UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
(Mark one)
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x
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REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
OR
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
OR
SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of event requiring this shell company report:
For the transition period from ________ to ____________
Commission file number: 1-35015
SGOCO Group, Ltd.
(f/k/a SGOCO Technology, Ltd.)
(Exact name of the Registrant as specified in its charter)
N/A
(Translation of registrant’s name into English)
Cayman Islands
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
Beijing Silver Tower, Room 1817
2 Dongsanhuan North Road
Chaoyang District, Beijing
China 100027
(Address of principal executive offices)
David Xu, Chief Financial Officer
Tel: +86 (10) 8587-0170; Fax: +86 (10) 8587-0252
Beijing Silver Tower, Room 1817
2 Dongsanhuan North Road
Chaoyang District, Beijing
China 100027
(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile Number and Address of Company Contact Person)
Nixon Peabody LLP
401 9th Street NW, Suite 900
Washington, DC 20004
Telephone: 1(202) 585-8000
Facsimile: 1(202) 585-8080
With a copy to:
Nixon Peabody LLP
50th Floor, Bank of China Tower
1 Garden Road, Central
Hong Kong, SAR
Telephone: 852-9307-3900
Facsimile: 852-2521-0200
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each Class
Name of each exchange on which registered
Ordinary Shares, par value $0.001 per share
The NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Warrants, each to purchase one Ordinary Share
Title of Class
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:
None
The registrant had 17,258,356 ordinary shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2011.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
☐ Yes ☒ No
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
☐ Yes ☒ No
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.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to
be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to submit and post such files).
☒ Yes ☐ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and
large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
☐ Large Accelerated filer
☐ Accelerated filer
x Non-accelerated filer
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
☒ Yes ☐ No
x US GAAP
☐ International Financial Reporting
Standards as issued by the International
Accounting Standards Board
£ Other
If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.
☐ Item 17 ☐ Item 18
If this is an Annual Report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
☐ Yes ☒ No
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
CERTAIN INFORMATION
PART I
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION
A. Selected Financial Data.
B. Capitalization and Indebtedness.
C. Reason for the Offer and Use of Proceeds.
D. Risk Factors.
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
A. History and Development of the Company.
B. Business overview.
C. Organizational structure.
D. Property, plant and equipment.
ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
A. Operating results.
B. Liquidity and capital resources.
C. Research and development, patents and licenses, etc.
D. Trend information.
E. Off-balance sheet arrangements.
F. Tabular disclosure of contractual obligations.
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
A. Directors and senior management.
B. Compensation.
C. Board Practices.
D. Employees.
E. Share Ownership.
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
A. Major Shareholders.
B. Related-Party Transactions.
C. Interests of Experts and Counsel
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information.
B. Significant Changes.
ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING
A. Offer and Listing Details.
B. Plan of Distribution.
C. Markets.
D. Selling Shareholders.
E. Dilution.
F. Expenses of the Issue.
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A. Share Capital.
B. Memorandum and Articles of Association.
C. Material Contracts.
D. Exchange controls.
E. Taxation.
F. Dividends and paying agents.
G. Statement by experts.
H. Documents on display.
I. Subsidiary Information
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK
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ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
PART II
ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS
ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES
ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
ITEM 16F. CHANGES IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT
ITEM 16G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
PART III
ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
NOTE 2 - ACCOUNTING POLICIES
NOTE 3 – BUSINESS ACQUISITION
NOTE 4 - ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, TRADE
NOTE 5 - OTHER RECEIVABLES AND PREPAYMENTS
NOTE 6 - INVENTORIES
NOTE 7 - ADVANCES TO SUPPLIERS
NOTE 8 - PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET
NOTE 9 - INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET
NOTE 10 - DEBT
NOTE 11 - EMPLOYEE PENSION
NOTE 12 – WARRANT DERIVATIVE LIABILITY
NOTE 13 - PUT OPTION LIABILITY
NOTE 14 – CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS
NOTE 15 - STATUTORY RESERVE
NOTE 16 - INCOME TAXES
NOTE 17 - ENTERPRISE-WIDE GEOGRAPHIC REPORTING
NOTE 18 - RELATED PARTY AND SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTIONS
NOTE 19 - EARNINGS PER SHARE
NOTE 20 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
NOTE 21 – SALE OF HONESTY
NOTE 22 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report contains “forward-looking statements” that represent our beliefs, projections and predictions about future events. All statements other
than statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements,” including any projections of financial items, any statements of the plans, strategies and
objectives of management for future operations, any statements concerning proposed new projects or other developments, any statements regarding future
economic conditions or performance, any statements of management’s beliefs, goals, strategies, intentions and objectives, and any statements of assumptions
underlying any of the foregoing. These forward-looking statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,”
“intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar expressions, as well as statements in the future tense, identify forward-looking statements.
These statements are necessarily subjective and involve known and unknown risks and are based largely on our current expectations and projections about
future events and financial trends, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or industry
results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements described in or implied by such statements. Actual results may differ
materially from expected results described in our forward-looking statements, including the correct measurement and identification of factors affecting our
business or the extent of their likely impact, the accuracy and completeness of the publicly available information regarding the factors upon which our
business strategy is based on the success of our business.
Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether, or
the times by which, our performance or results may be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time those statements
are made and management’s belief as of that time with respect to future events, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance
or results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements.
Important factors that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements include, but are not
limited to, those factors discussed under Item 3.D. “Risk Factors” herein, including, among others:
1.
2.
3.
Sale of Honesty Group may not produce the benefits anticipated by us;
Competition in our industry is intense and we may lose customers;
Decreased selling prices for display products, regardless of cyclical fluctuations in the industry would adversely impact our margins if prices
decrease faster than we are able to reduce our costs
4. We sell most of our products through a few large customers with which we do not have long-term agreements and, accordingly, we may have risks
from our level of customer concentration
5. We may not be able to manage our growth effectively and our growth may slow down in the future;
6.
7.
8.
9.
Our ability to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting;
China’s overall economic conditions and local market economic conditions;
Trading in our ordinary shares has been halted by NASDAQ and may not be resumed in the near future, if at all;
Possibility of securing loans and other financing without efficient fixed assets as collateral; and
10. Legislation or regulatory environments.
The forward-looking statements made in this Annual Report relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this
Annual Report. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the
statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
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CERTAIN INFORMATION
Unless otherwise indicated and except where the context otherwise requires, references in this Annual Report:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
“SGOCO”, “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “our company” refers to SGOCO Group, Ltd., a company organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands, and
its consolidated subsidiaries. SGOCO Group, Ltd. was previously named SGOCO Technology, Ltd., and prior to the Acquisition described below;
our predecessor was named Hambrecht Asia Acquisition Corp;
“SGOCO International” refers to SGOCO International (HK) Limited, a Hong Kong limited company and wholly owned subsidiary of SGOCO;
“SGOCO (Fujian)” refers to SGOCO (Fujian) Electronic Co., Ltd., a company with limited liability incorporated in China and a wholly owned
subsidiary of SGOCO International;
“Beijing SGOCO” refers to Beijing SGOCO Image Technology Co., Ltd., a company with limited liability incorporated in China and a wholly owned
subsidiary of SGOCO International;
“SGO” refers to SGO Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of SGOCO International;
“Honesty Group” refers to Honesty Group Holdings Limited, a Hong Kong limited company and a former wholly owned subsidiary of SGOCO,
which was acquired in the Acquisition and was sold to Apex Flourish Group Limited in the Sale of Honesty Group transaction described below;
“Guanke” refers to Guanke (Fujian) Electron Technological Industry Co. Ltd., a company with limited liability incorporated in China and a wholly
owned subsidiary of Honesty Group;
“Guanwei” refers to Guanwei (Fujian) Electron Technological Co. Limited, a company with limited liability incorporated in China and a wholly
owned subsidiary of Honesty Group;
“Guancheng” refers to Guancheng (Fujian) Electron Technological Co. Limited, a company with limited liability incorporated in China and a wholly
owned subsidiary of Honesty Group;
“Acquisition” refers to the business combination transaction consummated on March 12, 2010, as provided by the Share Exchange Agreement, dated
as of February 12, 2010, by and among our company, Honesty Group and each of the shareholders signatory thereto, as amended by Amendment No.
1 to Share Exchange Agreement, dated March 11, 2010;
“Sale of Honesty Group” refers to the transaction consummated as provided by the Sale and Purchase Agreement dated November 15, 2011, by and
between our company and Apex Flourish Group Limited pursuant to which we sold our 100% ownership interest in Honesty Group to Apex Flourish
Group Limited;
12.
“PRC” or “China” refers to the People’s Republic of China;
13. All references to “U.S. Dollars,” “US$,” “dollars” and “$” are to the legal currency of the United States. All references to “RMB” and “Renminbi”
refer to the legal currency of China;
14.
In this report, “Tier 3 cities” refers to middle-scale or prefecture level cities in China; and “Tier 4 cities” refers to small or county level cities in
China; and
15. Based on Cayman Islands’ law and our current Amended and Restated Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association as currently in
effect, we are authorized to issue ordinary shares. Holders of our ordinary shares are referred to as “members” rather than “shareholders.” In this
Annual Report, references that would otherwise be to members are made to shareholders, which term is more familiar to investors on the NASDAQ
Capital Market.
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PART I
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
Not applicable.
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
Not applicable.
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION
A. Selected Financial Data.
On March 12, 2010, we completed a share exchange transaction with Honesty Group and its shareholders, and Honesty Group became our wholly-owned
subsidiary. The share exchange transaction was accounted for as a reorganization and recapitalization of Honesty Group. As a result, SGOCO’s (the legal
acquirer) consolidated financial statements are, in substance those of Honesty Group (the accounting acquirer), with the assets and liabilities, and revenues
and expenses, of SGOCO being included effective from the date of the share exchange transaction. There was no gain or loss recognized on the transaction.
The historical financial statements for periods prior to March 12, 2010 are those of Honesty Group except that the equity section and earnings per share have
been retroactively restated to reflect the reorganization and recapitalization.
On November 15, 2011, we entered into a Sale and Purchase Agreement to sell our 100% ownership interest in Honesty Group to Apex Flourish Group
Limited for $76 million in total consideration. Honesty Group and its subsidiaries represented our core manufacturing facility along with land, buildings and
production equipment. The Sale of Honesty Group allowed SGOCO to transition to a “light-asset” business model with greater flexibility and scalability and
focus its operations on developing, branding, marketing and distribution of LCD/LED products in China. The operations of Honesty Group are reflected in
our Fiscal Year 2011 financial statements through November 30, 2011.
The selected consolidated statement of operations data presented below for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 and the selected consolidated
balance sheet data as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual
Report. The selected consolidated statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 and the selected consolidated balance sheet
data as of December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements that have not been included herein and were
prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Our historical operation results for any prior period are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected in any future period. See “Key Information — Risk
Factors” included elsewhere in this report. The selected consolidated financial information for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 should be
read in conjunction with those consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes and “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects - Operating
Results” included elsewhere in this report.
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2011
($)
313,135,771
(279,398,945)
33,736,826
(1,705,737)
(5,778,875)
(7,484,612)
26,252,214
288,415
(2,074,034)
(248,545)
925,445
126,860
25,270,355
(8,651,298)
16,619,057
2010
($)
217,300,745
(184,601,757)
32,698,988
(700,148)
(6,443,314)
(7,143,462)
25,555,526
89,900
(1,021,066)
(892,184)
(286,877)
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23,445,299
(3,513,710)
19,931,589
For the Years Ended
December 31,
2009
($)
67,874,304
(57,764,335)
10,109,969
(116,918)
(889,481)
(1,006,399)
9,103,570
7,221
(841,613)
(75,893)
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8,193,285
(1,034,212)
7,159,073
2008
($)
43,790,842
(37,709,028)
6,081,814
(211,198)
(562,265)
(773,463)
5,308,351
4,640
(70,108)
(18,438)
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5,224,445
-
5,224,445
1.03
1.02
2.13
1.86
0.84
0.84
0.61
0.61
2007
($)
10,482,997
(9,507,978)
975,019
(34,230)
(326,274)
(360,504)
614,515
2,658
(62,367)
(68,911)
-
-
485,895
-
485,895
0.06
0.06
16,086,598
16,288,242
9,354,186
10,705,957
8,500,000
8,500,000
8,500,000
8,500,000
8,500,000
8,500,000
As of December 31,
2011
($)
85,201,387
11,313,283
73,888,104
2010
($)
152,620,889
91,993,370
60,627,519
2009
($)
79,472,678
47,470,026
32,002,652
2008
($)
40,461,169
18,680,726
21,780,443
2007
($)
16,100,433
2,630,205
13,470,228
Consolidated Statement of Income
Net revenues
Cost of goods sold
Gross profit
Selling expenses
General and administrative expenses
Total operating expenses
Income from operations
Interest income
Interest expense
Other income (expense), net
Change in fair value of warrant derivative
liability
Gain from disposal of subsidiaries
Income before provision for income taxes
Provision for income taxes
Net income
Earnings per share:
Basic-ordinary share
Diluted-ordinary share
Weighted average shares used in calculating
earning per share:
Basic
Diluted
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data
Total assets
Total liabilities
Total shareholders’ equity
B. Capitalization and Indebtedness.
Not applicable.
C. Reason for the Offer and Use of Proceeds.
Not applicable.
D. Risk Factors.
You should carefully consider all of the information in this report, including various changing regulatory, competitive, economic, political and social risks
and conditions described below, before making an investment in our Ordinary Shares. One or more of a combination of these risks could materially impact
our business, results of operations and financial condition. In any such case, the market price of our ordinary shares could decline, and you may lose all or
part of your investments.
Sale of Honesty Group may not produce the benefits anticipated by us.
Risks Relating to Our Business and Industry
Honesty Group and its subsidiaries represented our core manufacturing facility along with land, buildings and production equipment. On November 15, 2011,
we entered into an agreement to sell our 100% ownership interest in Honesty Group to Apex Flourish Group Limited for $76 million in total consideration.
Through this transaction, we intend to transition SGOCO from a “heavy-asset” business model to a “light-asset” business model with greater flexibility and
scalability.
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Following the Sale of Honesty Group, we have discontinued consolidating the financial statements of Honesty Group. If Honesty Group were to be deemed a
variable interest entity under U.S. GAAP, we would be required to consolidate its financial statements with ours. If that occurred, we may lose the benefit of
the “light-asset” model and would substantially change our financial condition, including an increase in debt and other liabilities.
Pursuant to the Sale and Purchase Agreement, Apex Flourish Group Limited assumed our obligations to pay up the remaining registration capital of $8.75
million in Guanwei and to pay the remaining balance of approximately $14 million of the commitment to the Fujian Jinjiang government to invest in the
Guanke Technology Park. There can be no assurance that Chinese governmental authorities will not claim that SGOCO must pay the unpaid capital into
Guanwei or the remaining investment in Guanke Technology Park, if Apex fails to do so.
Competition in our industry is intense and, if we are not able to compete effectively, we may lose customers and our financial results will be negatively
affected.
The LCD/ LED products industry in China is highly competitive, and we expect competition to persist and intensify. We face competition from distributors
and LCD/LED manufacturers that use their extensive brand-name value, manufacturing and marketing size, and in-house sales forces and exclusive sales
agents to distribute their products. We compete for customers on the basis of, among other things, our product offerings, customer service and reputation.
Some of our competitors have greater financial, research and development, design, marketing, distribution, management or other resources.
Our results of operations could be affected by a number of competitive factors, including entry by new competitors into our current markets, expansion by
existing competitors, better marketing and advertising leading to stronger brand equity for our competitors, and competition with other companies for the
production capacity of contract manufacturers. Our results of operations and market position may be adversely impacted by these competitive pressures.
There can be no assurance that our strategies will remain competitive or that we will continue to be successful in the future. Increased competition could
result in a loss of market share. In particular, if our competitors adopt aggressive pricing policies, we may be forced to adjust the pricing of our products to
improve our competitiveness. This could adversely affect our margins, profitability and financial results.
Our industry has experienced declines in the average selling prices of display products irrespective of cyclical fluctuations in the industry, and our
margins would be adversely impacted if prices decrease faster than we are able to reduce our costs.
The average selling prices of display products have generally declined and are expected to continually decline with time regardless of industry-wide cyclical
fluctuations because of, among other factors, technological advancements and cost reductions. We may be able to take advantage of the higher selling prices
typically associated with new products and technologies when they are first introduced in the market. But such prices decline over time, and in certain cases,
very rapidly, because of market competition or otherwise.
We may not be able to effectively anticipate and counter the price erosion that accompanies our products. In addition, the average selling prices of our display
products may decrease faster than the speed at which we are able to reduce our purchasing costs. If those events occur, our gross margins would decrease and
our results of operations and financial condition would be materially and adversely affected.
We sell most of our products through a few large distributors with whom we do not have long-term agreements, and, accordingly, we may have risks from
our level of customer concentration.
We derive a significant portion of our sales from several large independent, non-exclusive distributors. For 2011, 2010 and 2009, sales to our top two
customers or distributors accounted for 31%, 35% and 48%, respectively, of our total revenue.
The identity of our largest customers has generally changed from period to period, such that none of the customers that represented greater than 10% of our
revenue for the year ended December 31, 2009 still represented greater than 10% of our revenue for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011.
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We are exposed to the credit risks of our customers.
Our accounts receivable aging period typically ranges from 30 to 70 days. Our financial position and profitability is dependent on the creditworthiness of our
customers. Thus, we are exposed to the credit risks of our customers, and this risk increases the larger the orders are. There is no assurance that we will not
encounter doubtful or bad debts in the future. Due to economic conditions in China, in particular the risk of monetary and fiscal policies to address inflation,
businesses in China are generally conserving cash or under increased financial and credit stress. As a result, we could experience slower payments from our
customers, an increase in accounts receivable aging or an increase in bad debts. If we were to experience any unexpected delay or difficulty in collections
from our customers, our cash flows and financial results would be adversely affected.
We may not be able to retain, recruit and train adequate management, sales and marketing personnel, and our inability to attract and retain qualified
personnel may limit our development.
Our success is dependent to a large extent on our ability to retain the services of our executive management personnel, who have contributed to our growth
and expansion and also to recruit talented executives to lead new initiatives. The industry experience, entrepreneurial skills and contributions of our executive
directors and other members of our senior management are essential to our continuing success. Our future success will depend on the continued service of our
senior management. In particular, Mr. Burnette Or, Chairman of the Board and President, has over 10 years’ experience in the PC monitor and TV industry
and is responsible for the overall corporate strategy, planning and business development of SGOCO. His experience and leadership is critical to our
operations and financial performance.
If we lose the services of Mr. Or, or any of our other key executive personnel, and cannot replace them in a timely manner, such a loss would reduce our
competitiveness, and may adversely affect our financial condition, operating results and future prospects.
We may not be able to manage our growth effectively and our growth may slow down in the future.
We have been expanding our business rapidly. In the future we may expand either through organic growth or through acquisitions and investments in related
businesses. Such expansion may place a significant strain on our managerial, operational and financial resources. We will need to manage our growth
effectively, which may entail devising and implementing business plans, training and managing a growing workforce, managing costs and implementing
adequate control and reporting systems in a timely manner. There can be no assurance that our personnel, procedures and controls will be managed effectively
to support future growth adequately. Failure to manage expansion effectively may affect our success in executing our business plan and adversely affect our
business, financial condition and results of operation. In addition, our growth in percentage terms may slow in the future. Accordingly, you should not rely on
our historic growth rate as an indicator for our future growth rate.
As the majority of our operations are in China, we may face risks related to health epidemics and other outbreaks in China, which could adversely affect
our operations.
Our business could be materially and adversely affected by the outbreak of avian flu, severe acute respiratory syndrome or another epidemic. From time to
time, there have been reports on the occurrences of avian flu in various parts of China, including a few confirmed human cases and deaths. Any prolonged
recurrence of avian flu, severe acute respiratory syndrome or other adverse public health developments in China or elsewhere in Asia may have a material and
adverse effect on our business operations.
We depend on product manufacturing provided by outsourcing partners including Honesty Group.
The majority of our manufacturing is performed by Honesty Group and its subsidiaries, which are now independent of the Company. SGOCO has the right to
source products from other manufacturers and has started to do so. While these arrangements may lower costs, they also reduce our direct control over
production. It is uncertain what effect such diminished control will have on the quality or quantity of products or our flexibility to respond to changing
conditions.
There are no long-term supplier contracts with the suppliers or manufacturers. If manufacturers determine not to continue business with us, or if
manufacturing by Honesty Group or other suppliers may be disrupted for any reason, including extreme weather conditions, landslides, earthquakes, fires,
natural catastrophes, raw material supply disruptions, equipment and system failures, labor force shortages, energy shortages, workforce actions,
environmental issues, bankruptcy, or change of control, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected due to
concentration on a few key manufacturers or finished goods suppliers.
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Problems with product quality, including defects, in our LCD/LED products could result in a decrease in customers and sales, and unexpected expenses.
Our products are manufactured using advanced and often new technology and must meet stringent quality requirements. Products manufactured using
advanced and new technology such as ours may contain undetected errors or defects, especially when first introduced. For example, our LCD/LED products
may contain defects that are not detected until after they are shipped or installed because we cannot test for all possible scenarios. Such defects could cause us
to incur significant re-design costs, divert the attention of our technology personnel from product development efforts and significantly affect our customer
relations and business reputation.
In addition, future product failures could cause our suppliers or manufacturers to incur substantial expense to repair or replace defective products. Our
products including custom systems are subject to warranty obligations. Generally, these requirements obligate our outsourced manufacturers to a three-year
repair or replace obligation. If the product cannot be repaired after two attempts during the three-year warranty period, the manufacturers or suppliers must
offer the end customer a replacement. If we deliver LCD/LED products with errors or defects, or if there is a perception that our LCD/LED products contain
errors or defects, our credibility and the market acceptance and sales of our products could be harmed. Widespread product failures may increase our warranty
costs, damage our market reputation and cause our sales to decline.
On the other hand, the display panel manufacturers offer us a one-year warranty. Although our warranty obligations to our customers for the display panels
are essentially borne by our manufacturers, the product failures could increase the warranty costs of our display panel manufacturers who may then transfer
their costs to us and ultimately to the end customers.
SGOCO International has unfulfilled registered capital obligations for its subsidiaries.
SGOCO International’s subsidiaries, SGOCO (Fujian) and Beijing SGOCO, were formed on July 28, 2011 and December 26, 2011, respectively, with
registered capital of $2,200,000 and $500,000, respectively. Under PRC law, the registered capital of a company is regarded as corporate property, and it is
the shareholder’s obligation to fulfill its registered capital contribution according to the provisions of PRC law and the Company’s charter documents. The
charter document for each PRC company, which consists of the Company’s articles of association, is the agreement that sets forth the amount of registered
capital required to be paid. SGOCO International has the obligation to fulfill the registered capital obligations of SGOCO (Fujian) and Beijing SGOCO.
As of September 15, 2011, SGOCO International had paid registered capital of $449,960 to SGOCO (Fujian). As of March 19, 2012, SGOCO International
had also paid registered capital of $100,950 to Beijing SGOCO. SGOCO International must pay the rest of its registered capital obligations within two years
of the date of issuance of each subsidiary’s business license according to PRC registration capital management rules. If it fails to contribute the required
capital, it will have to apply for a reduction in the remaining registered capital, which may not be granted. Also, if SGOCO International fails to contribute the
registered capital, it may be penalized with fines of 5 –15% of the amount of unpaid capital. In addition, in certain cases, the business license(s) for SGOCO
(Fujian) and/or Beijing SGOCO may be revoked, which would result in their inability to conduct business in China. If SGOCO International is required to
fund the remaining registered capital, it may need to raise external financing. But there is no assurance that sufficient external financing could be raised to
fund the registered capital amount.
On August 29, 2008, SAFE promulgated the Circular on the Relevant Operating Issues Concerning the Improvement of the
Administration of the Payment and Settlement of Foreign Currency Capital of Foreign Invested Enterprises, or SAFE Circular 142,
which is a notice regulating the conversion by a foreign-invested company of foreign currency into Renminbi by restricting how the
converted Renminbi may be used. SAFE Circular 142 requires that Renminbi converted from the foreign currency denominated
registered capital of a foreign-invested company may only be used for purposes within the Company's business scope approved by
the applicable governmental authority. It may not be used for equity investments within the PRC, unless specifically provided for
otherwise in its business scope. In addition, SAFE strengthened its oversight of the flow and use of Renminbi funds converted from
the foreign currency denominated registered capital of a foreign-invested company.
Our risk management and internal control systems may not be effective and have deficiencies or material weaknesses.
We are a public company in the United States subject to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”). The SEC, as required
under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (“Section 404”), has adopted rules requiring public companies to include in their annual reports a management
report on the effectiveness of these companies’ internal control over financial reporting.
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Our management has concluded that under the rules of Section 404, our internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2011. A
material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement
of our company’s financial statements will not be prevented, or detected and corrected on a timely basis. A significant deficiency is a deficiency, or
combination of deficiencies, in internal control that is less severe than a material weakness, yet important enough to merit attention by those charged with
governance. The material weakness we identified is our lack of sufficient qualified accounting personnel with appropriate understanding of U.S. GAAP and
SEC reporting requirements commensurate with our financial reporting requirements, which resulted in a number of internal control deficiencies that were
identified as being significant. Also, as a small company, we do not have sufficient internal control personnel to set up adequate review functions at each
reporting level.
We are in the process of implementing measures to resolve the material weakness and improve our internal and disclosure controls. However, we may not be
able to successfully implement the remedial measures. For example, we may not be able to identify and hire suitable personnel with the requisite U.S. GAAP
and internal control experience. The implementation of our remedial initiatives may not fully address the material weakness and significant deficiencies in our
internal control over financial reporting. In addition, the process of designing and implementing an effective financial reporting system is a continuous effort
that requires us to anticipate and react to changes in our business and economic and regulatory environments and to expend significant resources to maintain a
financial reporting system that is adequate in satisfying our reporting obligations. We also expect to incur additional compensation expenses in connection
with hiring additional accounting and internal control personnel.
As a result, our business and financial condition, results of operations and prospects, as well as the trading price of our ordinary shares may be materially and
adversely affected. Ineffective internal control over financial reporting could also expose us to increased risk of fraud or misuse of corporate assets, In turn,
that could subject us to potential delisting from the stock exchange on which our ordinary shares are listed, regulatory investigations or civil or criminal
sanctions.
Our market is subject to rapidly changing consumer preferences and we may not be able to predict or meet consumer preferences or demand accurately.
We derive a significant amount of revenue from the LCD/LED products that are subject to rapidly changing consumer preferences. Our sales and profits are
sensitive to these changing preferences. Our success depends on our ability to identify, originate and define product and fashion trends as well as to anticipate,
gauge and react to changing consumer demands in a timely manner. All of our products are subject to changing consumer preferences that we cannot predict
with certainty. If we fail to anticipate accurately and respond to trends and shifts in consumer preferences, we could experience lower sales, excess inventories
and lower profit margins, any of which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Unauthorized use of our brand names by third parties may adversely affect our business.
