Unassociated Document
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
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ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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For the fiscal year ended:
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December 31, 2010
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or
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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For the transition period from _______________________________ to ______________________________
Commission file number:
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001-34080
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CHINA SKY ONE MEDICAL, INC.
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Nevada
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87-0430322
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(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
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(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
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No. 2158, North Xiang An Road, Song Bei District,
Harbin, People’s Republic of China
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150028
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(Address of principal executive offices)
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(Zip Code)
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Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
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86-451-87032617 (China)
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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Title of each class
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Name of each exchange on which registered
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None
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Not Applicable
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
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Common Stock
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(Title of Class)
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Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasonal issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes o No x
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes o No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes o No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.
o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a small reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer o
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Accelerated filer x
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Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
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Smaller reporting company o
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o No x
As of June 30, 2010, the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates was approximately $114,234,863, based on the last closing price of $11.24 per share, as quoted on the Nasdaq Global Market.
As of March 1, 2011, the registrant had 16,940,539 shares of common stock issued and outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
None
CHINA SKY ONE MEDICAL, INC.
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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PAGE
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Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
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3
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PART I
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Item 1.
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Business
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4
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Item 1A.
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Risk Factors
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22
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Item. 1B.
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Unresolved Staff Comments
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44
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Item 2.
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Properties
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44
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Item 3.
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Legal Proceedings
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44
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Item 4.
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Reserved
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44
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PART II
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Item 5.
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Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
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45
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Item 6.
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Selected Financial Data
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47
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Item 7.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
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49
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Item 7A.
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Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
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67
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Item 8.
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Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
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F-1
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Item 9.
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Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
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68
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Item 9A.
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Controls and Procedures
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68
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Item 9B.
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Other Information
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69
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PART III
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Item10.
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Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
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70
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Item 11.
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Executive Compensation
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77
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Item 12.
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Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
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84
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Item 13.
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Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
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86
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Item 14.
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Principal Accounting Fees and Services
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87
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Item 15.
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Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
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88
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Signatures
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S-1
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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K, together with other statements and information we publicly disseminate, contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and include this statement for purposes of complying with these safe harbor provisions.
Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies and expectations, are generally identifiable by use of the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project” or similar expressions. You should not rely on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are, in some cases, beyond our control and which could materially affect actual results, performances or achievements.
Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to the “Risk Factors” discussed in Part 1, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Accordingly, there is no assurance that our expectations will be realized. Except as otherwise required by the federal securities laws, we disclaim any obligations or undertaking to publicly release any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein (or elsewhere) to reflect any change our expectations with regard thereto, or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
The terms “the Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to China Sky One Medical, Inc., together with our consolidated subsidiaries.
PART I
Item 1. Business.
General
We are engaged, through our China-based indirect subsidiaries described below, in the development, manufacture, marketing and sale of over-the-counter, branded nutritional supplements and over-the-counter plant and herb-based pharmaceutical and medicinal products. Our principal products are external use Traditional Chinese Herbal Remedies/Medicines, commonly referred to in the industry as “TCM.” We have evolved into an integrated manufacturer, marketer and distributor of external-use TCM products sold primarily in the People’s Republic of China (“China” or “PRC”) and through Chinese domestic pharmaceutical chains.
Prior to 2009, we sold both our own manufactured products, as well as medicinal and pharmaceutical products manufactured by others (the sale of third party products is referred to herein as “Contract Sales”). Commencing in 2009, we discontinued all of our Contract Sales as part of our revised strategic plan.
Recently, our overseas sales revenues have decreased, due primarily to the loss of a key overseas sales agent. However, we are seeking to increase our worldwide sales efforts by contracting with qualified, reputable overseas sales agents.
In December 2010, our subsidiary, Harbin Tian Di Ren Medical Science and Technology Company, a company organized under the laws of the PRC (“TDR”), entered into an agreement with Heilongjiang Tang Wang He Forest Bureau that gives us the right to grow and harvest herbs, among other plants, on approximately 74,000 acres of forest land in the Xiao Xing'an Mountain region for a period of 30 years. The land, located at a national park in Heilongjiang Province, meets Good Agriculture Practice ("GAP") standards for production of TCM raw materials. We intend that TCM herb raw materials produced on this land will be both utilized in our own products and sold to third parties. We believe that this arrangement will provide our TCM business a hedge against fluctuations in raw material prices and create new revenue
streams for us. We plan to evaluate the land in the second quarter of 2011, after which we will develop a strategic plan for its use.
Corporate History
We are a Nevada corporation formed on February 7, 1986, formerly known as Comet Technologies, Inc. On July 26, 2006, after our acquisition of a China-based nutritional supplements business, we changed our name to “China Sky One Medical, Inc.” We are a holding company doing business through American California Pharmaceutical Group, Inc., a California corporation (“ACPG”), our non-operating United States (“U.S.”) holding company subsidiary, and ACPG’s direct and indirect subsidiaries located in the PRC.
ACPG was incorporated on December 16, 2003, under the name “QQ Group, Inc.” QQ Group changed its name to “American California Pharmaceutical Group, Inc.” in anticipation of the stock exchange transactions with our predecessor filer (then known as “Comet Technologies, Inc.”) and TDR, as further described below. On December 8, 2005, ACPG completed a stock exchange transaction with TDR and TDR’s subsidiaries, each of which was a fully operating company in the PRC. In connection with this transaction, ACPG exchanged 100% of its issued and outstanding common stock for 100% of the capital stock of TDR and its subsidiaries.
Thereafter, on May 11, 2006, ACPG entered into a Stock Exchange Agreement (the “Exchange Agreement”) with our shareholders. The transaction was consummated on May 30, 2006. As a result of this transaction, we issued a total of 10,193,377 shares of our common voting stock to the stockholders of ACPG, in exchange for 100% of the capital stock of ACPG. As a result, ACPG became our wholly-owned subsidiary.
TDR was originally formed in 1994 and its principal executive office is located in Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, PRC. On December 29, 2000, TDR was reorganized and incorporated as a limited liability company under the “Corporation Laws and Regulations” of the PRC. At the time of TDR’s acquisition by ACPG, in December of 2005, TDR had two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Harbin First Bio-Engineering Company Limited (“First”) and Kangxi Medical Care Product Factory (“Kangxi”). In July, 2006, First and Kangxi merged, with First continuing as the surviving subsidiary of TDR.
As of October 16, 2006, we organized Harbin Tian Qing Biotech Application Company as a wholly-owned PRC subsidiary of TDR (“Tian Qing”), to conduct research and development in the areas of tissue and stem cell banks, which is described in further detail below. As of December 31, 2010, Tian Qing had no significant operating activities.
On April 3, 2008, TDR completed its acquisition of Heilongjiang Tianlong Pharmaceutical, Inc., a company organized under the laws of the PRC (“Tianlong”), that had a variety of medicines approved by the PRC’s State Food and Drug Administration (the “SFDA”) and new medicine applications, and which was in the business of manufacturing external-use pharmaceuticals. TDR had previously acquired the Beijing sales office of Tianlong in mid-2006. In connection with this transaction, TDR acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Tianlong from its sole stockholder, in consideration for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $8,300,000, consisting of $8,000,000 in cash, and 23,850 shares of our common stock.
On April 18, 2008, TDR consummated its acquisition of Heilongjiang Haina Pharmaceutical Inc., a company organized under the laws of the PRC (“Haina”), licensed as a wholesaler of TCM, bio-products, medicinal devices, antibiotics and chemical medicines. At the time of the acquisition, Haina did not have an established sales network and was acquired for its primary asset, a Good Supply Practice (“GSP”) license (License No. A-HLJ03-010), issued by the Heilongjiang Province office of the SFDA as of December 21, 2006, which will be up for renewal on January 29, 2012. The SFDA only issues such licenses to pharmaceutical resellers that maintain certain quality control standards. In connection with this transaction, TDR acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of
Haina from its three stockholders in consideration for payment of approximately $437,000.
On September 5, 2008, TDR acquired Peng Lai Jin Chuang Pharmaceutical Company, a company organized under the laws of the PRC (“Peng Lai”), from its sole stockholder. Peng Lai, which received Good Manufacturing Practice (“GMP”) certification from the SFDA, was organized to develop, manufacture and distribute pharmaceutical, medicinal and diagnostic products in the PRC. In connection with this transaction, TDR acquired all of Peng Lai’s assets, including, without limitation, franchise, production and operating rights to a portfolio of 20 medicines approved by the SFDA, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $7,000,000 million, consisting of approximately $2,500,000 million in cash, and 381,606 shares of our common stock.
Principal Products and Markets
We are engaged, through TDR, and its subsidiaries in the PRC, in the development, manufacture, marketing and sale of over-the-counter, branded nutritional supplements and over-the-counter plant and herb-based pharmaceutical and medicinal products. We have evolved into an integrated manufacturer, marketer and distributor of external use Chinese medicine products sold primarily to and through domestic pharmaceutical chains in the PRC.
Historically, we handled sales of both our own manufactured products and Contract Sales of medicinal and pharmaceutical products manufactured by others. However, commencing in 2009, we discontinued all Contract Sales as part of our revised sales strategy.
With the exception of Peng Lai, which is located in Shan Dong Province, PRC, all of our manufacturing facilities are located in Heilongjiang Province, PRC. In addition, we had sales offices located in 18 provinces across China by the end of 2010.
Our principal products are external use TCMs. Using various formulas, we produce a number of TCM products with several forms of delivery including ointments, sprays, medicated skin patches, injections, capsules, suppositories, tablets and granules. We also develop and sell bio-engineering products in the form of diagnostic kits, which are used for testing for different diseases. Over the next few years, we intend to concentrate much of our efforts on the development, production and sales of TCM products and testing kits, and antibiotic products.
Our principal operations are in the PRC, where TDR and its subsidiaries have manufacturing facilities and sales distribution channels covering most of the provinces in the PRC. Our revenues were approximately $132,661,000 in 2010, of which overseas sales were approximately $7,100,000, representing approximately 5.4% of our total revenue. Our revenues were approximately $130,092,000 in 2009, of which overseas sales were approximately $10,121,000, representing approximately 7.8% of total revenue. Our revenues were approximately $91,816,000 in 2008, of which overseas sales were approximately $7,570,000 representing approximately 8.2% of total revenue.
All of our significant business operations and long lived assets are located in the PRC. Below is a chart depicting our corporate organizational structure:
SFDA Licenses
The SFDA issues the licenses to manufacture and market pharmaceutical products in the PRC. Our licenses relate primarily to pharmaceutical production licenses, which are needed mainly for topical products, ointments and external test kits. TCM products also require a permit for sales, which permits are generally granted on a non-exclusive basis for four to five years depending on the product and subject to periodic review by SFDA for renewal. For the year ended December 31, 2010, we commercialized 120 products through TDR and its subsidiaries. We have the necessary licenses and permits for all of our products.
Our TDR Subsidiary Owns the Following Subsidiaries in China
Harbin First Bio-Engineering
On September 26, 2003, TDR formed First under the laws of the PRC as its wholly-owned subsidiary. First focuses on research and development of the use of natural medicinal plants and biological technology products, such as our diagnostic kits. First, which officially commenced production on July 21, 2006, is one of the first companies in Heilongjiang Province conducting research and development of high technology biological products. First has two product lines:
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an enzyme immunity reagent kit product line; and
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a colloid gold product line.
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Harbin Tian Qing Biotech Application
On October 16, 2006, TDR organized Tian Qing under the laws of the PRC as its wholly-owned subsidiary, to conduct research and development in the areas of tissue and stem cell banks, which is described in more detail below (See “Research and Development” below). As of December 31, 2010, Tian Qing had no significant operations.
Heilongjiang Tianlong Pharmaceutical
On April 3, 2008, TDR completed the acquisition of Tianlong, which is in the business of manufacturing external-use pharmaceuticals. At the time of the acquisition, Tianlong’s assets included, among other things, GMP certified manufacturing facilities, state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment, a research and development center, and production and operating rights to a portfolio of 69 medicines approved by the SFDA.
Heilongjiang Haina Pharmaceutical
On April 18, 2008, TDR consummated its acquisition of Haina, which is licensed as a wholesaler of TCM, bio-products, medicinal devices, antibiotics and chemical medicines. At the time of the acquisition, Haina did not have an established sales network and was acquired for its primary asset, a GSP license issued by the Heilongjiang Province office of the SFDA as of December 21, 2006. The SFDA only issues such licenses to resellers of medicines that maintain certain quality control standards. The GSP license will be up for renewal on January 29, 2012. Obtaining this license has enabled us to expand our sales of medicinal products without having to go through a lengthy license application process.
Peng Lai Jin Chuang Pharmaceutical
On September 5, 2008, TDR acquired Peng Lai, which had received GMP certification from the SFDA, and was organized to develop, manufacture and distribute pharmaceutical products in the PRC. In connection with the acquisition of Peng Lai, TDR acquired all of Peng Lai’s assets, including, without limitation, franchise, production and operating rights to a portfolio of 20 medicines approved by the SFDA.
Product Line
Prior to 2009, we sold both our own manufactured products, as well as medicinal and pharmaceutical products manufactured by others. Commencing in 2009, we discontinued all of our Contract Sales as part of our revised strategic plan. In 2010, we manufactured and marketed 120 products, compared to 91 products for 2009, and 97 products (including 7 Contract Sales products) in 2008. Our manufacturing operations are conducted at our indirect subsidiaries’ facilities located in Heilongjiang Province and Shan Dong Province in the PRC. We sell our products under seven main categories:
Product Category
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2010
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2009
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2008
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Ointments
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26 |
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18 |
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20 |
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Patches
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5 |
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7 |
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5 |
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Sprays
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16 |
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15 |
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19 |
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Drops
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10 |
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4 |
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4 |
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Suppositories
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16 |
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14 |
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7 |
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Diagnostic Kits
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3 |
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3 |
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3 |
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Others
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44 |
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30 |
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32 |
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Contract Sales
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0 |
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0 |
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7 |
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Total:
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120 |
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91 |
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97 |
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Below are our ten highest revenue generating products for 2010, which accounted for 60.9% of our 2010 total revenue.
Ointment Category:
Compound Camphor Cream
This product is used for the treatment of various pathogens on the skin surface and subcutaneously, such as mycete, trichopytic, staphylococcal bacteria aureus, bacillus coli, and candida albicans (also known as thrush).
Hemorrhoids Ointment
This product contains Acetate, Radix Notoginseng, and Rhizoma Coptidis. It is made in soft ointment form and is effective in sterilizing and relieving hemorrhoid symptoms, including itching, distending pain, burning, and bleeding.
Patch Category:
Sumei Slim Patch
The Sumei Slim Patch is marketed and sold within and outside the PRC as a more natural treatment for weight loss. The Sumei Slim Patch uses Saponin as its major ingredient, and is effective in regulating and restraining the excessive secretion of certain hormones, while promoting others to foster weight loss as well as prevent weight gain.
Pain Relief Patch
A pain relief patch is designed to be applied to the area of the neck, shoulder, and waist. The patch is used for a number of ailments, including fever, headache, heart dysentery, diarrhea, and stiffness and pain caused by hypertension.
Anti-Hypertension Patch
The anti-hypertension patch is based on five thousand years of Chinese herbal vein therapy that has been adapted to a modern transdermal therapeutic system (“TTS”). The product utilizes a Body-Yong-Guan point technique, which is believed to maximize the effectiveness of the medicinal ingredients. The product is believed to stimulate blood capillaries and to be effective in improving circulation and reducing blood pressure.
QiXue Asthma Patch
QiXue asthma patch is designed for the treatment of chronic inflammation of the airways and lungs.
Spray Category:
Stomatitis Spray
This spray is used for the treatment of dental ulcers, pharyngitis, and faucitis. It is made with pure herbal medicines and, thus, has minimal side effects.
Drops Category:
Naphazoline Hydrochloride Eye Drops
Naphazoline Hydrochloride Eye Drops are recommended for the temporary relief of eye redness associated with minor irritations. This product can comfort the eyes by lubricating them and relieving irritations.
Diagnostic Kit Category:
Cardiac Arrest Early Examination Kit
This product is used for early stage diagnosis of myocardial infarction (heart attacks).
Other Product Category:
We include 44 of our products under the “Other” product category. There is no single product or category of products within the Other product category that represented 5% or more of our 2010 revenues. The Other product category includes wash fluids, tablets, liniments, syrups, capsules, granules, injections, aerosols and oral liquids.
Naftopidil Dispersible Tablet
This tablet is designed to treat benign enlargement of the prostate among middle age males. It is effective in its treatment because its ingredients can be easily digested and absorbed by the human body.
In 2010, we introduced into our product lines approximately 30 medicinal products, including 8 ointments, 1 spray, 2 suppositories, 2 tablets, 1 granule, 1 syrup, 6 drops, 2 liniments, 4 injections and 2 oral liquids. These new products accounted for 5.2%, of our annual sales in 2010.
Revenues by Product Categories
We believe that the most meaningful presentation of our products is by categories of method of delivery. Our total revenues during fiscal 2010, 2009, and 2008 were approximately $132,661,000, $130,092,000, and $91,816,000, respectively. The following table sets forth our principal product categories based on application type and the approximate amount and percentage of revenues from each of such product categories for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008:
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For the Years Ended December 31
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($ in thousands)
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2010
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2009
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2008
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Product Category
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Revenues
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Revenues
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Revenues
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Ointments
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$ |
38,368 |
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28.9 |
% |
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$ |
28,862 |
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22.2 |
% |
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$ |
23,068 |
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25.1 |
% |
Patches
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28,850 |
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21.7 |
% |
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40,770 |
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31.3 |
% |
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35,484 |
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38.6 |
% |
Sprays
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14,080 |
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10.6 |
% |
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18,499 |
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14.2 |
% |
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10,613 |
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11.6 |
% |
Drops
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11,959 |
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9.0 |
% |
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7,483 |
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5.8 |
% |
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314 |
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0.3 |
% |
Suppositories
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7,840 |
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5.9 |
% |
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5,310 |
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4.1 |
% |
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1,615 |
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1.8 |
% |
Diagnostic Kits
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5,485 |
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4.1 |
% |
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10,239 |
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7.9 |
% |
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8,781 |
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9.6 |
% |
Others
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26,079 |
|
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19.7 |
% |
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18,929 |
|
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14.5 |
% |
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6,286 |
|
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6.8 |
% |
Contract Sales
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|
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- |
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|
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0.0 |
% |
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- |
|
|
|
0.0 |
% |
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5,655 |
|
|
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6.2 |
% |
Total
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|
$ |
132,661 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
$ |
130,092 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
$ |
91,816 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
For a narrative description of the reasons for the changes in our revenue by product category over the past three years, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”.
