value at acquisition and amortized over 36 years, the contractual period of the rights. Under the SFAS 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," all goodwill and certain intangible assets determined to have
indefinite lives are not amortized but tested for impairment at least annually. Intangible assets other than goodwill will be amortized over their useful lives and reviewed at least annually for impairment.
Intangible - mineral rights, net
Mineral rights are capitalized at fair value when acquired, including amounts associated with any value beyond proven and probable reserves, and amortized to operations as depletion expense using the units-of-production method over the estimated proven and probable recoverable tons. The Company’s coal reserves are controlled
either through direct ownership which generally lasts until the recoverable reserves are depleted.
Impairment of long-lived assets
The Company evaluates long lived tangible and intangible assets for impairment, at least annually, but more often whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable from its estimated future cash flows, in accordance with SFAS 144, "Accounting
for Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets." Recoverability is measured by comparing the asset’s net book value to the related projected undiscounted cash flows from these assets, considering a number of factors including past operating results, budgets, economic projections, market trends and product development cycles. If the net book value of the asset exceeds the related undiscounted cash flows, the asset is considered impaired, and a second test is performed to
measure the amount of impairment loss. Based on its review, the Company believes that, as of March 31, 2009 and June 30, 2008, there was no impairment of long lived assets.
TOP FAVOUR LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2009
(Unaudited)
Income taxes
The Company records and reports income taxes pursuant to SFAS 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” SFAS 109
requires the recognition of deferred income tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between income tax basis and financial reporting basis of assets and liabilities. Provision for income taxes consists of taxes currently due plus deferred taxes.
The Company adopted FIN 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” on January 1, 2007. A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the
tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that has greater than 50% likelihood of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded.
Deferred tax is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method in respect of temporary differences arising from differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and the corresponding tax basis used in the computation of assessable tax profit. In principle, deferred tax liabilities
are recognized for all taxable temporary differences, and deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is probably that taxable profit will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilized. Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realized or the liability is settled. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the income statement, except when it related to items credited or charged directly
to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity.
Chinese income taxes
The Company’s subsidiary and VIEs are operating in the PRC and are governed by the income tax laws of the PRC concerning Foreign Investment Enterprises and Foreign Enterprises and various local income tax laws (“Income Tax Laws”). Prior to January 1, 2008, Income Tax Laws of the PRC, the Company’s subsidiary
and VIEs are generally subject to an income tax at an effective rate of 33% (30% national income taxes plus 3% local income taxes) on taxable income, which is based on the net income reported in the statutory financial statements after appropriate tax adjustments. The statutory rate has been changed to 25%, effective January 1, 2008.
Value added tax (“VAT”)
Sales revenue represents the invoiced value of goods, net of a value-added tax (VAT). All of the Company’s coals and cokes that are sold in the PRC are subject to a Chinese value-added tax at a rate of 13% or 17% of the gross sales price, respectively. This VAT may be offset by VAT paid by the Company on raw
materials and other materials included in the cost of producing their finished products. The Company recorded VAT payable and VAT receivable net of payments in the consolidated financial statements. The VAT tax return is filed to offset the payables against the receivables.
Comprehensive income
SFAS 130, “Reporting Comprehensive Income” requires disclosure of all components of comprehensive income and loss on an annual and interim basis. Comprehensive income and loss is defined as the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions
and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the provisions of SFAS 130. Accumulated other comprehensive income is comprised of the changes in foreign currency exchange rates.
TOP FAVOUR LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2009
(Unaudited)
Related parties
Parties are considered to be related to the Company if the parties, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, control, are controlled by, or are under common control with the Company. Related parties also include principal owners of the Company, its management, members of the immediate families of such principal owners
and management, and other parties with which the Company may deal if one party controls or can significantly influence the management or operating policies of the other to an extent that one of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests.
Recently issued accounting pronouncements
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – An Amendment of SFAS No. 133.” SFAS 161 seeks to improve financial reporting for derivative instruments and hedging activities by requiring enhanced disclosures regarding the impact on financial position, financial
performance, and cash flows. To achieve this increased transparency, SFAS 161 requires (1) the disclosure of the fair value of derivative instruments and gains and losses in a tabular format; (2) the disclosure of derivative features that are credit risk-related; and (3) cross-referencing within the footnotes. SFAS 161 is effective on January 1, 2009 and the adoption of SFAS 161 did not impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS 162, "The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles." SFAS 162 is intended to improve financial reporting by identifying a consistent framework, or hierarchy, for selecting accounting principles to be used in preparing financial statements that are presented in conformity with GAAP for nongovernmental
entities. SFAS 162 is effective 60 days following the SEC's approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendments to AU Section 411, "The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles." Management is currently evaluating SFAS 162 and does not believe that it will have a significant impact on the determination or reporting of the financial results.
In June 2008, the FASB issued FSP EITF 03-6-1, “Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities.” The FSP addresses whether instruments granted in share-based payment transactions are participating securities prior to vesting and therefore need to be included
in the earnings allocation in calculating earnings per share under the two-class method described in SFAS 128, “Earnings per Share.” The FSP requires companies to treat unvested share-based payment awards that have non-forfeitable rights to dividend or dividend equivalents as a separate class of securities in calculating earnings per share. The FSP is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008; earlier application is not permitted. The adoption of EITF 03-6-1 did not have
a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results.
In October 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-3, “Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset Is Not Active.” FSP FAS 157-3 clarifies the application of SFAS 157 in an inactive market, without changing its existing principles. The FSP was effective immediately upon issuance. The
adoption of FSP FAS 157-3 did not have an effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
TOP FAVOUR LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2009
(Unaudited)
In January 2009, the FASB issued FSP EITF 99-20-1, “Amendments to the Impairment Guidance of EITF Issue No. 99-20, “Recognition of Interest Income and Impairment on Purchased and Retained Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets.”
FSP EITF 99-20-1 changes the impairment model included within EITF 99-20 to be more consistent with the impairment model of SFAS 115. FSP EITF 99-20-1 achieves this by amending the impairment model in EITF 99-20 to remove its exclusive reliance on “market participant” estimates of future cash flows used in determining fair value. Changing the cash flows used to analyze other-than-temporary impairment from the “market participant” view to a holder’s estimate of whether there has been
a “probable” adverse change in estimated cash flows allows companies to apply reasonable judgment in assessing whether an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred. The adoption of FSP EITF 99-20-1 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-4, “Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly”. FSP FAS 157-4 amends SFAS 157 and provides additional guidance for estimating fair value in accordance with SFAS
157 when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased and also includes guidance on identifying circumstances that indicate a transaction is not orderly for fair value measurements. This FSP shall be applied prospectively with retrospective application not permitted. This FSP shall be effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. An entity early adopting this FSP
must also early adopt FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments”. Additionally, if an entity elects to early adopt FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, “Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments” or FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, it must also elect to early adopt this FSP. Management is currently evaluating this new FSP but does not believe that it will have a significant impact on the determination or reporting of the financial
results.
In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2. This FSP amends SFAS 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities,” SFAS 124, “Accounting for Certain Investments Held by Not-for-Profit Organizations,” and EITF 99-20, “Recognition of Interest Income and Impairment on Purchased
Beneficial Interests and Beneficial Interests That Continue to Be Held by a Transferor in Securitized Financial Assets,” to make the other-than-temporary impairments guidance more operational and to improve the presentation of other-than-temporary impairments in the financial statements. This FSP will replace the existing requirement that the entity’s management assert it has both the intent and ability to hold an impaired debt security until recovery with a requirement that management assert it does
not have the intent to sell the security, and it is more likely than not it will not have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis. This FSP provides increased disclosure about the credit and noncredit components of impaired debt securities that are not expected to be sold and also requires increased and more frequent disclosures regarding expected cash flows, credit losses, and an aging of securities with unrealized losses. Although this FSP does not result in a change in the carrying amount of
debt securities, it does require that the portion of an other-than-temporary impairment not related to a credit loss for a held-to-maturity security be recognized in a new category of other comprehensive income and be amortized over the remaining life of the debt security as an increase in the carrying value of the security. This FSP shall be effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. An entity may early
adopt this FSP only if it also elects to early adopt FSP FAS 157-4. Also, if an entity elects to early adopt either FSP FAS 157-4 or FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, the entity also is required to early adopt this FSP. Management is currently evaluating this new FSP but does not believe that it will have a significant impact on the determination or reporting of the financial results.
TOP FAVOUR LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2009
(Unaudited)
In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1. This FSP amends SFAS No. 107, “Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments,” to require disclosures about fair value of financial instruments not measured on the balance sheet at fair value in interim financial statements as well as in annual financial
statements. Prior to this FSP, fair values for these assets and liabilities were only disclosed annually. This FSP applies to all financial instruments within the scope of SFAS 107 and requires all entities to disclose the method(s) and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments. This FSP shall be effective for interim periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. An entity may early adopt this
FSP only if it also elects to early adopt FSP FAS 157-4 and FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2. This FSP does not require disclosures for earlier periods presented for comparative purposes at initial adoption. In periods after initial adoption, this FSP requires comparative disclosures only for periods ending after initial adoption. Management is currently evaluating the disclosure requirements of this new FSP.
Note 3 – Segment Reporting
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, "Disclosure about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information" requires use of the "management approach" model for segment reporting. The management approach model is based on the way a company's management organizes segments
within the company for making operating decisions and assessing performance. Reportable segments are based on products and services, geography, legal structure, management structure, or any other manner in which management disaggregates a company.
As of and for the nine months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company’s chief operating decision maker, our CEO, has identified all activities of the Company’s subsidiaries, including coal mining, coking and the sales of all products as a result of these business activities, were conducted within one single reporting segment
under FAS 131. All of the Company’s products are sold within the PRC. Major products and respective revenues are as summarized as follows:
|
|
Nine months ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
Coke |
|
$ |
25,180,329 |
|
|
$ |
40,563,387 |
|
Coal tar |
|
|
868,491 |
|
|
|
2,236,557 |
|
Raw coal |
|
|
8,806,019 |
|
|
|
155,085 |
|
Washed Coal |
|
|
1,023,121 |
|
|
|
26,558 |
|
Total |
|
$ |
35,877,960 |
|
|
$ |
42,981,587 |
|
Note 4 – Concentration and Credit Risk
The Company’s operations are all carried out in the PRC. Accordingly, the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations may be influenced by the political, economic and legal environments in the PRC, and by the general state of the PRC’s economy. The Company’s operations in the PRC are subject
to specific considerations and significant risks not typically associated with companies in North America and Western Europe. These include risks associated with, among others, the political, economic and legal environments and foreign currency exchange. The Company’s results may be adversely affected by changes in governmental policies with respect to laws and regulations, anti-inflationary measures, currency conversion and remittance abroad, and rates and methods of taxation, among other things.