We consider our brand names critical to success. Due to the nature of our business, we do not have many patents, administrative protection or trade secrets
covering branding, distributing and marketing of LCD/LED products. Our continued ability to differentiate ourselves from other LCD/LED products
distributors and other potential new entrants depends substantially on our ability to preserve the value of our brand names.
We rely on trademark law, company brand name protection policies, and agreements with our employees, subscribers and business partners to protect the
value of our brand names. In particular, we have applied to register the “SGOCO,” and “POVISON” marks as Hong Kong trademarks and register the
“SGOCO” mark as a U.S. trademark. However, there can be no assurance that the measures we take in this regard are adequate to prevent or deter
infringement or other misappropriation of our brand names. Among others, we may not be able to detect unauthorized use of our brand names in a timely
manner because our ability to determine whether other parties have infringed our brand names is generally limited to information from publicly available
sources.
In order to preserve the value of our brand names, we may need to take legal actions against third parties. Nonetheless, because the validity, enforceability and
scope of trademark protection in the PRC are uncertain and still evolving, we may not be successful in litigation. Further, future litigation could also result in
substantial costs and diversion of our resources and could disrupt our business.
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We may not be able to secure financing needed for future operating needs on favorable terms, or on any terms at all.
From time to time, we may seek additional financing to provide the capital required to maintain our business, if cash flow from operations is not sufficient to
do so. We cannot predict with certainty the timing or amount of any such capital requirements. If such financing is not available on satisfactory terms, we may
not be able to expand our business or to develop new business at the rate desired, and our results of operations may be adversely affected.
If we are able to incur debt, we may be subject to certain restrictions imposed by the terms of the lender. In addition, the repayment of such debt may limit our
cash flow and our ability to grow. If we are not able to incur debt, we may be forced to issue additional equity, which could have a dilutive effect on our
shares.
We may be treated as a passive foreign investment company, or “PFIC,” which could result in adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S.
Holders of our ordinary shares and warrants.
In general, we will be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year in which either:
1.
2.
at least 75% of our gross income (looking through certain 25% or more-owned corporate subsidiaries) is passive income; or
at least 50% of the average value of our assets (looking through certain 25% or more-owned corporate subsidiaries) are attributable to assets that
produce, or are held for the production of, passive income.
Passive income generally includes, without limitation, dividends, interest, rents, royalties, and gains from the disposition of passive assets. If we are
determined to be a PFIC for any taxable year (or portion thereof) that is included in the holding period of a U.S. Holder of our ordinary shares, the U.S.
Holder may be subject to increased U.S. federal income tax liability and may be subject to additional reporting requirements. Our actual PFIC status for any
taxable year will not be determinable until after the end of such taxable year. Accordingly, there can be no assurance as to our status as a PFIC for any taxable
year. U.S. Holders of our ordinary shares are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the possible application of the PFIC rules.
Being a foreign private issuer exempts us from certain SEC requirements that provide shareholders the protection of information that must be made
available to shareholders of U.S. public companies.
We are a foreign private issuer within the meaning of the rules promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or Exchange Act. As such, we are
exempt from certain provisions applicable to U.S. public companies including:
1.
2.
3.
4.
the rules requiring the filing with the SEC of quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or current reports on Form 8-K;
the sections of the Exchange Act regulating the solicitation of proxies, consents or authorizations regarding a security registered under the Exchange
Act;
provisions of Regulation FD aimed at preventing issuers from making selective disclosures of material information; and
the sections of the Exchange Act requiring insiders to file public reports of their stock ownership and trading activities and establishing insider
liability for profits realized from any “short swing” trading transactions (i.e., a purchase and sale, or a sale and purchase, of the issuer’s equity
securities within less than six months).
Because of these exemptions, our shareholders will not be afforded the same protections or information generally available to investors holding shares in
public companies organized in the United States.
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Expansion of our business may put added pressure on our management, which may impede our ability to meet any increased demand for our products
and adversely affect our results of operations.
Our business plan is to grow our operations profitably. Growth in our business may place a significant strain on our personnel, management, financial systems
and other resources. The evolution of our business also presents numerous risks and challenges, including:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
the continued acceptance of our LCD/LED products by consumers;
our ability to successfully and rapidly expand our SGOCO Image program to reach potential customers in response to potentially increasing demand;
the costs associated with such growth, which are difficult to quantify, but could be significant;
the competition from larger, better capitalized and well-known competitors and the effect of rapid technological change;
the highly competitive nature of our industry; and
the continued availability and favorable pricing of the raw materials and components used in our products.
If we are successful growing our SGOCO Image program, we may be required to provide various support and deliver LCD/LED products to our customers.
In addition, we may not be able to meet the needs of our customers, which could adversely affect our relationships with our customers and results of
operations.
Under the Enterprise Income Taxes Law, SGOCO may be classified as a “resident enterprise” of the PRC. Such classification could result in adverse tax
consequences to SGOCO and its non-PRC resident shareholders.
Under the new Enterprise Income Taxes (EIT) Law and the Implementing Rules, an enterprise established outside of the PRC with “de facto management
bodies” within the PRC is considered as a resident enterprise and will be subject to PRC income tax on its global income. According to the Implementing
Rules, “de facto management bodies” refer to “establishments that carry out substantial and overall management and control over the business operations,
personnel, accounting, properties, etc. of an enterprise.” Accordingly, our holding company, SGOCO Group, Ltd., may be considered a resident enterprise and
may therefore be subject to PRC income tax on our global income.
The State Administration of Taxation issued the Notice Regarding the Determination of Chinese-Controlled Offshore Incorporated Enterprises as PRC Tax
Resident Enterprises on the Basis of De Facto Management Bodies, or Circular 82, on April 22, 2009. Circular 82 provides certain specific criteria for
determining whether the “de facto management body” of a Chinese-controlled offshore incorporated enterprise is located in China. Although Circular 82 only
applies to offshore enterprises controlled by PRC enterprises and not those invested in by individuals or foreign enterprises like SGOCO, the determining
criteria set forth in Circular 82 may reflect the State Administration of Taxation’s general position on how the “de facto management body” test should be
applied in determining the tax resident status of offshore enterprises, regardless of whether they are controlled by PRC enterprises or controlled by or invested
in by individuals or foreign enterprises. If we are considered a resident enterprise and earn income other than dividends from our PRC subsidiaries, such PRC
income tax on our global income could significantly increase our tax burden and materially and adversely affect our cash flow and profitability. Since the EIT
Law became effective in 2008, SGOCO has not been treated as a “resident enterprise.”
If the PRC tax authorities determine that SGOCO is a “resident enterprise” for PRC enterprise income tax purposes, a number of PRC tax consequences could
follow. First, SGOCO may be subject to enterprise income tax at a rate of 25% on SGOCO’s worldwide taxable income, as well as PRC enterprise income tax
reporting obligations. Second, under the EIT Law and its implementing rules, dividends paid between “qualified resident enterprises” are exempt from
enterprise income tax. As a result, if both SGOCO and SGOCO International are treated as PRC “resident enterprises,” all dividends from the PRC operating
subsidiaries to SGOCO International and from SGOCO International to SGOCO would be exempt from PRC tax.
If SGOCO were treated as a PRC “non-resident enterprise” under the EIT Law, then dividends that SGOCO receives from its PRC operating subsidiaries
(assuming such dividends were considered sourced within the PRC):
1.
may be subject to a 5% PRC withholding tax, if the Arrangement between the Mainland of China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion regarding Taxes on Income (the “PRC-Hong Kong Tax Treaty”) is
applicable; or
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2.
if such treaty does not apply (i.e., because the PRC tax authorities may deem SGOCO International to be a conduit not entitled to treaty benefits),
may be subject to a 10% PRC withholding tax.
Any such taxes on dividends could materially reduce the amount of dividends, if any, SGOCO could pay to its shareholders.
Finally, the new “resident enterprise” classification could result in a 10% PRC tax being imposed on dividends SGOCO pays to its non-PRC shareholders that
are not PRC tax “resident enterprises” and gains derived by them from transferring SGOCO’s ordinary shares, if such income is considered PRC-sourced
income by the relevant PRC authorities. In such event, SGOCO may be required to withhold the 10% PRC tax on any dividends paid to its non-PRC resident
shareholders. SGOCO’s non-PRC resident shareholders also may be responsible for paying PRC tax at a rate of 10% on any gain realized from the sale or
transfer of ordinary shares in certain circumstances. SGOCO would not, however, have an obligation to withhold PRC tax regarding such gain.
If any such PRC taxes apply, a non-PRC resident shareholder may be entitled to a reduced rate of PRC taxes under an applicable income tax treaty and/or a
foreign tax credit against such shareholder’s domestic income tax liability (subject to applicable conditions and limitations). According to the Notice of the
Provisional Regulation of Non-PRC Residents’ Enjoyment of the Preferential Treatment of Tax Treaty, Circular 124, on August 24, 2009, issued by the State
Administration of Taxation, The non-PRC shareholders located in countries which have income tax treaties with China may be taxed at a reduced rate lower
than 10%. Prospective investors should consult with their own tax advisors regarding the applicability of any such taxes, the effects of any applicable income
tax treaties, and any available foreign tax credits.
Intercompany loans from SGOCO to its operating subsidiaries must comply with PRC law.
Any loans we make to our Chinese subsidiaries, which are treated as foreign-invested enterprises under Chinese law, cannot exceed statutory limits and must
be registered with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or SAFE, or its local counterparts. Under applicable Chinese law, the Chinese regulators
must approve the amount of a foreign-invested enterprise’s registered capital, which represents shareholders’ equity investments over a defined period of
time, and the foreign-invested enterprise’s total investment, which represents the total of the Company’s registered capital plus permitted loans. The registered
capital/total investment ratio cannot be lower than the minimum statutory requirement and the excess of the total investment over the registered capital
represents the maximum amount of borrowings that a foreign invested enterprise is permitted to have under Chinese law.
If we were to advance funds to our Chinese subsidiaries in the form of loans and such funds exceed the maximum amount of borrowings of the subsidiary, we
would have to apply to the relevant government authorities for an increase in their permitted total investment amounts. The various applications could be time
consuming and their outcomes would be uncertain. Concurrently with the loans, we might have to make capital contributions to the subsidiaries in order to
maintain the statutory minimum registered capital/total investment ratio, and such capital contributions involve uncertainties of their own, as discussed below.
Furthermore, even if we make loans to our Chinese subsidiaries that do not exceed their current maximum amount of borrowings, we will have to register
each loan with SAFE or its local counterpart within 15 days after the signing of the relevant loan agreement. Subject to the conditions stipulated by SAFE,
SAFE or its local counterpart will issue a registration certificate of foreign debts within 20 days after reviewing and accepting its application. In practice, it
may take longer to complete such SAFE registration process.
We cannot be sure that we will be able to complete the necessary government registrations or obtain the necessary government approvals on a timely basis, if
at all, regarding future loans by us to our Chinese subsidiaries or affiliated entities or regarding future capital contributions by us to our Chinese subsidiaries.
If we fail to complete such registrations or obtain such approvals, our ability to use such future loans or capital contributions to capitalize or otherwise fund
our Chinese operations may be negatively affected, which could adversely and materially affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.
A severe or prolonged downturn in the global economy could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
The global market and economic conditions during the years 2008 through 2011 were unprecedented and challenging, with recessions occurring in most
major economies. Continued concerns about the systemic impact of potential long-term and wide-spread recession, energy costs, geopolitical issues,
sovereign debt issues, and the availability and cost of credit have contributed to increased market volatility and diminished expectations for economic growth
around the world. The difficult economic outlook has negatively affected businesses and consumer confidence and contributed to volatility of unprecedented
levels.
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Government responses to these events have included partial nationalization of certain industries and enterprises, “bail-out” packages intended to provide
liquidity to market participants and several high profile acquisitions and bankruptcies. The recovery from the lows of 2008 and 2009 was uneven and it is
facing new challenges, including the escalation of the European sovereign debt crisis in 2011. It is not clear whether the European sovereign debt crisis will
be contained and what effects it may have. There is considerable uncertainty over the long-term effects of the expansionary monetary and fiscal policies that
have been adopted by the central banks and financial authorities of some of the world’s leading economies, including China’s. There have also been concerns
over unrest in the Middle East and Africa, which have resulted in higher oil prices and significant market volatility. Economic conditions in China are
sensitive to global economic conditions. Any prolonged slowdown in the global and/or Chinese economy may have a negative impact on our business, results
of operations and financial condition, and continued turbulence in the international markets may adversely affect our ability to access the capital markets to
meet liquidity needs.
Risks Related to Doing Business in China
Adverse changes in political and economic policies of the Chinese government could have a material adverse effect on the overall economic growth of
China, which could reduce the demand for our products and adversely affect our competitive position.
Our business operations will continue to be focused and conducted in China, and a substantial portion of our sales will continue to be made in China.
Accordingly, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects will be affected significantly by economic, political and legal developments
in China. The Chinese economy differs from the economies of most developed countries in many respects, including:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
the amount of government involvement;
the level of development;
the growth rate;
the control of foreign exchange; and
the allocation of resources.
While the Chinese economy has experienced significant growth in the past 30 years, growth has been uneven, both geographically and among various sectors
of the economy. The Chinese government has implemented various measures to encourage economic growth and guide the allocation of resources. Some of
these measures benefit the overall Chinese economy, but may also have a positive or negative effect on us.
The Chinese economy has been transitioning from a planned economy to a more market-oriented economy. In recent years the Chinese government has
implemented measures emphasizing the utilization of market forces for economic reform, the reduction of state ownership of productive assets and the
establishment of sound corporate governance in business enterprises. But, the Chinese government still owns a substantial portion of the productive assets in
China. The continued control of these assets and other aspects of the national economy by the Chinese government could adversely affect our business.
The Chinese government also exercises significant control over Chinese 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. The Chinese
government has implemented certain measures to control the pace of economic growth. Any adverse change in the economic conditions or government
policies in China could have a material adverse effect on overall economic growth in China, which in turn could lead to a reduction in demand for our
products.
Investors may experience difficulties in effecting service of legal process, enforcing foreign judgments or bringing original actions in China based on
U.S. judgments against us or our subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors and shareholders.
A majority of our assets are located outside of the U.S. and most of our directors and executive officers reside outside of the U.S. As a result, it may not be
possible for investors in the U.S. to effect service of process within the U.S. or elsewhere outside China on us, our subsidiaries, officers, directors and
shareholders, and others, including matters arising under U.S. federal or state securities laws.
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China does not have treaties providing for reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgments of courts with the U.S. and many other countries. As a result,
recognition and enforcement in China of these judgments in relation to any matter, including U.S. securities laws and the laws of the Cayman Islands, may be
difficult or impossible. Furthermore, an original action may be brought in China against our assets or our subsidiaries, officers, directors, shareholders and
advisors only if:
1.
2.
3.
the actions are not required to be arbitrated by Chinese law;
and the facts alleged in the complaint give rise to a cause of action under Chinese law; and
the actions satisfy certain prerequisite conditions prescribed by Chinese law.
Connected with such an original action, a Chinese court may award civil liabilities, including monetary damages. Notwithstanding the ability to bring original
actions, we do not believe it is likely that the courts in China would entertain original actions brought in China against us or our directors or officers
predicated upon the securities laws of the United States or any state or territory within the United States.
Our auditor, like other independent registered public accounting firms operating in China and to the extent their audit clients have operations in China
and Hong Kong, is not permitted to be subject to inspection by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and, as such, you may be deprived of the
benefits of such inspection.
Our independent registered public accounting firm that issues the audit report included in this report filed with the SEC, as auditors of companies that are
traded publicly in the United States and a firm registered with the U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (the “PCAOB”), is
required by the laws of the United States to undergo regular inspections by the PCAOB to assess its compliance with the laws of the United States and
professional standards. However, our operations are mainly located in the PRC, a jurisdiction where PCAOB is currently not able to conduct inspections
without the approval of relevant PRC authorities. Our auditor, like other independent registered public accounting firms operating in China and Hong Kong
(to the extent their audit clients have operations in China), is currently not subject to inspection conducted by the PCAOB.
Inspections of some other firms that the PCAOB has conducted outside China have identified deficiencies in those firms’ audit procedures and quality control
procedures. Certain deficiencies revealed in the inspection process can be addressed to improve future audit quality. The inability of the PCAOB to conduct
full inspections of auditors operating in China makes it difficult to evaluate our auditor’s audit procedures and quality control procedures. As a result, our
investors may be deprived of the benefits of the PCAOB inspections.
We face uncertainties regarding indirect transfers of equity interests in PRC resident enterprises by their non-PRC holding companies.
Pursuant to the Notice on Strengthening Administration of Enterprise Income Tax for Share Transfers by Non-PRC Resident Enterprises, or SAT Circular
698, issued by the State Administration of Taxation, or the SAT, on December 10, 2009 with retroactive effect from January 1, 2008, where a non-resident
enterprise transfers the equity interests of a PRC resident enterprise indirectly via disposing of the equity interests of an overseas holding company, or an
Indirect Transfer, and such overseas holding company is located in a tax jurisdiction that:
1.
2.
has an effective tax rate less than 12.5%; or
does not tax foreign income of its residents, the non-resident enterprise, being the transferor, shall report to the relevant tax authority of the PRC
resident enterprise this Indirect Transfer.
Using a “substance over form” principle, the PRC tax authority may disregard the existence of the overseas holding company if it lacks a reasonable
commercial purpose and was established for the purpose of reducing, avoiding or deferring PRC tax. As a result, gains derived from such Indirect Transfer
may be subject to PRC withholding tax at a rate of up to 10%. SAT Circular 698 also provides that, where a non-PRC resident enterprise transfers its equity
interests in a PRC resident enterprise to its related parties at a price lower than the fair market value, the relevant tax authority has the power to make a
reasonable adjustment to the taxable income of the transaction.
There is uncertainty as to the application of SAT Circular 698. For example, while the term “Indirect Transfer” is not clearly defined, it is understood that the
relevant PRC tax authorities have jurisdiction regarding requests for information over a wide range of foreign entities having no direct contact with China.
Moreover, the relevant authority has not yet promulgated any formal provisions or formally declared or stated how to calculate the effective tax rates in
foreign tax jurisdictions, and the process and format of the reporting of an Indirect Transfer to the relevant tax authority of the PRC resident enterprise.
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In addition, there are not any formal declarations regarding how to determine whether a foreign investor has adopted an abusive arrangement to reduce, avoid
or defer PRC tax. SAT Circular 698 may be determined by the tax authorities to be applicable to our private equity financing transactions where non-resident
investors were involved, if any of such transactions were determined by the tax authorities to lack reasonable commercial purpose.
As a result, we and our non-resident investors in such transactions may be at risk of being taxed under SAT Circular 698. We may be required to expend
valuable resources to comply with SAT Circular 698 or to establish that we should not be taxed under the general anti-avoidance rule of the PRC Enterprise
Income Tax Law which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations or such non-resident investors’ investments in
us.
Future changes in laws, regulations or enforcement policies in China could adversely affect our business.
Laws, regulations or enforcement policies in China are evolving and subject to future changes. Future changes in laws, regulations or administrative
interpretations, or stricter enforcement policies by the Chinese government, could impose more stringent requirements on us, including fines or other
penalties. Changes in applicable laws and regulations may also affect our operating costs. Compliance with these requirements could impose substantial
additional costs or otherwise adversely affect our future growth. These changes may relax some requirements, which could be beneficial to our competitors or
could lower market entry barriers and increase competition. In addition, any litigation or governmental investigation or enforcement proceedings in China
may be protracted and result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention.
Uncertainties regarding the Chinese legal system could have a material adverse effect on us.
The Chinese legal system is a civil law system based on written statutes. Unlike in the common-law system, prior court decisions may be cited for reference,
but have limited precedential authority in China. Since 1979, Chinese legislation and regulations have significantly enhanced the protections afforded to
various forms of foreign investments in China. We conduct the majority of our business through our subsidiaries, SGOCO (Fujian) and Beijing SGOCO,
which were established in China. As a result, we will be subject to laws and regulations applicable to foreign investments in China and, in particular, laws
applicable to wholly foreign-owned enterprises.
But, since the Chinese legal system continues to rapidly evolve, the interpretations of many laws, regulations and rules are not always uniform and
enforcement of these laws, regulations and rules involve uncertainties, which may limit legal protections available to us. For example, we may have to resort
to administrative and court proceedings to enforce the legal protection that we or our subsidiaries enjoy either by law or contract. Since Chinese
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 would enjoy in more developed legal systems. These
uncertainties may impede our ability to enforce contracts or other rights. Furthermore, intellectual property rights and confidentiality protections in China
may not be as effective as in the U.S. or other countries. Accordingly, we cannot predict the effect of future developments in the Chinese legal system
including the promulgation of new laws, changes to existing laws or the interpretation or enforcement of these laws, or the preemption of local regulations by
national laws. These uncertainties could limit the legal protections available to us and our shareholders. In addition, any litigation in China may be protracted
and result in substantial costs and diversion of our resources and management attention.
If China imposes restrictions to reduce inflation, future economic growth in China could be curtailed which could adversely affect our business and
results of operation.
While the economy of China has experienced rapid growth, this growth 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 supply of money and rising inflation. In order to control inflation, the Chinese
government may impose controls on bank credit, limits on loans for fixed assets and restrictions on state bank lending. If similar restrictions are imposed, it
may lead to a slowing of economic growth and decrease the interest in our LCD/LED products leading to a decline in our profitability.
Changes in foreign exchange regulations in China may affect our operating subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends in foreign currency or conduct other
foreign exchange business.
RMB is not a freely convertible currency currently, and the restrictions on currency exchanges may limit our ability to use revenues generated in RMB to
fund our business activities outside China or to make dividends or other payments in U.S. Dollars. In China, SAFE regulates the conversion of RMB into
foreign currencies. Over the years, foreign exchange regulations in China have significantly reduced the government’s control over routine foreign exchange
transactions under current accounts (i.e., remittance of foreign currencies for payment of dividends, etc.).
- 16 -
Conversion of RMB for capital account items, such as direct investment, loan, security investment and repatriation of investment, is still subject to the
approval of the SAFE. Under China’s existing foreign exchange regulations, SGOCO International’s Chinese primary operating subsidiaries, SGOCO
(Fujian) and Beijing SGOCO, are able to pay dividends in foreign currencies, without prior approval from the SAFE, by complying with certain procedural
requirements. However, the Chinese government may take measures in the future to restrict access to foreign currencies for current account transactions.
Fluctuation in the value of the Renminbi (RMB) may reduce our profitability.
The change in value of the RMB against U.S. Dollar, Euro and other currencies is affected by, among other things, changes in China’s political and economic
conditions. On July 21, 2005, the PRC government changed its policy of pegging the RMB to the U.S. Dollar. Under the new policy, the RMB is permitted to
fluctuate within a narrow and managed band against a basket of certain foreign currencies. While the international reaction to the RMB revaluation has
generally been positive, there remains significant international pressure on the Chinese government to adopt an even more flexible currency policy, which
could result in significant fluctuation of the RMB against U.S. Dollar. Any significant revaluation of the RMB may have a material adverse effect on our
revenues and financial condition. For example, to the extent that we need to convert U.S. Dollar we receive into RMB for our operations, appreciation of the
RMB against U.S. Dollar would reduce the RMB amount we receive from the conversion. Conversely, if we decide to convert our RMB into U.S. Dollar for
the purpose of making payments for dividends on our shares or for other business purposes, appreciation of U.S. Dollar against the RMB would reduce the
U.S. Dollar amount available to us.
Exchange controls that exist in China may limit our ability to use our cash flows effectively.
Most of our revenues and expenses are denominated in Renminbi. We may need to convert a portion of our revenues into other currencies to meet our foreign
currency obligations, including, among others, payment of dividends, if any, regarding our shares. Under China’s existing foreign exchange regulations, we
are able to purchase foreign exchange for settlement of current account transactions, including payment of dividends in foreign currencies, without prior
approval from SAFE by complying with certain procedural requirements. However, the Chinese government may take further measures in the future to
restrict access to foreign currencies for current account transactions. Any future restrictions on currency exchanges may limit our ability to use cash flows for
the distribution of dividends to our shareholders or to fund operations we have outside of China.
Foreign exchange transactions continue to be subject to significant foreign exchange controls and require the approval of , or registration with the Chinese
governmental authorities, including SAFE. In particular, if SGOCO International borrows foreign currency loans from us or other foreign lenders, these loans
must be registered with SAFE. In addition, if we finance SGOCO International by means of additional capital contributions, these capital contributions must
be approved by certain government authorities, including the Ministry of Commerce or its local counterparts. These limitations could affect the ability of
SGOCO International to obtain additional foreign exchange through debt or equity financing.
Risks Relating to Our Shares
We have failed to meet continued listing requirements on the NASDAQ Capital Market, trading of our Ordinary Shares has been halted and our Ordinary
Shares may be delisted. Due to the delay in filing the Annual Report on Form 20-F, the Company’s warrants have been delisted from trading on the OTC
Bulletin Board.
Our ordinary shares are listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market. We must comply with various NASDAQ Marketplace rules in order to maintain the listing of
our securities. The NASDAQ listing rules require, among other things, that a company timely file its periodic reports with the SEC. On May 16, 2012,
NASDAQ halted trading in the Company’s ordinary shares shortly after the resignation of our independent auditor Grant Thornton, China. As of the date of
this report, trading has not resumed.
On June 1, 2012, we received a letter from the listing qualification staff of NASDAQ, indicating that we were not in compliance with the continued listing
requirement to timely file periodic reports with the SEC. The NASDAQ staff required the Company to submit a plan of compliance by June 12, 2012, which
was later extended to June 22, 2012. The Company submitted a plan of compliance on June 22, 2012. As of the date of this Annual Report, the NASDAQ
Stock Market has not delisted our ordinary shares.
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If we are not able to regain compliance, our securities will be delisted by NASDAQ. If our securities were to be delisted from NASDAQ, the trading of our
securities could possibly be shifted to the OTC Bulletin Board or the Pink Sheets, which could make it more difficult to dispose of, or obtain accurate
quotations for the price of, our securities. In addition, such a development would likely also trigger a reduction in the already limited coverage of our
Company by security analysts and the news media. Delisting and these other effects could cause the price of our securities to decline further.
We received notice from FINRA that due to the delay in filing the Annual Report on Form 20-F, the Company’s warrants have been delisted from trading on
the OTC Bulletin Board effective June 1, 2012. The warrants are now quoted on the Pink Sheets.
The market price for our ordinary shares may be volatile.
The market price for our ordinary shares is likely to be highly volatile and subject to wide fluctuations in response to factors including the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
actual or anticipated fluctuations in our annual and quarterly operating results and changes or revisions in our expected results;
changes in financial estimates by securities research analysts;
market conditions for LCD/LED products marketing and distribution;
changes in the economic performance or market valuations of companies specializing in LCD/LED product marketing and
distribution;
announcements by us and our affiliates or our competitors of new products, acquisitions, strategic relationships, joint ventures or
capital commitments;
addition or departure of our senior management and key research and development personnel;
fluctuations of exchange rates between the Renminbi and the U.S. Dollar;
litigation related to our intellectual property;
changes in investors’ perception toward U.S. listed Chinese companies;
10.
release or expiry of transfer restrictions on our outstanding ordinary shares; and
11.
sales or perceived potential sales of our ordinary shares.