Research and Development
We conduct all of our research and development (“R&D”) activities either internally or through collaborative arrangements with universities and research institutions in the PRC. We have our own research, development and laboratory facilities located in the facilities of First and Tianlong. At December 31, 2010, our internal R&D team consisted of 36 people. Many of our team members are professors affiliated with universities in the PRC.
Additionally, we have established several long-term partnerships with well-known universities and enterprises in the PRC. We have:
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·
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established a gene medicine laboratory for a Small RNA project with Harbin Medical University; and
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·
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established a laboratory for developing an Antroquinonol product from Antrodia Camphorata with Taiwan Golden Biotechnology Corporation.
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Under our partnership arrangements with universities and research institutions, we will generally hold the intellectual property rights to any developed technology. For example, as a result of our collaboration with Harbin Medical University, a product known as “Endostatin” is currently under development as a cancer suppressing product. Although this technology still bears the name of Harbin Medical University, we own the intellectual property rights pertaining to this technology. Additional information relating to this product and other products being developed is set forth under “Products under Development” below and under the general product descriptions throughout this report.
We invested approximately $19,614,000, $14,960,000, and $7,413,000 in R&D for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively. Additional information about our R&D investments is included in the financial statements in Item 8 of this report (and notes thereto) and our “Management Discussion and Analysis on Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section.
Products under Development
The projects which accounted for a majority of our 2010 research and development expenses, grouped by subsidiary, are as follows:
TDR
Breast Cancer Technology
Hyperplasie Globulaire is the early stage of Hyperplasia of the Mammary Glands that has a high occurrence among females between twenty-five and forty-five years of age. Medicines with Endocrine can have significant side effects to the patient. Our Breast Cancer Technology is designed to effectively treat the Hyperplasie Globulaire with Traditional Chinese Medicine and with minimal side effects. We spent approximately $1,691,000, or 8.6% of total R&D expenditures in 2010, for clinical trials. Long term stability testing is expected to be completed during the first half of 2011. Upon successful completion of this testing, we intend to apply to the SFDA for approval to conduct clinical trials. The clinical trial phase is estimated to be completed in 2015. Afterwards, we intend to apply
to the SFDA to enter into the production stage.
Monoclonal Antibody Research
Monoclonal antibody is a bioactive substance produced when human cells identify and resist pathogenic intrusion from outside. Monoclonal antibody technology can produce large amounts of pure antibodies with desired substance. Tumor cells that can replicate endlessly are fused with mammalian cells that produce an antibody. The result of this cell fusion will continually produce antibodies. These antibodies are called monoclonal because they come from only one type of cell, the hybridoma cell. We believe Monoclonal antibodies have applications in the field of diagnostics, therapeutics, targeted drug delivery systems, not only for infectious disease caused by bacteria, viruses and protozoa, but also for cancer, metabolic and hormonal disorders. We spent approximately $1,409,000, or
7.2% of total R&D expenditures in 2010, for application and performance appraisal. We have developed a platform that will facilitate future R&D projects in this area.
Endostatin Research
Endostatin is a cancer treatment drug that works by “starving” cancer cells by restricting the generation of blood vessels around cancer lesions, thereby inhibiting, to a degree, the source of nutrients upon which the cancer cells survive. As of December 31, 2010, we had completed our teratogenicity testing, and established quality standards for this drug. Further developments are underway to improve the product quality of Endostatin. We spent approximately $1,018,000, or 5.2% of total R&D expenditure in 2010. The clinical trials have been completed in the year 2010. The project is expected to be completed in 2016 after which it will be submitted for SFDA approval.
First
Diagnostic Kits
Of our Diagnostic Kit products, three are pending SFDA approval, four are expected to complete the clinical trial phase and be submitted to the SFDA in 2011, and three shall remain in the lab research stage and are expected to be submitted to the SFDA for approval in fiscal 2012. We spent approximately $5,016,000, or 25.6% of total R&D expenditure in 2010 for the R&D activities of these ten diagnostic kits products.
Tianlong
Antroquinonol Extracted from Antrodia Cinnamomea
Antrodia Cinnamomea is well known in Taiwan as a traditional Chinese medicine. For several decades, it has been used in the treatment of food and drug intoxication, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypertension, rashes, and liver and lung cancer. We have obtained the exclusive right to develop this technology with Taiwan Golden Biotechnology Corporation, which had previously completed pre-clinical research on Antroquinonol in the United Kingdom. The compound has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the U.S. to enter into first stage clinical trial. We spent approximately $856,000, or 4.4% of total R&D expenditure on this project in 2010. We estimate that pre-clinical and clinical trials will be completed in 2018, after which this product will be submitted for SFDA approval.
Injections
In 2010, we had 2 injections (Aztreonam for Injection and Cefmetazole Sodium for Injection) in the lab research stage, and 5 injections (Tiopronin for Injection, Omeprazole Sodium for Injection, Ozagrel Sodium Injection, Voriconazole for Injection and Clindamycin Phosphate for Injection) in clinical trials. We spent approximately $4,295,000, or 21.9% of total R&D expenditure on clinical trials for these projects in 2010. We estimate that these products will be submitted to the SFDA for approval in fiscal 2011, 2012 and 2013.
Peng Lai
We spent an aggregate of approximately $1,667,000, or 8.5% of total R&D expenditures in 2010, in optimizing the effectiveness test for Naftopidil Dispersible tablets for prostate treatment, Sertraline Hydrochloride capsules for the treatment of mental depression, Cough & Phlegm Eliminating Loquat Syrup and Radix Isatidis granules and syrup to treat Influenza (flu). These optimization projects were completed in fiscal 2010.
Set forth below is a summary of certain information regarding our major research and development projects in 2010 as previously discussed. The additional costs and expected completion dates set forth in the table below are subject to change, which may be material, based on various factors, many of which are out of our control:
Projects
|
|
Stage
|
|
2010 Expense
(in thousands)
|
|
|
% of
R&D
|
|
|
2009 Expense
(in thousands)
|
|
|
2008 Expense
(in thousands)
|
|
|
Aggregate
Expenses Since
Commencement of
Project (in
thousands)
|
|
|
Estimated
Additional Costs to
Complete Research
and Development
(in thousands)
|
|
Diagnostic Kits
|
|
Lab research, clinical trial and application
|
|
$ |
5,016 |
|
|
|
25.6 |
% |
|
$ |
2,727 |
|
|
$ |
2,261 |
|
|
$ |
10,004 |
|
|
$ |
777 |
|
Injections
|
|
Lab research and clinical trial
|
|
|
4,295 |
|
|
|
21.9 |
% |
|
|
1,944 |
|
|
|
614 |
|
|
|
6,853 |
|
|
|
2,676 |
|
Optimization
|
|
Production process optimization
|
|
|
1,667 |
|
|
|
8.5 |
% |
|
|
787 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
2,454 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Breast Cancer Technology
|
|
Clinical trial
|
|
|
1,691 |
|
|
|
8.6 |
% |
|
|
2,272 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
3,963 |
|
|
|
7,106 |
|
Monoclonal Antibody
|
|
Completed
|
|
|
1,409 |
|
|
|
7.2 |
% |
|
|
965 |
|
|
|
948 |
|
|
|
3,322 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Endostatin
|
|
Efficacy testing, Acute and Long Term Toxicity testing
|
|
|
1,018 |
|
|
|
5.2 |
% |
|
|
439 |
|
|
|
1,192 |
|
|
|
2,649 |
|
|
|
8,992 |
|
Antroquinonol
|
|
Clinical trial
|
|
|
856 |
|
|
|
4.4 |
% |
|
|
387 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
1,243 |
|
|
|
15,993 |
|
Total
|
|
|
|
$ |
15,952 |
|
|
|
81.4 |
% |
|
$ |
9,521 |
|
|
$ |
5,015 |
|
|
$ |
30,488 |
|
|
$ |
35,544 |
|
In addition to the projects set forth in the table above, we commenced clinical trials or efficacy, acute and long-term toxicity testing on several other projects.
Total research and development expenses in fiscal 2010 were $19,614,000. The above listed tabular summary of projects comprises approximately 81.4% of our total research and development expenses in fiscal 2010.
Cord Blood Stem Cell Bank
In 2006, we began implementing a plan to establish a cord blood stem cell bank in the PRC, for the treatment of various diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma and rebirth anemia. On October 16, 2006, the Health Department of Heilongjiang Province granted us, through Tian Qing, the exclusive right and license to become engaged in tissue and stem cell bank activities in Heilongjiang Province, PRC, through December 2010. We are applying for the renewal of the license. Since the development of this project will require substantial managerial, technical and financial resources, and a number of significant risks, management is still evaluating the proper timing and strategy in launching this project.
Sales Approach
Over the past several years, we have continuously expanded our distribution channels for our products. Currently, we have a sales network covering 18 provinces of mainland China, and have positioned sales managers and representatives in each of these markets.
Commencing in fiscal 2008, we changed our business model and entered into distribution agreements with larger regional sales agents, who resell to smaller distributors and retail store locations. In addition, we entered into contracts with nationwide chain pharmacies. Our change in sales strategy is further described in “Customers and Distribution” below.
We also managed to establish a marketing network through independent agents to develop an international market for our products. At present, our primary growth focus remains in the PRC. Overseas sales accounted for approximately 5.4 %, 7.8% and 8.2% of sales revenue for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
Materials and Suppliers
We employ purchasing staff with extensive knowledge of our products, who work with our marketing, product development, and formulations and quality control personnel to source raw materials for our products and other items. Raw materials are sourced principally in the PRC, and are generally available from a variety of suppliers. Heilongjiang Kangda Medicine Company, Shenzhen Hong Yuan and Harbin Zhong Jia Medicine Company accounted for 42%, 12% and 11% of our total inventory purchases for the year ended December 31, 2010, respectively. Heilongjiang Kangda Medicine Company and Harbin Zhong Jia Medicine Company accounted for approximately 42% and 16% of our total inventory purchases for the year ended December 31, 2009, respectively. Heilongjiang Kangda Medicine Company accounted for
approximately 33% of our total inventory purchases for the year ended December 31, 2008. No other suppliers accounted for 10% or more of our total inventory purchases in 2010, 2009, and 2008.
We seek to mitigate the risk of a shortage of raw materials, through identification of alternative suppliers for the same or similar raw materials, where available. We believe raw materials are available through alternative suppliers in the market place, if necessary. We manufacture bulk branded products to allow more extensive vertical integration and to improve the quality and consistency of raw materials.
Historically, we have signed agreements with suppliers that allowed us to hold extra raw materials at the cost of the suppliers. As a result, we could minimize our own inventory carrying costs, and improve our cash management, by keeping the inventory at the minimum level required to support our short-term sales. However, due to price increases for raw materials, and the related overhead costs for storing such raw materials, we started to increase our inventory levels toward the second half of 2009.
On December 21, 2010, TDR entered into an agreement with Heilongjiang Tang Wang He Forest Bureau, pursuant to which we acquired the rights to grow and harvest herbs and other plants on approximately 74,000 acres of forest land in the Xiao Xing’an Mountain region in Heilongjiang Province, China, for a 30-year term expiring December 20, 2040. Pursuant to the agreement, we may utilize the herbs and other plants we grow on the forest land as raw materials in connection with the production of our products, as well as direct sale to third parties. Our total rent for the 30-year term is approximately $36 million (RMB 240 million). This new arrangement is intended to provide our TCM business a hedge against fluctuations in raw material prices. We plan to evaluate the land in the second quarter of
2011, after which we will develop a strategic plan for its use.
Customers and Distribution
In 2008, we changed our business model and entered into distribution agreements with larger regional sales agents, who resell to smaller distributors and retail store locations. In addition, we entered into contracts with nationwide chain pharmacies. Through the extensive sales networks, of these nationwide chains, we were able to reach all major metropolitan areas throughout the PRC. Our direct customers (not including branches of retail and drug supply chains) numbered 195, 212 and 233 for the 2010, 2009, and 2008 fiscal years.
The change in our sales strategy, which began in fiscal 2008, was initiated to improve product channel efficiencies, and to give us access to an increased number of ultimate purchasers. We believe that these changes will continue to lead to increased revenue by extending the reach of our distribution network. By reducing the number of customers we sell to directly, we have streamlined our accounts receivable management and collection and reduced channel distribution costs. These favorable cost variances have been partially offset by product price incentives we grant to the larger agents with which we have contracted.
For the year ended December 31, 2009, sales to Harbin Shiji Baolong Medicine Company and Shanxi Xintai Medicine Company accounted for approximately 16% and 11% of total revenues, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2008, sales to Shanxi Xintai and Harbin Shiji Baolong accounted for 15% and 12% of our total revenues, respectively. No other customers accounted for 10% or more of our total revenues in 2010, 2009, and 2008.
During the third quarter of 2010, a domestic distributor, and an overseas sales agent, terminated their business relationship with us. These two customers accounted for an aggregate of 10%, 21% and 18% of our total revenues for the years 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively. We expect to replace these customers with new relationships over time.
In 2010, we implemented various initiatives toward promoting and marketing our products. Our advertising costs for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 were approximately $16,311,000, $14,527,000 and $7,299,000, respectively. The increased cost of advertising in 2010 and 2009 compared to 2008 was primarily attributable to the launch of certain new products obtained through acquisitions of Tianlong (acquired on April 3, 2008) and Peng Lai (acquired on September 5, 2008).
We will continue efforts to expand our markets into other provinces and larger cities in the PRC, and to other markets worldwide. Currently, our products are sold primarily in the PRC. In 2010, 2009 and 2008, approximately 94.6%, 92.2% and 91.8% of our revenues were from the sale of products in China, respectively. As a means of accelerating our distribution into other countries, we will seek to enter into strategic marketing arrangements with qualified firms that have distribution channels, brand name recognition, or other unique marketing strengths.
Competition
Competition in the TCM, pharmaceutical and over-the-counter nutraceutical business is highly competitive in China, and throughout the world. We compete with various firms, many of which produce and market products similar to our products, and many of which have greater resources than us in terms of manufacturing and marketing capabilities, management expertise and financial wherewithal. Some of these competitors are far larger, have more resources than us and have stronger sales and distribution networks.
Our direct competitors are other domestic firms engaged in developing, manufacturing and marketing TCM and nutraceutical products. There are many of these companies in the PRC, in Heilongjiang Province, and even in the city of Harbin.
We expect that the competition for medicinal products in the PRC and other world markets will become more intense over the next few years, both from existing competitors, and new market entrants. We will also face competition from foreign companies who may have established products, a strong proprietary pipeline and strong financial resources. Our management believes that we have certain competitive advantages in introducing new products to market due to key focus areas for development, our existing distribution channels, research and development capabilities and our relationship with certain universities and other research institutions. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to compete and continue to grow in this highly competitive environment. Additional information
relating to competition in the PRC can be found in the “Risk Factors” section below.
Government Regulation
Regulatory Environment
Our principal sales market is in the PRC. We are subject to the Pharmaceutical Administrative Law of the PRC, which governs the licensing, manufacturing, marketing and distribution of pharmaceutical products in the PRC, and sets penalties for violations. Our business is subject to various regulations and permit systems of the government of the PRC. Additionally, we are subject to government licensing rights and regulations, which relate to our stem cell R&D license. Permits we attain for TCM products are granted on a non-exclusive basis and are subject to periodical review for renewal.
The governmental approval process in the PRC for newly developed health products can be costly and time consuming. A product sample is first sent to a clinical testing agent designated by the Ministry of Health, which conducts extensive clinical testing and examination of the product to verify if it has the specified functions as stated by the company producing the product. A report will then be prepared and issued by the clinical testing agent confirming or negating such functions. After submission to the agency, it generally takes six months to one year for a report to be issued by the testing agent. The report must then be submitted to a provincial Health Management Commission for approval. Following this submittal, a letter of approval issued by such commission will be submission to
the Ministry of Health for the issuance of a certificate that authorizes sale and marketing of the product in the PRC.
This entire process will generally take between eighteen months and two years. The approval process will depend to a certain extent on whether a specified product is a plant based pharmaceutical (“PBP”), or a plant based nutraceutical (“PBN”). PBPs are products composed of herbs, roots and plants that do not use synthetic chemicals, with certain medicinal functions for treatment of one or more illnesses. PBPs are generally prescription-based but in some cases may be sold over-the-counter. PBNs, also frequently known as “dietary supplements” or “nutritional supplements,” are also composed of herbs, roots and plants, but are essentially prophylactic or preventive in nature. All PBNs are available over-the-counter without a
prescription. In the PRC, PBPs require the approval of the SFDA, while PBNs only require the approval of state and local governments prior to manufacturing and sale. Obtaining the approval from the SFDA is generally more complex and lengthy.
Because we and our subsidiaries are wholly-owned enterprises, we are subject to the law of foreign investment enterprises in the PRC, and the foreign company provisions of the Company Law of China, which governs the conduct of our wholly-owned subsidiaries and their officers and directors, and also limits our ability to pay dividends.
Compliance with Environmental Law
We comply with the Environmental Protection Law of the PRC, as well as applicable local regulations. In addition to compliance with the PRC law and local regulations, we consistently undertake active efforts to ensure the environmental sustainability of our operations. Because the manufacturing of herb and plant-based products does not generally cause significant damage or pollution to the environment, the cost of complying with applicable environmental laws is not material. In the event we fail to comply with applicable laws, we may be subject to penalties.
Intellectual Property
We own certain SFDA licenses for drug batch numbers and other proprietary technologies. As of December 31, 2010, our intellectual property breakdown by SFDA licenses for drug batch numbers and other proprietary technologies are as follows:
IPs (Intangible Assets)
|
|
Year
Acquired
|
|
Acquisition
Cost
$ in thousands
|
|
|
Reflected under
Intangible
Assets
|
|
|
Proprietary
Technologies |
|
|
Drug Batch
Numbers
|
|
Endostatin
|
|
2006
|
|
$ |
1,727 |
|
|
|
Yes
|
|
|
|
Yes
|
|
|
|
- |
|
SFDA licenses for drug batch numbers
|
|
2008
|
|
$ |
6,848 |
|
|
Yes
|
|
|
|
- |
|
|
Yes
|
|
Monoclonal Antibody
|
|
2008
|
|
$ |
5,106 |
|
|
Yes
|
|
|
Yes
|
|
|
|
- |
|
Breast Cancer Technology
|
|
2008
|
|
$ |
1,459 |
|
|
Yes
|
|
|
Yes
|
|
|
|
- |
|
Antroquinonol
|
|
2009
|
|
$ |
5,119 |
|
|
Yes
|
|
|
Yes
|
|
|
|
- |
|
Small RNA Technologies
|
|
2009
|
|
$ |
5,850 |
|
|
Yes
|
|
|
Yes
|
|
|
|
- |
|
We purchased the rights to the patents for Endostatin and Antroquinonol, which are registered under the names of Harbin Medical University and Taiwan Golden Biotechnology Corporation, respectively.