Financial instruments, which subject the Company to concentration of credit risk, consist of cash. The Company maintains balances at financial institutions which, from time to time, may exceed Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insured limits for the banks located in the United States. Balances at financial institutions or state owned
banks within the PRC are not covered by insurance. As of March 31, 2009 and June 30, 2008, the Company had deposits in excess of federally-insured limits of $154,082 and $4,575,184, respectively. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts.
TOP FAVOUR LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2009
(Unaudited)
For the nine months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, all of the Company’s sales were generated in the PRC. In addition, all accounts receivable at March 31, 2009 and June 30, 2008 were generated in the PRC. There were five major customers accounted individually 30.0%, 17.8%, 15.7%, 11.7% and 9.9% of the Company’s total revenue
for the nine month ended March 31, 2009, respectively. The Company held accounts receivable with the five customers with 69.5%, 9.3%, 8.1%, 0% and 4.2% of the total account receivables at the ended of March 31, 2009, respectively. For the nine months ended March 31, 2008, the company had four major customers accounted individually 38.6%, 17.0%, 16.8% and 13.6% of the Company’s total revenue and held accounts receivable with 34.9%, 0%, 0% and 6.7% of the total accounts receivable, respectively.
For the nine months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, all of the Company’s purchase was generated in the PRC as well as accounts payable. The Company had no purchase concentration for the nine months ended March 31, 2009. And the Company had three major vendors collectively accounted for 13.5%, 12.8% and 10.5% of the Company’s
total purchases for the nine months ended March 31, 2008 with which the Company held no accounts payable as of March 31, 2008.
Two major products under the coking segment accounted for approximately 50.7% and 13.0% of the Company’s total revenue for the nine months ended March 31, 2009, while three major products accounted for approximately 43.2%, 28.0% and 22.1% of the Company’s total revenue for the nine months ended March 31, 2008.
Note 5 – Notes Receivable
Notes receivable represent trade accounts receivable due from various customers where the customers’ bank has guaranteed the payment of the receivable. This amount is non-interest bearing and is normally paid within three to six months. The Company is allowed to submit their request for payment to the customer’s bank earlier
than the scheduled payment date. However, the early request will incur an interest charge and a processing fee. Notes receivable totaled $1,488,084 and $0 as of March 31, 2009 and June 30, 2008, respectively.
Note 6 – Other Receivables
Other receivables represent amounts loaned or advanced to business affiliates and other individuals (including non-officer employees) to maintain good business relationships and regular business expenditures. These receivable are short-term or payable by the other party upon our demand and bear no interest. Other receivables
as of March 31, 2009 and June 30, 2008 are comprised of the following:
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
June 30, 2008 |
|
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
Wuhan Tieying Steel Co. Ltd. |
|
$ |
128,339 |
|
|
$ |
441,498 |
|
Pingdingshan Coal Group Railroad Transportation Service |
|
|
304,448 |
|
|
|
54,445 |
|
Hongfeng Coal Washing Plant |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
350,160 |
|
Employee advance |
|
|
277,121 |
|
|
|
150,087 |
|
Other miscellaneous deposits and advances |
|
|
141,621 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Total |
|
$ |
851,529 |
|
|
$ |
996,190 |
|
TOP FAVOUR LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2009
(Unaudited)
Note 7 – Property, Plant and Equipment, net
Property, plant and equipment as of March 31, 2009 and June 30, 2008 consisted of the following:
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
June 30, 2008 |
|
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
Buildings and improvements |
|
$ |
12,764,002 |
|
|
$ |
9,971,523 |
|
Machinery and equipment |
|
|
7,810,878 |
|
|
|
7,636,298 |
|
Other Equipment |
|
|
370,131 |
|
|
|
363,524 |
|
Total |
|
|
20,945,011 |
|
|
|
17,971,345 |
|
Less accumulated depreciation |
|
|
(5,844,449 |
) |
|
|
(4,502,641 |
) |
Total, net |
|
$ |
15,100,562 |
|
|
$ |
13,468,704 |
|
Depreciation expense for the nine months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 amounted to $1,322,840, and $868,506, respectively. 58.4% and 89.5% of total depreciation was allocated to cost of production for the nine months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
Note 8 – Intangible – Land Use Rights, net
Land use rights, net consisted of the following as of March 31, 2009 and June 30, 2008:
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
June 30, 2008 |
|
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
Land use rights |
|
$ |
2,296,695 |
|
|
$ |
2,287,289 |
|
Accumulated amortization |
|
|
(334,934 |
) |
|
|
(285,910 |
) |
Total, net |
|
$ |
1,961,761 |
|
|
$ |
2,001,379 |
|
Amortization expense for the nine months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 amounted to $47,831 and $44,301, respectively.
Amortization expense for the next five years and thereafter is as follows:
Year ended March 31, |
|
Amount |
|
2010 |
|
$ |
63,775 |
|
2011 |
|
|
63,775 |
|
2012 |
|
|
63,775 |
|
2013 |
|
|
63,775 |
|
2014 |
|
|
63,775 |
|
2015 and thereafter |
|
|
1,642,886 |
|
Total |
|
$ |
1,961,761 |
|
Note 9 – Intangible - Mineral Rights, net
Mineral rights, net consisted of the following as of March 31, 2009 and June 30, 2008:
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
June 30, 2008 |
|
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
Mineral rights |
|
$ |
13,101,831 |
|
|
|
13,048,171 |
|
Accumulated depletion |
|
|
(6,683,008 |
) |
|
|
(5,033,572 |
) |
Total, net |
|
$ |
6,418,823 |
|
|
|
8,014,599 |
|
TOP FAVOUR LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2009
(Unaudited)
Depletion expense for the nine months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 amounted to $1,628,180 and $1,450,365, respectively, which were charged to cost of revenue.
Note 10 - Advances to Suppliers
Advances to suppliers are monies deposited or advanced to unrelated vendors for future inventory purchases, mainly procurement of raw coals. Most of Company’s vendors require a certain amount of money to be deposited with them as a guarantee that the Company will receive their purchase on a timely basis and with favorable
pricing.
Advances to suppliers as of March 31, 2009 and June 30, 2008 consisted of the following:
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
June 30, 2008 |
|
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
Advances for raw coals procurement |
|
$ |
6,371,571 |
|
|
$ |
1,634,056 |
|
Advances for construction |
|
|
293,000 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Others |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
12,658 |
|
Total |
|
$ |
6,664,571 |
|
|
$ |
1,646,714 |
|
Note 11 – Short-term Loans
Short-term loans represent amounts due to various banks and individuals and are due either on demand or normally within one year. These loans generally can be renewed with the banks or the individual creditors.
As of March 31, 2009 and June 30, 2008, the Company had short-term loans amounted to $3,950,099 and $3,896,989, respectively. Weighted average interest rates are 10.1% and 8.7% as of March 31, 2009 and June 30, 2008, respectively. Total interest expense on short term loans for the nine months ended March 31, 2009 and
2008 amounted to $277,385 and $120,773, respectively, after $0 and $121,437 was capitalized into construction-in-progress.
Note 12 – Other Payables and Accrued Liabilities
Other payables and accrued liabilities as of March 31, 2009 and June 30, 2008 comprised as follows:
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
June 30, 2008 |
|
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
Accrued expense |
|
$ |
200,976 |
|
|
$ |
8,798 |
|
Construction payables |
|
|
385,019 |
|
|
|
383,442 |
|
Salary payable |
|
|
213,698 |
|
|
|
217,426 |
|
Benefit payable |
|
|
15,429 |
|
|
|
22,240 |
|
Balance of mine purchase price |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
963,886 |
|
Payable to employees |
|
|
127,227 |
|
|
|
87,125 |
|
Other payable |
|
|
275,373 |
|
|
|
394,073 |
|
Total |
|
$ |
1,217,722 |
|
|
$ |
2,076,990 |
|
TOP FAVOUR LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2009
(Unaudited)
Construction payables consisted of the payable to various contractors incurred in connection to the Company’s completed construction projects for the coal mines and the power plant. The construction payables bear no interest and are collateralized generally by the construction works as mechanic’s liens.
Note 13 – Taxes
Income Tax
Effective January 1, 2008, the New Enterprise Income Tax ("EIT") law replaced the existing laws for Domestic Enterprises ("DES") and Foreign Invested Enterprises ("FIEs") in the PRC. The new standard EIT rate of 25% has replaced the 33% rate previously applicable to both DES and FIEs. Companies established before March 16, 2007 will continue
to enjoy tax holiday treatment approved by local government for a grace period of the next 5 years or until the tax holiday term is completed, whichever is sooner. Pursuant to the PRC tax law, net operating loss can be carried forward 5 years to offset future taxable income.
The PRC does not allow consolidation or group filing for corporate income tax purposes. Income and losses from members of the same consolidated group (for financial reporting purposes) are not allowed to offset one another. Therefore, total taxable income (loss) subject to actual PRC corporate tax within the consolidated group does not
necessarily equal to the consolidated net income before income tax of the consolidated group. The PRC tax administration system does not necessarily retroactively recognize or allow accounting adjustments that are discovered and posted after the income tax returns are filed as additional taxable income or deductions for the tax year to which such post-filing accounting adjustments relate. The Company considers any US GAAP adjustments to its financial statements made after the statutory tax returns are filed to
be permanent differences for the purpose of reconciling differences of income tax provision and actual PRC income tax liabilities.