In addition, the securities market has from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are not related to the operating performance
of particular companies. These market fluctuations may also have a material adverse effect on the market price of our ordinary shares.
Approximately 54.0% of our Ordinary Shares are held by one shareholder. This voting control may limit your ability to influence the outcome of matters
requiring shareholder approval, including the election of our directors.
Sun Zone Investments Limited, which is owned by our Director Tin Man Or, currently owns approximately 54.0% of our voting shares. This shareholder can
control substantially all matters requiring approval by our shareholders, including the election of Directors and the approval of other business transactions.
This concentration of ownership could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of our company or discouraging a potential acquirer from
attempting to obtain control of our company, which could prevent our shareholders from realizing a premium over the market price for their ordinary shares.
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We do not expect to pay dividends, so our shareholders will only benefit from an investment in our shares if such shares appreciate in value.
We do not expect to pay dividends to our shareholders in the foreseeable future. The Board of Directors may determine to pay dividends in the future,
depending upon results of operations, financial condition, contractual restrictions, including restrictions in credit agreements, imposed by applicable law,
including the laws of China governing dividend payments, currency conversion and loans, and other factors our Board of Directors deems relevant.
Accordingly, realizing a gain on shareholders’ investments depends on whether the price of our shares appreciates in the securities market on which our
shares trade. There is no guarantee that our shares will appreciate in value or even maintain the price at which shareholders purchased their shares.
Shares to be potentially issued may have an adverse effect on the market price of our shares.
As of December 31, 2011, we had 17,258,356 ordinary shares and 598,850 warrants outstanding. We issued an option to purchase up to a total of 280,000
units at $10 per unit to the underwriters in our IPO, which, if exercised, would result in the issuance of 280,000 shares and 280,000 warrants. As of December
31, 2011, there are also issued and outstanding warrants to purchase 13,571 ordinary shares at $6.00 per share to the underwriters of our December 2010
offering.
In November 2010, our shareholders approved the adoption of a stock incentive plan that provides for the issuance of stock options, restricted stock or other
awards up to 7% of the fully diluted outstanding shares to the employees, directors and consultants of SGOCO and its subsidiaries.
In addition, we have authorized capital stock under our charter of 50,000,000 ordinary shares and 1,000,000 preferred shares. Subject to any restrictions under
NASDAQ rules, these shares may be issued without shareholder approval.
The sale or even the possibility of sale of the foregoing shares could have an adverse effect on the market price for our securities or on our ability to obtain
future public financing. Upon the issuance of the additional shares, you would probably experience dilution to your holdings.
Due to the lack of unrestricted ordinary shares available to be sold, liquidity for our ordinary shares is limited.
As of December 31, 2011, we had approximately 17,258,356 ordinary shares outstanding. Of these shares, approximately 2.0 million ordinary shares are held
by persons not affiliated with us and are freely eligible to be resold in the public market. The remaining shares are either being held in escrow or are
“restricted” securities not eligible to be resold in the public market. As a result of the lack of unrestricted securities available to be resold in the public market,
there is limited liquidity in our ordinary shares, which may limit your ability to sell your ordinary shares of SGOCO or reduce the price at which the shares
may be sold. In addition, the lack of a liquid market in our shares may make the listed market price of our shares less meaningful and more volatile.
Volatility in the price of our ordinary shares may result in shareholder litigation that could in turn result in substantial costs and a diversion of our
management’s attention and resources.
The financial markets in the Unites States and other countries have experienced significant price and volume fluctuations. Volatility in the price of our
ordinary shares may be caused by factors outside of our control and may be unrelated or disproportionate to our results of operations. In the past, following
periods of volatility in the market price of a public company’s securities, shareholders have frequently instituted securities class action litigation against
companies. Litigation of this kind could result in substantial costs and a diversion of our management’s attention and resources.
If we become directly subject to the recent scrutiny involving U.S. listed Chinese companies, we may have to expend significant resources to investigate
and/or defend the matter, which could harm our business operations, stock price and reputation.
Recently, U.S. public companies that have substantially all of their operations in China have been the subject of intense scrutiny by investors, financial
commentators and regulatory agencies. Much of the scrutiny has centered around financial and accounting irregularities and mistakes, lacks of effective
internal controls over financial reporting and, in many cases, allegations of fraud. As a result of the scrutiny, the publicly traded stock of many U.S. listed
Chinese companies that have been the subject of such scrutiny has sharply decreased in value. Many of these companies are now subject to shareholder
lawsuits and/or SEC enforcement actions that are conducting internal and/or external investigations into the allegations.
If we become the subject of any such scrutiny, whether any allegations are true or not, we may have to expend significant resources to investigate such
allegations and/or defend our company. Such investigations or allegations will be costly and time-consuming and distract our management from our normal
business and could result in our reputation being harmed and our stock price could decline as a result of such allegations, regardless of the truthfulness of the
allegations.
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You may face difficulties in protecting your interests, and your ability to protect your rights through U.S. courts may be limited, because we are
incorporated under Cayman Islands law.
We are an exempted company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands. Our corporate affairs are governed by our amended and restated
memorandum and articles of association, the Companies Law, Cap. 22 (Law 3 of 1961, as consolidated and revised) of the Cayman Islands and the common
law of the Cayman Islands. The rights of shareholders to take action against the directors, actions by minority shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities
of our directors to us under Cayman Islands law are to a large extent governed by the common law of the Cayman Islands. The common law of the Cayman
Islands is derived in part from comparatively limited judicial precedent in the Cayman Islands as well as from the common law of England, the decisions of
whose courts are of persuasive authority, but are not binding, on a court in the Cayman Islands.
The rights of our shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities or our directors under Cayman Islands law are not as clearly established as they would be
under the statutes or judicial precedent in some jurisdictions in the United States. In particular, the Cayman Islands has a less developed body of securities
laws than the United States. Many U.S. states, such as Delaware, have more fully developed and judicially interpreted bodies of corporate law than the
Cayman Islands. In addition, Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to initiate a shareholder derivative action in U.S. federal courts.
The Cayman Islands courts are also not likely:
1.
2.
to recognize or enforce against us judgments of courts of the United States based on civil liability provisions of U.S. securities laws; and
to impose liabilities against us, in original actions brought in the Cayman Islands, based on civil liability provisions of U.S. securities laws that are
penal in nature.
There is no statutory recognition in the Cayman Islands of judgments obtained in the United States, although the courts of the Cayman Islands will in certain
circumstances recognize and enforce a non-penal judgment of a foreign court of competent jurisdiction without retrial on the merits.
As a result of all of the above, public shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions taken by management, members
of the Board of Directors or controlling shareholders than they would as public shareholders of a company incorporated in the United States.
As a company incorporated in the Cayman Islands, we are permitted to adopt certain home country practices in relation to corporate governance matters
that differ significantly from the NASDAQ Stock Market corporate governance listing standards. These practices may afford less protection to
shareholders than they would enjoy if we complied fully with the NASDAQ Stock Market corporate governance listing standards.
As a Cayman Islands company listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market, we are subject to the NASDAQ Stock Market corporate governance listing standards.
However, NASDAQ Stock Market rules permit a foreign private issuer like us to follow the corporate governance practices of its home country. Certain
corporate governance practices in the Cayman Islands, which is our home country, may differ significantly from the NASDAQ Stock Market corporate
governance listing standards.
For example, the Companies Law of the Cayman Islands does not require a majority of our directors to be independent and we could include non-independent
directors as members of our compensation committee and (if we chose to have one) our nominating committee, and our independent directors would not
necessarily hold regularly scheduled meetings at which only independent directors are present.
In addition, while NASDAQ Stock Market rules require that an issuer listing common stock hold an annual meeting of shareholders no later than one year
after the end of the issuer’s fiscal year-end, the Companies Law of the Cayman Islands does not contain such a requirement. To the extent that we choose to
follow home country practice in the future, our shareholders may be afforded less protection than they otherwise would under the NASDAQ Stock Market
corporate governance listing standards applicable to U.S. domestic issuers.
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ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
A. History and Development of the Company.
Historical Structure and Acquisition of Honesty Group
SGOCO Group, Ltd., a company organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands on July 18, 2007, was previously named SGOCO Technology, Ltd., and
prior to the Acquisition was named Hambrecht Asia Acquisition Corp. The Company was formed as a blank check company for the purpose of acquiring one
or more operating businesses in the People’s Republic of China through a merger, stock exchange, asset acquisition or similar business combination or control
through contractual agreements. The Company completed its initial public offering (“IPO”) of units consisting of one ordinary share and one warrant to
purchase one ordinary share on March 12, 2008.
Pursuant to our charter documents, we were required to enter into a business combination transaction to acquire control of a business with its primary
operation in the PRC with a fair market value of at least 80% of the trust account established at the time of our IPO, or the Trust Account, (excluding certain
deferred underwriting commissions) prior to March 12, 2010, or dissolve and liquidate. The approval of the business combination transaction required the
approval of a majority of the outstanding shares and was conditioned on, among other matters, not more than 30% of the outstanding shares being properly
tendered for redemption under our charter documents. Each ordinary share issued in our IPO was entitled to be redeemed if it was voted against the business
combination transaction at a price equal to the amount in the Trust Account divided by the number of shares issued in the IPO outstanding at the time,
estimated to be approximately $7.98 million as of February 17, 2010.
On March 12, 2010, we acquired all of the outstanding shares of Honesty Group (the “Acquisition”). In addition, at the meeting to approve the acquisition,
the holders of our outstanding warrants approved an amendment to the warrant agreement under which the warrants were issued to increase the exercise price
per share of the warrants from $5.00 to $8.00 and to extend by one year the exercise period, or until March 7, 2014, and to provide for the redemption of the
publicly-held warrants, at the option of the holder, for $0.50 per warrant upon the closing of the Acquisition. We may redeem the warrants at a price of $0.01
per warrant upon a minimum of 30 days’ prior written notice of redemption, if the last sale price of our ordinary shares equals or exceeds $11.50 per share
(subject to adjustment for splits, dividends, recapitalization and other similar events) for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading day period ending three
business days before we send the notice of redemption.
The Acquisition resulted in the issuance of:
1.
2.
8,500,000 ordinary shares to the former shareholders of Honesty Group, and
5,800,000 additional ordinary shares to the former shareholders of Honesty Group to be held in escrow and released if the following
milestones are met by the combined company:
a)
b)
If “Income from Existing Operations” for the year ended December 31, 2010 is in excess of $15,000,000 (the “First Earn-Out
Milestone”), the escrow agent will release 5,000,000 shares to the former shareholders of Honesty Group. The First Earn-Out
Milestone was met during the year ended December 31, 2010. The shares were not released in 2011 but are expected to be
released in September of 2012 to the former shareholders of Honesty Group; and
If “Income from Existing Operations” for the year ended December 31, 2011 is in excess of $20,000,000 (the “Second Earn-
Out Milestone”), the escrow agent will release the remaining 800,000 shares to the former shareholders of Honesty Group. The
Company expects this to occur in September of 2012.
In addition, 766,823 shares held by the original shareholders of the Company were placed in escrow pending satisfaction of certain conditions.
Those conditions include our reaching the earn-out milestones discussed above, as well as:
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1. Messrs. Robert Eu and John Wang providing 30 hours per month in services to us in connection with investor relations, listing on the NASDAQ
Global Stock Market or NASDAQ Global Select Stock Market, introducing investors and advisors;
2.
3.
listing of our shares on such stock markets if we act in good faith to obtain such a listing once the listing criteria are met; and
providing the opportunity for us to raise an additional $15 million in equity subject to meeting certain prescribed pricing criteria.
In connection with the issuing of the 5,800,000 escrowed shares and the 766,823 escrowed shares, we, the original shareholders of the Company, and the
Honesty Shareholders entered into an escrow agreement with Grand Pacific Investment Limited as escrow agent, pursuant to which the escrow agent agreed
to hold the foregoing shares pending satisfaction of certain conditions within the applicable time periods. If the conditions are not met, some or all of the
foregoing shares, will be cancelled and returned to the status of authorized and unissued ordinary shares.
As stated above, the First and Second Earn-Out Milestones were met during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 and a total of 5,800,000 shares will
be released to the former shareholders of Honesty Group.
In addition, of the 766,823 escrowed shares, 340,810 and 20,517 shares have been earned in 2010 and 2011, respectively, but are not currently eligible to be
released. The last measurement date to determine whether the conditions were met for the release of the 766,823 escrowed shares was December 31, 2011.
However, on April 17, 2012, the escrow agreement was amended to provide additional time for the conditions to be met. Pursuant to the amendment, holders
of the escrowed shares will have until December 31, 2012 to meet the conditions for release.
We entered into various forward purchase agreements with various hedge funds and other institutions for us to repurchase a total of 2,147,493 shares for an
aggregate purchase price of $17,285,811 immediately after the closing of the Acquisition. After payment of various fees and expenses, the redemption prices
of shares and warrants and the forward purchase contracts, the balance of approximately $5.4 million in the Trust Account was released to us upon
consummation of the Acquisition of Honesty Group. After the closing of the Acquisition and the settlement of related transactions, we had outstanding
16,094,756 ordinary shares, of which 859,668 shares were initially issued in our IPO, and warrants to purchase 1,816,027 shares at a price of $8.00 per share,
of which 1,566,027 were initially issued in our IPO.
Following the consummation of the Acquisition, Honesty Group became a wholly-owned subsidiary of SGOCO. Honesty Group is a limited liability
company registered in Hong Kong on September 13, 2005. Honesty Group owns 100% of Guanke Electron Technological Industry Co., Ltd. (“Guanke”),
Guanwei Electron Technological Industry Co., Ltd. (“Guanwei”) and Guancheng Electron Technological Industry Co., Ltd. (“Guancheng”). Guanke,
Guanwei and Guancheng are limited liability companies established under the corporate laws of the People’s Republic of China. Honesty Group and its
subsidiaries represented our core manufacturing facility along with land, buildings and production equipment. Honesty Group and its subsidiaries are now
independent of the Company.
On July 26, 2010, SGOCO formed SGOCO International (HK) Limited, or SGOCO International, a limited liability company registered in Hong Kong
(“SGOCO International”). SGOCO International and its subsidiaries were established for the purposes of conducting LCD/LED display product development,
branding, marketing and distribution.
On February 22, 2011, SGO Corporation was established in Delaware USA. On March 14, 2011, SGOCO International purchased 100% of the outstanding
shares of common stock of SGO. SGO was founded to market, sell and distribute SGOCO’s high quality products in the American markets. SGO was not
operating during 2011.
SGOCO International directly owns 100% of SGOCO (Fujian) Electronic Co., Ltd. SGOCO Fujian is a limited liability company established under the
corporate laws of the People’s Republic of China on July 28, 2011.
On December 26, 2011, SGOCO International established another wholly owned subsidiary Beijing SGOCO Image Technology Co. Ltd., a limited liability
company under the laws of the PRC to conduct LCD/LED monitor and TV product-related product sales and distribution.
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Sale of Honesty Group
On November 15, 2011, we entered into a Sale and Purchase Agreement (“SPA”) to sell our 100% ownership interest in Honesty Group to Apex Flourish
Group Limited (“Apex”), a British Virgin Islands company, for $76 million in total consideration (the “Sale of Honesty Group”). Honesty Group directly
owns 100% of Guanke, Guanwei and Guancheng.
Pursuant to the SPA, Apex assumed our obligations to pay up the remaining capital of $8.75 million in Guanwei and to pay the remaining balance of
approximately $14 million of the commitment to the Fujian Jinjiang government to invest in the Guanke Technology Park. In addition, the SPA required that
for three years from the date of sale, Honesty Group must continue to provide SGOCO with products and services in the same or substantially similar manner
as it did immediately prior to the completion of the transaction unless otherwise directed by SGOCO. The SPA also provided SGOCO with a right of first
refusal for a period of five years from the date of sale to purchase from Apex any material rights or interests in Honesty Group’s shares or assets before Apex
offered to transfer such rights or interests to a third party.
Connected with the Sale of Honesty Group, Honesty Group transferred to SGOCO certain contracts and assets that are related to design and distribution of
SGOCO’s products, including R&D equipment, sales contracts with customers, contracts with retail sales sources, and trademarks and pending trademark
applications.
The Sale of Honesty Group allowed SGOCO to transition to a “light-asset” business model with greater flexibility and scalability and focus its operations on
designing, branding, marketing and distributing LCD/LED products in China. Through the transaction, the Company retained most of its customers, brand
names, and the nationwide distribution network while substantially reducing its interest bearing liabilities.
Pursuant to the Sale and Purchase Agreement, the $76 million in total consideration was to be paid in installments. Some of the consideration was paid one
month late as agreed in the Disposal Memo signed by both Apex and SGOCO. As of May 31, 2012, we have received full amount of the total consideration
from Apex.
Warrant Repurchase
In an effort to reduce the potential for future EPS dilution, in 2011, the Company repurchased and retired a total of 1,217,177 warrants that had a strike price
of $8, those warrants including 967,177 of our publicly-traded warrants for an aggregate purchase price of $360,610 (or $0.37 per warrant), and 250,000
sponsor warrants for an aggregate purchase price of $125,000 (or $0.50 per warrant), in private transactions. All of the terms of the remaining approximately
0.6 million publicly-traded warrants remain unchanged. There were no outstanding sponsor warrants as of December 31, 2011.
Additionally, the Company, in private transactions, repurchased and retired a total of 53,096 of the warrants that had a strike price of $6 issued to its
underwriters in the December 2010 offering for an aggregate purchase price of $26,548 (or $0.50 per warrant). All of the terms of the remaining 13,571
warrants issued to its underwriters in the December 2010 offering remain unchanged.
Through the repurchase and retirement of these warrants, the Company decreased the long-term risks of dilution that may occur in the event that these
warrants were exercised.
SGOCO’s Offices
SGOCO’s principal executive office is located at Beijing Silver Tower, Room 1817, 2 Dongsanhuan North Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China 100027.
Under our Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association, our Registered Office is at the offices of Codan Trust Company (Cayman)
Limited, Cricket Square, Hutchins Drive, PO Box 2681, Grand Cayman, KY1-1111, Cayman Islands, telephone: (345) 949 1040, or at such other place as the
directors may from time to time decide. Our agent for service of process in the United States is Corporation Service Company, 2711 Centerville Road, Suite
400, Wilmington, DE 19808.
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B. Business overview.
Our Business
As of December 31, 2011, our primary business operations were conducted through SGOCO International and its wholly-owned PRC subsidiary, SGOCO
Fujian. Our main focus is developing our own brands and quality products for sale to the Chinese flat panel display market in Tier 3 and 4 cities.
Currently, LCD/LED monitors form the core of our product portfolio. Our mission is to offer our consumers high quality LCD/LED products under brands
that we control and license such as “SGOCO,” “No. 10,” “POVIZON,”“TCL,” and “Founder.”
We are also developing and selling a number of application specific products (ASPs) customized for various niche markets and targeted primarily at
institutional customers.
Currently, the majority of our product sales are made to large, well-established, electronics distributors and trading companies, which then sell our products
through their own sales channels.
As part of our brand building strategy, commencing from the beginning of 2009, we also sell to certain distributors under our SGOCO Image
program.
We do not sell our products directly to retailers. But, by providing signage, marketing materials and sales support to the distributors and their retailers under
the SGOCO Image program, we raise the profile of our products and the awareness of our brands at the retail level. Selling to these distributors helps us to
diversify our customer base. Additionally, selling directly to distributors which then sell directly to retailers can reduce the layers in the distribution chain
potentially leading to greater margins for us, the distributors, or the retailers.
Following the Sale of Honesty Group, we operate on a “light-asset” business model which is marketing-driven with multiple brands all under the SGOCO
Image program. Our business model consists of the following three key elements:
1.
2.
3.
an actively-managed portfolio of brands that have strong local appeal;
a world-class quality, design engineering, and product development capability; and
a “light-asset” model that provides the flexibility to source from low cost suppliers meeting our high quality standards.
By integrating these three elements through a distinct distribution channel in the form of a national network of distributors and retail sales sources operating
under the “SGOCO Image” name, we believe we are able to leverage opportunities across the entire value chain and create a competitive advantage for
SGOCO.
Our Industry
China’s Economy
Large, Fast Growing Chinese Economy. China is the world’s most populous country. It had a population of 1.3 billion as of the end of 2010 according to the
Census Bureau of China. China’s National Bureau of Statistics reports that gross domestic product, or GDP, grew from $1.3 trillion in 2001 to $7.3 trillion in
2011, representing a compound annual growth rate, or CAGR, of 18.8%.
Increasing Consumption. China has recently overtaken Japan to become the world’s second largest economy behind the U.S. Despite average saving rates of
one-third of individual income, Booz & Co. predicts that China will become the second-largest consumer market in the world by 2015. According to a
January 2010 report released by Credit Suisse, China’s consumer market is expected to rise from $1.72 trillion in 2009 to $15.94 trillion in 2020. China’s
share of global consumption is predicted to rise to 23.1% in 2020, overtaking the U.S. as the largest consumer market in the world. The Credit Suisse survey
also observed a rising interest in LCD/LED televisions.
Urbanization Trend. China has witnessed a growing trend toward urbanization in the past decade. According to the China Statistical Yearbook, the urban
population represented approximately 49.68% of the overall population in China as of December 31, 2010 compared to approximately 20% in the early
1980s. Furthermore, Xinhua News Agency, the official press agency of China, reported the urban population will represent approximately 52% of China’s
total population by the end of 2015. McKinsey & Company’s 2011 Annual Chinese Consumer Survey stated that around 60% of consumer goods in urban
China are bought by people living in some 700 Tier-3 and Tier-4 cities.
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Government Support of Consumer Spending. The Chinese central government has had a policy of aggressively subsidizing consumption of domestic
manufactured electronics in smaller cities. The most recent plan targeting rural area consumers went into effect nationwide in February 2009 and expired at
the end of 2011. Mr. Deming Chen, the Director of China’s Ministry of Commerce, has been quoted as saying the ministry is looking into drafting new
“Appliances to the Countryside” and “Old for New” subsidy policies to replace the expiring policies. The past program offered consumers in rural areas a
13% subsidy of the purchase price of designated home appliances (up to a capped price) with the subsidy split 80%/20% between the central and local
governments.
Global LCD/LED Industry
According to DisplaySearch research, in 2011, PC monitor worldwide shipments fell 1.4% to 170 million units and LCD TV sales grew 7.1% to 205 million
units. The same report estimates for 2012, worldwide shipments of PC monitors will grow 6.2% and LCD TV sales will grow 7.3%.
Sales of computer monitors are often correlated with the sale of personal computers. International Data Corporation (IDC) reported that in 2011, worldwide
PC shipments grew 1.8%. Mature markets such as the U.S. and Western Europe actually shrank by approximately 9% compared to 2010. For 2012, IDC
predicts PC growth of 5.0% with most of the growth occurring in the latter half of the year.
China’s LCD/LED Industry
China is now the world’s largest market for PCs and one of the fastest growing. IDC predicts China PC growth for 2012 to be approximately 9%.
DisplaySearch still believes that the do-it-yourself (DIY) custom-made PC market in China accounts for approximately 40% of all desktop PCs sold. It likely
exceeded 20 million units in 2011.
We believe the demand for PCs and LCD/LED monitors in China will grow due to increasing popularity of the Internet. According to China Daily, as of
January 2012, the population of China’s Internet users climbed to 513 million, 93 million more than 2010. The penetration rate of Internet users rose to
38.3%, as compared to more than 70% in mature markets. It was 34.3% at the end of 2010. According to a McKinsey & Company’s 2011 Annual Chinese
Consumer Study, personal computers constitute a category ripe for strong growth with much room for additional growth from new users, especially in poorer
rural areas where there are only ten personal computers per 100 households.
According to a rural home appliance consumer survey published by Suning Appliance, one of the largest home appliance retail chain stores in China, TVs are
still the most popular home appliance in rural China with 43.6% of surveyed households intending to make a purchase.
The McKinsey & Company 2011 Annual Chinese Consumer Study noted that while Chinese consumers are becoming more brand aware, they are not yet
very brand loyal and often switch between brands. The study indicated that this trend could change as incomes rise.
SGOCO Products
We offer LCD/LED products with a full set of features designed to appeal to a wide range of retail and commercial customers. Our current product lines on
sale or in development include:
1. LCD/LED monitors with screen sizes up to 32 inches;
2. LCD/LED TVs with screen sizes up to 65 inches;
3. Application specific LCD/LED display products, such as tablet PCs for commercial and consumer use, all-in-one e-reader notebooks, cell phone
devices, mobile internet devices, e-boards that integrate software and hardware functionalities, rotating screens, CCTV monitors for security
systems, billboard monitors for advertising and public notice systems, as well as touch screens for non-keyed entries; and
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4. Application specific multimedia systems and services composed of display products and TVs with software control systems for sale to
commercial customers with the potential for recurring revenues.
Our engineers are also developing LCD/LED systems solutions for industry clients, such as educational institutions, government departments and corporate
offices. These are customized hardware and software solutions for turnkey delivery to industry clients.
Our products including custom systems are subject to statutory warranty obligations. Generally, these requirements obligate our outsourced manufacturers to
a three-year repair or replace obligation. If the product cannot be repaired after two attempts during the three-year warranty period, the manufacturers or
suppliers must offer the end customer a replacement.
Research and Development
SGOCO has its own research and development capabilities with its in-house R&D team. In a rapidly changing market such as LCD/LED displays, the
Company believes the ability to design products with the latest technical features is important to its competitive success. Introducing new features for which
customers are willing to pay a premium price is an important part of the Company’s strategy regarding its product mix. SGOCO believes its research and
development capabilities are an important advantage as it looks to expand into the higher-margin, customized application specific product market.
Because of our internal product development, we have developed a focused and compact line of high-quality LCD/LED products. We focus our research and
development on appearance, design, utility, and major components such as mother-boards and high voltage switchboards.
To achieve a more cost efficient R&D process, we currently also outsource certain non-core R&D projects.
Marketing and Distribution
We have five primary brands that we own and license. These brands are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
SGOCO, our flagship brand;
POVIZON, a recent addition to our brand portfolio;
No. 10, a recent addition to our brand portfolio;
TCL, a licensed brand for monitors that are sold through our own distribution channels; and
Founder, a licensed brand for TVs that are sold through our own distribution channels.
For the year ended December 31, 2011, sales of our own-brand products represented 61.5% of total sales. Following the adoption of our “light-asset” business
model, the percentage of our own-brand sales should increase as OEM sales are de-emphasized with OEM brands such as AOC and Great Wall likely to be
phased out over the next one or two years.
The Chinese retail computer market is still dominated by small, do-it-yourself (DIY) or custom-made PC retailers operating out of small stores or kiosks in
large “Computer City” malls. To penetrate this market, we have chosen to concentrate our own-brand sales through large, financially strong, electronics
distributors. We believe these distributors are the best way to profitably reach the fragmented Chinese market. The distributors have the geographical
customer coverage, logistical support facilities and effective credit controls necessary to properly service this market. While large consumer electronics retail
chains exist in China, these chains have only recently begun to penetrate China’s large Tier 3 and Tier 4 cities. Moreover, sales to China’s large retail chains
often have low margins and long payment terms.