We have acquired certain additional proprietary technologies from non-related third parties. Our proprietary technologies are reviewed for impairment on at least an annual basis, or more if conditions are warranted, and are amortized over their estimated useful life.
As of the date of this filing, we own two registered patents for product packaging. As of December 31, 2010, these patents have nominal carrying values.
Under the PRC’s State Protection Law, certain herbal medicine products, which have received approval from the SFDA, have automatic protection. SFDA licenses for drug batch numbers we acquired in connection with our acquisitions of Tianlong and Peng Lai in fiscal 2008 have been recorded as part of our intangible assets. We did not appraise or assign any value to the SFDA licenses for drug batch numbers developed internally by TDR or First.
We have registered “Kang Xi” as our trademark, which is used for all of our TCM products. The “Kang Xi” trademark was developed internally and registered by TDR before we became a public company. Our cost basis in the trademark is nominal.
Employees
The number of our employees has increased due to revenue growth, increased research and development activities and expanded marketing and distribution efforts for our products. Our employees generally fall into the following categories:
By subsidiary company:
|
|
Number of Employees
|
|
Company
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
TDR
|
|
|
244 |
|
|
|
1,315 |
|
|
|
1,515 |
|
Tian Qing
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
First
|
|
|
117 |
|
|
|
107 |
|
|
|
97 |
|
Tianlong
|
|
|
357 |
|
|
|
207 |
|
|
|
97 |
|
Haina
|
|
|
1358 |
|
|
|
399 |
|
|
|
24 |
|
Peng Lai
|
|
|
203 |
|
|
|
126 |
|
|
|
71 |
|
TOTAL:
|
|
|
2,279 |
|
|
|
2,154 |
|
|
|
1,804 |
|
By nature of job:
|
|
Number of Employees
|
|
Type of Job
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
Executives and managers
|
|
|
352 |
|
|
|
201 |
|
|
|
146 |
|
Production and clerical
|
|
|
559 |
|
|
|
424 |
|
|
|
359 |
|
Sales and marketing
|
|
|
1,332 |
|
|
|
1,491 |
|
|
|
1,261 |
|
Research and development, technology
|
|
|
36 |
|
|
|
38 |
|
|
|
38 |
|
TOTAL:
|
|
|
2,279 |
|
|
|
2,154 |
|
|
|
1,804 |
|
Our 2,279 employees, as of December 31, 2010, include both 297 full time employees and 1,982 individuals hired on a contract basis through agencies. Since 2009, we began hiring certain employees on a contract basis, in order to take advantage of certain cost efficiencies. In July 2010, we integrated the sales and marketing forces inside the Company. All the marketing and promotion personnel are now consolidated under our subsidiary, Haina. In order to better manage the sales force in Haina, some new management positions were established in 2010, which is the main reason for the increase in headcount in the “Executives and Managers” category.
We do not have any employment agreements in place with our executive officers. None of the employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement. However, we believe our relationship with employees is good.
Available Information
We file various reports with the SEC, including Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, which are available though the SEC’s electronic data gathering, analysis and retrieval system by accessing the SEC’s home page (http://www.sec.gov). The documents are also available to be read or copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room located at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C., 20549. Information on the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.
We also make available free of charge through our website (www.cski.com.cn) our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and, if applicable, amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnishes it to, the SEC.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
We are subject to certain risks and uncertainties as described below. These risks and uncertainties may not be the only ones we face. There may be additional risks that we do not presently know of, or that we currently consider immaterial. All of these risks could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Our business and operations may be adversely affected if any of such risks are realized. All investors should consider the following risk factors before deciding to purchase or sell our securities.
Risks Related to Our Business
Adverse economic conditions may harm our business.
In 2008, general worldwide economic conditions began to decline due to the sequential effects of the sub-prime lending crisis, general credit market crisis, collateral effects on the finance and banking industries, concerns about inflation, slower economic activity, decreased consumer confidence, reduced corporate profits and capital spending, adverse business conditions and liquidity concerns. This global economic downturn and uncertain and uneven economic recovery pose risks as consumers and businesses may postpone spending, or seek new ways to eliminate spending, in response to these uncertain and challenging economic conditions. In addition, there could be a number of follow-on effects including foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, insolvency of key suppliers and customer insolvencies.
We cannot predict the timing or duration of any economic slowdown or recession or the timing or strength of a subsequent recovery, worldwide, or in the specific markets we serve. If the markets for our products significantly deteriorate due to these economic effects, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
Certain officers and directors have significant control over our company.
Liu Yan-qing and Han Xiao-yan, who are officers and directors of ours, also serve as officers and directors of ACPG, TDR and its subsidiaries. As of the date hereof, Dr. Liu and Ms. Han own, in the aggregate, approximately 36.6% of the issued and outstanding shares of our common stock. As a result, these shareholders are effectively able to significantly influence certain corporate governance matters requiring shareholders’ approval. Such matters may include transactions in which they have an interest other than as a shareholder of ours, the approval of significant corporate transactions such as increasing the authorized number of our shares to complete acquisitions or raise capital, if necessary, as well as the election of directors which could result in the entrenchment of
management.
We depend on our key management personnel and the loss of their services could adversely affect our business.
We place substantial reliance upon the efforts and abilities of our executive officers, Liu Yan-qing, President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, Han Xiao-yan, Vice Chairman, Stanley Hao, Vice President and Secretary and Hongyu Pan, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. We do not have employment agreements with these members of management. Accordingly, if any of these persons should leave the company, we would have no remedy or protections in place and would not be able to prevent them from competing with us or working for competitors. The loss of the services of any of these executive officers could have a material adverse effect on our business, operations, revenues or prospects. In addition, we do not maintain key man life insurance on the lives of these
individuals.
Our expansion plan may not be successful.
Part of our strategy is to continue our growth through increasing the distribution and sales of our products by penetrating existing markets in the PRC, and entering new geographic markets in the PRC as well as Asia, the United States and other countries. However, our overseas sales declined in 2010 due to the loss of a key overseas sales agent, and many obstacles to entering such new markets exist, including, but not limited to, international trade and tariff barriers, regulatory constraints, product liability concerns, shipping and delivery costs, costs associated with marketing efforts abroad and maintaining attractive foreign exchange ratios. Moreover, our expansion strategy may be based on incorrect assumptions and may be flawed, and may even damage our performance, competitive position in the market
and, ultimately, even our ability to survive in the marketplace. We cannot, therefore, assure shareholders that we will be able to successfully overcome such obstacles and establish our products in any additional markets. Our inability to implement this growth strategy successfully may have a negative impact on our growth, future financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Furthermore, we may strategically enter into other segments in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical markets, including upstream and downstream markets, such as herbal planting, which we believe are natural extensions of our vertically integrated business model.
On December 21, 2010, TDR entered into an agreement with that gives us the right to grow and harvest herbs, among other plants, on approximately 74,000 acres of forested land in the Xiao Xing'an Mountain region ("the planting area") for 30 years. Although we intend to utilize the planting area to produce herbs and other ingredients for use in traditional Chinese medicines ("TCM") and various health foods, we may incur significant additional expenses and ultimately not generate sufficient revenues and profit to justify our expenditures.
Our continued pursuit of these expansion plans may require significant capital expenditures going forward, which could be used in pursuit of other opportunities and investments. We may also face intense competition from companies with greater experience or established presence in any new markets we seek to enter.
There are many safety risks involved in our products and services that could expose us to liability or inhibit our ability to secure insurance.
Our products and services involve direct or indirect impact on human health and life. The products we manufacture and sell may be flawed and cause dangerous side effects, and even fatality in certain cases, leading to major business losses and legal and other liabilities and damages to our company. In the event that any of our products are alleged to have adverse side effects, we could be subject to product liability claims. In addition to the threat of liability, there may be insurance costs if we enter into certain markets or may not be able to obtain insurance for certain products in some countries. Some distributors may refuse to sell our products in certain countries if they perceive such products to have a high risk or to be uninsurable.
We do not maintain any insurance and are exposed to all risks of loss, including resulting from product liability, property loss or damages, or other harm that we may cause to customers, vendors, suppliers and other third parties, or securities law claims.
We do not maintain liability or property insurance coverage or director and officer insurance coverage and, therefore, we are self-insured for all risks of loss. Although we seek to reduce potential liability through measures such as contractual indemnification provisions with distributors and suppliers, we cannot assure you that such measures will be enforced or effective. Our policy is to record losses associated with our lack of insurance coverage at such time as realized loss is incurred. Historically, we have not had any material losses in connection with our lack of insurance coverage and are not party to any material pending legal proceedings as of the date of this report. Management’s intention is to use our working capital to fund any such losses incurred due to our exposure to
inadequate insurance coverage. Our operating results could be materially and adversely affected if we were to pay significant damages or incur significant defense costs in connection with a claim.
We are highly dependent upon the public perception and quality of our products. Additionally, anti-corruption measures taken by the government to correct corruptive practices in the pharmaceutical industry could adversely affect our sales and reputation.
We are highly dependent upon consumers’ perception of the safety and quality of our products as well as similar products distributed by other companies. Thus, the mere publication of reports asserting that such products may be harmful could have a material adverse effect on our business, regardless of whether these reports are scientifically supported.
The PRC government has recently taken anti-corruption measures to correct corrupt practices. In the pharmaceutical industry, such practices include, among other things, acceptance of kickbacks, bribery or other illegal gains or benefits by the hospitals and medical practitioners from pharmaceutical distributors in connection with the prescription of a certain drug. Substantially all of our sales to our ultimate customers are conducted through third-party distributors. We have no control over our third-party distributors, who may engage in corrupt practices to promote our products. While we maintain strict anti-corruption policies applicable to our internal sales force and third-party distributors, these policies may not be effective. If any of our third-party distributors engage in
such practices and the government takes enforcement action, our products may be seized and our own practices, and involvement in the distributors’ practices may be investigated. If this occurs, our sales and reputation may be materially and adversely affected.
Our future research and development projects may not be successful.
The successful development of pharmaceutical products can be affected by many factors. Products that appear to be promising at their early phases of research and development may fail to be commercialized for various reasons, including the failure to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals. In addition, the research and development cycle for new products for which we may obtain an approval certificate is long. The process of conducting basic research and various stages of tests and trials of a new product before obtaining an approval certificate and commercializing the product may require ten years or longer. Many of our product candidates are in the early stages of pre-clinical study and clinical trial and we must conduct significant additional clinical trials before we can seek the regulatory approvals
necessary to begin commercial production and sales of these products. There is no assurance that our future research and development projects will be successful or completed within the anticipated time frame or budget or that we will receive the necessary approvals from relevant authorities for the production of these newly developed products, or that these newly-developed products will achieve commercial success.
Others may obtain approval for a competitive product before the product we are developing is approved. In that case, we may be precluded from getting approval until the competitor’s monitoring period expires and realize little or no benefit from our research and development investment.
Even if such products can be successfully commercialized, they may not achieve the level of market acceptance that we expect. In addition, the pharmaceutical industry is characterized by rapid changes in technology, constant enhancement of industrial knowhow and frequent emergence of new products. Future technological improvements and continual product developments in the pharmaceutical market may render our existing products obsolete or affect their viability and competitiveness. Therefore, our future success will largely depend on our development capability, including our ability to improve our existing products, diversify our product range and develop new and competitively-priced products that can meet the requirements of the changing market. Should we fail to respond to these frequent technological
advances by improving our existing products or developing new products in a timely manner or these products do not achieve a desirable level of market acceptance, our business and profitability will be materially and adversely affected.
We rely on research institutions and universities in the PRC for the research and development of new products and any failure of our research partners to meet our timing and quality standards or our failure to continue such collaborative arrangement or enter into such new arrangements could adversely affect our ability to develop new pharmaceuticals and our overall business prospects.
Our business strategy includes collaborating with third parties for research and development of new products. We rely on long-term cooperative relationships with a number of research institutions and universities in the PRC. These research institutions and universities have collaborated with us in a number of research projects and certain of our products that have obtained approval certificates were developed by us together with our research partners. At present, several research institutions and universities are working with us on various research and development projects. Any failure of our research partners to meet the required quality standards and timetables set in their research agreements with us, or our inability to enter into additional research agreements with these research partners on
terms acceptable to us in the future, may have an adverse effect on our ability to develop new medicines and on our business prospects. In addition, the growth of our business and development of new products may require that we seek additional collaborative partners. We cannot assure you that we will be able to enter into agreements with collaborative partners on terms acceptable to us. Our inability to enter into such agreements or our failure to maintain such arrangements could limit the number of new products that we develop and ultimately decrease our sources of future revenue.
We currently rely on third parties to supply the key raw materials we use to produce our products.
Our business depends upon the availability of key raw materials. We rely on only external suppliers for these raw materials. In fiscal year 2010, Heilongjiang Kangda Medicine Company, Shenzhen Hong Yuan and Harbin Zhong Jia Medicine Company accounted for 42%, 12% and 11% of our total inventory purchases, respectively. In fiscal year 2009, Harbin Zhong Jia Medicine Company and Heilongjiang Kangda Medicine Company accounted for approximately 16% and 42% of our total inventory purchases, respectively. Heilongjiang Kangda Medicine Company accounted for approximately 33% of our total inventory purchases for the year ended December 31, 2008. For the 2011 fiscal year, we expect that our raw material suppliers will be substantially similar to last year and the amount of raw materials will increase
commensurate with the increase in the demand of our products. If any of our major suppliers were to default or become unable to deliver the raw materials in sufficient quantities, we may be unable to purchase these raw materials from alternative sources on the same or similar terms, which could result in a significant decrease in our operating costs. In addition, any disruption in the supply of our raw materials could cause delay in the delivery of our products which would be harmful to our sales reputation and business. If supply is disrupted the increased amount we have to pay for raw materials could negatively impact our margins, cause us to cease production if an alternate supplier cannot be found. If we are unable to procure replacement supplies, our ability to meet the production demands of our customers could cause the loss of costumers and/or market share. Our financial results could be negatively impacted by the lost sales or decreased
margins.
We are dependent on a limited number of customers for a significant portion of our revenues and this dependence is likely to continue.
We have been dependent on a limited number of customers for a significant portion of our annual revenue. For the year ended December 31, 2010, no customer accounted for 10% or more of our revenues. For the year ended December 31, 2009, sales to Harbin Shiji Baolong Medicine Company and Shanxi Xintai Medicine Company accounted for approximately 16% and 11% of total revenues, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2008, sales to Shanxi Xintai and Harbin Shiji Baolong accounted for 15% and 12% of our total revenues, respectively. Dependence on a few customers could make it difficult to negotiate attractive prices for our products and could expose us to the risk of substantial losses if any such customer stops purchasing our products. We expect that a limited number of customers will
continue to contribute to a significant portion of our sales in the near future. Our ability to maintain close relationships with these top customers is essential to the growth and profitability of our business. If we fail to sell our products to one or more of these top customers in any particular period, or if a large customer purchases fewer of our products, defers orders or fails to place additional orders with us, or if we fail to develop additional major customers, our revenue would likely decline and our results of operations would be adversely affected. During the third quarter of 2010, a domestic distributor, and an overseas sales agent, terminated their business relationship with us. These two customers accounted for an aggregate of 10%, 21% and 18% of our total revenue for the year 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively. Although we expect to replace these customers with new relationships over time, there can be no assurance that we will be able to do so in a timely manner,
or at all..
Significant competition from existing and new entities could adversely affect revenues and profitability.
We compete with other companies, many of which are developing and/or offering, or can be expected to develop and offer, products similar to ours. Our market is a large market with many competitors. Many of our competitors are more established than we are, and have significantly greater financial, technical, marketing and other resources than us. Some of our competitors have greater name recognition and a larger customer base. These competitors may be able to respond more quickly to new or changing opportunities and customer requirements and may be able to undertake more extensive promotional activities, offer more attractive terms to customers, and adopt more aggressive pricing policies. We cannot assure investors that we will be able to compete effectively with current or future
competitors or that the competitive pressures we face will not harm our business.
We are subject to market and channel risks.
In the 2010 fiscal year, approximately 95% of our sales were made in the PRC, where we primarily sell our products through drug chain stores. Because of this, we are dependent to a large degree upon the success of our PRC-based distribution channel, as well as the success of specific retailers in the distribution channel. We rely on these distribution channels to purchase, market, and sell our products. Our success is dependent, to a large degree, on the growth and success of the drug stores, which may be outside our control. There can be no assurance that the drug store distribution channels will be able to grow or prosper as they faces price and service pressure from other channels, including the mass market. There can be no assurance that retailers in the drug store distribution
channel, in the aggregate, will respond or continue to respond to our marketing commitment in these channels.
We may have difficulty in defending intellectual property rights from infringement.
Our TCM products are generally not protected by patents but by trade secrets. Certain TCM license agreements are made on a non-exclusive basis. Our success depends, in large part, on our ability to protect current and future technologies and products and to defend our intellectual property rights. If we fail to protect our intellectual property adequately, competitors may manufacture and market similar products.
To the extent that we market products in other countries, we may have to take additional action to protect our intellectual property. The measures we take to protect our proprietary rights may be inadequate, and we cannot provide any assurance that our competitors will not independently develop formulations and processes that are substantially equivalent or superior to our products or copy our products.
We also rely on trade secrets, non-patented proprietary expertise and continuing technological innovation that we seek to protect, in part, by entering into confidentiality agreements with licensees, suppliers, employees and consultants. These agreements may be breached and there may not be adequate remedies in the event of a breach. Disputes may arise concerning the ownership of intellectual property or the applicability of confidentiality agreements. Moreover, trade secrets and proprietary technologies may otherwise become known or be independently developed by competitors. If patents are not issued with respect to products arising from research, we may not be able to maintain the confidentiality of information relating to these products.
Most of our products are not patented and similar products can be manufactured and sold by other pharmaceutical manufacturers in the PRC once the relevant protection or monitoring periods, if any, elapse.
Most of our products are not protected by intellectual property rights. As a result, other pharmaceutical companies may sell equivalent products at a lower cost, and this might result in a commensurate loss in sales of our branded generic products or require us to lower our prices to compete. Certain of our generic products are subject to protection during the SFDA’s monitoring period. During such period, the SFDA will not accept applications for new medicine certificates for the same product by other pharmaceutical companies or approve the production or import of the same product by other pharmaceutical companies. Once such monitoring period expires, other manufacturers may obtain relevant production approvals and will be entitled to sell generic pharmaceutical products with similar formulae or
production methods in China. The maximum monitoring period currently granted by the SFDA is five years. As a result, we expect to face increased competition for our products following the expirations of their respective monitoring periods. If other pharmaceutical companies sell pharmaceutical products that are similar to our unprotected products or our protected products for which the relevant protection or monitoring period has expired, we may face additional competition and our business and profitability may be adversely affected.