The provision for income taxes consists of the following for the nine months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008:
|
|
Nine months ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
BVI current income tax expense |
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
PRC current income tax expense |
|
|
3,674,429 |
|
|
|
6,061,751 |
|
Total provision for income taxes |
|
$ |
3,674,429 |
|
|
$ |
6,061,751 |
|
The following table reconciles the statutory rates to the Company’s effective tax rate for the nine months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008:
|
|
Nine months ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
BVI income tax |
|
|
0.0 |
% |
|
|
0.0 |
% |
PRC income tax |
|
|
25.0 |
% |
|
|
30.3 |
% (1) |
Other item (2) |
|
|
0.6 |
% |
|
|
1.7 |
% |
Effective tax rate |
|
|
25.6 |
% |
|
|
32.0 |
% |
TOP FAVOUR LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2009
(Unaudited)
(1) For the nine months ended March 31, 2008, the Company was subject to 33% and 25% income tax rates for the first six months and later three months, respectively due to the new EIT was effective on January 1, 2008.
(2) The 0.6% and 1.7% represent $429,794 and $409,410 of operating losses incurred by Hongchang and Hongguang for the nine months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and management believes the losses may not be recovered through future net income.
Value Added Tax
The Company incurred VAT on sales and VAT on purchases in PRC amounted to $6,607,927 and $2,294,242 for the nine months ended March 31, 2009, and $8,402,060 and $2,611,397 for the nine months ended March
31, 2008, respectively.
Sales and purchases are recorded net of VAT collected and paid as the Company acts as an agent for the government. VAT taxes are not impacted by the income tax holiday.
Taxes Payable
Taxes payable as of March 31, 2009 and June 30, 2008 consisted of the following:
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
June 30, 2008 |
|
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
VAT |
|
$ |
2,271,085 |
|
|
$ |
760,459 |
|
Income tax |
|
|
3,108,287 |
|
|
|
1,990,387 |
|
Others |
|
|
152,028 |
|
|
|
196,272 |
|
Total taxes payable |
|
$ |
5,531,400 |
|
|
$ |
2,947,118 |
|
Note 14 – Commitments and Contingencies
Lease Commitment
The Company leases its office in downtown Pingdingshan on an operating lease for a one year term, which expires on June 30, 2010. The lease is generally renewable upon expiration and requires an upfront payment of the annual rent in the amount of $6,328 upon execution of the lease.
Purchase Commitment
Hongli entered into an agreement with the Henan Province Pingdingshan Municipal Bureau of Land and Resources on December 9, 2008 to acquire the land use rights over some 1,270,000 square meters of industrial zoning vacant land in the Baofeng County. The total consideration is amounted to $21,954,490 (or RMB 149,860,000) for 50 years’
land use right. Under the agreement, the Company committed to pay $13,185,000 (or RMB 90,000,000) the first consideration installment by June 30, 2009 and $8,769,490 (or RMB 59,860,000) by September 30, 2009. The Company acquired the land as a part of a business expansion plan under which a new coking factory and related facilities will be built to produce coke of 900,000 tones per year, coal gas-generated power, and other chemical refinery by-products. Under the agreement, the
Company is committed to start the construction project before March 16, 2009 with possible 30 days extension and complete the construction of coking factory for the intended by March 16, 2011, with a possible one year extension upon approval by the Henan Province Pingdingshan Municipal Bureau of Land and Resources.
TOP FAVOUR LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2009
(Unaudited)
Note 15 – Statutory Reserves
The laws and regulations of the PRC require that before foreign invested enterprise can legally distribute profits, it must first satisfy all tax liabilities, provide for losses in previous years, and make allocations, in proportions determined at the discretion of the board of directors, after
the statutory reserves. The statutory reserves include the statutory surplus reserve fund and the common welfare fund.
The Company is required to transfer 10% of its net income, as determined in accordance with the PRC Company Law, to the statutory surplus reserve fund until such reserve balance reaches 50% of the Company’s registered capital. The transfer must be made before distribution of any dividends to shareholders. The surplus reserve fund
is non-distributable other than during liquidation and can be used to fund previous years’ losses, if any, and may be utilized for business expansion or converted into share capital by issuing new shares to existing shareholders in proportion to their shareholdings or by increasing the par value of the shares currently held by them, provided that the remaining reserve balance after such issue is not less than 25% of the registered capital.
The common welfare fund is no longer required after 2006 in accordance with PRC Company Law.
For the periods ended March 31, 2009, the Company did not make any contribution to the statutory reserve resulting from its net operating loss. The component of statutory reserves and the future contributions required pursuant to Chinese Company Law are as follows as of March 31, 2009 and June 30, 2008:
Statutory surplus reserve |
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
June 30, 2008 |
|
|
50% of registered share capital |
|
|
Future contributions required as of March 31, 2009 |
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hongli |
|
$ |
548,204 |
|
|
$ |
548,204 |
|
|
$ |
548,204 |
|
|
$ |
- |
Hongguang |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,514,590 |
|
|
|
1,514,590 |
Hongchang |
|
|
25,208 |
|
|
|
25,208 |
|
|
|
206,535 |
|
|
|
181,327 |
Total |
|
$ |
573,412 |
|
|
$ |
573,412 |
|
|
$ |
2,269,329 |
|
|
$ |
1,695,917 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note 16 – Related Party Transactions
The Company has loans from Mr. Jianhua Lv, a majority shareholder, President and CEO of the Company, and Mr. Liuchang Yang, Director and Vice President of Hongli. Mr. Lv and Mr. Yang provided the funds for the Company’s acquisitions of the coal mine, Baofeng Coking and the construction of the power plant. These loans are unsecured,
payable on demand and bear no interest.
The Company imputed the interest on loans from the related parties based on the prevailing rate which was 11.2% and 8.74% for the periods ended March 31, 2009 and June 30, 2008, respectively. The imputed interest on the loans from the related parties amounted to $459,792 and $355,898 for the nine months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Imputed
interest was transferred to additional paid-in capital.
The payables to Mr. Lv, and Mr. Yang as of March 31, 2009 and June 30, 2008 are as follows:
Due to |
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
June 30, 2008 |
|
Term |
Manner of Settlement |
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Jianhua Lv |
|
$ |
6,456,192 |
|
|
$ |
4,667,405 |
|
Short term |
Cash |
Mr. Liuchang Yang |
|
|
146,500 |
|
|
|
2,092,983 |
|
Short term |
Cash |
Total |
|
$ |
6,602,692 |
|
|
$ |
6,760,388 |
|
|
|
During the nine months ended March 31, 2009, the Company repaid a loan from Mr. Yang, which repyament amounted to $1,954,423.
Note 17 – Subsequent Events
Transfer of share ownership in Top Favour (BVI)
On July 6, 2009, Top Favour (BVI) issued 9,000 new ordinary shares to seventeen parties. Mr. Jianhua Lv transferred his 1,000 shares to Honour Express Limited, a British Virgin Islands international business company which is solely owned by Mr. Shaohua Tan, a Singapore citizen. As a result of the share issuance and share transfer,
Top Favour (BVI) has 10,000 ordinary shares outstanding, 51.03% of which is held by Honour Express Limited.
Mr. Shaohua Tan and Mr. Jianhua Lv further entered into a Call Option Agreement (“Incentive Option Agreement”). To provide incentive to Mr. Lv in connection with the development of Top Favour (BVI)’s business, it was agreed that Mr. Lv shall receive 100% shares of Honour Express within the next three years, subject
to certain contingencies as set forth in the Incentive Option Agreement.
Under the Incentive Option Agreement, Mr. Lv shall serve as CEO and Chairman of Top Favour (BVI) for not less than a 5 year period; and in anticipation of Mr. Lv’s continuous contributions to the Hongli Companies including Top Favour, WFOE (Hongyuan), Hongli and its subsidiaries, if the companies meet certain revenue thresholds, Mr.
Lv shall have the right and option to acquire the shares of Honor Express Limited at nominal price (the “Option”).
In addition, the Incentive Option Agreement also provides that Mr. Tan shall not dispose any of the shares of Honor Express without Mr. Lv’s consent.
Share Exchange Agreement
The Company entered a Letter of Intent on February 14, 2009 with Ableauctions.com, Inc. (“Ableauctions”), a Florida corporation which common stock is quoted on the NYSE Amex Equities, whereby Ableauctions and Company agreed to negotiate and enter into a transaction in which Ableauctions will acquire all of the equity interest of
the Company (the “Acquisition”).