As part of our brand-building strategy, we sell to distributors under our SGOCO Image program rather than selling directly to retailers. By providing signage,
marketing materials and sales support to distributors and their retailers, we raise the profile of our products and the awareness of our brands at the retail level.
Selling to these distributors helps us to diversify our customer base. Additionally, selling directly to distributors who then sell directly to retailers can reduce
the layers in the distribution chain. That potentially leads to greater margins for us, the distributors, or the retailers.
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One of our key target markets is China’s rapidly growing Tier 3 and Tier 4 cities. China classifies its cities based upon population size, income and GDP.
While Tier 1 cities include metropolitan cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, we believe the market opportunities and sales growth
potential in Tier 3 and Tier 4 cities are significant. We believe most of our competitors in Tier 3 and Tier 4 cities are relatively unsophisticated “shanzhai” or
“knock-off” manufacturers offering generic brands that lack the international quality standard and rich set of features of SGOCO products.
International brands in China’s Tier 3 and Tier 4 cities typically have a more layered distribution chain that results in less attractive pricing or margins for end
distributors and retailers. Moreover, customers in Tier 3 and Tier 4 cities are less brand conscious and more value oriented.
Our goal is to establish a dominant market position in selected Tier 3 and Tier 4 cities. As such, we have focused our marketing and sales efforts on the
Chinese market and look to grow our international presence in the future.
Competition
The LCD/LED industry has evolved through rapid innovation and evolved over the last decade to enable the commercialization of LCD/LED products.
We compete in this increasingly dynamic and demanding market along with international players and numerous Chinese LCD/LED products companies.
Many of those companies are panel makers, equipment vendors, application developers, and product distributors. Companies that directly compete with us
would be system integrators that have their own distribution channels and focus on providing quality branded products.
Most Chinese companies such as the largest LCD/LED display company, TPV Technology Ltd. with its flagship brand AOC, are more focused on producing
high-volume OEM products. Those products have lower margins, higher fixed costs and are more vulnerable to fluctuations in key-material cost changes.
Our current major competitors include but are not limited to AOC, Samsung, Apple, Phillips, Great Wall, LG, HKC, Viewsonic, and BenQ.
Intellectual Property
Prior to the Sale of Honesty Group, Guanke submitted applications to transfer three trademarks to SGOCO International: “SGOCO”, “Shangwei” (Chinese
name for SGOCO) and “POVIZON;” and Guanwei submitted an application to transfer one trademark to SGOCO International
.
The State Trademark Bureau examined and approved the “SGOCO” trademark transfer on July 31, 2012 and the rest of the trademark transfers on May 20,
2012.
There are no legal disputes currently pending or threatened against us for any claimed intellectual property infringement.
Brand Usage Agreement
In June 2010, we entered into a three-year brand usage agreement with TCL Business System Technology (Huizhou) Co. Ltd., a Chinese television
manufacturer and distributor, pursuant to which the Company will manufacture and sell TCL branded LCD/LED monitors from July 1, 2010 to June 30,
2013. There are no minimum purchase requirements in the agreement.
On April 1, 2012, we signed an agreement with TCL Business System Technology (Huizhou) Co. Ltd. to be the exclusive distributor in China for TCL brand
display products. This agreement effectively replaces the June 2010 agreement signed with TCL Business System Technology (Huizhou) Co. Ltd. The
agreement will expire on April 1, 2015. There are no minimum purchase requirements in the new agreement. Management projected that this agreement will
generate sales of over $80 million with brand licensing fees to TCL to be paid based on sales.
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On January 1, 2012, a sales and branding licensing agreement was signed between SGOCO (Fujian) and Shanghai Beida Founder Technology Computer
Systems Co. Ltd. Shenzhen Branch. This agreement provided SGOCO the exclusive sales and distribution rights for Founder brand televisions in China for
one year. There is no minimum sales target and the licensing fees will be paid to Founder based on sales.
Regulation
Chinese government subsidies
Guanke has been granted subsidies by the Municipal Government of Jinjiang City due to its operation in the high and new technology business sector. After
the Sale of Honesty Group, SGOCO may not be eligible for further government subsidies.
For the year ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, we received grants of approximately $1.0 million (RMB 6.3 million), $1.2 million (RMB 7.9
million) and $3.4 million (RMB 23.0 million), respectively, from the PRC municipal government. The grants were based on a research and development
agreement between the Science & Technology Bureau of Jinjiang City and Guanke. Pursuant to the agreement, Guanke must use the grant for research and
development of certain technologies applicable to LCD/LED products. The governmental agency has reviewed and accepted those technologies, and
confirmed Guanke’s due performance of the agreement and proper use of the grant. The work-out technologies will be deemed as state-owned assets;
however, Guanke has the right to use and operate them.
Fujian Province, in which Guanke is located, has been supportive of LCD/LED related industries by granting public financial grants to companies,
universities, and academies. From 1991 to 2008, the Fujian provincial government approved twelve such grants to the LCD/LED monitor related industry,
and eight of those grants have gone to companies.
Environmental
Guanke obtained approval from Jinjiang Environmental Protection Bureau on the environmental impact evaluations for its current facilities in Guanke
Technology Park on September 25, 2009, valid for four years. The approvals concluded that
1.
2.
Guanke’s project is in accordance with the national industrial policies; and
by proper operation, management, and supervision, the construction and normal operation of the project will not incur material negative impact on
the environment.
Guancheng and Guanwei engaged Xiamen New Green Environment Development Co., Ltd. to conduct the construction project environmental impact
evaluations on May 3, 2007, and May 5, 2007, respectively. The evaluation reports were approved by Jinjiang Environment Protection Bureau on June 20,
2007. The approval concluded that the construction and operations in Guanke Technology Park were acceptable from an environmental protection
perspective.
Foreign Exchange Control and Administration
Foreign exchange in China is primarily regulated by the Foreign Currency Administration Rules (1996) and the Administration Rules of the Settlement, Sale
and Payment of Foreign Exchange (1996) or the Administration Rules.
Under the Foreign Currency Administration Rules, the Renminbi is convertible for current account items, including the distribution of dividends, interest
payments, and trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions. Conversion of Renminbi into foreign currency for capital account items, such as direct
investment, loans, investment in securities and repatriation of funds, however, is still subject to the approval of SAFE. Under the Administration Rules,
foreign-invested enterprises may only buy, sell and remit foreign currencies at banks authorized to conduct foreign exchange transactions after providing valid
commercial documents and, in the case of capital account item transactions, only after obtaining approval from SAFE.
Under the Foreign Currency Administration Rules, foreign invested enterprises are required to complete the foreign exchange registration and obtain the
registration certificate. SGOCO (Fujian) and Beijing SGOCO have complied with these requirements. The profit repatriated to us from SGOCO (Fujian) and
Beijing SGOCO, however, are not subject to the approval of the foreign exchange authority, because it is a current account item transaction.
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The value of the Renminbi against the U.S. Dollar and other currencies may fluctuate and is affected by, among other things, changes in China’s political and
economic conditions. Historically, the conversion of Renminbi into foreign currencies, including U.S. Dollars, has been based on rates set by the People’s
Bank of China. On July 21, 2005, the PRC government changed its policy of pegging the value of the Renminbi to the U.S. Dollar. Under the new policy, the
Renminbi will be permitted to fluctuate within a band against a basket of certain foreign currencies. On June 19, 2010, the People’s Bank of China released a
statement indicating that they would “proceed further with reform of the RMB exchange rate regime and increase the RMB exchange rate flexibility.” There
remains significant international pressure on the PRC government to adopt a substantial liberalization of its currency policy, which could result in a further
and more significant appreciation in the value of the Renminbi against the U.S. Dollar.
Regulation on PRC Resident’s Participation of Share Option Plan Offered by an Offshore Company
The regulations governing foreign exchange matters of PRC residents promulgated by the People’s Bank of China require an employee share option plan or
restricted share unit scheme offered by an offshore listed company to be filed with and approved by SAFE. A special bank account will be opened in the PRC
to receive, and subsequently allocate to the participating PRC residents, the proceeds or dividends derived from such share option plan.
C. Organizational structure.
The following diagram sets forth our corporate structure as of the date of this Annual Report:
(1) The officers of SGOCO International are Tin Man Or and Burnette Or. The director of SGOCO International is Burnette Or.
(2) SGOCO (Fujian) is one of SGOCO’s operational subsidiaries in the PRC. The officer is Robert Lu. The director of SGOCO (Fujian) is Hong Cheng.
(3) Beijing SGOCO is one of SGOCO’s operational subsidiaries in the PRC. The officer of Beijing SGOCO is Burnette Or. The directors of Beijing SGOCO
Image are Qinghong Deng and Frank Wu; and
(4) SGO is SGOCO’s operational subsidiary in the US. The officers and directors of SGO are Weiwei Shangguan and Burnette Or.
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D. Property, plant and equipment.
Until November 15, 2011, our principal manufacturing operations and headquarters were located at Guanke Technology Park, Jinjiang City, Fujian Province,
China. Guanke Technology Park has a total area of over 242,811 square meters (approximately 60 acres), strategically located in Jinjiang’s new city center, 10
km away from the Jinjiang airport.
We entered into a Guanke Technology Park Investment Agreement with the Municipal Government of Jinjiang City on March 31, 2006, as amended on July
7, 2006. Pursuant to this investment agreement, the government was responsible for providing infrastructure, such as water, power, and roads available for
construction and development. We committed to investing not less than $50 million in development of the Technology Park. As of November 15, 2011 we
had already invested in excess of $35.6 million in the Guanke Technology Park. The investment includes $8.6 million of costs to acquire the land and $27.0
million of building infrastructure and equipment excluding all grants received from the PRC municipal government equal to $7.2 million.
The property consists of three parcels, occupying 204,113 square meters in total. The industrial land use rights of the property were purchased by Guanke,
Guancheng, and Guanwei, respectively. Pursuant to PRC laws, the land use rights are renewable upon expiration at a renegotiated reasonable compensation.
Guanke, Guanwei, and Guancheng intend to apply before the Municipal Government of Jinjiang City to renew the land use right one year prior to the
expiration date. The Municipal Government of Jinjiang City is expected to agree to renew the land use rights unless there are legitimate public interest
considerations that weigh against renewal at that time. Unlike the land use rights, Guanke owns the facilities constructed on the land and can dispose of them
at their sole discretion. If Guanke, Guancheng, and Guanwei decide not to renew their land use rights, or their application is denied by the Municipal
Government of Jinjiang City, they are entitled to a claim for the fair monetary value of the facilities from the Municipal Government of Jinjiang City.
Guanke purchased a 50-year land use right of a 65,331 square meter parcel of land for RMB12,631,748 on June 30, 2007. Guanke paid the purchase price for
this land use right on July 11, 2008. The Municipal Government of Jinjiang City issued a land use right certificate for this land on October 14, 2008.
Guancheng purchased a 50-year land use right for a 68,002 square meter parcel of land for RMB13,148,187 on June 30, 2007. Guancheng paid the purchase
price for this land use right in full on April 20, 2009. The Municipal Government of Jinjiang City issued a Land Use Right Certificate for this land on April
24, 2009.
Guanwei purchased a 50-year land use right for a 70,780 square meter parcel of land for RMB13,685,313 on June 30, 2007. Guanwei paid the purchase price
for this land use right in full on February 5, 2009. The Municipal Government of Jinjiang City issued Guanwei’s Land Use Right Certificate on February 6,
2009.
Guanwei purchased a 50-year land use right for a 28,688 square meter parcel of land for RMB5,546,825 on June 30, 2007. Guanwei paid the purchase price
for this land use right in full on November 12, 2009. The Municipal Government of Jinjiang City issued Guanwei’s Land Use Right Certificate on November
20, 2009.
The land use rights have been mortgaged to various lenders as security for various loans.
In May 2009, Guanke moved its existing production lines to the new factory at Guanke Technology Park. Guanke Technology Park currently contains one
manufacturing building and two dormitories occupying 19,948 square meters of land. The current manufacturing building has four production lines with
maximum capacity for eight production lines. The current manufacturing building has two monitor production lines with maximum annual capacity of three
million units, two television production lines with maximum annual capacity of two million units, and one SMT production line with maximum annual
capacity of 22 million print points.
As an incentive to the development of Guanke Technology Park, the Fujian provincial government built a 110kW transformer substation on site at a cost of $5
million, which provides power supply for the Guanke Technology Park.
On November 15, 2011, we entered into an Agreement for Sale and Purchase (“SPA”) to sell our 100% ownership interest in Honesty Group to Apex Flourish
Group Limited for $76 million in total consideration.
Pursuant to the SPA, Apex assumed our obligations to pay up the remaining capital of $8.75 million in Guanwei and to pay the remaining balance of
approximately $14 million of the commitment to the Fujian Jinjiang government to invest in the Guanke Technology Park. In addition, the SPA required that
for three years from the date of sale, Honesty Group must continue to provide SGOCO with products and services in the same or substantially similar manner
as it did immediately prior to the completion of the transaction unless otherwise directed by SGOCO. The SPA also provided SGOCO with a right of first
refusal for a period of five years from the date of sale to purchase from Apex any material rights or interests in Honesty Group’s shares or assets before Apex
offered to transfer such rights or interests to a third party.
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ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
A. Operating results.
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes which appear elsewhere in this
Annual Report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those
anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those discussed elsewhere in this Annual Report, including those set
forth under “Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors.”
Our financial statements are prepared in US$ and in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. See “Foreign Exchange
Risk” below for information concerning the exchanges rates at which Renminbi were translated into U.S. Dollar at various pertinent dates and for pertinent
periods.
Overview
We are a Cayman Islands company that is focused on developing our own-brands and distributing our branded products in the Chinese flat panel display
market. Our main products are LCD/LED monitors, TVs, and other application specific products.
As of December 31, 2011, our primary business operations were conducted through SGOCO International, and its wholly owned PRC subsidiary, SGOCO
Fujian. Our main focus is on developing branded LCD/LED products for sale to the Chinese flat panel display market.
Currently, LCD/LED monitors form the core of our product portfolio. Our mission is to offer high quality LCD/LED products under brands that we control
and license such as “SGOCO,” “No. 10,” “POVIZON,”“TCL,” and “Founder” to consumers residing in China’s Tier 3 and Tier 4 cities.
We are also developing and selling a number of application specific display products (ASPs) customized for various niche markets and targeted primarily at
institutional customers.
Currently, the majority of our product sales are made to large, well-established, electronics distributors and trading companies, which then sell our products
through their own sales channels.
As part of our brand building strategy, commencing from the beginning of 2009, we also sell to distributors under our SGOCO Image program.
We do not sell our products directly to retailers. But, by providing signage, marketing materials and sales support to distributors and their retailers under the
SGOCO Image program, we raise the profile of our products and the awareness of our brands at the retail level. Selling to these distributors helps us to
diversify our customer base. Additionally, selling directly to distributors who then sell directly to retailers can reduce the layers in the distribution chain
potentially leading to greater margins for us, the distributors, or the retailers.
Following the Sale of Honesty Group, we operate on a “light-asset” business model which is marketing-driven with multiple brands. Our business model
consists of the following three key elements:
1.
an actively-managed portfolio of brands that have strong local appeal;
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2.
3.
a world-class quality, design engineering, and product development capability that supports our distribution channels and brand portfolio; and
a “light-asset” model that provides the flexibility to source from low cost suppliers that meet our high quality standards.
By integrating these three elements and combining them with our SGOCO Image program, we are able to leverage opportunities across the entire value chain
and create a competitive advantage for SGOCO.
In evaluating our financial condition and results of operations, attention should be drawn to the following areas:
1.
Sale of Honesty Group. On November 15, 2011, we entered into a Sale and Purchase Agreement to sell our 100% ownership interest in Honesty
Group to Apex Flourish Group Limited for $76 million. The consideration was paid in installments and was paid in full at the end of May 2012. For
details of the payments received, please refer to Note 21.
2.
3.
Honesty Group and its subsidiaries represented our core manufacturing facility along with land, buildings and production equipment. The Sale of
Honesty Group allowed us to transition to a “light-asset” business model with greater flexibility and scalability. This model allows us to focus our
operations on designing, branding, marketing and distributing LCD/LED products in China. Following the Sale of Honesty Group, the Company
outsourced its manufacturing operations to Honesty Group and the decision to outsource will not eliminate the related operations and cash flows from
the ongoing operations of the Company. The operations of Honesty Group are reflected in our 2011 financial statements through November 30, 2011,
the completion date of the Sale of Honesty Group pursuant to a disposal memo signed in the middle of March, 2012. As a result, past performance
may not be indicative of future performance;
Limited operating history. We have a limited operating history, and our future prospects are subject to risks and uncertainties beyond our control.
Honesty Group commenced its business in 2005 and expanded its operations in recent years. In addition, we changed our strategic marketing,
distribution, and business model in recent years; and
Currency Conversions. Our former PRC subsidiaries, Guanke, Guanwei and Guancheng maintained, and our current PRC subsidiaries, SGOCO
Fujian and Beijing SGOCO, maintain their books and records in Renminbi, the lawful currency of China. In general, for consolidation purposes, we
translate the subsidiaries’ assets and liabilities into using the applicable exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet date, and the statements of
income and cash flows are translated at the applicable average exchange rates during the reporting period. Adjustments resulting from the translation
of the subsidiaries’ financial statements are recorded as accumulated other comprehensive income.
The balance sheet amounts with the exception of equity were translated using RMB6.30 and RMB6.59 to $1.00 at December 31, 2011 and 2010,
respectively. The equity accounts were stated at their historical exchange rates. The average translation rates applied to the income and cash flow
statement amounts for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 were RMB6.46, RMB6.76 and RMB6.82 to $1.00, respectively.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our audited consolidated financial statements
included with this report which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or U.S.
GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of assets and liabilities, including the recoverability of tangible and intangible assets, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the
date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of expenses during the periods covered. A summary of accounting policies that have been applied
to the historical financial statements can be found in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Our management evaluates our estimates on an on-going basis. The most significant estimates relate to collectability of receivables and the fair value and
accounting treatment of financial instruments. We based our estimates on our historical and industry experience and on various other assumptions that we
believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities
that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ materially from those estimates.
The following is a brief discussion of these critical accounting policies and methods, and the judgments and estimates used by us in their application:
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Accounts receivable and other receivables
Our management reviews the composition of receivables and analyzes historical bad debts, customer concentration, customer credit worthiness, current
economic trends and changes in customer payment patterns to determine if the allowance for doubtful accounts is adequate. An estimate for doubtful accounts
is made when collection of the full amount is no longer probable. Delinquent account balances are written-off after management has determined that the
likelihood of collection is not probable, known bad debts are written off against allowance for doubtful accounts when identified. As we continue to expand
our business, we may loosen credit terms for customers that have had long-term relationships with us. We also perform credit checks on new customers to
determine their financial strength. Further, as a part of the allowance assessment process, our management reviews payment history. The aforementioned
procedures all rely on historical performance; however, historical results are not indicative of future collection performance, which may expose us to
adjustments with a material impact on our financial performance.
Fair value of financial instruments
We generally do not use derivative financial instruments to hedge exposures to cash-flow risks or market-risks. However, certain financial instruments, such
as warrants, which are denominated in U.S. Dollars, a currency other than RMB, our functional currency and therefore not considered as indexed to our own
stock, are classified as derivative liabilities. Determining the fair value of derivative financial instruments involves judgment and the use of certain relevant
assumptions including, but not limited to, interest rate risk, credit risk, and equivalent volatility. The use of different assumptions could have a material effect
on the estimated fair values.
Analysis of Results of Operations
Comparison of Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
Revenue
Our sales increased by $95.8 million, or 44.1%, to $313.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 up from $217.3 million in the year ended December
31, 2010. The significant growth in sales resulted from the addition of new customers and increased sales from existing customers.
In 2011, SGOCO’s top 10 customers provided $222.3 million in revenue, a $71.0 million increase from 2010’s revenues from top 10 customers. In 2010 there
were only two customers with revenue over $20 million while in 2011 there were five such customers. The top pre-existing customer increased its sales over
the previous year from $42.3 million to $60.1 million. Only two customers represented greater than 10% of our revenue during the years ended December 31,
2011 and 2010.
Changes in our top customers arose primarily as a result of our rapid growth. Additionally, our sales efforts are concentrated on the customers that we have
been able to negotiate the most favorable terms, as a result, our top customers are subject to change from period to period.
The percentage of revenues from SGOCO brand, non-SGOCO brand and OEM and other electronic components for the years ended December 31, 2011 and
2010 are as follows:
SGOCO brand
Non-SGOCO brand and OEM
Other (electronic components)
For the
years ended
December 31,
2011
2010
61.5%
32.0%
6.5%
75.0%
20.3%
4.7%
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Cost of goods sold
Cost of goods sold increased by $94.8 million, or 51.4%, to $279.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2011 from $184.6 million in the year ended
December 31, 2010.
The cost of goods sold is primarily composed of the cost of panels, direct labor and other overhead expenses. The increase in the cost of goods sold was
mainly due to the increase in unit sales and a corresponding increase in purchases of raw materials to manufacture products. Our main production materials
are LCD/ LED panels, main boards, metal and plastic parts, speakers, packing materials, and cables. Panel costs constitute the majority of the costs of our
finished LCD/LED products.
After the Sale of Honesty Group, cost of goods sold consists of the cost of finished products purchased from Guanke and other outsourced manufacturers or
suppliers. No longer limited to a single manufacturing facility, we are now able to outsource our production to any low cost manufacturers or suppliers able to
provide quality products. This ability provides the potential to improve flexibility in sourcing products and to significantly reduce our capital expenditures,
depreciation, labor costs and inventory positions.
Gross margin
As a percentage of total sales, our overall gross margin was 10.8% for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to 15.0% for the previous year. Gross
margins during 2011 were negatively impacted by increased price competition and softening customer demand compared to 2010.
In response to margin pressure we are looking to sell more application specific products with higher gross margins. After the Sale of Honesty Group, we are
planning to phase out low-margin OEM sales over the next one to two years. We intend to focus on our SGOCO brands and licensed TCL and Founder
brands, which have enjoyed 11% to 15% gross margins in the past.
Selling expenses
During the year ended December 31, 2011, selling expenses were approximately $1.7 million, an increase of $1.0 million, or 142.8% from $0.7 million the
year before.
Selling expenses include sales staff’s salary and benefits, transportation fees, customs duties, sales agent fees, SGOCO Image program expenses, etc.
The increased selling expenses arose from the Company’s decision in 2011 to engage import/export companies to handle overseas sales. As a result, the
Company saw increases in customs duties and trading company agent fees.
General and administrative expenses
General and administrative expenses amounted to approximately $5.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, slightly lower than $6.4 million for the
previous year.
General and administrative expenses include office staff salary and benefits, legal, auditors’ and consultants’ fees, office expenses, travel and living expenses,
entertainment, research and development and IT expenses, etc.
General and administrative expenses were lower in 2011 because in 2010 the Company incurred costs related to its Acquisition and up-listing on NASDAQ.
Interest expense
Net interest expense was approximately $1.8 million, an increase of $0.9 million, from $0.9 million the year before. The increase was due to increased short
term loans from banks before the Sale of Honesty Group. After the Sale of Honesty Group, SGOCO had no outstanding loans from banks and interest
expenses became minimal.
- 34 -
Income before income taxes
As a result of the foregoing factors, income before taxes increased by $1.8 million, or 7.8%, to $25.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011,
compared with $23.4 million for fiscal year 2010.
Income taxes
Income tax was $8.7 million in 2011 compared with $3.5 million for 2010.
There were no significant income tax rate changes for any of the Company’s legal entities in 2011. Excluding the tax effect from the Sale of Honesty Group
and the non-taxable fair value change in warrant derivative liability, effective income tax rates were 13.6% and 14.8% in 2011 and 2010, respectively. Guanke
was granted an income tax exemption for two years commencing from January 1, 2007 and was subject to 50% of the 25% EIT tax rate, or 12.5%, from
January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2011. All other subsidiaries in the PRC are subject to the statutory EIT rate of 25%.
Included in the income taxes for the year ended 31 December 2011 there was a $5.4 million provision related to the Sale of Honesty Group. According to the
Circular on the State Administration of Taxation on Strengthening the Management of EIT Collection of Proceeds from Equity Transfers by Non-Resident
Enterprises (Guoshuihan [2009] No. 698), a non-PRC Tax Resident Enterprise is subject to the PRC EIT on the taxable gain arising from a sale or transfer of
any intermediate offshore company that directly or indirectly holds an interest, including any assets, subsidiaries, or other forms of business operations, in the
PRC at a rate of 10%, or otherwise stipulated in an applicable tax treaty or arrangement. Circular No. 698 applies to all such transactions conducted on or
after January 1, 2008. Any late payment of this tax will be subject to interest at 0.05 percent per day. If a reasonable business purposes is confirmed and a tax
waiver is granted by the State Tax Bureau, the accrual of the tax provision can be fully reversed in future fiscal years.
Net income
As a result of the various factors described above, net income decreased $3.3 million, or 16.6%, to $16.6 million for 2011 from $19.9 million in 2010. The net
income margins were 5.3% and 9.2% for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The lower margin in 2011 was primarily attributable to
increased price competition in the market and the tax provision related to the Sale of Honesty Group.
Comparison of Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 2010 and 2009
Revenue
Our sales increased by $149.43 million, or 220.2%, to $217.30 million in the year ended December 31, 2010 up from $67.87 million in the year ended
December 31, 2009. The significant growth in sales resulted from the addition of new customers and increased sales from existing customers. Two new large
customers provided $60.04 million in revenues or 40.2% of the total revenue increase. Moreover, three pre-existing customers increased their sales over the
previous year by $37.4 million, thereby accounting for another 25.1% of the revenue increase. When comparing the sales for 2010 and 2009, it is important to
remember that in the first half of 2009, we operated out of a much smaller facility that limited our production capacity. Once we had established ourselves in
the new production facility, we were able to take advantage of demand for our products and sell a far greater number of products. The overall market situation
in 2010 was much better than 2009 when repercussions of the global financial crisis still lingered. Finally, we saw strong export sales. Our international sales
increased by $28.76 million, or 1178.9%, to $31.20 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, up from $2.44 million in the year ended December 31,
2009.
The percentage of SGOCO brand sales, non-SGOCO brand and OEM manufacturing sales and other sales of electronic components for the years ended
December 31, 2010 and 2009 are as follows:
SGOCO brand sales
Non-SGOCO brand and OEM manufacturing
Other (electronic components)
For the
year ended
December 31,
2010
2009
75.0%
20.3%
4.7%
79.2%
10.4%
10.4%
- 35 -
During the year ended December 31, 2010, 35% of our revenues were generated from two customers. The identity of our largest customers has generally
changed from period to period. Two of the customers that represented greater than 10% of our revenue during the year ended December 31, 2010, represented
greater than 10% of our revenue during the year ended December 31, 2009. The three material customers that comprised 64% of our revenues in 2009 were
replaced by larger customers in 2010. Changes in our top customers arose primarily as a result of our rapid growth, coupled with a broadening of our
customer base. Additionally, our sales efforts are concentrated on the customers with whom we have been able to negotiate the most favorable terms and are
subject to change from period to period.