We will be subject to risks relating to third parties that may claim that we infringe on their proprietary rights and may prevent us from manufacturing and selling certain of our products.
There has been substantial litigation in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries with respect to the manufacturing, use and sale of new products. These lawsuits relate to the validity and infringement of patents or proprietary rights of third parties. We may be required to commence or defend against charges relating to the infringement of patent or proprietary rights. Any such litigation could involve or result in:
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the incurrence of substantial expense, even if we are successful in the litigation;
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a diversion of significant time and effort of technical and management personnel;
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the loss of our rights to develop or make certain products; and
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the payment of substantial monetary damages or royalties in order to license proprietary rights from third parties.
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Although patent and intellectual property disputes within these industries have often been settled through licensing or similar arrangements, costs associated with these arrangements may be substantial and could include the long-term payment of royalties. These arrangements may be investigated by regulatory agencies and, if improper, may be invalidated. Also, the required licenses may not be made available to us on acceptable terms. Accordingly, an adverse determination in a judicial or administrative proceeding or a failure to obtain necessary licenses could prevent our company from manufacturing and selling some of our products or increase costs to market these products.
In addition, when seeking regulatory approval for some of our products, we are required to certify to regulatory authorities, including the SFDA that such products do not infringe upon third party patent rights. Filing a certification against a patent gives the patent holder the right to bring a patent infringement lawsuit against us. Any lawsuit would delay regulatory approval by the SFDA. A claim of infringement and the resulting delay could result in substantial expenses and even prevent us from manufacturing and selling certain of our products.
The launch of a product prior to a final court decision or the expiration of a patent held by a third party may result in substantial damages to us. Depending upon the circumstances, a court may award the patent holder damages equal to three times their loss of income. If we are found to infringe a patent held by a third party and become subject to such treble damages, these damages could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Our failure to comply with accounting policies and regulations in making reasonable estimates and judgments could negatively impact our financial position and results of operation.
We are subject to critical accounting policies and actual results may vary from estimates. We have followed, and will continue to follow, generally accepted accounting principles for the United States in preparing financial statements. As part of this work, we must make many estimates and judgments concerning future events. These affect the value of the assets and liabilities, contingent assets and liabilities, and revenue and expenses reported in such financial statements. We believe that these estimates and judgments are reasonable, and we have made them in accordance with accounting policies based on information available at the time. However, actual results could differ from estimates, and this could require us to record adjustments to expenses or revenues that could be
material to our financial position and results of operations in the future.
Our business is subject to many governmental regulatory and policy risks.
Our business must be conducted in compliance with various government regulations and in particular, the SFDA’s regulations. Government regulations may have material impact on our operations, increase costs and could prevent or delay the manufacturing and selling of our products. Research, development, testing, manufacturing and marketing activities are subject to various governmental regulations in China, including health and drug regulations. Government regulations, among other things, cover the inspection of and controls over testing, manufacturing, safety and environmental considerations, efficacy, labeling, advertising, promotion, record keeping and sale and distribution of pharmaceutical products. We will not be able to license, manufacture, sell and distribute the vast majority
of our products without a proper approval from government agencies and in particular the SFDA. This approval process is lengthy, with approvals for TCM products typically occurring 18-24 months after the application is initially filed. There is no assurance that we will obtain such approvals on a timely basis, or at all. Delays in obtaining approvals will delay our ability to market products and denial of approval for a specific product will result in our inability to market the product and recoup the expenses incurred in that products development and testing.
In addition, delays or rejections may be encountered based upon additional government regulation from future legislation, administrative action or changes in governmental policy and interpretation during the period of product development and product assessment. Although we have, so far, obtained the rights to sell our products in the PRC, we may not continue to receive and maintain regulatory approvals for the sale of these products. Our marketing activities are also subject to government regulations with respect to the prices that it intends to charge or any other marketing and promotional related activities. Government regulations may substantially increase the costs for developing, licensing, manufacturing and selling products, impacting negatively our operations, revenue, income and cash
flow.
There could be changes in government regulations towards the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries that may adversely affect our business.
The manufacture and sale of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products in the PRC is heavily regulated by many state, provincial and local authorities. These regulations significantly increased the difficulty and costs involved in obtaining and maintaining regulatory approvals for marketing new and existing products. Our future growth and profitability depends to a large extent on our ability to obtain regulatory approvals.
We received certifications for our current products. However, should we fail to maintain the GMP certifications under the new guidelines in the future, or for new products, our businesses would be materially and adversely affected.
Moreover, the laws and regulations regarding acquisitions of the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries in the PRC may also change and may significantly impact our ability to grow through acquisitions.
We need to manage growth in operations to maximize our potential growth and achieve our expected revenues.
Our success depends on our ability to achieve continued growth. In order to maximize potential growth in current and potential markets, we believe that we must expand our manufacturing and marketing operations. This expansion will place a significant strain on management and operational, accounting and information systems and will require substantial additional capital. We will need to continue to improve financial controls, operating procedures, and management information systems if and as we grow. We will also need to effectively train, motivate, and manage our employees. A failure to manage our growth could disrupt operations and ultimately prevent us from generating the revenues we expect.
International operations require our company to comply with a number of U.S. and international regulations.
We are required to comply with a number of international regulations in countries outside of the United States. In addition, we must comply with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, or FCPA, which prohibits U.S. companies or their agents and employees from providing anything of value to a foreign official for the purposes of influencing any act or decision of these individuals in their official capacity to help obtain or retain business, direct business to any person or corporate entity or obtain any unfair advantage. Any failure to adopt appropriate compliance procedures and ensure that our employees and agents comply with the FCPA and applicable laws and regulations in foreign jurisdictions could result in substantial penalties and/or restrictions in our ability to conduct business in certain
foreign jurisdictions. The U.S. Department of The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control, or OFAC, administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions against targeted foreign countries, entities and individuals based on U.S. foreign policy and national security goals. As a result, we are restricted from entering into transactions with certain targeted foreign countries, entities and individuals except as permitted by OFAC which may reduce our future growth.
We may incur significant costs to ensure compliance with U.S. corporate governance and accounting requirements.
We are a public reporting company, and, as such, we will incur significant costs associated with public company reporting requirements, costs associated with newly applicable corporate governance requirements, including requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and other rules implemented by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). All of these applicable rules and regulations can be expected to increase legal and financial compliance costs and to make some activities more time consuming and costly. Management also expects that these applicable rules and regulations may make it more difficult and more expensive to obtain director and officer liability insurance and we may be required to accept reduced policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain the
same or similar coverage. As a result, it may be more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified individuals to serve on our board of directors or as executive officers.
We may have difficulty raising necessary capital to fund operations as a result of market price volatility for our shares of common stock.
In recent years, the securities markets in the U.S. have experienced a high level of price and volume volatility, and the market price of securities of many companies have experienced wide fluctuations that have not necessarily been related to the operations, performances, underlying asset values or prospects of such companies. For these reasons, our shares of common stock can also be expected to be subject to volatility resulting from purely market forces over which we will have no control. If our business development plans are successful, we may require additional financing to continue to develop and exploit existing and new technologies and to expand into new markets. The exploitation of existing and new technologies may, therefore, be dependent upon our ability to obtain financing through
debt and equity or other means.
We are obligated to indemnify our officers and directors for certain losses they suffer.
To the fullest extent permitted by Chapter 78 of the Nevada Revised Statues, we may, if and to the extent authorized by our board of directors, indemnify our officers and any other persons who we have power to indemnify against liability, reasonable expense or other matter whatsoever. If we are required to indemnify any persons under this policy, we may have to pay indemnity in a substantial amount which we may be unable to recover at all.
We are the subject of a formal SEC order of investigation which, if not favorably resolved, could have material adverse consequences to us.
On September 4, 2009, the SEC issued a formal order of investigation relating to, among other things, certain of our accounting, record-keeping and disclosure practices. Between that time and the present, we have received document and testimonial subpoenas from the SEC. We have complied, and intend to continue to comply with all such subpoenas. We cannot assure you that we will be able to resolve this investigation favorably, or that we will not be materially adversely affected by this investigation or its outcome.
Risks Related to Doing Business in China
Our business will be affected by the government regulation and Chinese economic environment because most of our sales will be in the China market.
In 2010, 2009, and 2008, approximately 95%, 92% and 92% of our total revenues, respectively, were from sales in the PRC. The manufacture and sale of pharmaceutical products in China is heavily regulated by many state, provincial and local authorities. The SFDA requires pharmaceutical manufacturers to obtain GMP certifications. We currently have the certifications needed for our current operations. However, should we fail to receive or maintain the GMP certifications in the future, we would no longer be able to manufacture pharmaceuticals in China, and our businesses would be materially and adversely affected. These regulations significantly increase the difficulty and costs involved in obtaining and maintaining regulatory approvals for marketing new and existing products. Our
future growth and profitability depend to a large extent on our ability to obtain regulatory approvals. Additionally, the law could change so as to prohibit the use of certain pharmaceuticals. If one of our products becomes prohibited, this change would cease the productivity of that product. The China National Development and Reform Commission (“CNDRC”), has recently implemented price adjustments on many marketed pharmaceutical products. We have no control over such governmental policies, which may impact the pricing and profitability of our products.
Although we export products to other countries, approximately 95% of our sales are in the PRC. It is anticipated that our products in the PRC will continue to represent a significant portion of sales in the near future. As a result of our reliance on the PRC markets, our operating results and financial performance could be affected by any adverse changes in economic, political and social conditions in the PRC.
The modernization of regulations for the pharmaceutical industry is relatively new in the PRC, and the manner and extent to which it is regulated will continue to evolve. As a pharmaceutical company, we are subject to the Pharmaceutical Administrative Law, which governs the licensing, manufacture, marketing and distribution of pharmaceutical products in the PRC, and sets penalty provisions for violations of provisions of the Pharmaceutical Administrative Law. In addition as a “Foreign Owned Enterprise,” we will be subject to the Foreign Company provisions of the Company Law of the PRC. Changes in these laws or new interpretations of existing laws may have a significant impact on our methods and our cost of doing business. For example, if legislative proposals for
pharmaceutical product pricing, reimbursement levels, approval criteria or manufacturing requirements should be proposed and adopted, such new legislation or regulatory requirements may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. In addition, we are subject to varying degrees of regulation and licensing by governmental agencies in China. At this time, we are unaware of any China legislative proposals that could adversely affect our business. There can be no assurance that future regulatory, judicial and legislative changes will not have a material adverse effect on our operations, that regulators or third parties will not raise material issues with regard to compliance or non-compliance with applicable laws or regulations, or that any changes in applicable laws or regulations will not have a material adverse effect on our business.
Certain political and economic considerations relating to China could adversely affect us.
China is transitioning from a planned economy to a market economy. While the PRC government has pursued economic reforms since its adoption of the open-door policy in 1978, a large portion of the Chinese economy is still operating under five-year plans and annual state plans. Through these plans and other economic measures, such as control on foreign exchange, taxation and restrictions on foreign participation in the domestic market of various industries, the PRC government exerts considerable direct and indirect influence on the economy. Many of the economic reforms carried out by the PRC government are unprecedented or experimental, and are expected to be refined and improved. Other political, economic and social factors can also lead to further readjustment of such reforms. This
refining and readjustment process may not necessarily have a positive effect on our operations or future business development. Our operating results may be adversely affected by changes in China’s economic and social conditions as well as by changes in the policies of the PRC government, such as changes in laws and regulations, or the official interpretation thereof, which may be introduced to control inflation, changes in the interest rate or method of taxation, and the imposition of additional restrictions on currency conversion.
Accordingly, government actions in the future, including any decision not to continue to support recent economic reforms and to return to a more centrally planned economy or regional or local variations in the implementation of economic policies, could have a significant effect on economic conditions in China or particular regions thereof, and could require us to divest ourselves of any interest we then hold in Chinese properties or joint ventures.
There are risks inherent in doing business in China.
The PRC is a developing country with a young market economic system overshadowed by the state under heavy regulation and scrutiny. Its political and economic systems are very different from the more developed countries. China also faces many social, economic and political challenges that may produce major shocks and instabilities and even crises, in both its domestic arena and in its relationship with other countries, including but not limited to the United States. Such shocks, instabilities and crises may in turn significantly and adversely affect our performance.
The recent nature and uncertain application of many PRC laws applicable to our company create an uncertain environment for business operations and they could have a negative effect on our business and operations.
The PRC legal system is a civil law system. Unlike the common law system, the civil law system is based on written statutes in which decided legal cases have little value as precedents. In 1979, the PRC began to promulgate a comprehensive system of laws and has since introduced many laws and regulations to provide general guidance on economic and business practices in the PRC and to regulate foreign investment. Progress has been made in the promulgation of laws and regulations dealing with economic matters such as corporate organization and governance, foreign investment, commerce, taxation and trade. However, there are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of PRC laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, the laws and regulations governing our business. In addition, the
effectiveness of newly-enacted laws, regulations or amendments may be delayed, resulting in detrimental reliance by investors. New laws and regulations that affect existing and proposed future businesses may also be applied retroactively. The promulgation of new laws, changes of existing laws and the abrogation of local regulations by national laws could have a negative impact on our business, business prospects and operations. In addition, as these laws, regulations and legal requirements are relatively recent, their interpretation and enforcement involve significant uncertainty.
Our business may be affected by unexpected changes in regulatory requirements in the jurisdictions in which we operate.
Our company, and its subsidiaries, is subject to many general regulations governing business entities and their behavior in China and in other jurisdictions in which we and our subsidiaries have, or plan to have, operations and market products. In particular, we are subject to laws and regulations covering food, dietary supplements and pharmaceutical products. Such regulations typically deal with licensing, approvals and permits. Any change in product licensing may make our products more or less available on the market. Such changes may have a positive or negative impact on the sale of our products and may directly impact the associated costs in compliance and our operational and financial viability. Such regulatory environment also covers any existing or potential trade barriers in the form of import tariff and
taxes that may make it difficult for us to import our products to certain countries and regions, such as Hong Kong, which would limit its international expansion.
A slowdown or other adverse developments in the PRC economy may materially and adversely affect our customers, demand for our services and our business.
All of our operations are conducted in the PRC and almost all of our revenues are generated from sales in the PRC. According to the PRC National Bureau of Statistics, the GDP growth rate of PRC is 8.9% and 9.2% for 2008 and 2009, respectively. According to World Bank’s estimate in January 2011, the annual GDP growth rate of PRC would be 10 percent for year 2010, and will slow to 8.7% in 2011and 8.4% in 2012. Although the PRC economy has grown significantly in recent years, we cannot assure you that such growth will continue. A number of factors may cause the economy slow-down in PRC, including global economy downturn, appreciation of the RMB and continuous anti-inflation measures taken by the government, such as rising interest rates and administrative tightening of credit emissions. A slowdown in overall
economic growth, an economic downturn or recession or other adverse economic developments in the PRC may materially reduce the demand for our products and materially and adversely affect our business.
Inflation in the PRC could negatively affect our profitability and growth.
While the PRC economy has experienced rapid growth, it has been uneven among various sectors of the economy and in different geographical areas of the country. Rapid economic growth can lead to growth in the money supply and rising inflation. If prices for our products do not rise at a rate that is sufficient to fully absorb inflation-driven increases in our costs of supplies, our profitability can be adversely affected.
In addition, in order to control inflation, the PRC government might impose controls on bank credits, limits on loans for fixed assets and restrictions on state bank lending. The implementation of these and other similar policies may impede economic growth and thereby harm the market for our products in the future.
Substantially all of our assets are located in the PRC and all of our revenues are derived from our operations in the PRC. Accordingly, our results of operations and prospects are subject, to a significant extent, to the political and legal developments in the PRC.
Substantially all of our assets are located in the PRC and all of our revenues are derived from our operations in the PRC. Accordingly, our results of operations and prospects are subject, to a significant extent, on the economic, political and legal developments in the PRC. The PRC economy differs from the economies of most developed countries in many respects.
The PRC economy has been transitioning from a planned economy to a more market-oriented economy. Although in recent years the PRC government has implemented measures emphasizing the use of market forces for economic reform, the reduction of state ownership of productive assets and the establishment of sound corporate governance in business enterprises, a substantial portion of productive assets in the PRC is still owned by the PRC government. In addition, the PRC government continues to play a significant role in regulating industry development by imposing industrial policies. It also exercises significant control over PRC economic growth through the allocation of resources, controlling payment of foreign currency-denominated obligations, setting monetary policy and providing preferential treatment to particular
industries or companies. We cannot assure you that changes in the PRC’s economic, political or legal systems will not detrimentally affect our business, prospects, financial conditions and results of operations.
You may experience difficulties in effecting service of legal process, enforcing foreign judgments or bringing original actions in the PRC against our company or our management based on U.S. or other foreign laws.
Our operating subsidiaries are incorporated under the laws of the PRC and substantially all of our assets are located in the PRC. In addition, all of our directors, executive officers and managers reside within the PRC, and substantially all of the assets of these persons are located within the PRC. As a result, it may not be possible to effect service of process within the United States or elsewhere outside the PRC upon certain of our directors, executive officers or managers, including with respect to matters arising under U.S. federal securities laws or applicable state securities laws. Moreover, the PRC does not have treaties providing for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgments of courts with the United States. As a result, recognition and enforcement in the PRC of judgments of a court in the
United States in relation to any matter may be difficult or impossible. Furthermore, an original action may be brought in the PRC against us, our directors, executive officers or managers only if the actions are not required to be arbitrated by PRC law and the articles of association of our operating subsidiaries, and only if the facts alleged in the complaint give rise to a cause of action under PRC law. In connection with any such original action, a PRC court may impose civil liability, including monetary damages.
We may have difficulty attracting talent in foreign countries.
Currently, approximately 95% of our sales are in the PRC. We are in the process of attempting to establish marketing and sales presence in the U.S. and other countries. We expect to establish an office in the U.S. for investor relations. In the future, we may explore expanding its operations in other countries throughout the world. Upon effecting any such expansion, we may not be able to identify and retain qualified personnel due to its lack of understanding of different cultures and lack of local contacts. This may impede international expansion.
Currency conversion and exchange rate volatility could adversely affect our financial condition, by making acquisitions in China or of Chinese products more expensive.
The PRC government imposes control over the conversion of Renminbi (“RMB”), the currency of China, into foreign currencies. Under the current unified floating exchange rate system, the People’s Bank of China publishes an exchange rate, referred to as the PBOC exchange rate, based on the previous day’s dealings in the inter-bank foreign exchange market. Financial institutions authorized to deal in foreign currency may enter into foreign exchange transactions at exchange rates within an authorized range above or below the PBOC exchange rate according to market conditions.