Following this non-binding letter of intent on February 14, 2009 between and by the Company and Ableauctions.com, Inc. (“Ableauctions”), the Company agreed to enter into a Share Exchange Agreement among Ableauctions, Top Favour (BVI), and the shareholders of Top Favour (BVI) (the “Share Exchange Agreement”) in July
2009. The Share Exchange Agreement provides that, among other things, upon the closing of the share exchange transaction:
|
(1) |
the Company’s shareholders will transfer 100% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Top Favour (BVI) to Ableauctions; |
|
(2) |
as consideration for the acquisition of the Top Favour (BVI) equity interests, Ableauctions will issue common stock to Top Favour’s shareholders; immediately after the closing of the Share Exchange Agreement, the former shareholders of Top Favour (BVI) and the former shareholders of Ableauctions will own approximately 97% and 3% of the outstanding shares of Ableauctions, respectively. |
|
(3) |
Ableauctions will adopt a plan of liquidation reasonably acceptable to Top Favour (BVI), under which it shall establish a liquidating trust for purposes of discharging outstanding liabilities and distributing remaining assets of Ableauctions to its shareholders as of a certain record date prior to the closing; at the closing, Ableauctions will have no material liabilities, contingent or otherwise, and no material assets. |
The plan of share exchange under the Share Exchange Agreement is subject to approval by the shareholders of both companies. Upon the closing of the share exchange transaction, the Acquisition will be treated as a reverse acquisition with which results in the legal acquirer, the Ableauctions, being treated as being acquired by Top
Favour (BVI) under the acquisition method.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and
Shareholders of Top Favour Limited
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Top Favour Limited and Subsidiaries as of June 30, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended June 30, 2008. Top Favour
Limited and Subsidiaries’ management is responsible for these financial statements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits 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 audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Top Favour Limited and Subsidiaries as of June 30, 2008 and 2007, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended June 30, 2008 in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
/s/ Moore Stephens Wurth Frazer & Torbet, LLP
Walnut, California
May 29, 2009
TOP FAVOUR LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
AS OF JUNE 30, 2008 AND 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
CURRENT ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash |
|
$ |
4,705,129 |
|
|
$ |
725,166 |
|
Accounts receivable, trade |
|
|
3,552,733 |
|
|
|
1,655,206 |
|
Other receivables |
|
|
996,190 |
|
|
|
1,552,832 |
|
Inventories |
|
|
206,690 |
|
|
|
250,858 |
|
Advances to suppliers |
|
|
1,646,714 |
|
|
|
149,980 |
|
Other current assets |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
75,675 |
|
Total current assets |
|
|
11,107,456 |
|
|
|
4,409,717 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net |
|
|
13,468,704 |
|
|
|
13,262,237 |
|
CONSTRUCTION-IN-PROGRESS |
|
|
2,740,204 |
|
|
|
2,308,349 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Intangible - Land use rights, net |
|
|
2,001,379 |
|
|
|
1,861,111 |
|
Intangible - Mineral rights, net |
|
|
8,014,599 |
|
|
|
8,610,193 |
|
Other assets |
|
|
102,130 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Total other assets |
|
|
10,118,108 |
|
|
|
10,471,304 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
$ |
37,434,472 |
|
|
$ |
30,451,607 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT LIABILITIES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable, trade |
|
$ |
3,576,790 |
|
|
$ |
4,616,994 |
|
Short-term loans |
|
|
3,896,989 |
|
|
|
3,236,215 |
|
Other payables - related parties |
|
|
6,760,388 |
|
|
|
8,078,251 |
|
Other payables and accrued liabilities |
|
|
1,693,548 |
|
|
|
12,692,186 |
|
Customer deposits |
|
|
511,628 |
|
|
|
2,587,013 |
|
Taxes payable |
|
|
2,947,118 |
|
|
|
661,874 |
|
Construction payable |
|
|
383,442 |
|
|
|
977,385 |
|
Total liabilities |
|
|
19,769,903 |
|
|
|
32,849,918 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common share, $1.00 par value, 50,000 authorized, 1,000 issued and |
|
|
|
|
|
outstanding as of June 30, 2008 |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
Paid-in capital |
|
|
3,044,803 |
|
|
|
1,555,906 |
|
Contribution receivables |
|
|
(1,000 |
) |
|
|
(1,000 |
) |
Statutory reserves |
|
|
573,412 |
|
|
|
107,596 |
|
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) |
|
|
13,340,814 |
|
|
|
(3,858,035 |
) |
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
705,540 |
|
|
|
(203,778 |
) |
Total shareholders' equity |
|
|
17,664,569 |
|
|
|
(2,398,311 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity |
|
$ |
37,434,472 |
|
|
$ |
30,451,607 |
|
See report of independent registered public accounting firm.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
TOP FAVOUR LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
|
|
|
|
|
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) |
|
|
|
|
FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2008, 2007 AND 2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
REVENUE |
|
$ |
58,623,488 |
|
|
$ |
30,078,701 |
|
|
$ |
11,039,203 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COST OF GOOD SOLD |
|
|
27,751,480 |
|
|
|
22,179,203 |
|
|
|
8,554,842 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GROSS PROFIT |
|
|
30,872,008 |
|
|
|
7,899,498 |
|
|
|
2,484,361 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPERATING EXPENSES: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selling |
|
|
1,631,856 |
|
|
|
1,613,496 |
|
|
|
1,663,328 |
|
General and administrative |
|
|
2,269,540 |
|
|
|
2,717,161 |
|
|
|
2,857,729 |
|
Total operating expenses |
|
|
3,901,396 |
|
|
|
4,330,657 |
|
|
|
4,521,057 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS |
|
|
26,970,612 |
|
|
|
3,568,841 |
|
|
|
(2,036,696 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Finance expense, net |
|
|
(1,122,569 |
) |
|
|
(750,950 |
) |
|
|
(477,986 |
) |
Other expense, net |
|
|
(137,063 |
) |
|
|
(49,375 |
) |
|
|
(55,284 |
) |
Total other income (expense), net |
|
|
(1,259,632 |
) |
|
|
(800,325 |
) |
|
|
(533,270 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES |
|
|
25,710,980 |
|
|
|
2,768,516 |
|
|
|
(2,569,966 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES |
|
|
8,046,315 |
|
|
|
2,165,766 |
|
|
|
325,470 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET INCOME (LOSS) |
|
|
17,664,665 |
|
|
|
602,750 |
|
|
|
(2,895,436 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency translation adjustment |
|
|
909,318 |
|
|
|
(144,792 |
) |
|
|
(58,986 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) |
|
$ |
18,573,983 |
|
|
$ |
457,958 |
|
|
$ |
(2,954,422 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See report of independent registered public accounting firm.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
TOP FAVOUR LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2008, 2007 AND 2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retained Earnings |
|
|
other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock |
|
|
Paid-in |
|
|
Contribution |
|
|
Statutory |
|
|
|
|
|
comprehensive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Par Value |
|
|
capital |
|
|
Receivable |
|
|
reserves |
|
|
Unrestricted |
|
|
(loss) income |
|
|
Total |
|
BALANCE, July 1, 2005 |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,000 |
|
|
$ |
440,691 |
|
|
$ |
(1,000 |
) |
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
(1,457,753 |
) |
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
(1,017,062 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Loss |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,895,436 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,895,436 |
) |
Adjustment of statutory reserve |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,295 |
|
|
|
(2,295 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
|
Shareholder contribution by forfeited imputed interest |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
412,331 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
412,331 |
|
Foreign currency translation adjustments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(58,986 |
) |
|
|
(58,986 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BALANCE, June 30, 2006 |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,000 |
|
|
$ |
853,022 |
|
|
$ |
(1,000 |
) |
|
$ |
2,295 |
|
|
$ |
(4,355,484 |
) |
|
$ |
(58,986 |
) |
|
$ |
(3,559,153 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
602,750 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
602,750 |
|
Adjustment of statutory reserve |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
105,301 |
|
|
|
(105,301 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
|
Shareholder contribution by forfeited imputed interest |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
702,884 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
702,884 |
|
Foreign currency translation adjustments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(144,792 |
) |
|
|
(144,792 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BALANCE, June 30, 2007 |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,555,906 |
|
|
$ |
(1,000 |
) |
|
$ |
107,596 |
|
|
$ |
(3,858,035 |
) |
|
$ |
(203,778 |
) |
|
$ |
(2,398,311 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,664,665 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,664,665 |
|
Adjustment of statutory reserve |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
465,816 |
|
|
|
(465,816 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
|
Shareholder contribution |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
851,968 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
851,968 |
|
Shareholder contribution by forfeited imputed interest |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
636,929 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
636,929 |
|
Foreign currency translation adjustments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
909,318 |
|
|
|
909,318 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BALANCE, June 30, 2008 |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,000 |
|
|
$ |
3,044,803 |
|
|
$ |
(1,000 |
) |
|
$ |
573,412 |
|
|
$ |
13,340,814 |
|
|
$ |
705,540 |
|
|
$ |
17,664,569 |
|
See report of independent registered public accounting firm.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
TOP FAVOUR LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS |
|
|
|
|
FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2008, 2007 AND 2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
17,664,665 |
|
|
$ |
602,750 |
|
|
$ |
(2,895,436 |
) |
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
provided by operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation |
|
|
1,259,811 |
|
|
|
1,031,563 |
|
|
|
928,314 |
|
Amortization and depletion |
|
|
2,133,587 |
|
|
|
1,260,992 |
|
|
|
1,298,044 |
|
Bad debt expense |
|
|
200,356 |
|
|
|
535,345 |
|
|
|
407,599 |
|
Imputed interest on shareholder and related party loans |
|
|
636,929 |
|
|
|
702,884 |
|
|
|
412,331 |
|
Capitalized interest |
|
|
(156,121 |
) |
|
|
(158,890 |
) |
|
|
(114,380 |
) |
Change in operating assets and liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable, trade |
|
|
(1,820,052 |
) |
|
|
(1,412,025 |
) |
|
|
(156,930 |
) |
Other receivables |
|
|
589,411 |
|
|
|
(645,240 |
) |
|
|
(622,511 |
) |
Inventories |
|
|
67,607 |
|
|
|
363,935 |
|
|
|
(505,543 |
) |
Advances to suppliers |
|
|
(1,397,012 |
) |
|
|
1,526,323 |
|
|
|
(1,619,273 |
) |
Other current assets |
|
|
79,236 |
|
|
|
158,233 |
|
|
|
(52,202 |
) |
Accounts payable, trade |
|
|
(1,458,808 |
) |
|
|
2,545,876 |
|
|
|
1,292,995 |
|
Other payables and accrued liabilities |
|
|
(4,601,657 |
) |
|
|
(2,437,311 |
) |
|
|
3,234,346 |
|
Customer deposits |
|
|
(2,225,952 |
) |
|
|
747,481 |
|
|
|
683,476 |
|
Taxes payable |
|
|
2,088,249 |
|
|
|
(175,421 |
) |
|
|
812,398 |
|
Net cash provided by operating activities |
|
|
13,060,249 |
|
|
|
4,646,495 |
|
|
|
3,103,228 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of property, plant and equipment and construction-in-progress |
|
|
(2,648,102 |
) |
|
|
(2,988,978 |
) |
|
|
(6,887,749 |
) |
Purchase of land use rights and mineral rights |
|
|
(5,822,908 |
) |
|
|
(3,549,834 |
) |
|
|
(1,590,213 |
) |
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
|
(8,471,010 |
) |
|
|
(6,538,812 |
) |
|
|
(8,477,962 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholder contribution |
|
|
851,968 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Payments on short-term loans |
|
|
(4,943,071 |
) |
|
|
(1,525,552 |
) |
|
|
(753,544 |
) |
Cash proceeds from short-term loans |
|
|
5,232,220 |
|
|
|
3,568,587 |
|
|
|
1,815,157 |
|
(Payment) proceeds of loans from related parties |
|
|
(2,078,542 |
) |
|
|
136,855 |
|
|
|
4,065,884 |
|
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities |
|
|
(937,425 |
) |
|
|
2,179,890 |
|
|
|
5,127,497 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE ON CASH |
|
|
328,149 |
|
|
|
28,074 |
|
|
|
19,758 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH |
|
|
3,979,963 |
|
|
|
315,647 |
|
|
|
(227,479 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH, beginning of year |
|
|
725,166 |
|
|
|
409,519 |
|
|
|
636,998 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH, end of year |
|
$ |
4,705,129 |
|
|
$ |
725,166 |
|
|
$ |
409,519 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for income tax |
|
$ |
6,634,443 |
|
|
$ |
1,902,383 |
|
|
$ |
132,367 |
|
Cash paid for interest expense |
|
$ |
575,206 |
|
|
$ |
278,909 |
|
|
$ |
101,677 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See report of independent registered public accounting firm.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
TOP FAVOUR LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2008
Note 1 – Organization
Top Favour Limited (“Top Favour (BVI)” or the Company) was incorporated in the British Virgin Islands on July 2, 2008. Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Pingdingshan Hongyuan Energy Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd.(“Hongyuan” or “WFOE”),
which was formed on March 18, 2009, and the variable interest entity Henan Pingdingshan Hongli Coal & Coking Co., Ltd., the Company produces and sells coal, coke, coal gas-generated electricity, and other coking by-products in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC” or China).