Cost of goods sold
Cost of goods sold increased by $126.84 million, or 219.6%, to $184.60 million in the year ended December 31, 2010 from $57.76 million in the year ended
December 31, 2009. The cost of goods sold is primarily composed of the cost of panels, direct labor and other overhead expenses. The increase in the cost of
goods sold was mainly due to the increase in unit sales and a corresponding increase in purchases of raw materials to manufacture products. Our main
production materials are LCD/LED panels, main boards, metal and plastic parts, speakers, packing materials and cables.
Gross margin
As a percentage of total sales, our overall gross margin was 15.1% for the year ended December 31, 2010 compared to 14.9% for the same period the
previous year.
Selling expenses
During the year ended December 31, 2010, selling expenses were approximately $0.70 million, an increase of $0.58 million, or 498.8%, from $0.12 million
the year before. The increase was due to the increase in sales volume and a corresponding increase in selling expense.
General and administrative expenses
General and administrative expenses amounted to approximately $6.44 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, an increase of approximately $5.55
million, or 624.4%, compared to approximately $0.89 million the previous year. The increase was mainly due to:
1.
2.
3.
$1.04 million in costs related to our reverse merger in March 2010;
$0.98 million in costs related to professional fees including audit, legal and consulting fees associated with being a public company in 2010; and
$0.5 million in costs related to an increased headcount to meet production growth, the hiring of new officers and office lease.
Interest expense
Net interest expense was approximately $0.93 million, an increase of $0.10 million, from $0.83 million the year before. The increase was due to the increase
in debt necessary to support sales growth and investment in new production capacity.
Income before income taxes
As a result of the foregoing factors, income before tax increased by $15.26 million, or 186.2%, to $23.45 million in the year ended December 31, 2010,
compared with $8.19 million for 2009.
- 36 -
Income taxes
Income tax was $3.51 million in 2010 compared with $1.03 million for 2009. Guanke was granted an income tax exemption for two years commencing from
January 1, 2007 and is subject to 50% of the 25% EIT tax rate, or 12.5%, from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2011.
Net income
As a result of the various factors described above, net income increased $12.77 million, or 178.4%, to $19.93 million in 2010 from $7.16 million in 2009. The
net income margins were 9.2% and 10.6% for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The lower margin in 2010 was attributable to the
large increase in general and administrative expenses.
Inflation
According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the annual average percent changes in the consumer price index in China for 2009, 2010 and 2011
were a decrease of 0.7%, an increase of 3.3% and an increase of 5.4%, respectively. The year-over-year percent changes in the consumer price index for
February 2010, 2011 and 2012 were an increase of 2.7%, 4.9% and 3.2%, respectively.
Although we have not been materially affected by inflation in the past, we did see increased costs for materials and labor costs. We can provide no assurance
that we will not be affected in the future by higher rates of inflation in China.
Analysis of Financial Condition
Comparison as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable decreased to $19.68 million as of December 31, 2011, from $56.03 million as of December 31, 2010. The significant decrease in
accounts receivable was partially impacted by the Sale of Honesty Group as the accounts receivables were part of the assets sold with Honesty Group.
Accounts receivable on December 31, 2011 represented the receivables of both SGOCO International and SGOCO (Fujian).
Our major customers are large well-established distributors and trading companies with relatively strong financial strength and credits. Careful monitoring of
the credit quality of our customers enabled us to significantly increase sales without experiencing any major losses in our accounts receivables.
Inventory
Inventory decreased to $1.86 million as of December 31, 2011, a significant decrease from $17.29 million as of December 31, 2010. The significant decrease
in inventory was primarily due to the Sale of Honesty Group and subsequent to such sale SGOCO kept relatively low inventory as it no longer owned and
operated the manufacturing facilities.
Advances to suppliers
Advances to suppliers decreased to $4.61 million as of December 31, 2011 from $23.31 million as of December 31, 2010. The significant decrease in
advances to suppliers was primarily due to the Sale of Honesty Group. Subsequent to such sale SGOCO did not need to make significant advances to
suppliers.
As of December 31, 2011, we had $0.53 million in unrestricted cash and $73.76 million in working capital. As of December 31, 2010, we had $23.49 million
in unrestricted cash and $38.68 million in working capital. The current ratios were 7.57 as of December 31, 2011 and 1.41 as of December 31, 2010.
B. Liquidity and capital resources.
After the Sale of Honesty Group, liquidity ratios of the Company improved significantly and capital resource requirements decreased. SGOCO’s current
asset position increased significantly due to the large amount consideration receivable from Apex Flourish Group while its capital expenditures and liabilities
were reduced to a low level with the “light-asset” business model.
- 37 -
Prior to the Sale of Honesty Group, we aggressively expanded our efforts in sales and distribution which had a significant increase in expenses. We met these
requirements through a combination of additional capital contributions, bank financing and government subsidies.
Revenue in 2011 increased 44.1%. Accounts receivable turnover improved to 8.3x (or a 44-day average collection period, or ACP) from 5.8x (or a 63-day
ACP) in 2010. We carefully monitor the credit quality of our customers and, consequently, we were able to significantly increase sales without experiencing
any major losses in accounts receivables.
Our 2011 inventory turnover rate improved significantly to 29.2x (or 13 days on hand, or DOH) from 17.3x (or 21 days DOH) in 2010. The improvement
stemmed from better coordination between our sales and manufacturing departments (sold with Honesty Group in the middle of November 2011) and a
revamping of our logistics system. The overall accounts receivable and inventory days in 2011 were 57 days, better than 2010’s 84 days, exceeding our
targeted 80 to 100 days conversion cycle. The improvement was partially impacted by the “light-asset” business model with smaller positions of inventory
and accounts receivable without the manufacturing facility.
Costs of goods sold increased in 2011 by 51.4%. However, at the same time we accelerated our accounts payable turnover to 12.6x (or 29 days average
payment period) from 10.4x (or 35 days average payment period) in 2010. The speed with which we pay our vendors is balanced against our desire to
maintain a continued, timely access to quality supplies of products.
We had sufficient capital resources, both internal and external, to cover our working capital and investment. In addition to operating profits, we relied upon:
1.
2.
additional equity contributions from shareholders;
a subsidy from the Jinjiang City Government to support technology development and manufacturing (applicable prior to the Sale of Honesty Group);
and
3.
various short-term lines of credit and trade finance facilities from commercial banks (applicable prior to the Sale of Honesty Group).
Our principal source of liquidity has been cash generated by our operations, borrowings, and the net proceeds received from the Sale of Honesty Group. In the
past, we have received interest-free working capital loans from our major shareholder, Sun Zone Investments Limited (“Sun Zone”). As of December 31,
2011, we held $0.5 million in unrestricted cash and had working capital of $73.76 million. Our unrestricted cash consists of cash on hand and demand
deposits in accounts maintained with financial institutions or state owned banks within PRC, Hong Kong and USA.
Prior to the Sale of Honesty Group, our principal uses of cash were funding of working capital requirements and to scale up our manufacturing capacity
through investments in equipment and construction. Our principal sources of cash have been from the credit facilities. As described below, we have in the past
been able to renew our credit facilities. Although we have in the past been able to renew these facilities and repay the loans and borrow again from the same
banks, there is no assurance that we will be able to renew these facilities in the future. After the Sale of Honesty Group, SGOCO did not have any short-term
loans or other loans from banks.
In order to raise additional financing, we may sell additional equity or debt securities or borrow from lending institutions. Financing may be unavailable in the
amounts we need or on terms acceptable to us. The sale of additional equity securities, including convertible debt securities, would dilute our earnings per
share. The incurrence of debt would divert cash from working capital and capital expenditures to service debt obligations and could result in operating and
financial covenants that restrict our operations and ability to pay dividends to shareholders, among other restrictions. If we cannot obtain additional equity or
debt financing as required, we will, among other things, be required to tighten credit terms, hold less inventory, reduce advances to suppliers and slow down
investment in capital expenditures, which would result in slower growth in revenues and profits.
- 38 -
Debt
Pursuant to the Sale and Purchase Agreement, Apex assumed all debt of Honesty Group and its subsidiaries. After the Sale of Honesty Group, SGOCO did
not have any short-term loans or other loans from banks.
As of December 31, 2011, Sun Zone had loaned $0.16 million and $0.05 million to SGOCO International and SGOCO, respectively. The loans were for the
purpose of SGOCO’s working capital needs, and were non-interest bearing, unsecured and payable on demand.
Intercompany Loans and Capital Contributions
We may make loans or additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries to finance their operations. Any loans or capital contributions to our PRC
operating subsidiaries are subject to restrictions or approvals under PRC laws, rules and regulations. For example, loans by us to our operating subsidiaries in
China, which are foreign-invested enterprises, to finance their activities may not exceed statutory limits and must be registered with the local SAFE branch.
We may also decide to finance our PRC operating subsidiaries by making additional capital contributions to such entities. The PRC Ministry of Commerce or
its local counterparts must approve these capital contributions. We have been able to obtain these government approvals in the past. But, we cannot be sure
that we will be able to obtain these government approvals on a timely basis, if at all, regarding any such loans or capital contributions. If we fail to receive
such approvals, our ability to use the proceeds of any equity or debt offerings to capitalize our PRC operations may be negatively affected, which could
adversely affect our ability to fund and expand our business.
Related Party Transactions
Prior to the year 2011, the Company and BORO (Fujian) Electronic Co., Ltd. (“BORO”) provided working capital loans to each other. The loans were all
interest-free demand loans and were not formalized in written documents. We utilized loans from BORO rather than banking institutions because the approval
process was faster and the loans were interest free. We provided BORO with such loans in prior periods as BORO was a significant customer.
During the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, the largest loan amounts outstanding from BORO for the benefit of SGOCO were $2.9 million and $2.3
million, respectively, and the largest loan amounts outstanding from SGOCO for the benefit of BORO were $4.8 million and $2.8 million, respectively. After
October 2010, we did not engage in any such transactions with BORO. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, no amounts remained outstanding from either
party. Sun Zone no longer held an interest in BORO.
Sun Zone loaned $2.5 million during the fourth quarter of 2010 to Honesty Group for the entity’s cash flow purposes. The loan was non-interest bearing,
unsecured, and repayable on demand. As the loans were given to Honesty Group, after the Sale of Honesty Group, the loans were offset against the total
consideration.
As of December 31, 2011, Sun Zone had loaned $0.16 million and $0.05 million to SGOCO International and SGOCO, respectively. The loans were for the
purpose of SGOCO’s working capital needs, and were non-interest bearing, unsecured and payable on demand.
During the year ended December 31, 2011 there was no related party transaction except the loan from Sun Zone for $0.2 million.
Inflation
Inflationary factors, such as increases in the cost of raw materials and components and overhead costs, could impair our operating results. Although we do not
believe that inflation has had a material impact on our financial position or results of operations to date, a high rate of inflation in the future may have an
adverse effect on our ability to maintain current levels of gross margin and selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue if the
selling prices of our products do not increase with these increased costs.
- 39 -
C. Research and development, patents and licenses, etc.
Product Development
Starting in 2009, we initiated several product development initiatives aimed at meeting evolving market demand and at strengthening our position as a value-
priced producer of branded LCD/LED products.
Design engineering and testing on several new products for future introduction based on market demand: e-Boards; All-In-One PC (PC integrated into
LCD/LED monitor); internet TV (LCD/LED TV with web browsing capability); mobile internet devices such as tablet PCs; netbooks; multi-touch screen
monitors; e-Readers; 3D LCD/LED TVs; LED-backlit monitors; and large-scale, multi-screen display systems for advertising, public announcement and other
institutional uses.
Prototyping its own LED backlight module to replace conventional CFL backlights in a new family of thin LCD/LED monitors. We also began work on
developing a module design suitable for mass production on our existing tools. We have historically outsourced a significant portion of our product
development to third-party design houses working on a project basis. This has allowed us to control engineering expenses while increase revenues to a larger
base. Going forward, we anticipate bringing more of these critical engineering functions in-house.
Please see footnote 2 “Accounting policies – Research and development costs” in the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for a
discussion of our research and development costs during the last three fiscal years.
D. Trend information.
Other than as disclosed elsewhere in this Annual Report, we are not aware of any trends, uncertainties, demands, commitments or events since January 1,
2012 that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our net revenues, income, profitability, liquidity or capital resources, or that caused the
disclosed financial information to be not necessarily indicative of future operating results or financial conditions.
E. Off-balance sheet arrangements.
We do not have any outstanding off-balance sheet guarantees, interest rate swap transactions or foreign currency forward contracts. We do not engage in
trading activities involving non-exchange traded contracts. In our ongoing business, we do not enter into transactions involving, or otherwise form
relationships with, unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships that are established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements for other
contractually narrow or limited purposes.
F. Tabular disclosure of contractual obligations.
Our contractual obligations primarily consist of operating lease obligations and capital commitments. The following table sets forth a breakdown of our
contractual obligations as of December 31, 2011 and their maturity profile:
Capital contributions (1)
Operating lease obligations (2)
- Honesty Group
Total
Total
Less than 1
Year
Payment Due by Period
1-3 Years
(U.S. Dollar)
3-5 Years
More than 5
Years
2,250,040
500,000
1,750,040
-
314,057
2,564,097
68,109
568,109
147,569
1,897,609
98,379
98,379
-
-
-
(1)
(2)
The registered capital of SGOCO (Fujian) and Beijing SGOCO are $2,200,000 and $500,000, respectively. As of December 31, 2011, SGOCO
International had paid capital of $449,960 and $nil to SGOCO (Fujian) and Beijing SGOCO, respectively. SGOCO International must pay the
remaining capital within two years of the date of issuance of each subsidiary’s business license according to PRC registration capital management rules.
As of March 19, 2012, SGOCO International had paid registered capital of $100,950 to Beijing SGOCO.
Lease obligations for our office premises, warehouses, computer and other hardware. Following the Sale of Honesty Group, we rent from Honesty
Group 3,000 square meters for office premises, warehouses and staff dormitory in Fujian at a monthly rent of RMB41,000 for a period of 1-7 years
from July 1, 2011.
- 40 -
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
A. Directors and senior management.
Our directors and executive officers are set forth in the table below followed by a brief biography.
Name
Burnette Or
Tin Man Or
Frank Wu
Robert Eu
John Chen
Pik Yue Hon
Yoann Normandeau
David Xu
Robert Lu
William Krolicki
1 As of January 1, 2012
Position
Age1
45 Chief Executive Officer, President and Director
69 Director
40 Director
49 Director
39 Director
38 Director
28 Director
46 Chief Financial Officer
48 Chief Operating Officer
43 Vice President, Finance
Burnette Or, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Or has been in his current positions since April 1, 2010. He is a seasoned IT
entrepreneur with experience in sales, marketing, business development, investment and finance in China and the U.S. Mr. Or started his career in Hewlett
Packard, later served as Chief Representative of the China region for Chuntex Electronics Co. (Taiwan), maker of “CTX” brand of LCD monitors. He holds
Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science degrees in electrical engineering from Oregon State University in the US.
Tin Man Or, Director. Mr. Or has been a director since April 1, 2010. He has over 35 years of experience in the manufacturing industry. He has held the
position of general manager for Hong Kong Dong Sheng Trading Co., Ltd., Hong Kong Di Gao Trading Co., Ltd., and Hong Kong Run Feng Group Co., Ltd.
Mr. Or served as general manager of Honesty Group from 2005 to 2011. Mr. Tin Man Or owns Sun Zone Investments Limited, major shareholder of SGOCO
Group, Ltd.
Frank Wu, Director. Mr. Wu has been a director since April 1, 2010. He is currently Assistant General Manager of the Hubei Branch for Yingda Taihe Life
Insurance Co. Prior to joining Yingda Taihe Life Insurance Co., Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance’s joint venture in China, Mr. Wu served as General
Manager and Financial Supervisor for Northern China for the Beijing Branch of Anbang Insurance Co. from 2006-2007 when he was responsible for financial
affairs in the Beijing area. Mr. Wu holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in business management from Beifang Technology University.
Robert Eu, Director. Mr. Eu has been a director since our inception in 2007. He was our Secretary and Chief Financial Officer until September 4, 2009. Mr.
Eu is also Executive Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Eu Yan Sang International Limited, a trusted, global leading integrative healthcare
and wellness company with a strong foundation in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Mr. Eu also serves as a board member of Top Tier Capital Partners, a private
equity asset management firm.
Mr. Eu is also an Advisory Director at W.R. Hambrecht + Co., LLC (“WR Hambrecht + Co”), a San Francisco-based investment bank which he has been
affiliated with since 1998. From 1993 to 1998, Mr. Robert Eu was a Managing Director of H&Q Asia Pacific, a leading Asian private equity firm. From1992-
1993, he was the Business Development Manager for Eu Yan Sang (Hong Kong) Limited. Mr. Eu was also with Citibank NA Hong Kong. He graduated with
a Bachelor of Arts in History from Northwestern University, USA.
John Chen, Director. Mr. Chen has been a director since November 16, 2010. Since May 2004, Mr. Chen has served as the Chief Financial Officer and
Director of General Steel Holdings, Inc., a NYSE listed company. From October 1997 until May 2003, Mr. Chen served as a Senior Accountant at Moore
Stephens Frazer and Torbet, LLP. Mr. Chen is a California Certified Public Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and
accounting from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California, USA.
- 41 -
Pik Yue Teresa Hon, Director. Ms. Hon has been a director since December 22, 2011. She is currently an independent consultant to the PC industry. From
May 1998 to December 2010, she worked for Integrated Device Technology, Inc. where she eventually held the title of IC Design Manager. During her time
with Integrated Device Technology, Inc. Ms. Hon developed and designed chips and other components in the PC clock industry. Ms. Hon holds a Bachelor of
Science degree in electrical engineering from University of California, Davis, and a Master of Science in electrical engineering from Santa Clara University.
Yoann Normandeau, Director. Mr. Normandeau has been a director since February 21, 2012. Since 2010, Mr. Normandeau has specialized as an Immigration
Lawyer for Ameri-Can International Capital Inc. In 2010, he served as an Apple Solutions Consultant for Apple Canada Inc. From 2008 to 2009 he worked
for Me Patrice Leblanc as a Corporate Lawyer. Mr. Normandeau holds a L.L.B. Bachelor of Law and a B.A. in Management from Sherbrooke University,
Canada. He also holds an MBA in International Management from Sherbrooke University and a Master Degree in Management from Goupe École Supérieure
de Commerce et de Management, France. Mr. Normandeau is a member of the Quebec's Bar Association, Canada.
David Xu, Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Xu’s career in finance and accounting spans over 20 years in both Asia and North America. His experience includes
leading finance and risk management positions with General Electric, Zurich Insurance and Yum! Brands. His nearly 10 years in GE includes Six Sigma
Black Belt experience leading large-scale strategic projects. Prior to joining SGOCO in May 2011, he served as CFO of China Maple Leaf Educational
Systems and CFO of the World Bank IFC/CUNA Mutual Insurance joint venture company. Mr. Xu has also acted as an independent financial reporting
consultant advising clients including Manulife Financial, Zurich Financial Services and TD Bank Financial Group. Mr. Xu holds an MBA in Corporate
Finance from University of Illinois at Chicago and a Bachelor’s Degree in English and American Literature from Beijing Normal University.
Robert Lu, Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Lu has over 20 years’ experience in the display industry in China and North America. Prior to joining SGOCO in
October 2009, Mr. Lu served as Vice General Manager at TPV Technology Group China OEM BU/Branding BU, and was responsible for sales, marketing,
and business development. Before 2004, Mr. Lu held various management positions at TPV Technology Group North America Operations. From 1992 to
1994, Mr. Lu worked as the Special Assistant to the VP at TPV China manufacturing facility in charge of product development and quality assurance. Mr. Lu
earned a Bachelor’s degree in Space Physics from National Wuhan University and a Masters’ degree in Electrical Engineering from the City University of
New York in the United States.
William Krolicki, Vice President, Finance. Mr. Krolicki joined SGOCO in August 2010. From 2002 until August 2010, Mr. Krolicki worked as an
independent consultant advising companies on investments in China. The scope of his work included mergers and acquisitions and foreign direct investment
in China. Mr. Krolicki holds an MBA from the Wharton Business School and a BA in East Asian Studies from Middlebury College.
B. Compensation.
The primary objectives of our compensation policies regarding executive compensation are to attract and retain the best possible executives to lead us and to
properly motivate these executives to perform at the highest levels of which they are capable. Compensation levels established for our executives are designed
to promote loyalty, long-term commitment and the achievement of its goals, to motivate the best possible performance and to award achievement of
budgetary goals to the extent such responsibility is within the executive’s job description. Compensation decisions regarding our named executive officers
have historically focused on attracting and retaining individuals who could help us to meet and exceed our financial and operational goals. Our Board of
Directors considered the growth of the Company, individual performance and market trends when setting individual compensation levels.
For the year ended December 31, 2011, the aggregate cash compensation paid to our executive officers were approximately $323,000. There were no bonus,
ordinary shares and stock options granted for directors, executive officers and consultants in 2011.
Our PRC subsidiaries are required by law to make contributions equal to certain percentages of each employee’s salary for his or her pension insurance,
medical insurance, housing fund, unemployment and other statutory benefits for our Chinese employees. As all our executives and majority of our directors
are non-Chinese citizens and there are no mandatory requirements for the above-mentioned contributions, we have not set aside or accrued any amount to
provide pension, retirement or other similar benefits to our executive officers and directors.
- 42 -
Base salary
We believe that the base salary element is required in order to provide executive officers with a stable income stream that is commensurate with their
responsibilities and competitive market conditions. Our Board of Directors established base salaries payable to executive officers with the goal of providing a
fixed component of compensation, reflecting the executive officer’s skill set, experience, role and responsibilities. The determination of our Board of
Directors and compensation committee of whether any of the executive officers merited an increase in base salary during any particular year depended on the
individual’s performance during the prior fiscal year, our performance during the prior fiscal year and competitive market practices. In establishing the current
base salary levels, our Board of Directors and compensation committee did not engage in any particular benchmarking activities or engage any outside
compensation advisors.
Annual bonus
Bonus for any of executive officers are discretionary and are generally linked to his or her individual performances for the year, including contribution to our
strategic and corporate operating plans, with individual performance and providing executive officers performance incentives for attaining specific goals.
2010 Equity Incentive Plan
On September 27, 2010, our Board of Directors approved the 2010 Equity Incentive Plan, or 2010 Plan, subject to shareholder approval which occurred on
November 17, 2010.
Purpose. The purpose of the 2010 Plan is to promote our success and to increase shareholder value by providing an additional means through the grant of
equity compensation awards to attract, motivate, retain and reward selected employees and other eligible persons of SGOCO.
Shares Subject to 2010 Plan. Subject to adjustments under certain conditions, the maximum number of shares that may be delivered pursuant to awards under
the 2010 Plan is equal to 7% of the aggregate number of shares outstanding from time to time.
Administration. The 2010 Plan shall be administered by, and all equity compensation awards under the 2010 Plan shall be authorized by the Board or one or
more committees appointed by the Board (the “Administrator”). Any committee of the Board that serves as the Administrator shall be comprised solely of
one or more directors or such number of directors as may be required under applicable laws and may delegate some or all of its authority to another
committee so constituted. Unless otherwise provided in our Memorandum and Articles of Association or the applicable charter of any Administrator:
1.
2.
a majority of the members of the acting Administrator shall constitute a quorum; and
the vote of a majority of the members present assuming the presence of a quorum or the unanimous written consent of the members of the
Administrator shall constitute action by the acting Administrator.
Eligibility. The Administrator may grant equity compensation awards under the 2010 Plan only to those persons that the Administrator determines to be either
an officer, employee, director of SGOCO or a consultant or advisor of SGOCO (each of the foregoing, an “Eligible Person”); provided, however, that
incentive stock options may only be granted to an Eligible Person who is an employee of SGOCO. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a person who is otherwise
an Eligible Person may participate in the 2010 Plan only if such participation would not compromise our ability to comply with applicable laws (including
securities laws). A participant may, if otherwise eligible, be granted additional equity compensation awards if the Administrator shall so determine.
Type and Form of Awards. The Administrator shall determine the type or types of equity compensation award(s) to be made to each selected Eligible Person.
Under the 2010 Plan, the Administrator may grant options to purchase ordinary shares, share appreciation rights, restricted shares, and restricted share units.
Such awards may be granted singly, in combination or in tandem. Awards also may be made in combination or in tandem with, in replacement of, as
alternatives to, or as the payment form for grants or rights under any other employee or compensation plan of SGOCO.
- 43 -
Performance-Based Awards. The Administrator may grant equity compensation awards as performance-based shares under the 2010 Plan. Each such equity
compensation award will have an initial value that is established by the Administrator on or before the date of grant. The grant, vesting, exercisability or
payment of performance-based equity compensation awards may depend on the degree of achievement of one or more performance goals relative to a pre-
established targeted level or a level using one or more of the business criteria (on an absolute or relative basis) for SGOCO on a consolidated basis or for one
or more of SGOCO’s subsidiaries, segments, divisions or business units, or any combination of the foregoing.
Transfer Restrictions. Except as specifically provided in the 2010 Plan:
1.
2.
3.
all equity compensation awards are non-transferable and shall not be subject in any manner to sale, transfer, anticipation, alienation, assignment,
pledge, encumbrance or charge;
equity compensation awards shall be exercised only by the relevant participant; and
amounts payable or shares issuable pursuant to any equity compensation award shall be delivered only to (or for the account of) the relevant
participant.
The 2010 Plan provides that incentive share options may not be transferred except by will or the laws of descent and distribution. The Administrator has
discretion to permit transfers of other awards where it concludes such transferability is appropriate and desirable.
Amendment and Termination. The 2010 Plan will continue in effect until the 10th anniversary of its approval by the shareholders, unless earlier terminated by
our Board. Our Board may amend, suspend or terminate the 2010 Plan as it shall deem advisable, except that no amendment may adversely affect a grantee
regarding awards previously granted unless such amendments are in connection with compliance with applicable laws; provided that the Board may not make
any amendment in the 2010 Plan that would, if such amendment were not approved by the shareholders, cause the 2010 Plan to fail to comply with any
requirement of applicable laws, unless and until shareholder approval is obtained. No award may be granted during any suspension of the 2010 Plan or after
termination of the 2010 Plan. No amendment, suspension or termination of the 2010 Plan or change affecting any outstanding equity compensation award
shall, without written consent of the relevant participant, affect in any manner materially adverse to the relevant participant any rights or benefits of the
relevant participant or obligations of SGOCO under any equity compensation award granted under the 2010 Plan prior to the effective date of such change.
There were no awards granted under the 2010 Plan during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.