Pursuant to the Foreign Exchange Control Regulations of the PRC issued by the State Council which came into effect on April 1, 1996, and the Regulations on the Administration of Foreign Exchange Settlement, Sale and Payment of the PRC which came into effect on July 1, 1996, regarding foreign exchange control, conversion of RMB into foreign exchange by Foreign Investment Enterprises (“FIEs”), for use on current account items, including the distribution of dividends and profits to foreign investors, is permissible. FIEs are permitted to convert their after-tax dividends and profits to foreign exchange and remit such foreign exchange to their foreign exchange bank accounts in the PRC.
Conversion of RMB into foreign currencies for capital account items, including direct investment, loans, and security investment, is still subject to certain restrictions. On January 14, 1997, the State Council amended the Foreign Exchange Control Regulations and added, among other things, an important provision, which provides that the PRC government shall not impose restrictions on recurring international payments and transfers under current account items. These rules are subject to change.
Enterprises in the PRC (including FIEs) which require foreign exchange for transactions relating to current account items, may, without approval of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (“SAFE”) effect payment from their foreign exchange account or convert and pay at the designated foreign exchange banks by providing valid receipts and proofs.
Convertibility of foreign exchange in respect of capital account items, such as direct investment and capital contribution, is still subject to certain restrictions, and prior approval from the SAFE or its relevant branches must be sought.
Our company is a FIE to which the Foreign Exchange Control Regulations are applicable. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain sufficient foreign exchange to pay dividends or satisfy other foreign exchange requirements in the future.
On July 21, 2005, the PRC government changed its decade-old policy of pegging the value of the Renminbi to the U.S. dollar. Under the new policy, the Renminbi is permitted to fluctuate within a narrow and managed band against a basket of certain foreign currencies. This change in policy has resulted in an appreciation of the Renminbi from approximately RMB 8.2765 per US$1.00 as of July 21, 2005 to approximately RMB 6.6118 to U.S. $1.00 as of December 31, 2010. There remains significant international pressure on the PRC government to adopt an even more flexible currency policy, which could result in a further and more significant appreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar. As our operations are primarily in China, any significant revaluation of the Chinese RMB may materially and adversely affect cash
flows, revenues and financial condition, and the ability to pay dividends.
Restrictions on currency exchange may limit our ability to utilize our revenues effectively and the ability of the PRC entities to obtain financing.
Substantially all of our revenues and operating expenses are denominated in Renminbi. Restrictions on currency exchange imposed by the PRC government may limit our ability to utilize revenues generated in Renminbi to fund our business activities outside the PRC, if any, or expenditures denominated in foreign currencies. Under current PRC regulations, Renminbi may be freely converted into foreign currency for payments relating to “current account transactions,” which include among other things dividend payments and payments for the import of goods and services, by complying with certain procedural requirements. The PRC entities may also retain foreign exchange in their respective current account bank accounts, subject to a cap set by SAFE, or its local counterpart, for use in payment of international
current account transactions. However, conversion of Renminbi into foreign currencies, and of foreign currencies into Renminbi, for payments relating to “capital account transactions,” which principally includes investments and loans, generally requires the approval of SAFE and other relevant PRC governmental authorities. Restrictions on the convertibility of the Renminbi for capital account transactions could affect the ability of the PRC entities to make investments overseas or to obtain foreign exchange through debt or equity financing, including by means of loans or capital contributions from our U.S. holding company entity.
Any existing and future restrictions on currency exchange may affect the ability of the PRC entities or an affiliated entity to obtain foreign currencies, limit our ability to utilize revenues generated in Renminbi to fund any business activities outside the PRC that are denominated in foreign currencies, or otherwise materially and adversely affect our business.
We are required to be in compliance with the registered capital requirements of the PRC.
Under the Company Law of the PRC, we are required to contribute a certain amount of “registered capital” to our wholly owned subsidiary. By law, our subsidiaries are required to contribute at least 10% of after tax net income (as determined in accordance with Chinese GAAP) into a statutory surplus reserve until the reserve is equal to 50% of our and our subsidiaries’ registered capital, and other surplus reserve at certain percentage of the after tax net income as determined by our board of directors, into a public welfare fund. These reserve funds are recorded as part of shareholders’ equity but are not available for distribution to shareholders other than in the case of liquidation. For the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, approximately $7,600,000 and $6,400,000, respectively, have
been appropriated to the statutory reserves by our PRC subsidiaries. As a result of this requirement, the amount of net income available for distribution to shareholders will be limited.
Dividends we receive from our subsidiaries located in the PRC may be subject to PRC withholding tax.
The PRC’s Enterprise Income Tax Law (“EIT Law”) provides that an income tax rate of 10% may be applicable to dividends payable to non-PRC investors that are “non-resident enterprises.” Non-resident enterprises refer to enterprises which do not have an establishment or place of business in the PRC, or which have such establishment or place of business in the PRC but the relevant income is not effectively connected with the establishment or place of business, to the extent such dividends are derived from sources within the PRC. The income tax for the non-resident enterprises shall be subject to withholding at income source with the payer acting as the obligatory withholder under the EIT Law, and therefore, such income tax is generally called “withholding tax” in practice. It
is currently unclear in what circumstances a source will be considered as located within the PRC. As a U.S. holding company substantially all of our income will be derived from dividends we receive from our PRC operating subsidiaries. Thus, if we are considered as a “non-resident enterprise” under the EIT Law and the dividends paid to us by our PRC operating subsidiaries are considered income sourced within the PRC, such dividends may be subject to a 10% withholding tax. No dividends were paid to our U.S. holding company by our PRC operating subsidiaries in 2008, 2009 or 2010.
Deterioration of the PRC’s political relations with the U.S., Europe, or other nations could make Chinese businesses less attractive to Western investors.
The relationship between the U.S. and the PRC is subject to sudden fluctuation and periodic tension. Changes in political conditions in the PRC and changes in the state of Sino-foreign relations are difficult to predict and could materially adversely affect our operations or cause potential target businesses or services to become less attractive. This could lead to a decline in our profitability. Any weakening of relations between the U.S., Europe, or other nations and the PRC could have a material adverse effect on our operations or our ability to raise additional capital.
The discontinuation of any of the preferential tax treatments currently available to the PRC entities could materially increase our tax liabilities.
The rate of income tax on companies in China may vary depending on the availability of preferential tax treatment or subsidies based on their industry or location. The current maximum corporate income tax rate is 33%. The new Enterprise Income Tax Law became effective as of January 1, 2008, pursuant to which, an enterprise income tax of 25% applies to any enterprise. Although we were approved by the local tax authority to be exempted from the enterprise income tax for a five-year period commencing in 2007 and ending in 2012, we do not know whether such new law will change the preferential treatment that was granted to us. Any loss or substantial reduction of the tax benefits enjoyed by us would reduce our earnings.
Because PRC law governs almost all of our operating subsidiaries’ material agreements, we may not be able to enforce our rights within the PRC or elsewhere, which could result in a significant loss of business, business opportunities or capital.
PRC law governs almost all of the material agreements of our subsidiaries. We cannot assure you that we will be able to enforce any of our material agreements or that remedies will be available outside of the PRC. The Chinese legal system is similar to a civil law system based on written statutes. Unlike common law systems, it is a system in which decided legal cases have little precedential value. In 1979, the PRC government began to promulgate a comprehensive system of laws and regulations governing economic matters in general. The overall effect of legislation since then has been to significantly enhance the protections afforded to various forms of foreign investment in the PRC. Certain of our subsidiaries are wholly foreign-owned enterprises, and are subject to laws and regulations applicable to foreign
investment in the PRC in general and laws and regulations applicable to wholly foreign-owned enterprises in particular. Relevant PRC laws, regulations and legal requirements may change frequently, and their interpretation and enforcement involve uncertainties. For example, we may have to resort to administrative and court proceedings to enforce the legal protection that we enjoy either by law or contract. However, since PRC administrative and court authorities have significant discretion in interpreting and implementing statutory and contractual terms, it may be more difficult to evaluate the outcome of administrative and court proceedings and the level of legal protection we enjoy than under more developed legal systems. Such uncertainties, including the inability to enforce our contracts, could materially and adversely affect our business and operations. In addition, confidentiality protections in the PRC may not be as effective as in the U.S. or other countries. Accordingly, we
cannot predict the effect of future developments in the PRC legal system, particularly with respect to financing sectors, including the promulgation of new laws, changes to existing laws or the interpretation or enforcement thereof, or the preemption of local regulations by national laws. These uncertainties could limit the legal protections available to us and other foreign investors.
Under PRC laws, our PRC subsidiaries are obligated to withhold and pay individual income tax on behalf of our employees who are subject to PRC individual income tax. If we fail to withhold and/or pay such individual income tax in accordance with PRC laws, we may be subject to certain sanctions and other penalties and may become subject to liability under PRC laws.
In addition, the State Administration of Taxation has issued several circulars concerning employee stock options. Under these circulars, our employees working in the PRC (which could include both PRC employees and expatriate employees subject to PRC individual income tax) who exercise stock options will be subject to PRC individual income tax. Our PRC subsidiaries have obligations to file documents related to employee stock options with relevant tax authorities and withhold and pay individual income taxes for those employees who exercise their stock options. While tax authorities may advise us that our policy is compliant, they may change their policy, and we could be subject to sanctions.
Failure to comply with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act could subject us to penalties and other adverse consequences.
We are required to comply with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which generally prohibits U.S. companies from engaging in bribery or other prohibited payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Foreign companies, including some that may compete with us, are not subject to these prohibitions, and therefore may have a competitive advantage over us. Corruption, extortion, bribery, pay-offs, theft and other fraudulent practices may occur in the PRC. If our competitors engage in these practices they may receive preferential treatment, giving our competitors an advantage in securing business, which would put us at a disadvantage. We can make no assurance that our employees or other agents will not engage in such conduct for which we might be held responsible. If our employees
or other agents are found to have engaged in such practices, we could suffer severe penalties and other consequences that may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The enforcement of new labor contract law and its implementation rules and increase in labor costs in the PRC may adversely affect our business and our profitability.
China adopted the PRC Employment Contract Law, or the new Labor Contract Law, effective January 1, 2008 and the implementation rules effective September 18, 2008. The new Labor Contract Law and its implementation rules impose more stringent obligations on employers for, among others, entering into written employment contracts, hiring temporary employees, dismissing employees, setting compensations for dismissal and protecting certain sick or disabled employees from dismissal and setting forth detailed requirements relating to the contents of the employment contracts. The implementation of the new Labor Contract Law may increase our operating expenses, in particular our personnel expenses, as the continued success of our business depends significantly on our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel. In the
event that we decide to terminate some of our employees or otherwise change our employment or labor practices, the new Labor Contract Law may also limit our ability to effect those changes in a manner that we believe to be cost-effective or desirable, which could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
We are subject to environmental regulations and may be exposed to liability and potential costs for environmental compliance.
We are subject to PRC laws and regulations concerning the discharge of waste water, gaseous waste and solid waste during our manufacturing processes. We are required to establish and maintain facilities to dispose of waste and report the volume of waste to the relevant government authorities, which conduct scheduled or unscheduled inspections of our facilities and treatment of such discharge. We may not at all times comply fully with environmental regulations. Any violation of these regulations may result in substantial fines, criminal sanctions, revocations of operating permits, shutdown of our facilities and obligation to take corrective measures. Our cost of complying with current and future environmental protection laws and regulations and our liabilities which may potentially arise from the discharge of
effluent water and solid waste may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. The government may take steps towards the adoption of more stringent environmental regulations. Due to the possibility of unanticipated regulatory or other developments, the amount and timing of future environmental expenditures may vary substantially from those currently anticipated. If there is any unanticipated change in the environmental regulations, we may need to incur substantial capital expenditures to install, replace, upgrade or supplement our pollution control equipment or make operational changes to limit any adverse impact or potential adverse impact on the environment in order to comply with new environmental protection laws and regulations. If such costs become prohibitively expensive, we may be forced to cease certain aspects of our business operations.
We face risks related to health epidemics and outbreak of contagious disease.
Our business could be materially and adversely affected by the effects of H1N1 Flu, Avian Flu, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (“SARS”) or other epidemics or outbreaks. In April 2009, an outbreak of H1N1 Flu first occurred in Mexico and quickly spread to other countries, including the U.S. and the PRC. In the last decade, the PRC has suffered health epidemics related to the outbreak of Avian Flu and SARS. Any prolonged occurrence or recurrence of H1N1 Flu , Avian Flu, SARS or other adverse public health developments in the PRC may have a material adverse effect on our business and operations. These health epidemics could result in severe travel restrictions and closures that would restrict our ability to ship our products. Potential outbreaks could also lead to temporary closure of our manufacturing
facilities, our suppliers’ facilities and/or our end-user customers’ facilities, leading to reduced production, delayed or cancelled orders, and decrease in demand for our products. Any future health epidemic or outbreaks that could disrupt our operations and/or restrict our shipping abilities may have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Power shortages, natural disasters, terrorist acts or other calamities could disrupt our production and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position and results of operations.
All of our products are produced at our manufacturing facility in China. A significant disruption at our manufacturing facilities, even on a short-term basis, could impair our ability to timely produce and ship products, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position and results of operations. Our manufacturing operations are vulnerable to interruption and damage from natural and other types of disasters, including earthquake, fire, floods, environmental accidents, power loss, communications failures and similar events. If any disaster were to occur, our ability to operate our business at our facilities would be seriously impaired. In addition, the nature of our production and research activities could cause significant delays in our programs and make it difficult for us to recover
from a disaster. We do not maintain any insurance other than property insurance for some of our buildings and equipments. Accordingly, unexpected business interruptions resulting from disasters could disrupt our operations and thereby result in substantial costs and diversion of resources. In addition, our production process requires a continuous supply of electricity. Interruptions of electricity supply could result in lengthy production shutdowns, increased costs associated with restarting production and the loss of production in progress. Any major suspension or termination of electricity or other unexpected business interruptions could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Relating to the Market for Our Common Stock and our Capital Structure
Our stock price is likely to be highly volatile.
The trading price of our common stock has been highly volatile. Failure to meet market expectations in our financial results could cause our stock price to decline. Moreover, factors that are not related to our operating performance could cause our stock price to decline. The stock market has recently experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that have affected the market prices for securities of technology and communications companies. Consequently, you may experience a decrease in the market value of your common stock, regardless of our operating performance or prospects.
We do not plan to declare or pay any dividends to our shareholders in the near future and would need regulatory approval to do so.
We have not declared any dividends in the past, and we do not intend to distribute dividends in the near future. The declaration, payment and amount of any future dividends will be made at the discretion of the board of directors and subject to PRC law, and will depend upon, among other things, the results of operations, cash flows and financial condition, operating and capital requirements, and other factors as the board of directors considers relevant. There is no assurance that future dividends will be paid, and if dividends are paid, there is no assurance with respect to the amount of any such dividend.
We have the right to issue up to 5,000,000 shares of "blank check" preferred stock, which may adversely affect the voting power of the holders of other of our securities and may deter hostile takeovers or delay changes in management control.
Our articles of incorporation provides that we may issue up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock from time to time in one or more series, and with such rights, preferences and designations as our board of directors may determinate from time to time. Our board of directors, without further approval of our common stockholders, is authorized to fix the dividend rights and terms, conversion rights, voting rights, redemption rights, liquidation preferences and other rights and restrictions relating to any series of our preferred stock. Issuances of shares of preferred stock could, among other things, adversely affect the voting power of the holders of other of our securities and may, under certain circumstances, have the effect of deterring hostile takeovers or delaying changes in management control. Such an issuance
would dilute existing stockholders, and the securities issued could have rights, preferences and designations superior to our common stock.
We may issue shares upon exercise of outstanding warrants which will be dilutive to the common stock.
As of March 1, 2011, we had issued and outstanding warrants to purchase an aggregate of 593,800 shares of our common stock, which are exercisable at a price of $12.50 per share. Our issuance of additional shares of common stock upon exercise of our outstanding warrants will reduce the percentage equity ownership of holders of shares of our common stock. Further, the exercise of a significant number of warrants, and subsequent sale of shares of common stock received upon such exercise, could cause a sharp decline in the market price of our common stock.
Application of guidance related to the Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments Indexed to, and Potentially Settled in, a Company's Own Stock has negatively impacted our statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2009 (restated) and could continue to negatively impact our statement of operations.
For the years ended December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 (restated), we reported an unrealized gain on derivatives of $8,889,000 and unrealized loss on derivatives of $4,807,000, respectively, in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income as a result of the change in fair value of derivative warrant liability relating to the outstanding warrants issued in our January 2008 private placement. Our comprehensive income will continue to fluctuate as a result of the impact of such warrants and will be adversely affected in each reporting period in which the fair value of the warrants that remain outstanding increase.
Restrictions on the use of Rule 144 by Shell Companies or Former Shell Companies could affect your ability to resale our shares.
Historically, the SEC has taken the position that Rule 144 under the Securities Act, as amended, is not available for the resale of securities initially issued by companies that are, or previously were, blank check companies like us, to their promoters or affiliates despite technical compliance with the requirements of Rule 144. The SEC has codified and expanded this position in its amendments effective on February 15, 2008 and apply to securities acquired both before and after that date by prohibiting the use of Rule 144 for resale of securities issued by shell companies (other than business transaction related shell companies) or issuers that have been at any time previously a shell company. The SEC has provided an important exception to this prohibition, however, if the following conditions are met: the issuer
of the securities that was formerly a shell company has ceased to be a shell company; the issuer of the securities is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act; the issuer of the securities has filed all Exchange Act reports and material required to be filed, as applicable, during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the issuer was required to file such reports and materials), other than Form 8-K reports; and at least one year has elapsed from the time that the issuer filed current Form 10 type information with the SEC reflecting its status as an entity that is not a shell company. As such, due to the fact that we had been a shell company prior to October 2005, holders of "restricted securities" within the meaning of Rule 144, when resell their shares pursuant to Rule 144, shall be subject to the conditions set forth herein.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Some of the statements contained in this report are not statements of historical or current fact. As such, they are "forward-looking statements" based on our current expectations, which are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions. They include statements relating to:
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·
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future sales and financings;
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·
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the future development of our business;
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·
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our ability to execute our business strategy;
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·
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projected expenditures; and
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·
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the market for our products.
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You can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as "may," "will," "should," "could," "expects," "intends," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential" or "continue" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are not predictions. Actual events or results may differ materially from those suggested by these forward-looking statements. In evaluating these statements and our prospects generally, you should carefully consider the factors set forth below. All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary factors and to others contained throughout this prospectus. We are under no duty to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of
this prospectus or to conform these statements to actual results.