Henan Pingdingshan Hongli Coal & Coking Co., Ltd. (“Hongli”) was incorporated as a trading and holding company on July 5, 1996 under the laws of the PRC. In addition to operating the Baofeng Coking Factory, Hongli sells coals and coke to its customers, most of whom are energy trading companies procuring coking coals for
steel manufacturers and chemical refineries in China. Hongli has a registered capital of approximately USD $1,055,000 (RMB 8,080,000) and is located in the city of Pingdingshan, Henan Province.
Baofeng Coking Factory (“Baofeng Coking”) is a division of Hongli and was established in May 2002. Baofeng Coking commenced business in 2003 by acquiring its coal washing and coking facilities from a local state-owned enterprise in Baofeng County (within the city limit of Pingdingshan). Baofeng Coking is engaged in coal washing
and coking by using the raw coal produced by its affiliate or purchased from other raw or washed coal vendors.
Baofeng Hongchang Coal Co., Ltd. (“Hongchang Coal”) was formed in July 19, 2007 under the laws of the PRC. Hongchang Coal is 100% owned by Hongli. Hongchang Coal owns the coal mining rights over three underground coal mines (all located in Baofeng County) on approximately 0.6534 square kilometer of land and produces high quality
raw coals suitable for coke making and other industrial uses. Total proven coal reserves for of all three mines as of July 2007 were 2,475,000 metric tonnes, of which the Company is permitted to extract (by means of paying for the mining privilege to the government) up to 1,215,000 metric tonnes. The majority of its products are supplied to Baofeng Coking and Hongli.
Baofeng Hongguang Power Co., Ltd. (“Hongguang Power”) was formed on August 1, 2006. Hongguang Power is 100% owned by Hongli. Hongguang Power operates its 2x3000-kilowatt (kw) power plant and supplies Baofeng Coking and the national power grid with electricity generated from the coal gas emitted from the coking process of Baofeng
Coking. Hongguang is mandatorily required to sale the surplus of electricity to the national power grid by the local government.
Hongli and its operating subsidiaries hold the approved licenses necessary to operate the coal mining, coal sales, coking and power plant businesses in China. PRC law currently has limits on foreign ownership of these companies. To comply with these foreign ownership restrictions and in order for Top Favor (BVI) to obtain control over Hongli’s
PRC operating entities, on March 18, 2009, Top Favour (BVI), through the WFOE, entered into certain exclusive Contractual Agreements with Hongli and its shareholders. The Contractual Arrangements are comprised of a series of agreements, including: (1) a Consulting Services Agreement, through which the WFOE has the right to advise, consult, manage and operate Hongli and its subsidiaries
(the “Operating Companies”), and to collect and own all of the respective net profit of the Operating Companies; (2) an Operating Agreement, through which the WFOE has the right to recommend director candidates and appoint the senior executives of the Operating Companies, approve any transaction that may materially affect the assets, liabilities, rights or operations of the Operating Companies, and guarantee the contractual performance by the Operating Companies of any agreement with third parties
in exchange for a pledge by the Operating Companies of their respective accounts receivable and assets; (3) a Proxy Agreement, under which the shareholders of the Operating Companies have vested their voting control over the Operating Companies to the WFOE and will only transfer their equity interests in the Operating Companies to the WFOE or its designee(s); (4) an Option Agreement, under which the shareholders of the Operating Companies
have granted the WFOE the irrevocable right and option to acquire all of its equity interests in the Operating Companies, or alternatively, all of the assets of the Operating Companies; and (5) an Equity Pledge Agreement, under which the shareholders of the Operating Companies have pledged all of their rights, title and interest in the Operating Companies to the WFOE to guarantee the Operating Companies’ performance of their respective obligations under the Consulting Services Agreement.
TOP FAVOUR LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2008
Since Top Favour (BVI) and Hongli are under common control, this has been accounted for as a reorganization of entities and the consolidation of Top Favour (BVI) and Hongli has been accounted for at historical cost and prepared on the basis as if the aforementioned exclusive agreements between Top Favour (BVI) and Hongli had become effective
as of the beginning of the first period presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The Company’s consolidated assets do not include any collateral for Hongli’s obligations. The creditors of Hongli do not have recourse against Top Favour (BVI) and Hongyuan.
Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of consolidation
In accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 46R, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” ("FIN 46R") and Interpretation of ARB 51, variable interest entities (VIEs) are generally entities that lack sufficient equity to finance their activities without additional financial
support from other parties or whose equity holders lack adequate decision making ability. All VIEs with which the Company is involved must be evaluated to determine the primary beneficiary of the risks and rewards of the VIE. The primary beneficiary is required to consolidate the VIE for financial reporting purposes.
As a result of these contractual arrangements, which obligates Top Favour (BVI) to absorb a Substantially all of the risk of loss from Hongli’s activities and enable Top Favour (BVI) to receive substantially all of its expected residual returns, Top Favour (BVI) accounts for Hongli as a Variable Interest Entity and Top Favour (BVI)
is the primary beneficiary.
Under the requirements of FIN 46R, in addition to the financial statements of Top Favour (BVI), the accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect the activities of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Hongyuan, the variable interest entity, Hongli, and Hongli’s wholly-owned
subsidiaries, Baofeng Hongchang Coal Co., Ltd. and Baofeng Hongguang Power Co., Ltd. All significant inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in the consolidation.
Use of estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The more significant areas requiring the use of management estimates and assumptions relate to coal reserves that are the basis for future cash flow estimates and units-of-production depletion calculations; asset impairments; valuation allowances for deferred income taxes; reserves for contingencies and litigation and the fair value and accounting treatment of certain financial instruments. Management bases its estimates on historical
experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Accordingly, actual results may differ significantly from these estimates. In addition, different assumptions or conditions could reasonably be expected to yield different results.
TOP FAVOUR LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2008
Revenue recognition
The Company's revenue recognition policies are in compliance with Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) 104. Coal and coke sales revenue is recognized at the date of shipment to customers when a formal arrangement exists, the price is fixed or determinable, the delivery is completed, no other significant obligations of the Company
exist and collectability is reasonably assured. This generally occurs when coal is loaded onto trains or trucks at one of the Company’s loading facilities or at third party facilities.
Most of the electricity generated by Hongguan Power is used internally by Baofeng Coking. Supply of surplus electricity generated by Hongguang Power to the national power grid is mandated by the local utilities board. The value of the surplus utilities supplied is calculated based on actual kilowatt-hour produced and transmitted at a fixed
rate determined under contract.
Coal and coke sales revenue represents the invoiced value of goods, net of a value-added tax (VAT), sales discount and actual returns at the time when merchandise is sold to a customer.
Shipping and handling costs
Shipping and handling costs related to the cost of the raw materials purchased is included in cost of revenues. Total shipping and handling cost related to sales were recorded as selling expenses. For the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006 were $313,639, $535,755 and $389,211, respectively.
Foreign currency translation and other comprehensive income
The reporting currency of the Company is the US dollar. The functional currency of the Company and its subsidiaries is the Chinese Renminbi (RMB).
For the subsidiaries whose functional currencies are other than the US dollar, all assets and liabilities accounts were translated at the exchange rate on the balance sheet date; shareholder's equity is translated at the historical rates and items in the statement of operations are translated at the average rate for the year. Items in the
cash flows statement are also translated at average translation rates for the period; therefore, amounts reported on the statement of cash flows will not necessarily agree with changes in the corresponding balances on the balance sheet. Translation adjustments resulting from this process are included in accumulated other comprehensive income in the statements of shareholders’ equity. The resulting translation gains and losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency
other than the functional currency are included in the results of operations as incurred.
The balance sheet amounts with the exception of equity at June 30, 2008 and 2007 were translated at RMB 6.87 to $1 and at RMB 7.62 to $1, respectively. The average translation rates applied to income and cash flow statements amount for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006 were at RMB 7.29 to $1, RMB
7.83 to $1 and RMB 8.08 to 1, respectively.
Fair value of financial instruments
SFAS 107, “Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments”, defines financial instruments and requires fair value disclosures about those financial instruments. SFAS 157, “Fair Value Measurements”, adopted
January 1, 2008, defines fair value, establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosures of fair value measurement and enhances disclosures requirements for fair value measures. Accounts receivable and payable, payables to related parties and bank loans qualify as financial instruments and management believes the carrying amounts approximate fair value due to the relatively short period between origination and maturity of these
instruments. The three levels are defined as follows:
TOP FAVOUR LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2008
|
Level 1 |
Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
|
|
Level 2 |
Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the assets or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instruments.
|
|
Level 3 |
Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value. |
Cash
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents for cash flow statements purpose. Cash includes cash on hand and demand deposits in accounts maintained with state-owned banks within the PRC.