Employment Agreements
We have entered into employment agreements with each of our senior executive officers. We may terminate a senior executive officer’s employment for
cause, at any time, without notice or remuneration, for certain acts of the officer, including, but not limited to, a conviction or plea of guilty to a felony,
negligent or dishonest acts to our detriment or misconduct or a failure to perform agreed duties. A senior executive officer may, upon advance written notice,
terminate his or her employment if there is a material and substantial reduction in his or her authority and responsibilities and such resignation is approved by
our Board of Directors. Furthermore, we may, upon advance written notice, terminate a senior executive officer’s employment at any time without cause.
Each senior executive officer is entitled to certain benefits upon termination, including severance pay, if we terminate the employment without cause or if he
or she resigns upon the approval of our Board of Directors.
We will indemnify a senior executive officer for his or her losses based on or related to his or her acts and decisions made in the course of his or her
performance of duties within the scope of his or her employment.
Each senior executive officer has agreed to hold in strict confidence any trade secrets or confidential information of our company. Each officer also agrees to
faithfully and diligently serve our company in accordance with the employment agreement and the guidelines, policies and procedures of our company
approved from time to time by our Board of Directors.
- 44 -
C. Board Practices.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors currently has seven directors. Under our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, our Board of Directors may
not consist of less than two directors with no maximum number. Our directors shall hold office until their successors are elected or appointed, which will be at
the Company’s next annual meeting of shareholders. We do not have service contracts with our directors (other than our employment agreement with Mr.
Burnette Or), and do not provide our directors with any benefits upon termination of their service.
Subject to any provision to the contrary in the Articles, a Director may be removed by way of:
1.
2.
an ordinary resolution of the Members at any time before the expiration of his period of office notwithstanding anything in the Articles or in any
agreement between the Company and such Director (but without prejudice to any claim for damages under any such agreement); or
a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors if such removal is for cause at any time before the expiration of his period of office notwithstanding
anything in the Articles or in any agreement between the Company and such Director (but without prejudice to any claim for damages under any such
agreement).
The office of a Director shall be vacated if the Director:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
resigns his or her office by notice in writing delivered to the Company at the Office or tendered at a meeting of the Board;
becomes of unsound mind or dies;
without special leave of absence from the Board, is absent from meetings of the Board for six consecutive months and the Board resolves that his or
her office be vacated;
becomes bankrupt or has a receiving order made against him or her, or suspends payment or compounds with his or her creditors;
is prohibited by law from being a Director; or
ceases to be a Director by virtue of any provision of law of the Cayman Islands or is removed from office pursuant to the Company’s Articles.
No contract or transaction between the Company and one or more of its Directors or officers, or between the Company and any other corporation, partnership,
association, or other organization in which one or more of its Directors or officers, are directors or officers, or have a financial interest, shall be void or
voidable solely for this reason, or solely because the Director or officer is present at or participates in the meeting of the Board or committee which authorizes
the contract or transaction, or solely because any such Director’s or officer’s votes are counted for such purpose, if:
1.
2.
3.
the material facts as to the Director’s or officer’s relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the Board
of Directors or the committee, and the Board or committee in good faith authorizes the contract or transaction by the affirmative votes of a majority
of the disinterested directors, even though the disinterested directors be less than a quorum; or
the material facts as to the Director’s or officer’s relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the
shareholders entitled to vote thereon, and the contract or transaction is specifically approved in good faith by vote of the shareholders; or
the contract or transaction is fair as to the Company as of the time it is authorized, approved or ratified, by the Board, a committee or the
shareholders.
The Board of Directors may exercise all the powers of the Company to borrow money, mortgage its undertakings, property and uncalled capital, and issue
debentures, debenture stock and other securities whenever money is borrowed or pledged as security for any obligation of the Company or of any third party.
- 45 -
NASDAQ Requirements for Director Independence
Under the NASDAQ Stock Market Marketplace Rules, or the NASDAQ rules, a majority of our directors must meet the definition of “independent”
contained in those rules. Our Board has determined that Ms. Hon and Messrs. Wu, Chen and Normandeau meet the independence standards contained in the
NASDAQ rules. We do not believe that any of these directors have any relationships that would preclude a finding of independence under these rules and, in
reaching its determination, our Board determined that any other relationships that these directors have with us do not and would not impair their ability to
exercise independent judgment.
Committees of Our Board of Directors
We have established three primary committees of the Board of Directors: an audit committee, a compensation committee and a nominating committee. We
have adopted a charter for each of the committees. Each committee’s members and functions are described below. The Board also created an Equity Plan
Committee consisting of Burnette Or and Frank Wu to administer the Company’s 2010 Plan.
Audit Committee. Our audit committee consists of Mr. Chen (Chairperson), Mr. Wu and Mr. Normandeau. Our Board of Directors has determined that all of
the audit committee members satisfy the “independence” requirements of Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Rule 5605
of NASDAQ rules. In addition, our Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Chen is an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined under SEC
Regulations. The audit committee is responsible for, among other things:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
selecting the independent auditors and pre-approving all auditing and non-auditing services permitted to be performed by the independent auditors;
reviewing with the independent auditors any accounting, internal accounting control or audit problems or difficulties and management’s response
thereto;
meeting with general counsel or outside counsel to discuss legal matters that may have a significant impact on the financial statements;
reviewing and approving all proposed related party transactions;
discussing the annual audited financial statements with management and the independent auditors;
reviewing major issues as to the adequacy of internal controls; and
meeting separately and periodically with management and the independent auditors.
Compensation Committee. Our compensation committee consists of Mr. Wu (Chairperson), Mr. Chen and Ms. Hon. We have determined that all of the
compensation committee members satisfy the “independence” requirements of Rule 5605 of NASDAQ rules. The purpose of the compensation committee is,
among other things, to discharge the responsibilities of our Board of Directors relating to compensation of our directors, executive officers and other key
employees, including reviewing and evaluating and, if necessary, revising the compensation plans, policies and programs of the Company adopted by the
management. Our chief executive officer may not be present at any committee meeting during which his compensation is deliberated. The compensation
committee is responsible for, among other things:
1.
2.
3.
reviewing and approving the total compensation package for our chief executive officer:
reviewing and recommending to the Board regarding the compensation of our directors, principal executives and other key employees; and
reviewing periodically and approving any long-term incentive compensation or equity plans, programs or similar arrangements.
- 46 -
Nominating Committee. Our nominating committee consists of Mr. Normandeau (Chairperson), Mr. Wu and Ms. Hon. We have determined that all of the
nominating committee members satisfy the “independence” requirements of Rule 5605 of NASDAQ rules. The nominating committee assists our Board in
selecting individuals qualified to become members of our Board and in determining the composition of our Board and its committees. The corporate
governance and nominating committee is responsible for, among other things:
1.
2.
3.
4.
identifying and recommending to the Board qualified candidates to be nominated for the election or re-election to the Board of Directors and
committees of the Board of Directors, or for appointment to fill any vacancy;
develop and recommend to the Board of Directors a set of Corporate Governance Guidelines such as Code of Ethics and Conduct, and periodically
review and reassess the adequacy of such guidelines;
reviewing annually with the Board of Directors the current composition of the Board of Directors with regards to characteristics such as
independence, age, skills, experience and availability of service to us; and
advising the Board of Directors periodically regarding significant developments in the law and practice of corporate governance as well as our
compliance with these laws and practices, and making recommendations to the Board of Directors on all matters of corporate governance and on any
remedial actions to be taken, if needed.
D. Employees.
Connected with the Sale of Honesty Group, only a limited number of employees that are essential to our R&D, accounting, marketing and distribution were
transferred to SGOCO (Fujian) and Beijing SGOCO. As a result, the number of our full-time employees decreased from approximately 630 as of December
31, 2010 to approximately 80 as of December 31, 2011. The change in the number and composition of our employees is consistent with the management’s
strategy to transition the Company to a business that focuses on designing, branding and distributing LCD/LED products.
We believe that we maintain a good working relationship with our employees and we have not experienced any significant labor disputes. Our employees
have not entered into any collective bargaining agreements.
E. Share Ownership.
The following table sets forth information, as of July 31, 2012, regarding the beneficial ownership of our ordinary shares by:
1.
2.
each director and executive officer; and
each person known by us to own beneficially more than 5.0% of our outstanding ordinary shares.
Beneficial ownership is determined according to the SEC’s rules and includes voting or investment power regarding the securities. For each person and group
included in this table, percentage ownership is calculated by dividing the number of shares beneficially owned by such person or group and the number of
ordinary shares such person or group has the right to acquire within 60 days after as of July 31, 2012 by the sum of 17,465,356, being the number of ordinary
shares issued and outstanding as of as of July 31, 2012, plus the number of ordinary shares such person or group has the right to acquire within 60 days after
as of July 31, 2012. Except as indicated in the footnotes to the table, the persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power regarding all
shares of ordinary shares shown as beneficially owned by them.
- 47 -
Name
Tin Man Or (1)
Burnette Or
Robert Eu (2)
Frank Wu
John Chen
Pik Yue Hon
Yoann Normandeau
David Xu
William Krolicki
Robert Lu
Principal Shareholders
Sze Kit Ting
Shuk Yu Wong (3)
Ming Suen Jorine Or (4)
“*” Indicates less than 1%
Number
Percent
9,440,000
—
388,111
—
20,000
—
—
—
35,000
—
2,860,000
1,000,000
1,000,000
54.0%
—
2.2%
—
*
—
—
—
*
—
16.4%
5.7%
5.7%
(1) The shares listed in the table are held by Sun Zone Investments Limited, a British Virgin Islands corporation, formed for the purpose of holding stock in
Honesty Group by Mr. Tin Man Or, father of Mr. Burnette Or in connection with the Acquisition, both are directors of Sun Zone Investments Limited.
Sun Zone gifted 1,000,000 shares to Ms. Shuk Yu Wong and 1,000,000 shares to Ms. Ming Suen Jorine Or on October 28, 2011, reducing its total
ordinary shares from 11,440,000 to 9,440,000.
(2) Includes 77,937 shares held by AEX Capital LLC. Mr. Eu is Managing Member of AEX Capital LLC. Also includes 157,293 ordinary shares owned by
WR Hambrecht + Co., LLC. Mr. Eu’s spouse owns approximately 20% of the equity interest of Hambrecht Partners Holdings, LLC, the parent company
of WR Hambrecht + Co., LLC.
(3) Ms. Wong is the spouse of Mr. Tin Man Or.
(4) Ms. Or is the daughter of Mr. Tin Man Or.
Our major shareholders do not have different voting rights than any other shareholder. We are not aware of any arrangement that may, at a subsequent date,
result in a change of control of our company.
As of July 31, 2012, we had 17,465,356 ordinary shares issued and outstanding. To our knowledge, as of such date, we had nine record holders of our shares
located in the United States that held an aggregate of 3,298,047 ordinary shares. The number of beneficial owners of our ordinary shares in the United States
is likely to be much larger than the number of record holders of our ordinary shares in the United States.
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
A. Major Shareholders.
Please refer to “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees — E. Share Ownership.”
B. Related-Party Transactions.
Mr. Tin Man Or owns Sun Zone Investments Limited, or Sun Zone, a British Virgin Islands corporation, that owned 80% of the outstanding stock of Honesty
Group prior to the Acquisition. Sun Zone Investments Limited was also the parent company of Mosview Technology Group Ltd., or Mosview, and BORO
(Fujian) Electronic Co., Ltd., or BORO. Sun Zone sold its ownership of Mosview and BORO to an unrelated party in 2010.
Before 2011, Honesty Group has conducted business with Mosview and BORO in the ordinary course of business. Mosview is an electronics trading
company. We sold products to Mosview and purchased panels from Mosview. BORO is a manufacturing enterprise and a wholesale trader. We sold products
to BORO, but did not purchase materials from BORO. The related party information regarding this relationship is set forth in Note 18 in the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements.
In the past, we and BORO provided working capital loans to each other. The loans were all interest-free demand loans and were not formalized in written
documents. We utilized loans from BORO rather than banking institutions because the approval process was faster and the loans were interest free. We
provided BORO with such loans in prior periods as BORO was a significant customer of SGOCO.
- 48 -
During the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the largest loan amounts outstanding from BORO for the benefit of SGOCO were nil, $2.9
million and $2.3 million, respectively, and the largest loan amounts outstanding from SGOCO for the benefit of BORO were nil, $4.8 million and $2.8
million, respectively. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, no amounts remained outstanding from either party.
The Company’s shareholder, Sun Zone, loaned $0.2 million to us for our cash flow purposes as of December 31, 2011. The loan is non-interest bearing,
unsecured, and payable on demand.
C. Interests of Experts and Counsel
Not applicable.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information.
Please see “Item 18. Financial Statements” for our audited consolidated financial statements.
Legal Proceedings
Neither we nor or any of our subsidiaries are currently parties to any pending legal proceedings that are expected to have a significant effect on our business,
financial position, results of operations or liquidity, nor are we or any of our subsidiaries aware of any proceedings that are pending or threatened which may
have a significant effect on our business, financial position and results of operations or liquidity.
Dividend Policy
We do not currently have any plans to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future on our ordinary shares. We currently intend to retain most, if not all, of
our available funds and any future earnings to operate and expand our business.
We are a holding company incorporated in the Cayman Islands. We rely on dividends paid by our Hong Kong and Chinese subsidiaries for our cash needs,
including the funds necessary to pay dividends to the holders of our ordinary shares. The payment of dividends by entities organized in China is subject to
limitations. Regulations in the PRC currently permit payment of dividends only out of accumulated profits as determined in accordance with PRC accounting
standards and regulations. Our Chinese subsidiaries, SGOCO (Fujian) and Beijing SGOCO, are also required to set aside at least 10% of their after-tax profit
based on China’s accounting standards each year to their general reserves until the cumulative amount of such reserves reach 50% of its registered capital.
These reserves are not distributable as cash dividends.
The Board of Directors of our PRC subsidiary, which is a wholly foreign owned enterprise, has the discretion to allocate a portion of its after-tax profits to its
staff welfare and bonus funds, which is likewise not distributable to its equity owners except in the event of a liquidation of the foreign-invested enterprise. If
we decide to pay dividends in the future, these restrictions may impede our ability to pay dividends and/or the amount of dividends we could pay. In addition,
if the Chinese subsidiary incurs debt on its own behalf in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict its ability to pay dividends or make other
distributions to us.
Our Board of Directors has discretion on whether to pay dividends. Even if our Board of Directors decides to pay dividends, the form, frequency and amount
will depend upon our future operations and earnings, capital requirements and surplus, general financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors
that our Board of Directors may deem relevant.
B. Significant Changes.
Except as disclosed elsewhere in this Annual Report, we have not experienced any significant changes since the date of our audited consolidated financial
statements included in this Annual Report.
- 49 -
ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING
A. Offer and Listing Details.
Our ordinary shares were listed on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “SGOC” from December 20, 2010 until February 17, 2012. On February
21, 2012, our ordinary shares began trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market. On May 16, 2012 NASDAQ halted trading in our ordinary shares. On June 1,
2012, we received a deficiency letter from NASDAQ stating that we were not in compliance with the continued listing requirement that we timely file
periodic reports with the SEC.
Our warrants were quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol SGTWF through June 1, 2012. FINRA delisted our warrants from the OTC Bulletin
Board effective June 1, 2012 due to our failure to timely file this report. Our ordinary shares, warrants, and units were previously traded on the OTC Bulletin
Board under the symbols HMAQF.OB, HMAWF.OB, and HMAUF.OB, respectively. Each unit consisted of one ordinary share and one warrant. Our ordinary
shares and warrants commenced to trade separately from April 9, 2008.
The following table sets forth, for the calendar months, quarters and years indicated, the monthly, quarterly and annual high and low market prices for our
ordinary shares, warrants and units as reported on the NASDAQ Stock Market or OTC Bulletin Board, as applicable. Over the counter market quotations on
the OTC Bulletin Board reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
Annual Highs and Lows
2011
2010
2009
2008
Quarterly Highs and Lows
2011
Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter
2010
Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter
Monthly Highs and Lows
March 2012
February 2012
January 2012
December 2011
November 2011
October 2011
Units
High
Low
Ordinary Shares
Low
High
Warrants
High
Low
N/A $
9.25 $
9.50 $
8.15 $
N/A $
7.00 $
7.00 $
6.50 $
6.88 $
8.00 $
7.98 $
7.37 $
1.25 $
4.50 $
7.00 $
6.12 $
0.75 $
1.15 $
0.65 $
0.85 $
0.10
0.18
0.05
0.13
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
N/A $
N/A $
N/A $
N/A $
N/A $
N/A $
N/A $
9.25 $
N/A $
N/A $
N/A $
N/A $
N/A $
N/A $
N/A $
7.00 $
3.44 $
4.83 $
6.88 $
5.25 $
8.00 $
8.00 $
8.00 $
8.00 $
1.25 $
1.94 $
1.76 $
3.36 $
4.50 $
6.25 $
6.25 $
6.25 $
0.12 $
0.35 $
0.75 $
0.30 $
1.00 $
1.00 $
1.15 $
1.02 $
0.10
0.14
0.10
0.25
0.30
0.59
0.59
0.34
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
N/A $
N/A $
N/A $
N/A $
N/A $
N/A $
N/A $
N/A $
N/A $
N/A $
N/A $
N/A $
1.00 $
1.05 $
1.32 $
2.00 $
3.44 $
3.28 $
0.65 $
0.80 $
0.68 $
1.25 $
1.83 $
2.50 $
N/A $
N/A $
N/A $
0.12 $
N/A $
N/A $
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.10
N/A
N/A
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
The trading in our warrants on the OTC Bulletin Board has been very limited and sporadic, and as such, the price of these securities may not be reflective of
their market value.
- 50 -
B. Plan of Distribution.
Not applicable.
C. Markets.
See “Item 9. The Offer and Listing - A. Offer and Listing Details” above.
D. Selling Shareholders.
Not applicable.
E. Dilution.
Not applicable.
F. Expenses of the Issue.
Not applicable.
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A. Share Capital.
Not applicable.
B. Memorandum and Articles of Association.
We incorporate by reference into this Annual Report the description of our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association contained in our
registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-170674) originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 18, 2010, as amended.
C. Material Contracts.
We have not entered into any material contracts other than in the ordinary course of business and other than those described in “Item 4. Information on the
Company,” in the footnotes to our financial statements or elsewhere in this Annual Report.
D. Exchange controls.
Under Cayman Islands law, there are currently no restrictions on the export or import of capital, including foreign exchange controls or restrictions that affect
the remittance of dividends, interest or other payments to nonresident holders of our shares.
E. Taxation.
The following summary of the material Cayman Islands, PRC and U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in or ownership of our ordinary
shares is based upon laws and relevant interpretations thereof in effect as of the date of this Annual Report, all of which are subject to change. This summary
does not deal with all possible tax consequences relating to an investment in our ordinary shares, such as the tax consequences under state, local and other tax
laws.
- 51 -
Cayman Islands Taxation
The Cayman Islands currently levies no taxes on individuals or corporations based upon profits, income, gains or appreciation and there is no taxation in the
nature of inheritance tax or estate duty. There are no other taxes likely to be material to the Company or its shareholders levied by the Government of the
Cayman Islands except for stamp duties which may be applicable on instruments executed in, or brought within the jurisdiction of the Cayman Islands. The
Cayman Islands is not party to any double tax treaties that are applicable to any payments made to or by the Company. There are no exchange control
regulations or currency restrictions in the Cayman Islands.
Material PRC Income Tax Considerations
Under the new EIT Law and the Implementing Rules, an enterprise established outside of the PRC with “de facto management bodies” within the PRC is
considered as a “resident enterprise” and will be subject to a PRC income tax on its global income. According to the Implementing Rules, “de facto
management bodies” refer to “establishments that carry out substantial and overall management and control over the manufacturing and business operations,
personnel, accounting, properties, etc. of an enterprise.” Accordingly, our holding company, SGOCO Group, Ltd., may be considered a resident enterprise and
may therefore be subject to a PRC income tax on our global income. The State Administration of Taxation issued the Notice Regarding the Determination of
Chinese-Controlled Offshore Incorporated Enterprises as PRC Tax Resident Enterprises on the Basis of De Facto Management Bodies, or Circular 82, on
April 22, 2009. Circular 82 provides certain specific criteria for determining whether the “de facto management body” of a Chinese-controlled offshore
enterprise is located in China. Circular 82 only applies to offshore enterprises controlled by PRC enterprises and not those invested in by individuals or
foreign enterprises like SGOCO. But, the determining criteria set forth in Circular 82 may reflect the State Administration of Taxation’s general position on
how the “de facto management body” test should be applied in determining the tax resident status of offshore enterprises, regardless of whether they are
controlled by PRC enterprises or controlled by or invested in by individuals or foreign enterprises.
If we are considered a resident enterprise and earn income other than dividends from our PRC subsidiary, such PRC income tax on our global income could
significantly increase our tax burden and materially and adversely affect our cash flow and profitability. Since the EIT Law became effective in 2008,
SGOCO has not been treated as a “resident enterprise.”
If the PRC tax authorities determine that SGOCO is a “resident enterprise” for PRC enterprise income tax purposes, a number of PRC tax consequences could
follow. First, SGOCO may be subject to enterprise income tax at a rate of 25% on SGOCO’s worldwide taxable income, as well as PRC enterprise income tax
reporting obligations. Second, under the EIT Law and its implementing rules, dividends paid between “qualified resident enterprises” are exempt from
enterprise income tax. As a result, if both SGOCO and SGOCO International are treated as PRC “resident enterprises,” all dividends from the PRC operating
subsidiary to SGOCO International and from SGOCO International to SGOCO would be exempt from PRC tax.
If SGOCO were treated as a PRC “non-resident enterprise” under the EIT Law, then dividends that SGOCO receives from its PRC operating subsidiary
(assuming such dividends were considered sourced within the PRC):
1.
2.
may be subject to a 5% PRC withholding tax, if the Arrangement between the Mainland of China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion regarding Taxes on Income (the “PRC — Hong Kong Tax Treaty”) were
applicable, or
if such treaty does not apply (i.e., because the PRC tax authorities may deem SGOCO International to be a conduit not entitled to treaty benefits),
may be subject to a 10% PRC withholding tax. Any such taxes on dividends could materially reduce the amount of dividends, if any, SGOCO could
pay to its shareholders.
Finally, the new “resident enterprise” classification could result in a situation in which a 10% PRC tax is imposed on dividends SGOCO pays to its non-PRC
shareholders that are not PRC tax “resident enterprises” and gains derived by them from transferring SGOCO’s ordinary shares or warrants, if such income is
considered PRC sourced income by the relevant PRC authorities. In such event, SGOCO may be required to withhold the 10% PRC tax on any dividends paid
to its non-PRC resident shareholders. SGOCO’s non-PRC resident shareholders also may be responsible for paying PRC tax at a rate of 10% on any gain
realized from the sale or transfer of ordinary shares or warrants in certain circumstances. SGOCO would not, however, have an obligation to withhold PRC
tax regarding such gain. If any such PRC taxes apply, a non-PRC resident shareholder may be entitled to a reduced rate of PRC taxes under an applicable
income tax treaty and/or a foreign tax credit against such shareholder’s domestic income tax liability (subject to applicable conditions and limitations).
Shareholders or prospective investors should consult with their own tax advisors regarding the applicability of any such taxes, the effects of any applicable
income tax treaties, and any available foreign tax credits.
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U.S. Federal Income Taxation
General
The following is a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning and disposing of our ordinary shares. The discussion below of
the U.S. federal income tax consequences to “U.S. Holders” will apply to a beneficial owner of our shares that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
an individual citizen or resident of the United States;
a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation) that is created or organized (or treated as created or organized) in or under the laws of the
United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;
an estate whose income is includible in gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes regardless of its source; or
a trust if
a)
a U.S. court can exercise primary supervision over the trust’s administration and one or more U.S. persons are authorized to control all substantial
decisions of the trust, or
b)
it has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.
If a beneficial owner of our shares is not described as a U.S. Holder and is not an entity treated as a partnership or other pass-through entity for U.S. federal
income tax purposes, such owner will be considered a “Non-U.S. Holder.” The U.S. federal income tax consequences applicable specifically to Non-U.S.
Holders is described below under the heading “Tax Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders of Ordinary Shares.”
This summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, its legislative history, existing and proposed Treasury regulations
promulgated thereunder, published rulings and court decisions, all as currently in effect. These authorities are subject to change or different interpretations,
possibly on a retroactive basis.
This discussion does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to us or to any particular holder of our shares based on such
holder’s individual circumstances. In particular, this discussion considers only holders that own our shares as capital assets within the meaning of Section
1221 of the Code. This discussion also does not address the potential application of the alternative minimum tax or the U.S. federal income tax consequences
to holders that are subject to special rules, including:
financial institutions or financial services entities;
broker-dealers;
taxpayers who have elected mark-to-market accounting;
tax-exempt entities;
governments or agencies or instrumentalities thereof;
insurance companies;
regulated investment companies;
real estate investment trusts;
certain expatriates or former long-term residents of the United States;
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10. persons that actually or constructively own 5% or more of our voting shares;
11. persons that acquired our shares pursuant to the exercise of employee stock options, In connection with employee stock incentive plans or otherwise
as compensation;
12. persons that hold our shares as part of a straddle, constructive sale, hedging, conversion or other integrated transaction; or
13. persons whose functional currency is not the U.S. Dollar.
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This discussion does not address any aspect of U.S. federal non-income tax laws, such as gift or estate tax laws, or state, local or non-U.S. tax laws.
Additionally, this discussion does not consider the tax treatment of partnerships or other pass-through entities or persons who hold our securities through such
entities. If a partnership (or other entity classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) is the beneficial owner of our shares, the U.S. federal
income tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. This discussion also
assumes that any distribution made (or deemed made) regarding our shares and any consideration received (or deemed received) by a holder in connection
with the sale or other disposition of such shares will be in U.S. Dollars.
We have not sought, and will not seek, a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, or an opinion of counsel as to any U.S. federal income tax
consequence described herein. The IRS may disagree with one or more aspects of the discussion herein, and its determination may be upheld by a court.
Moreover, there can be no assurance that future legislation, regulations, administrative rulings or court decisions will not adversely affect the accuracy of the
statements in this discussion.
BECAUSE OF THE COMPLEXITY OF THE TAX LAWS AND BECAUSE THE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO SGOCO OR TO ANY PARTICULAR
HOLDER OF OUR SECURITIES MAY BE AFFECTED BY MATTERS NOT DISCUSSED HEREIN, EACH HOLDER OF OUR SECURITIES IS
URGED TO CONSULT WITH ITS TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE SPECIFIC TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION
OF OUR SECURITIES, INCLUDING THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF STATE, LOCAL AND NON-U.S. TAX LAWS, AS WELL AS U.S.
FEDERAL TAX LAWS AND APPLICABLE TAX TREATIES.
Tax Consequences to U.S. Holders of Ordinary Shares
Taxation of Distributions Paid on Ordinary Shares
Subject to the passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, rules discussed below, a U.S. Holder generally will be required to include in gross income as
ordinary income the amount of any cash dividend paid on our ordinary shares. A cash distribution on such shares will be treated as a dividend for U.S. federal
income tax purposes to the extent the distribution is paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined for U.S. federal income tax
purposes). Such dividend will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction generally allowed to domestic corporations regarding dividends received
from other domestic corporations. Any distributions in excess of such earnings and profits generally will be applied against and reduce the U.S. Holder’s
basis in its ordinary shares and, to the extent in excess of such basis, will be treated as gain from the sale or exchange of such ordinary shares.