Although it is not possible to create a comprehensive list of all factors that may cause actual results to differ from the results expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements or that may affect our future results, some of these factors are set forth under "Risk Factors" in this report.
Item. 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.
Item 2. Properties.
Under Chinese law, the government owns all of the land in the PRC and companies and individuals are authorized to use the land only through land use rights granted by the PRC government.
Our manufacturing facilities are located in the cities of Harbin and Peng Lai in the PRC. These facilities are operated in accordance with GMP. We own these facilities and are not subject to costs associated under rental or lease obligations.
In January 2010, we completed the construction of two office buildings and TDR and Haina moved into these new facilities, located in the Song Bei District of Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, PRC. We own these facilities and are not subject to costs associated under rental or lease obligations.
A breakdown of our facilities by subsidiary is as follows:
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Subsidiaries Facilities as of December 31, 2010, in Square Meters
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TDR
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First
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Tianlong
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Peng Lai
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Land Area
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35,000
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40,000
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15,000
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40,000
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Expiration Year
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2058
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2054
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2051
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2056
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Production, Warehouse, and Office
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14,000
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10,000
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9,000
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12,000
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At this time, our subsidiaries Haina and Tian Qing use an insignificant portion of our facilities.
On December 21, 2010, TDR entered into an agreement with Heilongjiang Tang Wang He Forest Bureau that grants us the right to grow and harvest herbs, among other plants, on approximately 74,000 acres of forested land in the Xiao Xing'an Mountain region in Heilongjiang Province, PRC. The cost of the land use rights was approximately $36 million (RMB 240 million). We plan to evaluate the land in the second quarter of 2011, after which we will develop a strategic plan for its use.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
On September 4, 2009, the SEC issued a formal order of investigation relating to, among other things, certain of our accounting, record-keeping and disclosure practices. Between that time and the present, we have received document and testimonial subpoenas from the SEC. We have complied, and intend to continue to comply, with all such subpoenas.
Item 4. Reserved.
PART II
Item 5. Market for Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Small Business Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Market Information
Until May 28, 2008, our common stock was traded on FINRA’s Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board under the trading symbol “CSKI.” On May 28, 2008, our common stock commenced trading on the American Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “CSY.” As of September 14, 2008, we terminated our listing on the American Stock Exchange and became listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the trading symbol “CSKI.” Effective as of January 4, 2010, we qualified to be listed on Nasdaq Global Select Market. The high and low sales prices for our common stock in the fiscal years of 2010 and 2009 are as follows:
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Year Ended December 31, 2010
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Year Ended December 31, 2009
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High
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Low
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High
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Low
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1st Quarter
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$
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24.00
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$
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14.19
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$
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19.11
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$
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10.03
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2nd Quarter
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$
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15.88
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$
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10.82
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$
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17.80
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$
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10.21
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3rd Quarter
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$
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11.64
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$
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6.25
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$
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16.80
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$
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12.00
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4th Quarter
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$
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9.94
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$
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6.62
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$
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25.45
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$
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11.02
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On March 1, 2011, the closing sale price for our common stock was $4.65.
Dividends
Since inception, no dividends have been paid on our common stock. We intend to retain any earnings for use in our business, so it is not expected that any dividends on the common stock will be declared and paid in the foreseeable future. We do not currently have any restrictions that would limit our ability to pay dividends, and we are not currently aware of any restrictions that are likely to limit our ability to pay dividends in the future.
Holders
At March 1, 2011, there were approximately 365 holders of record of our common stock, with 16,940,539 shares issued and outstanding. Such number of record owners was determined from our shareholder records and does not include beneficial owners whose shares are held in nominee accounts with brokers, dealers, banks and clearing agencies.
Securities Authorized For Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plan
As of December 31, 2010, we had only one stock option, bonus, profit sharing, pension or similar plan in place, which is our 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). The Plan reserves an aggregate of 1,500,000 shares of our common stock for awards of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance stock and bonus stock granted thereunder. The following table provides information as of December 31, 2010 with respect to the shares of our common stock that may be issuable under our existing equity compensation plans:
Equity Compensation Plan Information
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(a)
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(b)
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(c)
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Plan Category
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Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
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Weighted-
average exercise
price of
outstanding
options,
warrants and
rights
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Number of
securities
remaining
available for future
issuance under
equity
compensation plans
(excluding
securities reflected
in column (a))
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Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (1)
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0
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$
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-
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1,123,905
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(3)
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Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders (2)
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0
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N/A
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0
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Total
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0
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$
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-
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1,123,905
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(1)
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Our board of directors adopted the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), to be effective on July 31, 2006. The Plan was approved by the shareholders on July 31, 2006.
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(2)
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We do not have any equity compensation plans not approved by the security holders.
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(3)
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The Plan reserves an aggregate of 1,500,000 shares of our common stock for awards of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance stock and bonus stock granted thereunder. We have issued the following securities under the Plan:
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(a) In October 2006, we granted stock options to purchase an aggregate of 113,500 shares of common stock to a total of 36 participants under the Plan. In May 2009, an aggregate of 101,000 of these stock options were exercised on a “cashless” basis by 36 participants, resulting in our issuance of an aggregate of 75,888 shares. In August 2009, the remaining 12,500 of these stock options were exercised on a “cashless” basis by 9 participants, resulting in our issuance of an aggregate of 9,407 shares.
(b) In April 2007, we issued an aggregate of 30,000 shares of restricted stock to a total of 200 individuals under the Plan.
(c) In July 2008, we issued an aggregate of 30,063 shares of restricted stock to a total of 27 individuals under the Plan.
(d) In December 2009, we issued an aggregate of 52,844 shares of restricted stock to a total of 11 individuals under the Plan.
(e) In November 2010, we issued an aggregate of 149,688 shares of restricted stock to a total of 28 individuals under the Plan.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
In the three month period ended December 31, 2010, we did not issue any unregistered securities.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
Key financial data from the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 to 2010 is set forth in the following table.
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For the Years Ended December 31,
($ in thousands, except share and per share data)
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2010
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2009
(restated)
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2008
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2007
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2006
(restated)
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Operating Data:
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Revenues
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$ |
132,661 |
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$ |
130,092 |
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|
$ |
91,816 |
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$ |
49,318 |
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|
$ |
19,882 |
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Cost of goods sold
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36,007 |
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31,671 |
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|
22,403 |
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10,940 |
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|
|
5,063 |
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Gross profit
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|
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96,654 |
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|
98,421 |
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|
69,413 |
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38,379 |
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|
|
14,819 |
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Selling expense
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30,454 |
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30,763 |
|
|
|
22,968 |
|
|
|
14,784 |
|
|
|
9,894 |
|
General and administrative expense
|
|
|
5,052 |
|
|
|
4,191 |
|
|
|
2,514 |
|
|
|
1,380 |
|
|
|
844 |
|
Research and development
|
|
|
19,614 |
|
|
|
14,960 |
|
|
|
7,413 |
|
|
|
3,158 |
|
|
|
2,027 |
|
Income from operations
|
|
|
37,615 |
|
|
|
46,251 |
|
|
|
35,659 |
|
|
|
18,614 |
|
|
|
1,932 |
|
Change in fair value of derivative warrant liability (1)
|
|
|
8,889 |
|
|
|
(4,807 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Other income (expenses)
|
|
|
9,017 |
|
|
|
(4,768 |
) |
|
|
814 |
|
|
|
38 |
|
|
|
(228 |
) |
Provision for income taxes
|
|
|
10,676 |
|
|
|
10,503 |
|
|
|
7,616 |
|
|
|
3,319 |
|
|
|
1,080 |
|
Net income
|
|
|
35,957 |
|
|
|
30,980 |
|
|
|
28,857 |
|
|
|
15,333 |
|
|
|
624 |
|
Basic earnings per share
|
|
|
2.14 |
|
|
|
1.87 |
|
|
|
1.91 |
|
|
|
1.27 |
|
|
|
0.05 |
|
Diluted earnings per share
|
|
|
2.14 |
|
|
|
1.86 |
|
|
|
1.87 |
|
|
|
1.15 |
|
|
|
0.05 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance Sheet Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
$ |
172,224 |
|
|
$ |
140,363 |
|
|
$ |
101,259 |
|
|
$ |
37,285 |
|
|
$ |
16,681 |
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
8,208 |
|
|
|
19,494 |
|
|
|
6,326 |
|
|
|
5,040 |
|
|
|
2,370 |
|
Working capital
|
|
|
57,426 |
|
|
|
56,895 |
|
|
|
49,509 |
|
|
|
15,447 |
|
|
|
7,798 |
|
Stockholder's equity
|
|
|
164,016 |
|
|
|
120,869 |
|
|
|
94,933 |
|
|
|
32,245 |
|
|
|
14,311 |
|
Common shares outstanding
|
|
|
16,940,539 |
|
|
|
16,714,267 |
|
|
|
16,306,184 |
|
|
|
12,228,363 |
|
|
|
12,031,536 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
|
$ |
32,596 |
|
|
$ |
33,449 |
|
|
$ |
27,538 |
|
|
$ |
11,601 |
|
|
$ |
5,183 |
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(44,573 |
)(2) |
|
|
(21,154 |
) |
|
|
(23,115 |
) |
|
|
(10,261 |
) |
|
|
(4,597 |
) |
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
|
|
|
94 |
|
|
|
29 |
|
|
|
25,355 |
(3) |
|
|
(33 |
) |
|
|
2,931 |
|
(1) We restated our previously filed financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 due to an error in such financial statements with respect to our accounting for certain derivative instruments which were originally recorded as equity instruments in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in effect through December 31, 2008. We received comments from the SEC, which led to management’s conclusion that the historical financial statements in the Form 10-K for fiscal 2009 required restatement to properly record 750,000 common stock purchase warrants we issued in connection with our January 31, 2008 private placement as a derivative warrant liability. Neither income from operations nor
cash flows were impacted as part of the restated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2009 (refer to Explanatory Note included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K/A as filed on July 23, 2010).
(2) On December 21, 2010, TDR, entered into an agreement with Heilongjiang Tang Wang He Forest Bureau, pursuant to which we acquired the rights to grow and harvest herbs and other plants on approximately 74,000 acres of forest land in the Xiao Xing’an Mountain region in Heilongjiang Province, China, for a 30-year term expiring December 20, 2040. Pursuant to the agreement, we may utilize the herbs and other plants we grow on the forest land as raw materials in connection with the production of our products, as well as sell these raw materials to third parties. Our total rent for the 30-year term is approximately $36 million (RMB 240 million). This new arrangement is intended to provide our TCM business a hedge against fluctuations in raw material prices. We plan to evaluate the land in the second quarter of
2011, after which we will develop a strategic plan for its use.
(3) Amount primarily relates to the net proceeds received in connection with the private offering we completed on January 31, 2008.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation.
The financial and business analysis in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “Report”) provides information we believe is relevant to an assessment and understanding of our financial condition and results of operations. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Part II, Item 8 of this Report.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the information contained in our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto appearing elsewhere herein and in the risk factors and “Forward Looking Statements” summary set forth in the forepart of this Annual Report as well as the “Risk Factors” section above and are afforded the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Readers should carefully review the risk factors disclosed in this Annual Report and other documents filed by us with the SEC.
DISCUSSION
We are engaged, through our China-based indirect subsidiaries described below, in the development, manufacture, marketing and sale of over-the-counter, branded nutritional supplements and over-the-counter plant and herb-based pharmaceutical and medicinal products. Our principal products are external use TCMs. We have evolved into an integrated manufacturer, marketer and distributor of external-use TCM products sold primarily in the PRC and through Chinese domestic pharmaceutical chains.
Prior to 2009, we sold both our own manufactured products, as well as medicinal and pharmaceutical products manufactured by others on a contract basis, categorized by us as Contract Sales. Commencing in 2009, we discontinued all of our Contract Sales as part of our revised strategic plan.
Recently, our overseas sales have decreased, due primarily to the loss of a key distributor. However, we will seek to increase our worldwide sales efforts by contracting with qualified, reputable overseas sales agents.
For the year ended December 31, 2010, total revenues were $132,661,000, compared to $130,092,000 and $91,816,000 for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Net income was $35,957,000, or $2.14 per share, in 2010, compared to net income of $30,980,000, or $1.86 per share, in 2009, and net income of $28,857,000, or $1.87 per share, in 2008, as calculated on a diluted basis for all periods presented.
All of our business is conducted through our wholly-owned subsidiary, ACPG which, in turn, wholly owns TDR, and TDR’s subsidiaries.
Recent Developments
In January 2010, we relocated our headquarters to our new executive offices in the Song Bei New Development District in Harbin, PRC. Our new corporate headquarter cost approximately $13 million to complete and are being used to accommodate our administration, research and development, accounting, and sales functions. The facilities have a land area of 35,000 square meters and office area of 14,000 square meters.
During the third quarter of 2010, a domestic distributor and an overseas sales agent terminated their business relationship with us. These two customers accounted for an aggregate of 10%, 21% and 18% of our total revenues for the years 2010, 2009 and 2008 respectively. We expect to replace these customers with new relationships over time.
On December 21, 2010, TDR entered into an agreement with Heilongjiang Tang Wang He Forest Bureau that grants us the right to grow and harvest herbs, among other plants, on approximately 74,000 acres of forest land in the Xiao Xing'an Mountain region for a term of 30 years. The cost of the land use rights for the forest land is approximately $36 million (RMB 240 million). We intend to utilize the planting area to produce herbs and other ingredients for use in TCM and various health foods. We believe this agreement provides our TCM business with a hedge against fluctuations in raw material prices and also potentially creates new revenue streams for our company. We plan to evaluate the land in the second quarter of 2011, after which we will develop a strategic plan for its use.
Trends and Uncertainties
In 2008, general worldwide economic conditions declined due to sequential effects of the sub-prime lending crisis, general credit market crisis, collateral effects on the finance and banking industries, concerns about inflation, slower economic activity, decreased consumer confidence, reduced corporate profits and capital spending, adverse business conditions and liquidity concerns. However, since all of our business operations, and most of our sales, are currently conducted in the PRC, we have not been greatly affected by the economic downtown. We cannot predict the timing or duration of any economic slowdown or recession or the timing or strength of a subsequent recovery, worldwide, or in the specific markets we serve. If the markets for our products significantly deteriorate due to these economic effects, our
business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
We have benefited from the overall economic development in the PRC in recent years and the increase in the number of elderly people in China, which together have resulted in increased expenditures on medicine in the PRC, including TCMs. A slowdown in overall economic growth, an economic downturn or recession or other adverse economic developments in the PRC may materially reduce the demand for our products and materially and adversely affect our business.
During the third quarter of 2010, a domestic distributor and an overseas sales agent terminated their business relationship with us. These two customers accounted for an aggregate of 10%, 21% and 18% of our total revenues for the years 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. We are seeking to replace these customers with new relationships over time.
Until late 2009, our Slim Patch products were one of our best selling products both domestically and outside of the PRC. Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2009, the Chinese government issued new regulations and restrictions prohibiting television advertisement of weight loss products in the PRC. These new regulations and restrictions have negatively impacted the Slim Patch distribution channel in the PRC. Our revenues generated from sales of Slim Patch products in the China domestic market of were approximately $4,615,000 and $10,431,000 for 2010 and 2009, respectively. In addition, following an oversea agent’s termination of its business relationship with us, in the third quarter of 2010, our overseas sales of Slim Patch products also declined. Revenues generated from the overseas sales of our Slim Patch
product were approximately $7,063,000 and $10,121,000 for 2010 and 2009, respectively. We expect sales of our Slim Patch products in the PRC to remain lower for the foreseeable future due to the Chinese government’s restrictions, and to remain lower overseas until we are able to enter into a distribution agreement with a new overseas sales agent.
Historically, we signed agreements with suppliers that allowed us to hold extra raw materials at the cost of the suppliers. Prior to June 2009, we were able to minimize our own inventory carrying costs, and improve our cash management, by keeping the inventory at the minimum level required to support the short-term sales. However, due to our forecasts for certain cost increases of raw materials and the overhead costs for storing such raw materials in fiscal 2010, we began to increase our inventory levels toward the second half of 2009. We anticipate vendor price increases of certain raw materials in the future due to unforeseen natural disasters and inflation.
On December 21, 2010, we entered into an agreement with Heilongjiang Tang Wang He Forest Bureau that gives the Company the right to grow and harvest herbs, among other plants, on approximately 74,000 acres of forested land in the Xiao Xing'an Mountain region commencing December 21, 2010. We believe this arrangement provides our TCM business with a hedge against fluctuations in raw material prices. We plan to evaluate the land in the second quarter of 2011, after which we will develop a strategic plan for its use.
Results of Operations
For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
Revenues, Cost of Goods Sold, Gross Profit and Gross Profit Margin
The following table sets forth our revenues, cost of goods sold, gross profit and gross profit margin during each of the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008:
|
|
For the Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
($ in thousands)
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
Variance
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
Variance
|
|
|
2008
|
|
Product Sales (net of sales allowance)
|
|
$ |
132,661 |
|
|
|
2 |
% |
|
$ |
130,092 |
|
|
|
51 |
% |
|
$ |
86,161 |
|
Contract Sales
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
5,655 |
|
Total Revenues
|
|
$ |
132,661 |
|
|
|
2 |
% |
|
$ |
130,092 |
|
|
|
42 |
% |
|
$ |
91,816 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of goods sold
|
|
|
36,007 |
|
|
|
14 |
% |
|
|
31,671 |
|
|
|
41 |
% |
|
|
22,403 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross Profit
|
|
$ |
96,654 |
|
|
|
-2 |
% |
|
$ |
98,421 |
|
|
|
42 |
% |
|
$ |
69,413 |
|
Gross Profit Margin
|
|
|
72.9 |
% |
|
|
-2.8 |
% |
|
|
75.7 |
% |
|
|
0.1 |
% |
|
|
75.6 |
% |
Year over year – 2010 to 2009
Total revenues increased by approximately $2,569,000, or 2%, from approximately $130,092,000 in the year ended December 31, 2009, to approximately $132,661,000 for the year ended December 31, 2010.
In the first half of 2010, we achieved revenue growth of 22.2%, as compared to the same period in 2009. Our revenues were approximately $69,663,000 and $57,015,000 for the six month period ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The increase in revenue was primarily due to strong sales from our Ointment and Other product categories. This positive variance was partially offset by decreased revenues from the sales of our Slim Patch and Diagnostic Kits (refer to “Revenues by Product Category” below).