Accounts receivable
During the normal course of business, the Company extends unsecured credit to its customers. The management regularly reviews the aging of the receivables and the changes in the payment trends by its customers, and records a reserve when it believes the collection of amounts due is at risk. Accounts considered uncollectible are written
off. As of June 30, 2008 and 2007, the management concluded that its allowance for doubtful accounts was zero. The Company regularly reviews the credit worthiness of its customers, and based on the results of the credit review, determines whether extended payment terms can be granted to, or in some cases, partial prepayment is required from certain customers. Accounts receivable was $3,552,733 and $1,655,206 as of June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market by using weighted average cost method. Inventories consist of raw material, supplies, work-in-process, and finished goods. Raw material mainly consists of coal (mined and purchased), rail, steel, wood and additives used in coking. The
cost of finished goods included (1) direct cost of raw material, (2) direct labor, (3) indirect production cost, such as allocable utilities cost, and (4) indirect labor related to the production activities, such as assembling and packaging.
Advances to suppliers
The Company advances money to certain suppliers for raw material purchase and construction contracts. These advances are interest free and unsecured.
Property, plant and equipment, net
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expenses as incurred; while additions, renewals and betterments are capitalized. When items of property, plant and equipment are retired or otherwise disposed, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective
accounts, and any gain or loss is included in the operations. Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is provided by using the straight-line method for substantially all assets with estimated lives as follows:
TOP FAVOUR LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2008
|
Estimated Useful Life |
Building and plant |
30-40 years |
Machinery and equipment |
10-20 years |
Other equipment |
5 years |
Transportation equipment |
5-7 years |
Construction-in-progress
Construction-in-progress includes direct costs of construction of mining tunnels and the mining/coking facilities. Interest incurred during the period of construction, if material, is capitalized. All other interest is expensed as incurred. For the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, $156,121, $158,890 and $114,381 interest was capitalized
into construction for progress. Construction-in-progress is not depreciated until such time the assets are completed and placed into service. Maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are charged to expense as incurred. Major additions and betterment to property and equipment are capitalized.
Intangible - land use rights and mineral rights
The Company’s intangible assets consist of land use rights and mineral rights. Under the SFAS 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," all goodwill and certain intangible assets determined to have indefinite lives are not amortized but tested for impairment at least annually.
Intangible assets other than goodwill will be amortized over their useful lives and reviewed for impairment.
Land use rights are amortized over 36 years, the contractual period of the rights.
Mineral rights are recorded at fair value when acquired, including amounts associated with any value beyond proven and probable reserves. The Company’s coal reserves are controlled through direct ownership, which generally lasts until the recoverable reserves are depleted. Depletion of reserves is computed using the units-of-production
method over the estimated proven and probable recoverable tons.
Impairment of long-lived assets
The Company evaluates long-lived tangible and intangible assets for impairment at least annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable from its estimated future cash flow, in accordance with SFAS 144, "Accounting for Impairment
or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets". Recoverability is measured by comparing the asset’s net book value to the related projected undiscounted cash flows from these assets, considering a number of factors including past operating results, budgets, economic projections, market trends and product development cycles. If the net book value of the asset exceeds the related undiscounted cash flows, the asset is considered impaired, and a second test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss. Based
on its review, the Company believes that, as of June 30, 2008 and 2007, there was no impairment of long-lived assets.
Income taxes
The Company records and reports income taxes pursuant to SFAS 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. SFAS 109 requires the recognition of deferred income tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between income tax basis
and financial reporting basis of assets and liabilities. Provision for income taxes consists of the taxes that are currently due plus deferred taxes.
TOP FAVOUR LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2008
The Company adopted FIN 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes”, on January 1, 2007. A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position
would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50% hikelihood of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded. The adoption of FIN 48 had no effect on its financial statements as of and for the years ended June 30, 2008 and 2007.
Deferred tax is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method in respect of temporary differences arise from differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and the corresponding tax basis used in the computation of assessable tax profit. In principle, deferred tax liabilities are recognized
for all taxable temporary differences, and deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is probably that taxable profit will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilized. Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realized or the liability is settled. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the income statement except when it is related to the items that are credited or charged directly to equity; in which case,
the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity.
Chinese income taxes
The Company’s subsidiary and VIEs are operating in the PRC and are governed by the income tax laws of the PRC concerning Foreign Investment Enterprises and Foreign Enterprises and various local income tax laws (the “Income Tax Laws”). Prior to January 1, 2008, according to the Income Tax Laws of the PRC, the Company’s
subsidiaries and VIEs are generally subject to an income tax at an effective rate of 33% (30% national income taxes plus 3% local income taxes) on taxable income, which is based on the net income reported in the statutory financial statements after appropriate tax adjustments. The statutory rate has been changed to 25%, effective January 1, 2008.
Value-added tax (VAT)
Sales revenue represents the invoiced value of goods, net of a value-added tax (VAT). All of the Company’s coals and cokes that are sold in the PRC are subject to a Chinese value-added tax at a rate of 13% or 17% of the gross sales price, respectively. This VAT may be offset by VAT paid by the Company on the raw material and other
materials included in the cost of producing their finished products. The Company recorded VAT payable and VAT receivable net of payments in the consolidated financial statements. The VAT tax return is filed to offset the payables against the receivables.
Comprehensive income
SFAS 130, “Reporting Comprehensive Income” requires disclosure of all components of comprehensive income and loss on an annual and interim basis. Comprehensive income and loss is defined as the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions
and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the provisions of SFAS 130. Accumulated other comprehensive income is comprised of the changes in foreign currency exchange rates.
TOP FAVOUR LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2008
Recently issued accounting pronouncements
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115”. SFAS 159 permits companies to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items
at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value. The objective of SFAS 159 is to provide opportunities to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply hedge accounting provisions. SFAS 159 also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between companies that choose different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities. SFAS 159 applies
to the Company’s first fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company selected to not adopt this statement.
In June 2007, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. EITF 07-3, “Accounting for Nonrefundable Advance Payments for Goods or Services Received for use in Future Research and Development Activities” (“FSP EITF 07-3”), which addresses whether nonrefundable advance
payments for goods or services that used or rendered for research and development activities should be expensed when the advance payment is made or when the research and development activity has been performed. FSP EITF 07-3 will be effective for an entity’s financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007. The adoption of FSP EITF 07-3 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements - an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51”, which establishes accounting and reporting
standards for ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent, the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest, changes in a parent’s ownership interest and the valuation of retained non-controlling equity investments when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. The statement also establishes reporting requirements that provide sufficient disclosures that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests
of the non-controlling owners. SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The Company has determined that the adoption of SFAS 160 has no effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In December 2007, SFAS 141(R), “Business Combinations”, was issued. SFAS 141R replaces SFAS 141, “Business Combinations”. SFAS 141R retains the
fundamental requirements in SFAS 141 that the acquisition method of accounting (which SFAS 141 called the purchase method) be used for all business combinations and for an acquirer to be identified for each business combination. SFAS 141R requires an acquirer to recognize the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date, measured at their fair values as of that date, with limited exceptions.
This replaces SFAS 141’s cost-allocation process, which required the cost of an acquisition to be allocated to the individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values. SFAS 141R also requires the acquirer in a business combination achieved in stages (sometimes referred to as a step acquisition) to recognize the identifiable assets and liabilities, as well as the noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, at the full amounts of their fair values (or other amounts determined
in accordance with SFAS 141R). SFAS 141R applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. An entity may not apply it before that date. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that adopting SFAS 141R will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS 162, "The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles". SFAS 162 is intended to improve financial reporting by identifying a consistent framework, or hierarchy, for selecting accounting principles to be used in preparing financial statements
that are presented in conformity with GAAP for nongovernmental entities. SFAS 162 is effective 60 days following the SEC's approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendments to AU Section 411, "The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles." The Company does not expect the adoption of this statement to have a material impact on its results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
TOP FAVOUR LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2008
Note 3 – Segment Reporting
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, "Disclosure about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information" requires use of the "management approach" model for segment reporting. The management approach model is based on the way a company's management organizes segments
within the company for making operating decisions and assessing performance. Reportable segments are based on products and services, geography, legal structure, management structure, or any other manner in which management disaggregates a company.
As of and for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, the Company’s chief operating decision maker, our CEO, has identified all activities of the Company’s subsidiaries, including coal mining, coking and the sales of all products as a result of these business activities, to be conducted within one single reporting segment
under FAS 131. All of the Company’s products are sold within the PRC. Major products and respective revenues for the years ended June 30 are as summarized as follows:
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Coke |
|
$ |
55,103,692 |
|
|
$ |
23,831,668 |
|
|
$ |
8,614,513 |
|
Coal tar |
|
|
2,987,334 |
|
|
|
1,463,183 |
|
|
|
643,210 |
|
Raw coal |
|
|
372,312 |
|
|
|
1,877,489 |
|
|
|
1,353,376 |
|
Washed coal |
|
|
160,150 |
|
|
|
2,906,361 |
|
|
|
428,104 |
|
Total |
|
$ |
58,623,488 |
|
|
$ |
30,078,701 |
|
|
$ |
11,039,203 |
|
Note 4 – Other Receivables
Other receivables represent amounts loaned or advanced to business affiliates and other individuals (including non-officer employees) to maintain good business relationship. These receivables are short-term or payable by the other party upon our demand and bear no interest. Other receivables as of June 30, 2008 and 2007 are comprised of
the following:
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Wuhan Tieying Steel Co. Ltd. |
|
$ |
441,498 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
Pingdingshan Coal Group Railroad Transportation Service |
|
|
54,445 |
|
|
|
52,351 |
|
Hongfeng Coal Washing Plant |
|
|
350,160 |
|
|
|
447,100 |
|
Wuhan Steel Co. Ltd. |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
131,500 |
|
Guoxing Ge, employee |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
394,502 |
|
Hui, Zheng, employee |
|
|
150,087 |
|
|
|
516,125 |
|
Other miscellaneous deposits and advances |
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,254 |
|
Total |
|
$ |
996,190 |
|
|
$ |
1,552,832 |
|
TOP FAVOUR LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2008
Note 5 – Inventories
Inventories at June 30, 2008 and 2007 consisted of the following:
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Raw material |
|
$ |
161,819 |
|
|
$ |
230,989 |
|
Finished goods |
|
|
44,871 |
|
|
|
19,869 |
|
Total |
|
$ |
206,690 |
|
|
$ |
250,858 |
|
Note 6 – Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment at June 30, 2008 and 2007 consisted of the following:
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Buildings and improvements |
|
$ |
9,971,523 |
|
|
$ |
8,934,398 |
|
Machinery and equipment |
|
|
7,636,298 |
|
|
|
6,860,644 |
|
Other equipment |
|
|
363,524 |
|
|
|
322,259 |
|
Total |
|
|
17,971,345 |
|
|
|
16,117,301 |
|
Less accumulated depreciation |
|
|
(4,502,641 |
) |
|
|
(2,855,064 |
) |
Total, net |
|
$ |
13,468,704 |
|
|
$ |
13,262,237 |
|
Depreciation expense for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006 amounted to $1,259,811, $1,031,563 and $928,314, respectively.