Regarding non-corporate U.S. Holders for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2013, dividends may be taxed at the lower applicable long-term capital
gains rate (see “— Taxation on the Disposition of Ordinary Shares” below) provided that:
1.
our ordinary shares are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States or, in the event we are deemed to be a Chinese
“resident enterprise” under the EIT Law, we are eligible for the benefits of the Agreement between the Government of the United States of America
and the Government of the People’s Republic of China for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Tax Evasion regarding Taxes on
Income, or the “U.S.-PRC Tax Treaty;”
2. we are not a PFIC, as discussed below, for either the taxable year in which the dividend was paid or the preceding taxable year; and
3.
certain holding period requirements are met. Under published IRS authority, shares are considered for purposes of clause (1) above to be readily
tradable on an established securities market in the United States only if they are listed on certain exchanges, which presently include the NASDAQ
Stock Market but do not include the OTC Bulletin Board.
We were listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market in December 2010. If we are not able to maintain such a listing, it is anticipated that our ordinary shares will
be quoted and traded only on the OTC Bulletin Board. In that case, any dividends paid on our ordinary shares would not qualify for the lower rate unless we
are deemed to be a Chinese “resident enterprise” under the EIT Law and are eligible for the benefits of the U.S.-PRC Tax Treaty.
Unless the special provisions described above, dealing with the taxation of qualified dividend income at the lower long-term capital gains rate, are extended,
this favorable treatment will not apply to dividends in taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2013. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors
regarding the availability of the lower rate for any dividends paid regarding our ordinary shares.
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If PRC taxes apply to dividends paid to a U.S. Holder on our ordinary shares, such U.S. Holder may be entitled to a reduced rate of PRC tax under the U.S-
PRC Tax Treaty. In addition, such PRC taxes may be treated as foreign taxes eligible for credit against such Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability (subject
to certain limitations). U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the creditability of any such PRC tax and their eligibility for the benefits
of the U.S.-PRC Tax Treaty.
Taxation on the Disposition of Ordinary Shares
Upon a sale or other taxable disposition of our ordinary shares, and subject to the PFIC rules discussed below, a U.S. Holder should recognize capital gain or
loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized and the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the ordinary shares.
Capital gains recognized by U.S. Holders generally are subject to U.S. federal income tax at the same rate as ordinary income, except that long-term capital
gains recognized by non-corporate U.S. Holders are generally subject to U.S. federal income tax at a maximum rate of 15% for taxable years beginning
before January 1, 2013 (and 20% thereafter). Capital gain or loss will constitute long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the
ordinary shares exceeds one year. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to various limitations.
If PRC taxes would otherwise apply to any gain from the disposition of our ordinary shares by a U.S. Holder, such U.S. Holder may be entitled to a reduction
in or elimination of such taxes under the U.S.-PRC Tax Treaty. Any PRC taxes that are paid by a U.S. Holder regarding such gain may be treated as foreign
taxes eligible for credit against such Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability (subject to certain limitations which could reduce or eliminate the available tax
credit). U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the creditability of any such PRC tax and their eligibility for the benefits of the U.S.-
PRC Tax Treaty.
Additional Taxes After 2012
For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012, U.S. Holders that are individuals, estates or trusts and whose income exceeds certain thresholds
generally will be subject to a 3.8% Medicare contribution tax on unearned income, including, among other things, cash dividends on, and capital gains from
the sale or other taxable disposition of, our ordinary shares, subject to certain limitations and exceptions. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors
regarding the effect, if any, of such tax on their ownership and disposition of our ordinary shares.
Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules
A foreign (i.e., non-U.S.) corporation will be a PFIC if at least 75% of its gross income in a taxable year of the foreign corporation, including its pro rata share
of the gross income of any corporation in which it is considered to own at least 25% of the shares by value, is passive income. Alternatively, a foreign
corporation will be a PFIC if at least 50% of its assets in a taxable year of the foreign corporation, ordinarily determined based on fair market value and
averaged quarterly over the year, including its pro rata share of the assets of any corporation in which it is considered to own at least 25% of the shares by
value, are held for the production of, or produce, passive income. Passive income generally includes dividends, interest, rents and royalties (other than certain
rents or royalties derived from the active conduct of a trade or business) and gains from the disposition of passive assets.
The composition of our assets during 2008 and 2009, largely consisted of cash and other investment assets. The composition of our income in such periods
largely consisted of interest. Therefore, it is likely that we qualified as a PFIC regarding our 2008 and 2009 taxable years.
Based on the composition of our assets and the nature of the income of us and our subsidiaries for our taxable year ended December 31, 2011, we do not
expect to be treated as a PFIC for such year under the tax laws as enacted and construed at the present time. But, this conclusion is based in part on our
treating the “other receivable” on our balance sheet not as a passive asset for PFIC purposes on the ground that it is an installment note on the sale of stock of
an affiliate company that held assets that had been actively used in our manufacturing business.
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We believe this conclusion is proper, the matter is uncertain, but, there can be no guarantee that the IRS in an audit would agree. If the IRS did not agree, we
would likely be treated as a PFIC for both 2011 and 2012.
In addition, our actual PFIC status for our 2012 taxable year or any subsequent taxable year will not be determinable until after the end of such taxable year.
Accordingly, there can be no assurance regarding our status as a PFIC for our current taxable year or any future taxable year.
If we are determined to be a PFIC and a U.S. Holder did not make either a timely qualified electing fund, or QEF, election for our first taxable year as a PFIC
in which the U.S. Holder held (or was deemed to hold) ordinary shares, or a mark-to-market election, as described below, such holder generally will be
subject to special rules regarding:
1.
2.
any gain recognized by the U.S. Holder on the sale or other disposition of its ordinary shares; and
any “excess distribution” made to the U.S. Holder (generally, any distributions to such U.S. Holder during a taxable year of the U.S. Holder that are
greater than 125% of the average annual distributions received by such U.S. Holder regarding the ordinary shares during the three preceding taxable
years of such U.S. Holder or, if shorter, such U.S. Holder’s holding period for the ordinary shares).
Under these rules,
1.
2.
3.
the U.S. Holder’s gain or excess distribution will be allocated ratably over the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the ordinary shares;
the amount allocated to the U.S. Holder’s taxable year in which the U.S. Holder recognized the gain or received the excess distribution, or to the
period in the U.S. Holder’s holding period before the first day of our first taxable year in which we are a PFIC, will be taxed as ordinary income;
the amount allocated to other taxable years (or portions thereof) of the U.S. Holder and included in its holding period will be taxed at the highest tax
rate in effect for that year and applicable to the U.S. Holder; and
4.
the interest charge generally applicable to underpayments of tax will be imposed regarding the tax attributable to each such year of the U.S. Holder.
In general, a U.S. Holder may avoid the PFIC tax consequences described above in respect to our ordinary shares by making a timely QEF election to include
in income its pro rata share of our net capital gains (as long-term capital gain) and other earnings and profits (as ordinary income), on a current basis, in each
case whether or not distributed, in the taxable year of the U.S. Holder in which or with which our taxable year ends. There can be no assurance, however, that
we will pay current dividends or make other distributions sufficient for a U.S. Holder who makes a QEF election to satisfy the tax liability attributable to
income inclusions under the QEF rules, and the U.S. Holder may have to pay the resulting tax from its other assets. A U.S. Holder may make a separate
election to defer the payment of taxes on undistributed income inclusions under the QEF rules, but if deferred, any such taxes will be subject to an interest
charge.
The QEF election is made on a shareholder-by-shareholder basis and, once made, can be revoked only with the consent of the IRS. A U.S. Holder generally
makes a QEF election by attaching a completed IRS Form 8621 (Return by a Shareholder of a Passive Foreign investment Company or Qualified Electing
Fund), including the information provided in a PFIC annual information statement, to a timely filed U.S. federal income tax return for the tax year to which
the election relates. Retroactive QEF elections generally may be made only by filing a protective statement with such return and if certain other conditions are
met or with the consent of the IRS. In order to comply with the requirements of a QEF election, a U.S. Holder must receive certain information from us. Upon
request from a U.S. Holder, we will endeavor to provide to the U.S. Holder no later than 90 days after the request such information as the IRS may require,
including a PFIC annual information statement, in order to enable the U.S. Holder to make and maintain a QEF election. However, there is no assurance that
we will have timely knowledge of our status as a PFIC in the future or of the required information to be provided.
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If a U.S. Holder has made a QEF election regarding our ordinary shares, and the special tax and interest charge rules do not apply to such shares (because of a
timely QEF election for our first taxable year as a PFIC in which the U.S. Holder holds (or is deemed to hold) such shares), any gain recognized on the
appreciation of our ordinary shares generally will be taxable as capital gain and no interest charge will be imposed. As discussed above, U.S. Holders of a
QEF are currently taxed on their pro rata shares of its earnings and profits, whether or not distributed. In such case, a subsequent distribution of such earnings
and profits that were previously included in income generally should not be taxable as a dividend to those U.S. Holders who made a QEF election. The tax
basis of a U.S. Holder’s shares in a QEF will be increased by amounts that are included in income, and decreased by amounts distributed but not taxed as
dividends, under the above rules. Similar basis adjustments apply to property if by reason of holding such property the U.S. Holder is treated under the
applicable attribution rules as owning shares in a QEF.
Although a determination as to our PFIC status will be made annually, an initial determination that our company is a PFIC will generally apply for subsequent
years to a U.S. Holder who held ordinary shares while we were a PFIC, whether or not we meet the test for PFIC status in those years. A U.S. Holder who
makes the QEF election discussed above for our first taxable year as a PFIC in which the U.S. Holder holds (or is deemed to hold) our ordinary shares,
however, will not be subject to the PFIC tax and interest charge rules discussed above in respect to such shares. In addition, such U.S. Holder will not be
subject to the QEF inclusion regime regarding such shares for any taxable year of ours that ends within or with a taxable year of the U.S. Holder and in which
we are not a PFIC. On the other hand, if the QEF election is not effective for each of our taxable years in which we are a PFIC and the U.S. Holder holds (or
is deemed to hold) our ordinary shares, the PFIC rules discussed above will continue to apply to such shares unless the Holder makes a purging election, and
pays the tax and interest charge regarding the gain inherent in such shares attributable to the pre-QEF election period.
Alternatively, if a U.S. Holder, at the close of its taxable year, owns shares in a PFIC that are treated as marketable stock, the U.S. Holder may make a mark-
to-market election regarding such shares for such taxable year. If the U.S. Holder makes a valid mark-to-market election for the first taxable year of the U.S.
Holder in which the U.S. Holder holds (or is deemed to hold) shares in us and for which we are determined to be a PFIC, such Holder generally will not be
subject to the PFIC rules described above in respect to its ordinary shares. Instead, in general, the U.S. Holder will include as ordinary income each year the
excess, if any, of the fair market value of its ordinary shares at the end of its taxable year over the adjusted basis in its ordinary shares. The U.S. Holder also
will be allowed to take an ordinary loss regarding the excess, if any, of the adjusted basis of its ordinary shares over the fair market value of its ordinary
shares at the end of its taxable year (but only to the extent of the net amount of previously included income as a result of the mark-to-market election). The
U.S. Holder’s basis in its ordinary shares will be adjusted to reflect any such income or loss amounts, and any further gain recognized on a sale or other
taxable disposition of the ordinary shares will be treated as ordinary income.
The mark-to-market election is available only for stock that is regularly traded on a national securities exchange that is registered with the SEC, or on a
foreign exchange or market that the IRS determines has rules sufficient to establish that the market price represents a legitimate and sound fair market value.
Although we became listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market in December 2010, if we are not able to maintain such a listing, it is anticipated that our ordinary
shares would continue to be quoted and traded only on the OTC Bulletin Board. If our ordinary shares were to be quoted and traded only on the OTC Bulletin
Board, such shares may not currently qualify as marketable stock for purposes of the election. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding
the availability and tax consequences of a mark-to-market election in respect to our ordinary shares under their particular circumstances.
If we are a PFIC and, at any time, have a foreign subsidiary that is classified as a PFIC, U.S. Holders generally would be deemed to own a portion of the
shares of such lower-tier PFIC, and generally could incur liability for the deferred tax and interest charge described above if we receive a distribution from, or
dispose of all or part of our interest in, the lower-tier PFIC. Upon request, we will endeavor to cause any lower-tier PFIC to provide to a U.S. Holder no later
than 90 days after the request the information that may be required to make or maintain a QEF election regarding the lower-tier PFIC. However, there is no
assurance that we will have timely knowledge of the status of any such lower-tier PFIC or will be able to cause the lower-tier PFIC to provide the required
information. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the tax issues raised by lower-tier PFICs.
If a U.S. Holder owns (or is deemed to own) shares during any year in a PFIC, such Holder may have to file an IRS Form 8621 (whether or not a QEF
election or mark-to-market election is made).
The rules dealing with PFICs and with the QEF and mark-to-market elections are very complex and are affected by various factors in addition to those
described above. Accordingly, U.S. Holders of our ordinary shares should consult their own tax advisors concerning the application of the PFIC rules to our
ordinary shares under their particular circumstances.
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Tax Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders of Ordinary Shares
Dividends paid to a Non-U.S. Holder in respect to its ordinary shares generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax, unless the dividends are
effectively in connection with the Non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax
treaty, are attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base that such Holder maintains in the United States).
In addition, a Non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any gain attributable to a sale or other disposition of our ordinary
shares, unless such gain is effectively in connection with its conduct of a trade or business in the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax
treaty, is attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base that such Holder maintains in the United States) or the Non-U.S. Holder is an individual who
is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of sale or other disposition and certain other conditions are met (in which case, such
gain from United States sources generally is subject to tax at a 30% rate or a lower applicable tax treaty rate).
Dividends and gains that are effectively in connection with the Non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business in the United States (and, if required by an
applicable income tax treaty, are attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base in the United States) generally will be subject to tax in the same
manner as for a U.S. Holder and, in the case of a Non-U.S. Holder that is a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, may also be subject to an
additional branch profits tax at a 30% rate or a lower applicable tax treaty rate.
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
In general, information reporting for U.S. federal income tax purposes should apply to distributions made on our ordinary shares within the United States to a
non-corporate U.S. Holder and to the proceeds from sales and other dispositions of our ordinary shares by a non-corporate U.S. Holder to or through a U.S.
office of a broker. Payments made (and sales and other dispositions effected at an office) outside the United States will be subject to information reporting in
limited circumstances. In addition, backup withholding of United States federal income tax, currently at a rate of 28%, generally will apply to dividends paid
on our ordinary shares to a non-corporate U.S. Holder and the proceeds from sales and other dispositions of shares by a non-corporate U.S. Holder, in each
case who (a) fails to provide an accurate taxpayer identification number; (b) is notified by the IRS that backup withholding is required; or (c) in certain
circumstances, fails to comply with applicable certification requirements. Unless current individual income tax rates are extended, the backup withholding
rate will increase to 31% for payments made on or after January 1, 2013. A Non-U.S. Holder generally may eliminate the requirement for information
reporting and backup withholding by providing certification of its foreign status, under penalties of perjury, on a duly executed applicable IRS Form W-8 or
by otherwise establishing an exemption.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, the amount of any backup withholding will be allowed as a credit against a U.S. Holder’s or a Non-U.S.
Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle such Holder to a refund, provided that certain required information is timely furnished to the IRS.
Holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the application of backup withholding and the availability of and procedure for obtaining an
exemption from backup withholding in their particular circumstances.
For taxable years beginning after March 18, 2010, individual U.S. Holders may be required to report ownership of our ordinary shares and certain related
information on their individual federal income tax returns in certain circumstances. Generally, this reporting requirement will apply if (1) the ordinary shares
are held in an account of the individual U.S. Holder maintained with a “foreign financial institution” or (2) the ordinary shares are not held in an account
maintained with a “financial institution,” as such terms are defined in the Code. The reporting obligation will not apply to an individual, however, unless the
total aggregate value of the individual’s foreign financial assets exceeds $50,000 during a taxable year. For avoidance of doubt, this reporting requirement
should not apply to ordinary shares held in an account with a U.S. brokerage firm. Failure to comply with this reporting requirement, if it applies, will result
in substantial penalties. In certain circumstances, additional tax and other reporting requirements may apply, and U.S. Holders of our ordinary shares are
advised to consult with their own tax advisors concerning all such reporting requirements.
F. Dividends and paying agents.
Not applicable.
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G. Statement by experts.
Not applicable.
H. Documents on display.
We are subject to the periodic reporting and other informational requirements of the Exchange Act. Under the Exchange Act, we are required to file reports
and other information with the SEC. Specifically, we are required to file annually a Form 20-F no later than four months after the close of each fiscal year and
submit other information under cover of Form 6-K. Annual Reports and other information we file with the SEC may be inspected at the public reference
facilities maintained by the SEC at Room 1024, 100 F. Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, and copies of all or any part thereof may be obtained from such
offices upon payment of the prescribed fees. You may call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the public reference rooms
and you can request copies of the documents upon payment of a duplicating fee, by writing to the SEC. In addition, the SEC maintains a web site that
contains reports and other information regarding registrants (including us) that file electronically with the SEC which can be accessed at www.sec.gov.
Our Internet website is www.sgocogroup.com. We make our Annual Reports on Form 20-F and any amendments to such reports available free of charge on
our website as soon as reasonably practicable following the electronic filing of each report with the SEC. In addition, we provide copies of our filings free of
charge upon request. The information contained on our website is not part of this or any other report filed with or furnished to the SEC.
As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from the proxy requirements of Section 14 of the Exchange Act and our officers, directors and principal
shareholders will be exempt from the insider short-swing disclosure and profit recovery rules of Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
I. Subsidiary Information
Not required.
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK
Foreign Exchange Risk
The value of the RMB against the U.S. Dollar and other currencies is affected by, among other things, changes in China’s political and economic conditions.
Since July 2005, the RMB has no longer been pegged to the dollar. Although the People’s Bank of China, China’s central bank, regularly intervenes in the
foreign exchange market to prevent significant short-term fluctuations in the exchange rate, the RMB may appreciate or depreciate significantly in value
against the U.S. Dollar in the medium to long term. Moreover, it is possible that in the future, PRC authorities may lift restrictions on fluctuations in the RMB
exchange rate and lessen intervention in the foreign exchange market.
Because substantially all of our earnings and majority of cash assets are denominated in RMB, but our reporting currency is the U.S. Dollar, fluctuations in
the exchange rate between the U.S. Dollar and the RMB will affect our balance sheet and our earnings per share in U.S. Dollar. In addition, appreciation or
depreciation in the value of the RMB relative to the U.S. Dollar would affect our financial results reported in U.S. Dollar terms without giving effect to any
underlying change in our business or results of operations.
Very limited hedging transactions are available in China to reduce exposure to exchange rate fluctuations. To date, we have not entered into any hedging
transactions in order to reduce our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk. While we may enter into hedging transactions in the future, the availability
and effectiveness of these transactions may be limited, and we may not be able to successfully hedge its exposure at all. In addition, foreign currency
exchange losses may be magnified by PRC exchange control regulations that restrict our ability to convert RMB into foreign currencies.
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
Not applicable.
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PART II
ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
We have not had a default of any indebtedness, and there has not been any arrearage in the payment of dividends.
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS
In connection with the approval of the Acquisition, our warrant holders agreed to amend the Warrant Agreement governing our outstanding registered
warrants to provide that:
1.
2.
3.
the exercise price per share of the warrants be increased from $5.00 to $8.00;
the term of each outstanding warrant be extended by one year to expire on the earlier of March 7, 2014 or the redemption of the warrant; and
holders of the warrants may redeem their warrants for $0.50 at the time of the Acquisition.
The amendment to the Warrant Agreement is set forth as Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 6-K filed March 16, 2010.
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
SGOCO’s management, primarily our Chief Executive Officer Mr. Burnette Or and Chief Financial Officer Mr. David Xu, has evaluated the effectiveness of
SGOCO’s disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report, within the meaning of Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-
15(e) of the Exchange Act. The evaluation demonstrated that, as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report, SGOCO’s disclosure controls and
procedures were ineffective to provide reasonable assurance that material information, which is required to be disclosed by SGOCO in the reports SGOCO
files with, or submits to the SEC under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the required time periods.
Under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, our management has concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were ineffective as of December
31, 2011. This determination was primarily due to the identification of the material weakness identified in our internal control over financial reporting
discussed below.
Despite that, management believes that the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 20-F present fairly the consolidated
financial position, results of operations and cash flows of SGOCO for the fiscal year covered.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f)
and 15d-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including SGOCO’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer,
SGOCO evaluated the effectiveness of SGOCO’s internal control over financial reporting.
In making this evaluation of the effectiveness of SGOCO’s internal control over financial reporting, management used the criteria issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Based on management’s evaluation, SGOCO’s Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our internal controls over financial reporting were ineffective as of December 31, 2011.
The specific material weakness we identified in our internal control over financial reporting related to the lack of sufficient qualified accounting personnel
with appropriate understanding of U.S. GAAP and SEC reporting requirements commensurate with our financial reporting requirements, which resulted in a
number of internal control deficiencies that were identified as being significant. Also, as a small company, we do not have sufficient internal control
personnel to set up adequate review functions at each reporting level.
During its evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, management concluded that to meet the
requirements of being a U.S. public company, SGOCO needs to increase its qualified internal control personnel. In addition, SGOCO’s needs to enhance its
supervision, monitoring and review of the financial statements preparation processes.
- 60 -
SGOCO is ready to take measures to remediate the material weakness and significant deficiencies by:
1.
2.
3.
seeking additional accounting and internal control staff with relevant U.S. GAAP accounting, SEC reporting and internal control
experience, skills and knowledge in improving standards and procedures according to the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act;
engaging an external consultant to help SGOCO evaluate and implement appropriate policies and procedures to improve SGOCO’s risk
management and internal control systems over financial reporting; and
providing further training to SGOCO’s finance staff to enhance their understanding of SGOCO’s internal control policies and procedures,
including participating in training programs relating to U.S. GAAP accounting and internal control.
Management believes that these actions will increase SGOCO’s ability to improve its internal control over financial reporting. The goal is to achieve full
compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Consequently, SGOCO is strengthening its controls and procedures in order to eliminate any
inadvertent errors, deficiencies and deviations that can appear in the normal course of business and achieve full compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-
Oxley Act. Management believes that the controls and procedures implemented to date in 2012 have already enhanced the reliability of the financial
information produced by SGOCO.
All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Even systems determined to be effective can only provide reasonable
assurance regarding financial statement preparation and presentation and may not prevent or detect misstatements. In addition, any evaluation of effectiveness
in future periods is subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in future conditions.
Attestation report of the registered public accounting firm
This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.
Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Changes in internal control over financial reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that occurred during the year ended
December 31, 2011 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
Our Board of Directors has determined that Mr. John Chen is an audit committee financial expert, and is independent for the purposes of the NASDAQ
Listing Rules and Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act.
ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS
We have adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to our directors, officers and employees. The Code of Ethics is designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote
ethical conduct and full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable reports that the Company files or submits to the SEC and others. We have filed our Code of
Ethics and Conduct as an exhibit to this Annual Report.
ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The following table sets forth the aggregate fees by categories specified below in connection with certain professional services rendered by our principal
external independent registered public accountant firms in 2011 and 2010.
- 61 -
Audit Fee
Audit-Related Fees
Tax Fees
All Other Fees
Audit Fees
$
$
2010
2011
196,000 $
89,000 $
-
-
332,907
14,823
-
-
Audit fees represent the aggregate fees billed for the audit of our annual financial statements, review of our interim financial statements, review of registration
statements or services that are normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years.
Audit-Related Fees
Audit-related fees represent the aggregate fees billed for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of
our financial statements and are not reported under Audit Fees. Relatively high audit-related fees in 2010 were due to additional work performed on F-3 and
other submissions and related services.
Tax Fees
Tax fees represent the aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by our principal accountants for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning
for such years.
All Other Fees
All other fees represent the aggregate fees billed for products and services other than the services reported in the other categories.
Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
The Board of Directors on an annual basis reviews audit and non-audit services performed by the independent auditors. All audit and non-audit services are
pre-approved by the Board of Directors, which considers, among other things, the possible effect of the performance of such services on the auditors’
independence.
ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES
None.
ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
Period
February 28, 2011(1)
February 28, 2011(2)
May 5, 2011(3)
May 11, 2011(4)
May 26, 2011(5)
June 7, 2011(6)
June 13, 2011(7)
June 14, 2011(8)
August 18, 2011(9)
August 18, 2011(10)
September 15, 2011(11)
(a) Total Number
of Shares (or
Units) Purchased
250,000 shares
250,000 warrants
345,000 warrants
30,160 warrants
30,152 warrants
1,604 warrants
367,025 warrants
125,000 warrants
100,000 warrants
20,132 warrants
1,200 warrants
(b) Average Price
Paid per Share
(or Units)
$8.00 per share
$0.50 per warrant
$0.33 per warrant
$0.50 per warrant
$0.33 per warrant
$0.50 per warrant
$0.40 per warrant
$0.40 per warrant
$0.40 per warrant
$0.50 per warrant
$0.50 per warrant
(c) Total Number
of Shares (or
Units) Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Program
(d) Maximum Number (or
Approximate Dollar
Value) of Shares (or
Units) that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None.
None.
None.
None.
None.
None.
None.
None.
None.
None.
None.
- 62 -
(1) On February 28, 2011, pursuant to the Put Option dated March 9, 2010, the Company repurchased 250,000 shares from Pope Investments II LLC for an
aggregate purchase price of $2,000,000 (or $8.00 per share).
(2) On February 28, 2011, the Company repurchased from Pope Investments II LLC a Warrant to purchase 250,000 ordinary shares at an exercise price of
$8.00 per share for an aggregate purchase price of $125,000.
(3) On May 5, 2011, the Company repurchased, in a private transaction, a total of 345,000 warrants for an aggregate purchase price of $113,850 (or $0.33 per
warrant). The terms of the remaining publicly-traded warrants remain unchanged.
(4) On May 11, 2011, the Company repurchased, in a private transaction, a total of 30,160 of the warrants issued to its underwriters in the December 2010
Offering for an aggregate purchase price of $15,080 (or $0.50 per warrant). All the terms of the remaining warrants issued to its underwriters in the December
2010 Offering remain unchanged.
(5) On May 26, 2011, the Company repurchased, in private transactions, a total of 30,152 warrants for an aggregate purchase price of $9,950.16 (or $0.33 per
warrant). The terms of the remaining publicly-traded warrants remain unchanged.
(6) On June 7, 2011, the Company repurchased, in a private transaction, a total of 1,604 of the warrants issued to its underwriters in the December 2010
Offering for an aggregate purchase price of $802 (or $0.50 per warrant). All the terms of the remaining warrants issued to its underwriters in the December
2010 Offering remain unchanged.
(7) On June 13, 2011, the Company repurchased, in a private transaction, a total of 367,025 warrants for an aggregate purchase price of $146,810 (or $0.40
per warrant). The terms of the remaining publicly-traded warrants remain unchanged.