Our revenues declined by 13.8% in the second half of 2010, as compared to the same period in 2009. Our revenues were approximately $62,998,000 and $73,077,000 for the period from July 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010 and July 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009, respectively. The decline in revenues was principally due to weaker sales of products in our Patches, Sprays and Diagnostic Kits product categories, due in part to the termination of two major customer relationships during the third quarter of 2010. There was no revenue generated in the second half of 2010 from these two customers. Revenues generated from the two discontinued customers were $12,960,000, $27,549,000 and $16,850,000 or 10%, 21% and 18% of our total revenues for the years 2010 2009, and 2008, respectively.
Cost of goods sold increased by $4,336,000, or 13.7%, for the fiscal year 2010 compared to 2009. The gross profit margin decreased by 2.8%, from 75.7% in 2009 to 72.9% in 2010. The higher cost of goods sold and lower gross profit margin was mainly due to inflation and unforeseen natural disasters which caused an increase in the price of raw materials we use to produce certain of our products, including Honey Suckle Flower and Notoginseng. Another contributing factor, in 2010, was our sales and marketing strategy to promote certain of our products which have less market competition by coordinating with reputable distributors who have extensive market channels. These distributors seek lower sales prices, which has had and will continue to have a negative impact on our overall gross product margins.
Year over year – 2009 to 2008
Total revenues increased by approximately $38,276,000, or 42%, from approximately $91,816,000 in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, to approximately $130,092,000 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009. The increase in our revenues is primarily attributable to increase in our product sales related to:
|
·
|
strong performances from our sales distribution channels, obtained by our hiring of additional direct territory managers and sales agents;
|
|
·
|
increased marketing and advertising expenditures of approximately $7,228,000, from approximately $7,299,000 in fiscal 2008 to approximately $14,527,000 in fiscal 2009; and
|
|
·
|
the full-year effect of revenues generated in 2009 from sale products acquired in connection with our Tianlong and Peng Lai business acquisitions in 2008. Tianlong products generated revenues of approximately $43,138,000 and $13,803,000 in 2009 and 2008, respectively, and Peng Lai, products generated revenues of approximately $11,188,000 and $2,164,000 in 2009 and 2008, respectively.
|
The increase in our product sales in 2009 were partially offset by our discontinuance of all Contract Sales, which we began to phase out in fiscal 2008.
Cost of goods sold increased by approximately $9,268,000, or 41%, to approximately $31,671,000 in fiscal 2009 compared to the prior year. This increase was directly related to an increase in our sales.
Gross profit increased by 42%, from approximately $69,413,000 in 2008, to approximately $98,421,000 in 2009. Our gross margin remained constant for the two years at approximately 76%.
Revenues by Product Category
We believe that the most meaningful presentation of our products is by categories of method of delivery. The following table sets forth our principal product categories based on application type, and the approximate amount and percentage of revenue from each of such product categories, during each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008:
|
|
For the Years Ended December 31
|
|
|
|
($ in thousands)
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
Product Category
|
|
Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
Ointments
|
|
$ |
38,368 |
|
|
|
28.9 |
% |
|
$ |
28,862 |
|
|
|
22.2 |
% |
|
$ |
23,068 |
|
|
|
25.1 |
% |
Patches
|
|
|
28,850 |
|
|
|
21.7 |
% |
|
|
40,770 |
|
|
|
31.3 |
% |
|
|
35,484 |
|
|
|
38.6 |
% |
Sprays
|
|
|
14,080 |
|
|
|
10.6 |
% |
|
|
18,499 |
|
|
|
14.2 |
% |
|
|
10,613 |
|
|
|
11.6 |
% |
Drops
|
|
|
11,959 |
|
|
|
9.0 |
% |
|
|
7,483 |
|
|
|
5.8 |
% |
|
|
314 |
|
|
|
0.3 |
% |
Suppositories
|
|
|
7,840 |
|
|
|
5.9 |
% |
|
|
5,310 |
|
|
|
4.1 |
% |
|
|
1,615 |
|
|
|
1.8 |
% |
Diagnostic Kits
|
|
|
5,485 |
|
|
|
4.1 |
% |
|
|
10,239 |
|
|
|
7.9 |
% |
|
|
8,781 |
|
|
|
9.6 |
% |
Others
|
|
|
26,079 |
|
|
|
19.7 |
% |
|
|
18,929 |
|
|
|
14.5 |
% |
|
|
11,941 |
|
|
|
13.0 |
% |
Total
|
|
$ |
132,661 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
$ |
130,092 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
$ |
91,816 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
No. of Products Marketed Each Year
|
|
Product Category
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
Ointments
|
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
20 |
|
Patches
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
Sprays
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
19 |
|
Drops
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
Suppositories
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
Diagnostic Kits
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
Others
|
|
|
44 |
|
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
32 |
|
Contract Sales
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
Total:
|
|
|
120 |
|
|
|
91 |
|
|
|
97 |
|
Year over year – 2010 to 2009
|
|
Revenues for the Years Ended December 31
|
|
|
|
($ in thousands)
|
|
Product Category
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
Variance
|
|
Ointments
|
|
$ |
38,368 |
|
|
$ |
28,862 |
|
|
$ |
9,506 |
|
|
|
32.9 |
% |
Patches
|
|
|
28,850 |
|
|
|
40,770 |
|
|
|
-11,920 |
|
|
|
-29.2 |
% |
Sprays
|
|
|
14,080 |
|
|
|
18,499 |
|
|
|
-4,419 |
|
|
|
-23.9 |
% |
Drops
|
|
|
11,959 |
|
|
|
7,483 |
|
|
|
4,476 |
|
|
|
59.8 |
% |
Suppositories
|
|
|
7,840 |
|
|
|
5,310 |
|
|
|
2,531 |
|
|
|
47.6 |
% |
Diagnostic Kits
|
|
|
5,485 |
|
|
|
10,239 |
|
|
|
-4,754 |
|
|
|
-46.4 |
% |
Others
|
|
|
26,079 |
|
|
|
18,929 |
|
|
|
7,150 |
|
|
|
37.8 |
% |
Total
|
|
$ |
132,661 |
|
|
$ |
130,092 |
|
|
$ |
2,569 |
|
|
|
2.0 |
% |
We marketed 120 products in the year 2010, compared to 91 products in 2009. Our annual revenues in 2010 were $132,661,000, as compared to $130,092,000 in 2009, or an increase of $2,569,000, or approximately 2%. In the third quarter of 2010, one domestic distributor and one overseas sales agent terminated their business relationships with us. Revenues generated from these two customers were $12,960,000, $27,549,000 and $16,850,000 or approximately 10%, 21% and 18% of our total revenues for 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively. The table below summarized revenues generated from these two former distributors.
|
|
Revenues generated from the two distributors for the Years Ended December 31
|
|
|
|
($ in thousands)
|
|
Product Category
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
Domestic
|
|
|
Overseas
|
|
|
Domestic
|
|
|
Overseas
|
|
|
Domestic
|
|
|
Overseas
|
|
Ointments
|
|
$ |
1,662 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
$ |
6,724 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
$ |
7,632 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Patches
|
|
|
4,787 |
|
|
|
1,559 |
|
|
|
5,399 |
|
|
|
2,004 |
|
|
|
6,233 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Sprays
|
|
|
1,363 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
3,576 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Diagnostic Kits
|
|
|
3,542 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
9,738 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
2,985 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Others
|
|
|
47 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
108 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Total
|
|
$ |
11,401 |
|
|
|
1,559 |
|
|
$ |
25,545 |
|
|
|
2,004 |
|
|
$ |
16,850 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Revenues generated from our Ointment products were $38,368,000 in 2010, compared to $28,862,000 in 2009, an increase of $9,506,000, or 32.9%. The revenue increase was primarily due to the $1,511,000 of revenues from additional eight new Ointment products launched in 2010, which was partially offset by the decreased revenues due to a domestic distributor terminating its business relationship with us. Revenues generated from Compound Camphor Cream were $18,872,000 and $12,392,000 in 2010 and 2009, respectively. This increase is primarily due to our continued efforts to promote and advertise this product. The revenues from our Ointment products from the domestic distributor that terminated its relationship with us decreased from $6,724,000 in 2009 to $1,662,000 in 2010. Management is currently seeking new channel
distributors to replace these sales.
Revenues generated from our Patch products were $28,850,000 in 2010 compared to $40,770,000 in 2009, a decrease of $11,920,000, or 29.2%. The decrease in revenues was primarily due to certain regulations and restrictions the Chinese government launched in the fourth quarter of 2009, which prohibit television advertising of weight loss products in the PRC. Revenues generated from sales of our Slim Patch products were $11,678,000 and $20,553,000 for the years ended 2010 and 2009, respectively.
Revenues generated from our Spray products decreased by $4,419,000, or 23.9%, in 2010 compared to 2009, primarily due to decreased sales of our FuShuang Spray, JiaoShuang Spray, and JieYin Spray products. The decrease in revenues was primarily due to the loss in the third quarter of 2010 of a key domestic distributor. Revenues from our Spray products generated from this domestic distributor decreased from $3,576,000 in 2009 to $1,363,000 in 2010. Management is currently seeking new channel distributors to replace this relationship.
Revenues generated from our Drops products increased by $4,476,000, or 59.8%, compared to 2009, primarily due to increased revenues from the sale of our Naphazoline Hydrochloride Eye Drops and the six additional Drops products we launched in 2010. Revenues generated from Naphazoline Hydrochloride Eye Drops were $7,401,000 and $4,955,000 for the years 2010 and 2009, respectively. Revenues generated from the six additional Drops products were $1,521,000 in 2010.
Revenues generated from our Suppositories products increased by $2,531,000, or 47.6%, compared to 2009, primarily due to the increase sales of original products and our two additional Suppositories products launched in 2010. Our new Suppositories products added revenues of $592,000 in 2010.
Revenues generated from our Diagnostic Kits decreased by $4,754,000, or 46.4%, in 2010 compared to 2009, primarily from decreased sales of our Cardiac Arrest Early Examination Kits. Revenues from our Cardiac Arrest Early Examination Kit were $3,015,000 and $7,739,000 in 2010 and 2009, respectively. Revenues from the sale of Diagnostic Kits decreased from $9,738,000 in 2009 to $3,542,000 in 2010. The primary reason for this decrease was the termination of a key distributor business relationship with us in August 2010. Management is currently seeking new channel distributors to replace this distributor.
Revenues generated from our Other products category increased by $7,150,000, or 37.8%, as compared to 2009. The revenue increase is primarily due to the sales increase of our Metronidazole and Chlorhexidine Washing Fluid products, and the launch of 12 new products in 2010. Revenues from the sale of our Metronidazole and Chlorhexidine Washing Fluid products increased by $1,779,000 in 2010 compared to 2009 due primarily to the hiring of a new distributor we engaged in the second quarter of 2010. Revenues from our 12 new products in our Other products category were $3,132,000 in 2010.
Year over year – 2009 to 2008
In 2008, we acquired significant new products to promote and sell in connection with our business acquisitions of Tianlong (in April 2008) and Peng Lai (in September 2008). In addition, in 2008, we changed our business model for sales and began to enter into both distribution agreements with the larger regional sales agents and sales contracts with nationwide chain pharmacies. Our revenues increased in 2009 ($130,092,000) compared to 2008 ($91,816,000), primarily due to the change in our distribution networks. As a result of signing agreements with these distributors, revenues from products in the Patches, Sprays, and Diagnostic Kits categories increased 14.9%, 74.3%, and 16.6% year over year. The revenue increase of approximately $5,794,000 in the Ointment category, and the revenue increase of approximately
$6,988,000 in Other products category, are primarily due to our increased spending in marketing and advertising for certain products in these categories. Another contributing factor for the increase is the full-year effect of revenues generated from products we acquired in connection with our Tianlong and Peng Lai business acquisitions.
Out of the 91 products we commercialized in fiscal 2009, 10 products accounted for approximately 68% of our total revenue. Out of the 97 products we commercialized in fiscal 2008, 10 products accounted for approximately 72% of our total revenue.
Operating Expenses
The following table summarizes the changes in our operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008:
|
|
For the Years ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
($ in thousands)
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
Variance
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
Variance
|
|
|
2008
|
|
Operating Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selling expense
|
|
$ |
30,454 |
|
|
|
-1 |
% |
|
$ |
30,763 |
|
|
|
34 |
% |
|
$ |
22,968 |
|
General and administrative expense
|
|
|
5,052 |
|
|
|
21 |
% |
|
|
4,191 |
|
|
|
67 |
% |
|
|
2,514 |
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
3,919 |
|
|
|
74 |
% |
|
|
2,255 |
|
|
|
163 |
% |
|
|
858 |
|
Research and development
|
|
|
19,614 |
|
|
|
31 |
% |
|
|
14,960 |
|
|
|
102 |
% |
|
|
7,413 |
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
$ |
59,039 |
|
|
|
13 |
% |
|
$ |
52,170 |
|
|
|
55 |
% |
|
$ |
33,753 |
|
Percentage of operating expenses to revenues
|
|
|
44.5 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
40.1 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
36.8 |
% |
Year over year – 2010 to 2009
Total operating expenses increased by approximately $6,869,000, or 13%, from approximately $52,170,000 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, to approximately $59,039,000 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.
Selling expenses decreased by $309,000, or 1%, in 2010 compared with 2009, while revenues increased 2% in 2010 compared with 2009, due primarily to our more efficient cost management in 2010.
General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2010 increased approximately $861,000, or 21%, compared with 2009. This increase in expense was primarily due to our increased compensation costs associated with the higher number of executives and managers in 2010 (353 staff members) compared with 2009 (201 staff members).
Depreciation and amortization expenses in 2010 increased by approximately $1,664,000, or 74%, compared with 2009. This increase was primarily due to the acquisition of two proprietary technologies (Antroquinonol and Small RNA Technologies) in the fourth quarter of 2009. These proprietary technologies were acquired at a cost $10,969,000 and are being amortized over an estimated life of 10 years.
Research and development expenses were approximately $19,614,000 in the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to approximately $14,960,000 for 2009. The increased R&D expenses in 2010 were primarily due to our ongoing research and development of certain proprietary technologies as discussed in “Item. 1 – Business – Research and Development” above.
For other income and expenses, we recorded a gain of $8,889,000 and loss of ($4,807,000) for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, due to the change in fair value of our outstanding derivative warrant liability. The derivative warrant liability relates to our issuance of 750,000 common stock purchase warrants with anti-dilution protection in connection with our January 31, 2008 private placement.
Year over year – 2009 to 2008
Total operating expenses increased by approximately $18,417,000, or 55%, from approximately $33,753,000 in the year ended December 31, 2008, to approximately $52,170,000 for the year ended December 31, 2009.
Selling expenses increased by approximately $7,795,000 in 2009 compared with 2008. This increase was primarily related to increased costs of advertising from approximately $7,299,000 in 2008 to approximately $14,527,000 in 2009, resulting from our increased marketing and sales efforts to promote our new products obtained in connection with our Tianlong and Peng Lai business acquisitions.
General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2009 increased approximately $1,677,000, or 67%, compared with 2008. This increase was primarily due to an expense related to employees’ share-based compensation (fair value at issuance date of approximately $1,242,000) for common shares we issued in December 2009 ($316,000 in 2008).
Depreciation and amortization expenses in 2009 increased by approximately $1,397,000, or 163%, compared with 2008. This increase was primarily due to:
|
·
|
the amortization of certain proprietary technologies (Monoclonal Antibody and Breast Cancer technology) we acquired in the fourth quarter of 2008, in the amount of approximately $6.6 million, which are being amortized over an estimated life of 10 years; and
|
|
·
|
the full year effect of depreciation and amortization of tangible and intangible assets we acquired in the business acquisitions we consummated in 2008.
|
Research and development expenses were approximately $14,960,000 in the year ended December 31, 2009, compared to approximately $7,413,000 for 2008. The increased R&D expenses in 2009 were primarily due to our ongoing research and development of certain proprietary technologies as discussed in “Item. 1 – Business – Research and Development” above.
For other income and expenses, we recorded a non-cash charge of $4,807,000 for the year ended December 31, 2009 due to the change in fair value of our outstanding derivative warrant liability. The derivative warrant liability relates to our issuance of 750,000 common stock purchase warrants with anti-dilution protection in connection with our January 31, 2008 private placement.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following table summarizes our cash and cash equivalents position, our working capital, and our cash flow activity as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 and for each of the years then ended:
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
($ in thousands, except ratio and days)
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(restated)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$ |
43,124 |
|
|
$ |
52,756 |
|
Current ratio
|
|
|
8.0 |
|
|
|
3.9 |
|
Quick ratio
|
|
|
7.7 |
|
|
|
3.8 |
|
Average accounts receivable collection days
|
|
|
60.8 |
|
|
|
51.6 |
|
Average inventory turnover days
|
|
|
36.7 |
|
|
|
21.6 |
|
Working capital
|
|
$ |
57,426 |
|
|
$ |
56,895 |
|
Inventories
|
|
$ |
2,409 |
|
|
$ |
2,413 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash provided by (used in):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating activities
|
|
$ |
32,596 |
|
|
$ |
33,449 |
|
Investing activities
|
|
$ |
(44,573 |
) |
|
$ |
(21,154 |
) |
Financing activities
|
|
$ |
94 |
|
|
$ |
29 |
|
As of December 31, 2010, cash and cash equivalents were approximately $43,124,000 as compared to $52,756,000 at December 31, 2009. We had working capital at December 31, 2010 of approximately $57,426,000, compared to $56,895,000 at December 31, 2009.We consider current working capital and borrowing capabilities adequate to cover our current operating and capital requirements for the full year 2011. A summary of our cash flows from operating activities, investing activities and finance activities are summarized as follows:
Cash flows generated from our operating activities were $32,596,000 for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to $33,449,000 for the year ended December 31, 2009.
Cash flows used in investing activities were $44,573,000 for the year ended December 31, 2010 compared to $21,154,000 in 2009.Cash flows used in investing activities in 2010 were primarily attributable to (i) our cash outlay in 2010 of approximately $36.0 million related to our agreement with Heilongjiang Tang Wang He Forest Bureau, which gives us the right to grow and harvest herbs, among other plants, on approximately 74,000 acres of forested land in the Xiao Xing'an Mountain region for 30 years, commencing December 21, 2010, and (2) our land deposit of approximately $7.3 million, which is being reserved for our bid on a parcel of land located in the “Scientific and Technological Innovation City” in Harbin. We plan to build a new biopharmaceutical research center and manufacturing facilities if we win
the bid. In 2009, cash flows used in investing activities primarily related to of the use of approximately $9.9 million, in connection with our construction of our new corporate headquarters, as well as the purchase of proprietary technologies for Antroquinonol, a drug used for treatment of lung and liver cancers in the amount of approximately $5.1 million, and Small RNA diagnosing technology, used for detecting heart diseases in its early stage, in the amount of approximately $5.8 million.
Cash flows provided from financing activities was approximately $94,000 for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to approximately $29,000 for the same period in 2009.