Note 7 – Intangible – Land Use Rights, net
Land use rights, net consisted of the following as of June 30, 2008 and 2007:
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Land use rights |
|
$ |
2,287,289 |
|
|
$ |
2,061,539 |
|
Accumulated amortization |
|
|
(285,910 |
) |
|
|
(200,428 |
) |
Total, net |
|
$ |
2,001,379 |
|
|
$ |
1,861,111 |
|
Amortization expense for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006 amounted to $59,961, $55,779 and $54,008, respectively.
Amortization for the next five years and thereafter is as follows:
Year ended June 30, |
|
Amount |
|
2009 |
|
$ |
59,961 |
|
2010 |
|
|
59,961 |
|
2011 |
|
|
59,961 |
|
2012 |
|
|
59,961 |
|
2013 |
|
|
59,961 |
|
2014, and thereafter |
|
|
1,701,574 |
|
Total |
|
$ |
2,001,379 |
|
TOP FAVOUR LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2008
Note 8 – Intangible – Mineral Rights, net
Mineral rights, net consisted of the following as of June 30, 2008 and 2007:
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Mineral rights |
|
$ |
13,048,171 |
|
|
$ |
11,166,558 |
|
Accumulated depletion |
|
|
(5,033,572 |
) |
|
|
(2,556,365 |
) |
Total, net |
|
$ |
8,014,599 |
|
|
$ |
8,610,193 |
|
Depletion expense for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006 amounted to $2,073,626, $1,205,213 and $1,244,036, respectively, and was charged to cost of revenue.
Note 9 – Advances to Suppliers
Advances to suppliers are money deposited or advanced to outside vendors for future inventory purchases, and mainly procurement of raw coal. Most of the Company’s vendors require a certain amount of money to be deposited with them as a guarantee that the Company will receive their purchase on a timely basis and with favorable pricing.
Such advances as of June 30, 2008 and 2007 consisted of the following:
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Pingdingshan Coal Group Xianbao Mine |
|
$ |
159,862 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
Pingdingshan Coal Group Mine #9 |
|
|
795,126 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Pingdingshan Coal Group Mine #10 |
|
|
684,328 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Pingdingshan Coal Group Xiangshan Mine |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
145,944 |
|
Others |
|
|
7,398 |
|
|
|
4,036 |
|
Total |
|
$ |
1,646,714 |
|
|
$ |
149,980 |
|
Note 10 – Short-Term Loans
Short-term loans represent amounts due to various banks and individuals and are due either on demand or normally within one year. These loans generally can be renewed with the banks or the individual creditors. Bank loans were guaranteed by the Company or a third party
company.
For the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, the Company’s average short-term borrowings amounted to $3,444,852, $1,260,292 and $1,071,712, respectively. Weighted average interest rates are 8.74%, 8.07%, and 6.0% for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Total interest expense on short-term
loans for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006 amounted to $374,554, $146,408 and $162,453, respectively.
Note 11 – Other payables and accrued liabilities
Other payables and accrued liabilities as of June 30, 2008 and 2007 comprised as follows:
TOP FAVOUR LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2008
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Accrued expense |
|
$ |
8,798 |
|
|
$ |
8,718 |
|
Salary payable |
|
|
217,426 |
|
|
|
82,673 |
|
Benefit payable |
|
|
22,240 |
|
|
|
43,750 |
|
Payable to prior owners of HongChang |
|
|
963,886 |
|
|
|
5,836,098 |
|
Payable for acquisition of Baofeng |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
4,611,892 |
|
Payables to employees |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
959,575 |
|
Advance from a third party |
|
|
87,125 |
|
|
|
802,150 |
|
Other payables |
|
|
394,073 |
|
|
|
347,330 |
|
Total |
|
$ |
1,693,548 |
|
|
$ |
12,692,186 |
|
Note 12 – Construction Payable
Construction payable is consisted of the following balances payable to various contractors incurred in connection to the Company’s ongoing construction projects for the coal mines and the power plant. The construction payable bears no interest and is collateralized generally by the construction work as mechanic’s liens.
Name of lender |
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Henan Leihe Construction Co. Ltd. |
|
$ |
264,437 |
|
|
$ |
207,405 |
|
Honghai Lv Contractor |
|
|
90,646 |
|
|
|
81,699 |
|
Yangzhou Yangzi Industrial Engineering Co. Ltd. |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
525,353 |
|
Henan Jianhe Machinery Co. Ltd. |
|
|
8,287 |
|
|
|
107,150 |
|
Others |
|
|
20,072 |
|
|
|
55,778 |
|
Total |
|
$ |
383,442 |
|
|
$ |
977,385 |
|
Note 13 – Income Taxes
Under the existing Income Tax Laws of the PRC, the Company’s subsidiary and VIEs are generally subject to an income tax at an effective rate of 33% (30% national income taxes plus 3% local income taxes) on taxable income, which is based on the net income reported in the statutory financial statements after appropriate tax adjustments.
The statutory rate has been changed to 25%, effective January 1, 2008.
TOP FAVOUR LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2008
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Income (loss) Before Provision for PRC Income Tax |
|
$ |
25,710,980 |
|
|
$ |
2,768,516 |
|
|
$ |
(2,569,966 |
) |
Group subsidiary operating losses that are not consolidated for PRC income tax purposes |
|
|
1,851,788 |
|
|
|
2,620,226 |
|
|
|
3,121,110 |
|
Post-tax filing accounting adjustments not taken into account for PRC income tax purposes |
|
|
183,146 |
|
|
|
1,174,185 |
|
|
|
435,129 |
|
Group PRC taxable income |
|
|
27,745,914 |
|
|
|
6,562,927 |
|
|
|
986,273 |
|
PRC statutory corporate tax rate (for the year ended June 30, 2008, the effective rate is calculated by using 33% for the period from July 2007 to December 2007 and 25% for the period from January 2008 to June 2008) |
|
|
29.0 |
% |
|
|
33.0 |
% |
|
|
33.0 |
% |
Total Provision for PRC Income Taxes |
|
$ |
8,046,315 |
|
|
$ |
2,165,766 |
|
|
$ |
325,470 |
|
The PRC does not allow consolidation or group filing for corporate income tax purposes. Income and losses from members of the same consolidated group (for financial reporting purposes) are not allowed to offset one another. Therefore, total taxable income (loss) subject to actual PRC corporate tax within the consolidated group does not
necessarily equal to the consolidated net income before income tax of the consolidated group.
The PRC tax administration system does not necessarily retroactively recognize or allow accounting adjustments that are discovered and posted after the income tax returns are filed as additional taxable income or deductions for the tax year to which such post-filing accounting adjustments relate. The Company considers any US GAAP adjustments
to its financial statements made after the statutory tax returns are filed to be permanent differences for the purpose of reconciling differences of income tax provision and actual PRC income tax liabilities.
Reconciliations of statutory tax rates to effective rates for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:
TOP FAVOUR LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2008
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
PRC statutory corporate tax rate (for the year ended June 30, 2008, the effective rate is calculated by using 33% for the period from July 2007 to December 2007 and 25% for the period from January 2008 to June 2008) |
|
|
29.0 |
% |
|
|
33.0 |
% |
|
|
33.0 |
% |
Permanent differences between PRC taxable income and consolidated net income before income tax is due to the differences in PRC’s separate reporting entity restrictions and the non-retroactive accounting adjustment after the PRC corporate tax filing |
|
|
2.3 |
% |
|
|
45.2 |
% |
|
|
(45.7 |
%) |
Effective tax rate |
|
|
31.3 |
% |
|
|
78.2 |
% |
|
|
(12.7 |
%) |
Value-added tax
VAT on sales and VAT on purchases in China amounted to $11,282,203 and $3,503,238 for the year ended June 30, 2008, $5,667,876 and $2,689,252 for the year ended June 30, 2007 and $2,571,529 and $1,114,101 for the year ended June 30, 2006, respectively.
Sales and purchases are recorded net of VAT collected and paid as the Company acts as an agent for the government. VAT taxes are not impacted by the income tax holiday.
Taxes payable at June 30, 2008 and 2007 consisted of the following:
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
VAT |
|
$ |
760,459 |
|
|
$ |
205,449 |
|
Income tax |
|
|
1,990,387 |
|
|
|
446,473 |
|
Others |
|
|
196,272 |
|
|
|
9,952 |
|
Total taxes payable |
|
$ |
2,947,118 |
|
|
$ |
661,874 |
|
Note 14 – Commitments and Contingencies
The Company leases its office in downtown Pingdingshan on an operating lease for a one-year term, which expires on June 30, 2009. The lease is generally renewable upon expiration and requires an upfront payment of the annual rent in the amount of $9,760 upon execution of
the lease.
The Company was a defendant in a legal action brought to the County Court of Baofeng, Henan on May 26, 2006 by one of its suppliers for disputed purchase payments for raw materials. The Company prevailed in the first trial but lost the case upon the plaintiff’s appeal to the appellate court in the City of Pingdingshan, where the judge
of the court awarded the plaintiff with a judgment against the Company in the amount of $105,422 (or RMB 765,665) on April 29, 2007. The Company made the payment on June 30, 2007.
TOP FAVOUR LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2008
Note 15 – Statutory Reserves
The Company is required to transfer 10% of its net income, as determined in accordance with the PRC accounting rules and regulations, to a statutory surplus reserve fund until such reserve balance reaches 50% of the Company’s registered capital.
The transfer to this reserve must be made before distribution of any dividend to shareholders. For the year ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, 10% of the year’s net income was determined in accordance with PRC accounting rules and regulations, to this reserve. Registered capital of Hongli, Hongchang Coal, and Hongguang Power
are $1,055,248, $397,200 and $2,761,000 (or RMB 8,080,000, RMB 3,000,000 and RMB 22,000,000), respectively. As of June 30, 2008, maximum future contribution into the statutory surplus reserve fund required was approximately to $1.5 million.
The surplus reserve fund is non-distributable other than during liquidation and can be used to fund previous years’ losses, if any, and may be utilized for business expansion or converted into share capital by issuing new shares to existing shareholders in proportion to their shareholding or by increasing the par value of the shares
currently held by them, provided that the remaining reserve balance after such issue is not less than 25% of the registered capital.
Note 16 – Employee Pension
Regulations in the PRC require the Company to contribute to a defined contribution retirement plan for all permanent employees. The contribution is based on a percentage required by the local government and the employees' current compensation. The Company made $5,454, $10,369 and $0 employment benefit constributions, including pensions,
in the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
Note 17 – Concentration Risk
Certain financial instruments that subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist of cash. Balances at financial institutions or state-owned banks within the PRC are not covered by insurance. As of June 30, 2008 and 2007, the Company had deposits totaling $4,575,184
and $691,478 that are not covered by insurance, respectively. The Company has not experienced any loss in such accounts and does not believe it is exposed to any significant risks on its cash in bank accounts.
The Company's operations are carried out in the PRC. Accordingly, the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations may be influenced by the political, economic and legal environments in the US and China and by the general state of China's economy. The Company's operations in China are subject to specific considerations
and significant risks not typically associated with companies in the North America. These include risks associated with, among others, the political, economic and legal environments and foreign currency exchange. The Company's results may be adversely affected by changes in governmental policies with respect to laws and regulations, anti-inflationary measures, currency conversion and remittance abroad, and rates and methods of taxation, among other things.
The Company had four customers that accounted for at least 10% of its annual gross revenue for years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006. These major customers and the Company’s sales (primarily of coke) to them as a percentage of total revenue are as follows:
TOP FAVOUR LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2008
|
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
Henan Hengyang Guanxiang Trading Co. Ltd. |
|
37.61% |
|
11.67% |
|
- |
Wuhan Yunjietong Industrial Trading Co. Ltd. |
|
19.56% |
|
30.51% |
|
33.11% |
Wuhan Zhengtong Industrial Trading Co. Ltd. |
|
17.36% |
|
12.51% |
|
14.87% |
Hunan Haobo Industrial Trading Co. Ltd. |
|
13.90% |
|
9.26% |
|
- |
Total |
|
88.43% |
|
63.95% |
|
47.98% |
Balance due from these customers accounted for 63.40% and 1.84% of total accounts receivable as of June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
The Company relies on other suppliers of raw coal to supplement our own coal production for the coking operations. The Company had three suppliers that accounted for at least 10% of our annual gross purchase for years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006. These suppliers and
the Company’s purchases from them as a percentage of total purchase are as follows:
|
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
Pingdingshan Coal Group Mine #10 |
|
15.15% |
|
18.11% |
|
6.40% |
Pingdingshan Coal Group Mine #9 |
|
12.68% |
|
12.16% |
|
- |
Total |
|
27.83% |
|
30.27% |
|
6.40% |
Balances due to these vendors accounted for 0% and 82.69% of total accounts payable as of June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Note 18 – Related Party Transactions
The Company has borrowings from Mr. Jianhua Lv, the Company’s majority shareholder, President and CEO, and Mr. Liuchang Yang, Director and Vice President of Hongli. Mr. Lv and Mr. Yang provided the funds for the Company’s acquisitions of the coal mine, Baofeng Coking and the construction of the power plant. These loans are unsecured,
payable to Mr. Yang and Mr. Lv on demand and bear no interest.
The Company imputed the interest on loans from shareholder and related party based on the prevailing rates which were 8.74%, 8.07% and 6.0% for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006. The imputed interest on the loans from Mr. Lv amounted to $431,123, $474,596 and $251,462 for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The
imputed interest on the loans from Mr. Yang amounted to $205,806, $228,289 and $160,869 for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Imputed interest was classified as paid-in capital as Mr. Lv and Mr. Yang’s additional capital contribution. $156,121, $158,891 and $114,381 interest imputed on loans from shareholder and related parties were capitalized for construction in progress for the years ended June 30,
2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
The payables to Mr. Lv, Mr. Yang and Mr. Song as of June 30, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:
Due to |
|
Balance at
June 30,2008 |
|
|
Balance at
June 30, 2007 |
|
Term |
Manner of Settlement |
Mr. Jianhua Lv |
|
$ |
4,667,405 |
|
|
$ |
5,466,862 |
|
Short term |
Cash |
Mr. Liuchang Yang |
|
|
2,092,983 |
|
|
|
2,611,389 |
|
Short term |
Cash |
Total |
|
$ |
6,760,388 |
|
|
$ |
8,078,251 |
|
|
|
TOP FAVOUR LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2008
Note 19 – Subsequents Event
Purchase Agreement
The Company entered into an agreement with the Henan Province Pingingshan Municipal Bureau of Land and Resources on December 9, 2008 to acquire the land use rights for approximately 1,270,000 square meters of industrial zoning vacant land in the Baofeng county for a total consideration of $21,954,490 (or RMB 149,860,00) for a term of 50 years.
Under the agreement, the Company is required to pay $13,185,000 (or RMB 90,000,000) with the first installment by June 30, 2009 and $8,769,490 (or RMB 59,860,000) by September 30, 2009. The Company acquired the land in as a part of a business expansion plan under which a new coking factory and related facilities would be built with a coke-producing capacity of up to 900,000 tons per year, including coal gas-generated power producing capability, and capacity to produce other chemical refinery byproducts.
Under the agreement, the Company has committed to completion of construction of the new coking facility by March 16, 2011, with a possible one year extension upon application with the Henan Province Pingingshan Municipal Bureau of Land and Resources.
Transfer of share ownership in Top Favour (BVI)
On July 6, 2009, Top Favour (BVI) issued 9,000 new ordinary shares to seventeen parties. Mr. Jianhua Lv transferred his 1,000 shares to Honour Express Limited, a British Virgin Islands international business company which is solely owned by Mr. Shaohua Tan, a Singapore citizen. As a result of the share issuance and share transfer,
Top Favour (BVI) has 10,000 ordinary shares outstanding, 51.03% of which is held by Honour Express Limited.
Mr. Shaohua Tan and Mr. Jianhua Lv further entered into a Call Option Agreement (“Incentive Option Agreement”). To provide incentive to Mr. Lv in connection with the development of Top Favour (BVI)’s business, it was agreed that Mr. Lv shall receive 100% shares of Honour Express within the next three years, subject
to certain contingencies as set forth in the Incentive Option Agreement.
Under the Incentive Option Agreement, Mr. Lv shall serve as CEO and Chairman of Top Favour (BVI) for not less than a 5 year period; and in anticipation of Mr. Lv’s continuous contributions to the Hongli Companies including Top Favour, WFOE (Hongyuan), Hongli and its subsidiaries, if the companies meet certain revenue thresholds, Mr.
Lv shall have the right and option to acquire the shares of Honor Express Limited at nominal price (the “Option”).
In addition, the Incentive Option Agreement also provides that Mr. Tan shall not dispose any of the shares of Honor Express without Mr. Lv’s consent.
Share Exchange Agreement
The Company entered a Letter of Intent on February 14, 2009 with Ableauctions.com, Inc. (“Ableauctions”), a Florida corporation which common stock is quoted on the NYSE Amex Equities, whereby Ableauctions and Company agreed to negotiate and enter into a transaction in which Ableauctions will acquire all of the equity interest of
the Company (the “Acquisition”).
Following this non-binding letter of intent on February 14, 2009 between and by the Company and Ableauctions.com, Inc. (“Ableauctions”), the Company agreed to enter into a Share
Exchange Agreement among Ableauctions, Top Favour (BVI), and the shareholders of Top Favour (BVI) (the “Share Exchange Agreement”) in July 2009. The Share Exchange Agreement provides that, among other things, upon the closing of the share exchange transaction:
|
(1) |
the Company’s shareholders will transfer 100% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Top Favour (BVI) to Ableauctions; |
|
(2) |
as consideration for the acquisition of the Top Favour (BVI) equity interests, Ableauctions will issue common stock to Top Favour’s shareholders; immediately after the closing of the Share Exchange Agreement, the former shareholders of Top Favour (BVI) and the former shareholders of Ableauctions will own approximately 97% and 3% of the outstanding shares of Ableauctions, respectively. |
|
(3) |
Ableauctions will adopt a plan of liquidation reasonably acceptable to Top Favour (BVI), under which it shall establish a liquidating trust for purposes of discharging outstanding liabilities and distributing remaining assets of Ableauctions to its shareholders as of a certain record date prior to the closing; at the closing, Ableauctions will have no material liabilities, contingent or otherwise, and no material assets. |
The plan of share exchange under the Share Exchange Agreement is subject to approval by the shareholders of both companies. Upon the closing of the share exchange transaction, the Acquisition will be treated as a reverse acquisition with which results in the legal acquirer, the Ableauctions, being treated as being acquired by Top
Favour (BVI) under the acquisition method.
ATTACHMENT D
PRO FORMA INFORMATION
The transaction contemplated under the Share Exchange Agreement is deemed to be a reverse acquisition, where Ableauctions.com, Inc. (the legal acquirer) is considered the accounting acquiree and Top Favour Limited (the legal acquiree) is considered the accounting acquirer. As a condition to closing of the Share Exchange, immediately
prior to the closing of the Share Exchange, the assets and liabilities of Ableauctions.com will be transferred at their historical costs with the capital structure of Ableauctions to a liquidating trust. The historical financial statements of Top Favour Limited will become the historical financial statements of Ableauctions.com, therefore, pro forma financial information of Ableauctions.com is not presented in this proxy statement.