Our current ratio was 8.0 at December 31, 2010 compared to 3.9 at December 31, 2009, and the quick ratio was 7.7 at December 31, 2010 compared to 3.8 at December 31, 2009. We endeavor to ensure that funds are available to take advantage of new investment opportunities and that funds are sufficient to meet future liquidity and capital needs.
We calculate accounts receivable turnover by averaging the opening and closing balances of out accounts receivable during that period and dividing that amount by our average daily sales during that period. Since accounts receivables fluctuate over the course of each quarter, in order to determine a more representative accountant receivables collection days, management calculates the turnover rate on a quarter-by-quarter basis. Our average daily sales and turnover for each quarter during 2009 and 2010 were as follows:
|
|
|
Average Daily Sales
|
|
|
Average A/R
|
|
|
|
|
Quarter Ended
|
|
|
($ in thousands)
|
|
|
($ in thousands)
|
|
|
Turnover Days
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31-Mar-10
|
|
|
$ |
321 |
|
|
$ |
19,865 |
|
|
|
61.9 |
|
30-Jun-10
|
|
|
$ |
448 |
|
|
$ |
21,274 |
|
|
|
47.5 |
|
30-Sep-10
|
|
|
$ |
393 |
|
|
$ |
23,500 |
|
|
|
59.7 |
|
31-Dec-10
|
|
|
$ |
291 |
|
|
$ |
21,558 |
|
|
|
74.0 |
|
2010 Annual Average
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
60.8 |
|
31-Mar-09
|
|
|
$ |
276 |
|
|
$ |
14,528 |
|
|
|
52.7 |
|
30-Jun-09
|
|
|
$ |
354 |
|
|
$ |
15,125 |
|
|
|
42.8 |
|
30-Sep-09
|
|
|
$ |
475 |
|
|
$ |
19,921 |
|
|
|
41.9 |
|
31-Dec-09
|
|
|
$ |
324 |
|
|
$ |
22,403 |
|
|
|
69.0 |
|
2009 Annual Average
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
51.6 |
|
Accounts receivable turnover days fluctuate from quarter to quarter due to the following:
|
·
|
Sales revenue varies, which results in changing average daily sales;
|
|
·
|
Accounts receivable collections are slower during the fourth fiscal quarter and the first fiscal quarter, partly due to the Chinese public holidays within that period (about three weeks in total).
|
|
·
|
During the second and third quarter of each year, due to stronger sales volume, the product turnover rate at our distributors and agents is higher, resulting in their shorter accounts payable periods.
|
|
·
|
In the third quarter of 2010, two distributors terminated the business relationship with us, which negatively impacted our revenues in the third and fourth quarter of 2010, and prolonged the account receivable turnover days.
|
During 2010 and 2009, our average inventory turnover was approximately 37 and 22 days, respectively. Since sales and costs of goods sold fluctuate over the course of each quarter, in order to determine a more representative inventory rate, management calculates inventory rate on a quarter-by-quarter basis, and then takes the average of the resulting numbers. Management calculates our inventory turnover rate using total inventory rather than just finished goods, because our production cycle is of an extremely short duration.
Our inventory turnover days for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were calculated by using average daily costs of goods sold and average inventory for each quarter were as follows:
|
|
|
Average Daily COGS
|
|
|
Average Inventory
|
|
|
|
|
Quarter Ended
|
|
|
($ in thousands)
|
|
|
($ in thousands)
|
|
|
Turnover Days
|
|
31-Mar-10
|
|
|
$ |
81 |
|
|
$ |
2,318 |
|
|
|
28.7 |
|
30-Jun-10
|
|
|
$ |
123 |
|
|
$ |
3,891 |
|
|
|
31.6 |
|
30-Sep-10
|
|
|
$ |
106 |
|
|
$ |
4,935 |
|
|
|
46.3 |
|
31-Dec-10
|
|
|
$ |
84 |
|
|
$ |
3,360 |
|
|
|
40.0 |
|
2010 Annual Average
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
36.7 |
|
31-Mar-09
|
|
|
$ |
67 |
|
|
$ |
891 |
|
|
|
13.3 |
|
30-Jun-09
|
|
|
$ |
85 |
|
|
$ |
1,446 |
|
|
|
17.0 |
|
30-Sep-09
|
|
|
$ |
118 |
|
|
$ |
2,335 |
|
|
|
19.7 |
|
31-Dec-09
|
|
|
$ |
76 |
|
|
$ |
2,755 |
|
|
|
36.3 |
|
2009 Annual Average
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21.6 |
|
One reason for the quarterly fluctuations in our number of inventory turnover days is that, historically, our inventory is at its lowest levels at the end of each calendar year and in the first fiscal quarter. We draw down our inventory levels in December of each year for two main reasons. Our customers want to receive goods prior to the holiday season. In addition, the first and fourth calendar quarters are traditionally our slowest sales periods. Since a lower volume of sales activity normally occurs during the first quarter of each calendar year, we believe it is prudent to avoid incurring unnecessary inventory carrying costs. At the appropriate time toward the end of the first calendar quarter of each fiscal year, we begin to ramp up our inventory levels to prepare for increased
demand during the coming stronger selling periods.
Historically, we signed agreements with suppliers that allowed us to hold extra raw materials at the cost of the suppliers. As a result, we could minimize our own inventory carrying costs, and improve our cash management, by keeping the inventory at the minimum level required to support the short-term sales. However, due to the forecast of certain cost increases of raw materials, management began to increase the inventory levels since the second half of 2009. As a result, the number of inventory turnover days in each fiscal quarter of 2010 was higher than in the comparable quarter of 2009.
Private Offering
On January 31, 2008 (the “Closing Date”), we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with certain accredited investors (the “Investors”), for the purchase and sale of 2,500,000 units of our securities (“Units”) consisting of an aggregate of: (i) 2,500,000 shares of our common stock (the “Purchased Shares”), and (ii) Class A Warrants to purchase 750,000 additional shares of our common stock, at an exercise price of $12.50 per share (the “Purchased Warrants”), for a purchase price of $10.00 per unit (the “Unit Purchase Price”), or aggregate of $25,000,000 (the “Offering”).
In connection with the Offering, we paid a placement agent (the “Placement Agent”) a fee of five percent (5%) of the Offering Proceeds. In addition, we paid the Placement Agent’s legal fees and additional out-of-pocket expenses related to the Offering.
We used the net proceeds from the Offering primarily for: (a) the Tianlong, Haina and Peng Lai business acquisitions in 2008, (b) new product marketing, (c) expenses related to the Offering and the Registration Statement (defined below), and (d) general working capital purposes.
As of the Closing Date, we entered into a Registration Rights Agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”) with the Investors, pursuant to which we agreed that within sixty (60) calendar days of the Closing Date (the “Filing Date”), we would file a registration statement (the “Registration Statement”) with the SEC, on the appropriate form, covering the resale of (i) the Purchased Shares, and (ii) the common stock issuable upon exercise of the Purchased Warrants (the “Warrant Shares”) (collectively (i) and (ii), the “Registrable Securities”). Further, we agreed to use our best efforts to (a) cause the Registration Statement to be declared effective within one hundred twenty (120) calendar days from the Filing Date, or, if reviewed by the SEC, within
one hundred fifty (150) calendar days after the Filing Date, and (b) keep the Registration Statement continuously effective until all of the Registrable Securities have been sold, or may be sold without volume restrictions pursuant to Rule 144 (the “Registration Requirements”). On September 29, 2010, we filed the Registration Statement which was declared effective on November 9, 2010.
The Class A Warrants represent the right to purchase an aggregate of 750,000 shares of our Common Stock, at an exercise price of $12.50 per share (the “Exercise Price”), and have the following additional characteristics:
|
·
|
The Class A Warrants became exercisable beginning on the six-month anniversary of the Closing Date and were originally set to expire three years thereafter (the “Expiration Date”); provided, however, if, among other things, we failed to cause a Registration Statement covering the Warrant Shares to be declared effective prior to the applicable dates set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement (the “Effectiveness Deadlines”), the Expiration Date of the Class A Warrants shall be extended one day for each day beyond the Effectiveness Deadlines. The Expiration Date has been reset to December 21, 2013.
|
|
·
|
Commencing on one-year anniversary of the Closing Date, in the event the Warrant Shares may not be freely sold by the holders (the “Warrantholders”) due to our failure to satisfy our registration requirements, and an exemption for such sale is not otherwise available to the Warrantholders under Rule 144, the Class A Warrants will be exercisable on a cashless basis.
|
|
·
|
The Exercise Price and number of Warrant Shares are subject to adjustment for standard dilutive events, as well as for the issuance of common stock, or securities convertible into or exercisable for shares of common stock, at a price per share, or conversion or exercise price per share less than the Exercise Price.
|
|
·
|
At anytime following the date a Registration Statement covering the Warrant Shares is declared effective, we will have the ability to call the Class A Warrants at a price of $0.01 per Class A Warrant, upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to the holders of the Class A Warrants, provided (i) the closing price of the common stock exceeded $18.75 for each of the ten (10) consecutive trading days immediately preceding the date that the call notice is given by us, and (ii) we attained an Adjusted EPS of at least $1.75 per share for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008, as set forth in our audited financial statements.
|
|
·
|
The Warrantholder is not entitled to exercise a number of Class A Warrants in excess of the number of Class A Warrants upon exercise of which would result in beneficial ownership by the Warrantholder and its affiliates of more than 9.9% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. This limitation on exercise may be waived by written agreement between the Warrantholder and us; provided, however, such waiver may not be effective less than sixty-one (61) days from the date thereof.
|
As of March 1, 2011, we have 593,800 Class A Warrants outstanding. If all of these Class A Warrants were exercised for cash pursuant to their terms, we would receive $7,422,500 in proceeds, although there can be no assurance that any of these Class A Warrants or placement agent warrants will be exercised for cash.
Significant Accounting Policies
We have established various accounting policies that govern the application of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S.”), which were utilized in the preparation of our financial statements. Certain accounting policies involve significant judgments and assumptions by management that have a material impact on the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities. Management considers such accounting policies to be critical accounting policies. The judgments and assumptions used by management are based on historical experience and other factors, which are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Because of the nature of the judgments and assumptions
made by management, actual results could differ from these judgments and estimates, which could have a material impact on the carrying values of assets and liabilities and the results of operations.
While our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 4 to our financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, we believe that the following accounting policies are the most critical to aid you in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results and affect the more significant judgments and estimates that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.
Use of estimates
The preparation of the financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K in conformity with U.S. GAAP, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported periods.
Significant estimates include values and assigned lives to acquired tangible and intangible assets, uncollectible accounts receivable, impairment testing of goodwill and other long-lived assets and the valuation allowance related to deferred taxes in the U.S. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Accounts receivable
Accounts receivable are stated at net realizable value, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for estimated bad debts is based upon the periodic analysis of individual customer balances including an evaluation of days of sales outstanding, payment history, recent payment trends, and perceived credit worthiness. As of December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 our allowance for doubtful accounts was zero and $56,000, respectively.
Inventories
Inventories include finished goods, raw materials, freight-in, packing materials, labor, and overhead costs and are valued at the lower of cost or market using the first-in, first-out method. Inventory units are valued using the weighted average method. Provisions are made for slow moving, obsolete and/or damaged inventory based upon the periodic analysis of individual inventory items including an evaluation of historical usage and/or movement, age, expiration date, and general conditions. There are no inventory reserve provision recorded at December 31, 2010 and 2009.
Property and equipment
Property and equipment are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation on property and equipment is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. We use an estimated residual value of 5% of cost, or valuation for both financial and income tax reporting purposes. The estimated lengths of the useful lives of our property and equipment are as follows:
Building and Improvements
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30 years
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Land use rights
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50 years
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Furniture & Equipment
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5 to 7 years
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Transportation Equipment
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5 to 15 years
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Machinery and Equipment
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7 to 14 years
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Expenditures for renewals and betterments are capitalized while repairs and maintenance costs are normally charged to the statement of operations in the year in which they were incurred. In situations where it can be clearly demonstrated that the expenditure has resulted in an increase in the future economic benefits expected to be obtained from the use of the asset, the expenditure is capitalized as an additional cost of the asset. Upon sale or disposal of an asset, the historical cost and related accumulated depreciation or amortization of such asset is removed from their respective accounts, and any gain or loss is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations.
Property and equipment are evaluated for impairment in value on at least an annual basis or whenever an event or change in circumstances indicates that the carrying values may not be recoverable. If such an event or change in circumstances occurs and potential impairment is indicated because the carrying values exceed the estimated future undiscounted cash flows of the asset, we will measure the impairment loss as the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair value. We did not record any impairment charges in the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008.
Derivative warrant liability
The Class A Warrants (“the Warrants”) issued in connection with our January 31, 2008 private placement include a reset provision which would be triggered if we issue common shares below the exercise price of $12.50 as defined in the Warrant. Effective January 1, 2009 the reset provision of these warrants preclude equity accounting treatment under ASC 815 (formerly EITF 07-5). Accordingly, ASC 815-40 which was effective as of January 1, 2009, has been applied resulting in a reclassification of the warrants as a derivative liability, measured at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized as part of other income or expense for each reporting period thereafter. We used the Monte Carlo valuation model to estimate the fair value of the Warrants. Significant assumptions used at December 31, 2010 include
a term of approximately 3.0 years; volatility of 80.0% and a risk free interest rate of 0.98%.
Intangible assets
Intangible assets are accounted for in accordance with ASC topic 350, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other.” Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized while intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized. We review our long-lived assets, including our intangible assets for impairment on at least an annual basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable. To determine recoverability of its long-lived assets, we evaluate the probability that future undiscounted net cash flows will be less than the carrying amount of the assets. Impairment costs, if any, are measured by comparing the carrying amount of the
related assets to their fair value. We recognize an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying amount of the assets over their respective fair values. Fair value is determined by the use of undiscounted future cash flows, independent appraisals or other approximate methods. We did not record any impairment charges for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008.
Our Intangible assets consist of proprietary technologies, SFDA licenses for drug batch numbers, and goodwill. The fair value of goodwill, proprietary technologies and SFDA licenses recorded in our financial statements are appraised on at least an annual basis or whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful life. SFDA licenses for drug batch numbers were acquired through our business acquisitions of Tianlong and Peng Lai. Goodwill was recorded when we acquired Tianlong’s Beijing sales office and Haina. We have registered “Kang Xi” as our trademark, which is used for all of our TCM products. The “Kang
Xi” trademark was developed internally and registered by TDR before we became a public company. As a result, our cost basis in this trademark is nominal. Therefore, we did not have our “Kang Xi” trademark appraised, or record an intangible asset for it. Additionally, none of the costs associated with the trademark have been capitalized.
As of December 31, 2010, the remaining weighted average life of our intangible assets is approximately 7 years.
Revenue recognition
Revenue is recognized when the following criteria are met: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (2) the product has been shipped and the customer takes ownership and assumes the risk of loss; (3) the selling price is fixed or determinable; and (4) collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. We believe that all of these criteria are satisfied upon shipment of our products from our facilities. Historically, our estimated returns, allowances and claims have been deemed immaterial. Our sale agreements only allow a return if the product has quality related issues. In such event, we accept the return for equivalent product exchange from inventory only.
We occasionally apply to various government agencies for research grants. Revenue from such research grants is recognized when earned. In situations where we receive payment in advance for the performance of research and development services, such amounts are deferred and recognized as revenue as the related services are performed.
Research and Development
Research and development expenses include the costs associated with our internal research and development, as well as research and development conducted by outside third parties. These costs primarily consist of salaries, clinical trials, outside consultants, and materials. All research and development costs are expensed as incurred.
Third-party expenses reimbursed under non-refundable research and development contracts are recorded as a reduction to research and development expense in the consolidated statement of operations.
We recognize in-process research and development in accordance with ASC topic 730, “Research and Development.” Assets to be used in research and development activities, specifically, compounds that have yet to receive new drug approval and would have no alternative use, should approval not be given, are immediately charged to expense when acquired. Certain assets and other technologies acquired that has foreseeable future cash flows are capitalized as intangible assets. Such intangible assets are amortized starting from the year revenue is generated and amortized over an estimated period of 10 years. Should these capitalized intangible assets have no future benefit, we will record an immediate write-off for the remaining net carrying
value within the consolidated statement of operations.
We incurred research and development expenses of approximately $19,614,000, $14,960,000 and $7,413,000, for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Refer to Note 4 to the Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which discusses new accounting pronouncements we adopted during 2010, as well as accounting pronouncements recently issued or proposed but not yet required to be adopted.
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
As of December 31, 2010, we did not have any long-term debt obligations, capital lease obligations, operating lease obligations, purchase obligations, and other long term liabilities reflected on our balance sheet under GAAP.
Currency Exchange Fluctuations
All of our revenues and majority of the expenses during the year ended December 31, 2010 were denominated primarily in RMB, the currency of China, and were converted into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate of 6.77875 RMB to 1 U.S. Dollar. There can be no assurance that RMB-to-U.S. dollar exchange rates will remain stable. A devaluation of RMB relative to the U.S. dollar would adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. We do not engage in currency hedging.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that are currently material or reasonably likely to be material to our financial position or results of operations.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
As of December 31, 2010, we do not invest or trade market risk sensitive instruments or have any debt subject to interest rate fluctuations.
Substantially all of our revenues and expenses are denominated in RMB. Since 1994, the exchange rate for the RMB against the U.S. dollar has remained relatively stable, most of the time in the region of approximately RMB 8.00 to U.S. $1.00. However, in 2005, the Chinese government announced that it would begin pegging the exchange rate of the RMB against a number of currencies, rather than just the U.S. dollar. Currently, exchange rates are approximately RMB 6.8 to U.S. $1.00 resulting in the increase in price of Chinese products to U.S. purchasers. As our operations are primarily in China, any significant revaluation of the Chinese RMB may materially and adversely affect cash flows, revenues and financial condition. If we decide to convert RMB into U.S. dollars and the U.S. dollar
appreciates against the RMB, the U.S. dollar equivalent of the RMB that we convert would be reduced.
Inflation in China has not materially impacted our results of operations in recent years, but we can provide no assurance that we will not be affected in the future. According to the PRC National Bureau of Statistics, the inflation rate in the consumer price index in China was -0.7%, 5.9% and 4.8%, in 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively. The CPI increased by 3.0% in first ten months in 2010, as compared to the same period last year.
A significant amount of our cash and cash equivalents are held in commercial bank checking accounts in the PRC and earned an annual interest income yield of approximately 0.36% for the year ended December 31, 2010. For all the bank accounts in the PRC, we earned interest income of approximately $129,000, $71,000 and $112,000 for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Index to the Consolidated Financial Statements of China Sky One Medical, Inc.