(8) On June 14, 2011, the Company repurchased, in a private transaction, a total of 125,000 warrants for an aggregate purchase price of $50,000 (or $0.40 per
warrant). The terms of the remaining publicly-traded warrants remain unchanged.
(9) On August 18, 2011, the Company repurchased, in a private transaction, a total of 100,000 warrants for an aggregate purchase price of $40,000 (or $0.40
per warrant). The terms of the remaining publicly-traded warrants remain unchanged.
(10) On August 18, 2011, the Company repurchased, in private transactions, a total of 20,132 of the warrants issued to its underwriters in the December 2010
Offering for an aggregate purchase price of $10,066 (or $0.50 per warrant). All the terms of the remaining warrants issued to its underwriters in the December
2010 Offering remain unchanged.
(11) On September 15, 2011, the Company repurchased, in a private transaction, a total of 1,200 of the warrants issued to its underwriters in the December
2010 Offering for an aggregate purchase price of $600 (or $0.50 per warrant). All the terms of the remaining warrants issued to its underwriters in the
December 2010 Offering remain unchanged.
ITEM 16F. CHANGES IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT
The Company changed independent accountants from Frazer Frost LLP to Grant Thornton, China, a member of Grant Thornton International (“Grant
Thornton”) on June 29, 2011. This change was previously reported in the Company’s Form 6-K filed with the SEC on July 1, 2011.
- 63 -
Grant Thornton did not issue an audit report on any of SGOCO’s consolidated financial statements.
Since the initial engagement of Grant Thornton on June 29, 2011, and prior to Grant Thornton orally resigning on May 14, 2012 per a conversation with the
SGOCO’s Audit Committee Chairperson, there were no disagreements between Grant Thornton and SGOCO on any matter of accounting principles or
practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure.
In conjunction with its resignation Grant Thornton advised SGOCO pursuant to Item 16(a)(1)(v) of Form 20F that, in its assessment, there was a concern on
matters identified in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting necessary to develop reliable financial statements. These identified matters
made Grant Thornton unwilling to be associated with the financial statements prepared by the Company’s management.
SGOCO management reserves its opinion on the reason Grant Thornton resigned.
SGOCO has authorized Grant Thornton to respond fully to the inquiries of the successor independent accountant, Crowe Horwath (HK) CPA Limited
(“Crowe Horwath”), concerning all matters in connection with SGOCO.
On June 11, 2012, SGOCO’s Audit Committee approved engaging Crowe Horwath as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm in
connection with auditing SGOCO’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.
During the year ended December 31, 2011 and through June 11, 2012, neither SGOCO nor anyone on its behalf consulted with
Crowe Horwath regarding:
(a)
the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered
on our consolidated financial statements, and neither a written report nor oral advice was provided to us that Crowe Horwath concluded was an
important factor considered by us in reaching a decision as to any accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue; and
(b)
any matter that was either the subject of a disagreement, as defined in Item 16F (a)(1)(iv) of Form 20-F and the related instructions to Item 16F, or
a reportable event, as defined in Item 16F (a)(1)(v) of Form 20-F.
On August 24, 2012, SGOCO provided Grant Thornton with a copy of the foregoing disclosure. SGOCO requested Grant Thornton to furnish SGOCO with a
letter addressed to the SEC stating whether it agrees with the above statements, and if not, stating the respects in which it does not agree. SGOCO has
received that letter from Grant Thornton. A copy of it is included as Exhibit 15.3 to this report.
On August 24, 2012, SGOCO also requested our new independent registered public accountants, Crowe Horwath, to review the foregoing disclosures
regarding them. SGOCO offered Crowe Horwath the opportunity to furnish SGOCO with a letter addressed to the SEC containing any new information,
clarification of SGOCO’s expression of its views or the respects in which it does not agree with SGOCO’S statements in response to Item 16F of Form 20-F.
Crowe Horwath had no disagreement with the disclosure regarding them. Consequently, it declined the opportunity to furnish with such a letter.
ITEM 16G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
There are no material differences in our corporate governance practices from those of U.S. domestic companies under the listing standards of NASDAQ.
PART III
ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
We have elected to provide financial statements pursuant to Item 18.
- 64 -
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Our consolidated financial statements are included at the end of this Annual Report.
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS
Exhibit
Number
Description of Exhibit
1.1
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5*
2.6
2.7
2.8*
4.1
4.2
4.3*
4.5*
4.6*
4.7*
Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the
Company’s Form F-1 (file no. 333-170674) filed on December 15, 2010)
Warrant Agreement by and between the Company and the warrant agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s
Form 6-K filed on February 18, 2010)
Amendment No. 1 to the Warrant Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Form 6-K filed on March 16,
2010)
Unit Purchase Option issued to the underwriter in the Company’s initial public offering (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the
Company’s Form S-1 (file no. 333-146147) filed February 1, 2008)
Escrow Agreement by and among escrow agent, the shareholders of Honesty Group and the initial sponsors of the Company
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the Company’s Form F-1 (file no. 333-146147) filed August 5, 2010)
Amendment No 1 to Escrow Agreement dated April 17, 2012 among escrow agent, the former shareholder of Honesty Group, the initial
sponsors of the Company and SGOCO Group, Ltd.
Sponsors Agreement, dated as of February 12, 2010, among Sun Zone Investments Limited, Sze Kit Ting, Robert Eu, W.R. Hambrecht +
Co., LLC, Hambrecht 1980 Revocable Trust, AEX Enterprises Limited, John Wang, Marbella Capital Partners LLC., Cannon Family
Irrevocable Trust and Shea Ventures LLC., and Hambrecht Asia Acquisition Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the
Company’s Form F-1 (file no. 333-146147) filed August 5, 2010)
Amendment No. 1 to Sponsors Agreement, dated as of March 11, 2010, among Sun Zone Investments Limited, Sze Kit Ting, Robert Eu,
W.R. Hambrecht + Co., LLC, Hambrecht 1980 Revocable Trust, AEX Enterprises Limited, John Wang, Marbella Capital Partners LLC.,
Cannon Family Irrevocable Trust and Shea Ventures LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Company’s Form F-1 (file
no. 333-146147) filed August 5, 2010)
Amendment No 2 to Escrow Agreement dated April 17, 2012 among Sun Zone Investments Limited, Sze Kit Ting Robert Eu, W.R.
Hambrecht + Co., LLC, Hambrecht 1980 Revocable Trust, AEX Enterprises Limited, John Wang, Marbella Capital Partners LLC.,
Cannon Family Irrevocable Trust and Shea Ventures LLC., and SGOCO Group, Ltd.
Amended and Restated Employment Letter, effective as of April 1, 2010, between Mr. Burnette Or and the Company (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Form 6-K filed on May 18, 2010)
Employment Agreement between William Krolicki and SGOCO Technology, Ltd. dated July 31, 2010 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.33 to the Company’s Form F-1 (file no. 333-170674) filed December 15, 2010)
Employment Agreement between David Xu and SGOCO Group, Ltd. dated April 24, 2011
English Translation of Business License for SGOCO (Fujian) Electronic Co., Ltd.
English Translation of Business License for Beijing SGOCO Image Technology Co., Ltd.
Sale and Purchase Agreement dated November 15, 2011, by and between Apex Flourish Group Limited and SGOCO Group, Ltd.
- 65 -
8.1*
11.1
12.1*
12.2*
13.1*
15.1*
15.2*
15.3*
* Filed herewith
List of Subsidiaries
SGOCO Group, Ltd.’s Code of Ethics and Conduct (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Form F-1 (file no. 333-
170674) filed December 15, 2010)
Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Consent of Crowe Horwath (HK) CPA Limited
Consent of Frazer Frost LLP.
Letter dated August 24, 2012 of Grant Thornton, China as required by Item 16F of Form 20-F
- 66 -
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the
undersigned to sign this Annual Report on its behalf.
SIGNATURE
Date: August 30, 2012
SGOCO Group, Ltd.
By: /s/ Burnette Or
Name: Burnette Or
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer
- 67 -
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
SGOCO Group, Ltd.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of SGOCO Group, Ltd. (“Company”) and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and the
related consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that
we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not
required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of
internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of
expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit
includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that
our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the
Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and the consolidated results of their operations and cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with
U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ Crowe Horwath (HK) CPA Limited
Hong Kong, China
August 30, 2012
- 68 -
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
SGOCO Group, Ltd.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of SGOCO Group, Ltd. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2010 and
2009, and the related consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the
three years period ended December 31, 2010. The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that
we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. The
Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of
internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of
expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also
includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits
provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of
December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three years period ended December 31, 2010 in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
/s/ Frazer Frost, LLP
Brea, California
April 28, 2011
- 69 -
SGOCO GROUP, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash
Restricted cash
Accounts receivable, trade
Accounts receivable - related parties
Other receivables and prepayments
Consideration receivable from Sale of Honesty Group
Inventories
Advances to suppliers
Other current assets
Total current assets
PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET
OTHER ASSETS
Intangible assets, net
Total assets
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable, trade
Accrued liabilities
Bank overdraft
Notes payable
Short-term loan
Short-term loan - shareholder
Other payables
Customer deposits
Taxes payable
Put option derivative liability
Total current liabilities
OTHER LIABILITIES
Warrant derivative liability
Total other liabilities
Total liabilities
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized, nil issued and outstanding as of December
31, 2011 and December 31, 2010
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, 17,258,356 shares and 17,428,089 shares
issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively
Paid-in-capital
Statutory reserves
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Total shareholders' equity
2011
2010
$
534,501 $
-
19,680,682
-
756,763
57,477,790
1,864,011
4,609,506
60,548
84,983,801
23,493,805
6,537,086
55,985,013
49,559
429,864
-
17,291,123
23,312,312
46,615
127,145,377
217,586
16,886,297
-
8,589,215
$
85,201,387 $
152,620,889
$
$
4,608,600 $
353,147
-
-
-
208,958
343,883
153,436
5,552,293
-
11,220,317 $
31,958,430
333,659
1,492,226
26,346,505
18,302,453
2,545,439
1,679,541
3,278,269
2,526,279
2,000,000
90,462,801
92,966
92,966
1,530,569
1,530,569
$
11,313,283 $
91,993,370
-
-
17,258
24,555,415
54,031
49,177,643
83,757
73,888,104
17,428
24,182,003
3,560,838
29,051,779
3,815,471
60,627,519
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
85,201,387 $
152,620,889
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-1
SGOCO GROUP, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2010 AND 2009
REVENUES:
Revenues
Revenues - related parties
Total revenues
COST OF GOODS SOLD:
Cost of goods sold
Cost of goods sold - related parties
Total cost of goods sold
GROSS PROFIT
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Selling expenses
General and administrative expenses
Total operating expenses
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES):
Interest income
Interest expense
Other income (expense), net
Change in fair value of warrant derivative liability
Gain from disposal of subsidiaries
Total other expenses, net
2011
2010
2009
$
313,135,771 $
-
313,135,771
204,682,698 $
12,618,047
217,300,745
61,672,603
6,201,701
67,874,304
279,398,945
-
279,398,945
174,315,969
10,285,788
184,601,757
53,006,818
4,757,517
57,764,335
33,736,826
32,698,988
10,109,969
1,705,737
5,778,875
7,484,612
700,148
6,443,314
7,143,462
116,918
889,481
1,006,399
26,252,214
25,555,526
9,103,570
288,415
(2,074,034)
(248,545)
925,445
126,860
(981,859)
89,900
(1,021,066)
(892,184)
(286,877)
-
(2,110,227)
7,221
(841,613)
(75,893)
-
-
(910,285)
INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
25,270,355
23,445,299
8,193,285
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
NET INCOME
8,651,298
16,619,057
3,513,710
19,931,589
1,034,212
7,159,073
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Realization of foreign currency translation gain relating to disposal of subsidiaries
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
EARNINGS PER SHARE:
Basic
Diluted
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES:
Basic
Diluted
83,757
(3,815,471)
1,772,063
-
(16,864)
-
$
12,887,343 $
21,703,652 $
7,142,209
$
$
1.03 $
1.02 $
2.13 $
1.86 $
0.84
0.84
16,086,598
16,288,242
9,354,186
10,705,957
8,500,000
8,500,000
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-2
SGOCO GROUP, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
BALANCE, January 1, 2009
Shareholder contribution
Net income
Adjustment for statutory reserve
Foreign currency translation adjustment
BALANCE, December 31, 2009
Shares issued for recapitalization
Shares placed in escrow
Shareholder contribution
Shares issued for secondary offering
Reclassification of warrants to derivative liabilities
Reclassification of put options to derivative liabilities
Net income
Adjustment for statutory reserve
Foreign currency translation adjustment
BALANCE, December 31, 2010
Shares issued for exercise of over allotment related to secondary offering
Shares repurchased and cancelled pursuant to the Put Option (Note 13)
Net income
Adjustment for statutory reserve
Realization of foreign currency translation gain relating to disposal of subsidiarie
Reclassification of statutory reserve upon disposal of subsidiaries
Foreign currency translation adjustment
BALANCE, December 31, 2011
Ordinary Shares
Shares
14,300,000
Par Value
14,300
$
Paid-in
Capital
$ 14,183,916
3,080,000
Retained Earnings
Statutory
Reserves
$
571,035
Unrestricted
4,950,920
$
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
$
2,060,272
715,907
7,159,073
(715,907)
14,300,000
1,027,933
766,823
1,333,333
14,300
1,028
767
1,333
17,263,916
4,501,937
366,780
5,293,062
(1,243,692)
(2,000,000)
17,428,089
80,267
(250,000)
17,428
80
(250)
24,182,003
373,162
250
1,286,942
11,394,086
2,043,408
2,273,896
19,931,589
(2,273,896)
3,560,838
29,051,779
1,772,063
3,815,471
(16,864)
2,131,096
16,619,057
(2,131,096)
(5,637,903)
5,637,903
(3,815,471)
17,258,356
$
17,258
$ 24,555,415
$
54,031
$ 49,177,643
$
83,757
83,757
Total
$ 21,780,443
3,080,000
7,159,073
-
(16,864)
32,002,652
4,502,965
767
366,780
5,294,395
(1,243,692)
(2,000,000)
19,931,589
-
1,772,063
60,627,519
373,242
-
16,619,057
-
(3,815,471)
-
83,757
$ 73,888,104
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-3
SGOCO GROUP, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2010 AND 2009
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
Bad debt provision
Change in fair value of warrant derivative liability
Gain from disposal of subsidiaries
Change in operating assets
Accounts receivables, trade
Accounts receivables - related parties
Other receivables and prepayments
Inventories
Advances to suppliers
Advances to suppliers-related party
Other current assets
Change in operating liabilities
Accounts payables, trade
Accrued liabilities
Other payables
Other payables - related parties
Customer deposits
Customer deposits - related parties
Taxes payable
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from disposal of subsidiaries, net of cash disposed of $3,439,038
Purchase of equipment and construction-in-progress
Purchase of intangible assets
Proceeds from the disposal of plant and equipment and intangible assets
Cash received from legal acquirer
Net cash used in investing activities
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Increase in restricted cash
Proceeds from bank overdrafts
Payments on bank overdrafts
Notes payable
Proceeds from government
Proceeds from short-term loan
Payments on short-term loan
Shareholder contribution
Proceeds from shareholder loan
Payments on shareholder loan
Proceeds from recapitalization
Payments of recapitalization cost
Repayments on shareholder promissory notes
Proceeds from shares issuance
Payments of financing costs
Payments on repurchase of shares pursuant to Put Option
Payments on repurchase of warrants
Shares issued for exercise of over allotment related to secondary offering
Net cash provided by financing activities
2011
2010
2009
$
16,619,057 $
19,931,589 $
7,159,073
1,460,162
190,840
(925,445)
(126,860)
1,611,372
1,947,371
286,877
-
(19,428,249)
49,559
(7,988,301)
1,160,326
(101,730,517)
-
(12,117)
31,772,095
390,318
9,789,100
-
5,544,248
-
5,007,684
(58,228,100)
(37,509,713)
(48,318)
(261,746)
(12,813,671)
(10,680,527)
9,027,294
258,319
27,638,400
(130,264)
(1,542,236)
(235,178)
2,734,645
(337,797)
1,603,892
1,480,309
618,237
-
-
-
(14,767,985)
3,562,779
6,967
4,227,785
(7,588,177)
1,853,952
29,895
1,407,351
26,239
3,067,883
(7,299,039)
457,480
305,167
927,234
(6,005,159)
(2,226,038)
(1,021,169)
(1,545)
2,354
-
(3,246,398)
-
(3,563,545)
(6,419)
-
5,913
(3,564,051)
-
(13,553,487)
(5,972,103)
-
-
(19,525,590)
(19,412,627)
7,304,321
(7,538,559)
40,898,856
-
102,257,686
(81,516,378)
-
-
(2,336,481)
-
-
-
-
-
(2,000,000)
(512,158)
373,242
37,517,902
(730,855)
10,349,643
(9,618,228)
6,824,463
1,163,426
30,511,770
(32,055,846)
366,780
2,545,439
-
5,388,083
(666,468)
(100,000)
5,594,543
(300,148)
-
-
-
19,272,602
(5,414,494)
5,061,259
(4,344,137)
13,695,975
3,372,030
50,174,196
(34,620,488)
3,080,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
31,004,341
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE ON CASH
997,292
496,932
(18,148)
(DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH
(22,959,304)
17,685,792
5,455,444
CASH, beginning of year
CASH, end of year
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid for interest
Cash paid for income taxes
23,493,805
5,808,013
352,569
534,501 $
23,493,805 $
5,808,013
2,074,034 $
4,051,393 $
1,021,066 $
1,986,106 $
841,613
106,977
$
$
$
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING
ACTIVITIES
Settlement of consideration receivable – received in finished goods
Settlement of consideration receivable offset against
- Purchase deposits to Honesty Group
- Payable to Honesty Group
Consideration receivable from the Sale of Honesty Group
$
$
$
$
8,925,001 $
(1,771,815) $
10,156,024 $
57,477,790 $
- $
- $
- $
- $
-
-
-
-
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-4
SGOCO GROUP, LTD AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2011
Note 1 - Organization and description of business
SGOCO Group, Ltd., formerly known as Hambrecht Asia Acquisition Corp. (the “Company” or “we”, “our” or “us”) was incorporated under the law of the
Cayman Islands on July 18, 2007. The Company was formed as a blank check company for the purpose of acquiring one or more operating businesses in the
People’s Republic of China (“China” or “PRC”) through a merger, stock exchange, asset acquisition or similar business combination or control through
contractual arrangements.
The Company completed its initial public offering (“IPO”) of units consisting of one ordinary share and one warrant to purchase one ordinary share in March
12, 2008. On March 12, 2010, the Company completed a share exchange transaction with Honesty Group Holdings Limited (“Honesty Group”) and its
shareholders, and Honesty Group became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Acquisition”). On the closing date, the Company issued
14,300,000 of its ordinary shares to Honesty Group in exchange for 100% of the capital stock of Honesty Group. Prior to the share exchange transaction, the
Company had 5,299,126 ordinary shares issued and outstanding. After the share exchange transaction, the Company had 16,094,756 ordinary shares issued
and outstanding.
The share exchange transaction was accounted for as reorganization and recapitalization of Honesty Group. As a result, the consolidated financial statements
of the Company (the legal acquirer) is, in substance, those of Honesty Group (the accounting acquirer), with the assets and liabilities, and revenues and
expenses, of the Company being included effective from the date of the share exchange transaction. There was no gain or loss recognized on the
transaction. The historical financial statements for periods prior to March 12, 2010 are those of Honesty Group, except that the equity section and earnings
per share have been retroactively restated to reflect the reorganization and recapitalization.
Honesty Group is a limited liability company registered in Hong Kong on September 13, 2005. It directly owns 100% of Guanke (Fujian) Electron
Technological Industry Co., Ltd. (“Guanke”), Guanwei (Fujian) Electron Technological Co., Ltd. (“Guanwei”), and Guancheng (Fujian) Electron
Technological Industry Co., Ltd. (“Guancheng”). The Company designs, manufactures and distributes LCD consumer products including LCD PC monitors,
LCD TVs, LED back-light modules and application-specific LCD systems. Products are sold primarily in China and also in international markets.
Guanke, Guanwei and Guancheng are limited liability companies established in Jinjiang City, Fujian Province under the corporate laws of the People’s
Republic of China (“PRC” or “China”). Guanke was formed on January 16, 2006 with a registered capital of $11,880,000. Currently, Guanke is the
Company’s main operating entity. Guanwei and Guancheng were formed on June 22, 2007 with registered capital of $11,880,000 and $7,800,000,
respectively, of which $3,130,000 and $7,800,000, respectively, had been contributed as of December 31, 2010. The remaining registered capital of
$8,750,000 has to be fulfilled by the end of 2011. Guanwei is in the development stage and had no operations as of December 31, 2010.
SGOCO International (HK) Limited, a limited liability company registered in Hong Kong, or “SGOCO International,” is a wholly owned subsidiary of
SGOCO.
On February 22, 2011, SGO Corporation was established in Delaware USA. On March 14, 2011, SGOCO International (HK) Limited purchased 100% of the
outstanding shares of common stock of SGO. SGO was founded for the purpose of marketing, sales and distribution of SGOCO’s high quality LCD/LED
products in the Americas. SGO was not operating during 2011.
On July 28, 2011, SGOCO (Fujian) Electronic Co., Ltd., a limited liability company under the laws of the PRC was established by SGOCO International for
the purpose of conducting LCD/LED monitor and TV product-related product design, brand development and distribution.
On November 15, 2011, the Company entered into an agreement to sell its 100% ownership interest in Honesty Group to Apex Flourish Group Limited, an
unrelated party for $76 million in total consideration (see Note 21).
F-5
On December 26, 2011, SGOCO International (HK) Limited established a wholly owned subsidiary Beijing SGOCO Image Technology Co. Ltd., a limited
liability company under the laws of the PRC for the purpose of conducting LCD/LED monitor, TV product-related product and application specific product
design, brand development and distribution.
The Company has relocated its corporate headquarters from Jinjiang, Fujian Province to Beijing, China and placed its focus on building out its institutional
sales and distribution network with particular focus on the high margin application specific products.
The Company is focused on designing innovative products and developing its own-brands for sale in the Chinese flat panel display market. Its main products
are LCD/LED monitors, TVs and other application-specific products. The Company intends to offer high quality LCD/LED products under brands that we
control and license such as “SGOCO”, “No. 10,” “POVIZON,” “TCL,” and “Founder” to consumers residing in China’s Tier 3 and Tier 4 cities.
Note 2 - Accounting policies
Basis of presentation and principle of consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America (“US GAAP”), and include the financial statements of the Company and all its majority-owned subsidiaries that require consolidation. All material
intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in the consolidation. Following are the entities which were consolidated up to the date of
disposal:
SGOCO
SGOCO International
SGOCO (Fujian)
Honesty Group
Guanke
Guancheng
Guanwei
SGO
Use of estimates
Place
Ownership
percentage
incorporated
Cayman Island Parent Company
Hong Kong
Jinjiang, China
Hong Kong
Jinjiang, China
Jinjiang, China
Jinjiang, China
Delaware, USA
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of
revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The more significant areas requiring the use of management estimates and assumptions relate to the
collectability of its receivables and the fair value and accounting treatment of certain financial instruments. Management bases its estimates on historical
experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Accordingly, actual results may differ significantly
from these estimates. In addition, different assumptions or conditions could reasonably be expected to yield different results.
Concentration of risks
The Company’s operations are carried out in the PRC and its operations in the PRC are subject to specific considerations and significant risks not typically
associated with companies in North America and Western Europe. These include risks associated with, among others, the political, economic and legal
environments and foreign currency exchange. The Company’s results may be adversely affected by changes in government policies regarding laws and
regulations, anti-inflationary measures, currency conversion and remittance abroad, and rates and methods of taxation, among other things.
Financial instruments that subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist of cash. The Company maintains balances at financial institutions
located in Hong Kong, China and USA. From time to time, balances in Hong Kong may exceed the Hong Kong Deposit Protection Board insured limits for
the banks located in Hong Kong. Balances at financial institutions or state owned banks within the PRC are not insured. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010,
the Company had deposits, including restricted cash balances, in excess of insured limits totaling $508,809 and $30,001,692, respectively. The Company has
not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant risks to the cash in its bank accounts.
F-6
Sales revenue from two major customers was approximately 31% of the Company’s total sales for the year ended December 31, 2011, with each customer
individually accounting for 19% and 12% of revenue, respectively. The Company’s accounts receivable from these customers was approximately $6.4 million
as of December 31, 2011.
Sales revenue from two major customers was approximately 35% of the Company’s total sales for the year ended December 31, 2010, with each customer
individually accounting for 19% and 16% of revenue, respectively. The Company’s accounts receivable from these customers was approximately $24.8
million as of December 31, 2010.
Sales revenue from four major customers was approximately 74% of the Company’s total sales for the year ended December 31, 2009, with each customer
individually accounting for 27%, 21%, 16% and 10% of revenue, respectively.
One major vendor provided approximately 23% of total purchases by the Company during the year ended December 31, 2011. The Company had no accounts
payable due to this vendor as of December 31, 2011.
One major vendor provided approximately 15% of total purchases by the Company during the year ended December 31, 2010. The Company had $9,844
accounts payable due to this vendor as of December 31, 2010.
One major vendor provided approximately 21% of total purchases by the Company during the year ended December 31, 2009. The Company had no accounts
payable due to this vendor as of December 31, 2009.
Cash and cash equivalents
For purposes of the cash flow statements, the Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the time of
purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash includes cash on hand and demand deposits in accounts maintained with financial institutions or state owned banks
within the PRC, USA and Hong Kong.
Restricted cash
The Company has notes payable outstanding and line of credit arrangements with various banks and is required to keep certain amounts on deposit that are
subject to withdrawal restrictions.
Restricted cash represents amounts set aside by the Company in accordance with the Company’s debt agreements with certain financial institutions. These
cash amounts are designated for the purpose of paying down the principal amounts owed to the financial institutions, and these amounts are held at the same
financial institutions with which the Company has debt agreements in the PRC. Due to the short term nature of the Company’s debt obligations to these
banks, the corresponding restricted cash balances have been classified as current in the consolidated balance sheets.
Accounts receivable, trade and other receivables
Receivables include trade accounts due from customers and other receivables such as cash advances to employees, related parties or third parties.
Management reviews the composition of accounts receivable and analyzes historical bad debts, customer concentration, customer credit worthiness, current
economic trends and changes in customer payment patterns to determine if the allowance for doubtful accounts is adequate. An estimate for doubtful accounts
is made when collection of the full amount is no longer probable. Delinquent account balances are written-off after management has determined that the
likelihood of collection is not probable and known bad debts are written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts when identified.
Inventories
Inventory is composed of raw materials, mainly parts for assembly of LCD /LED products and finished goods. Inventory is valued at the lower of cost or
market value using the weighted average method. Management reviews inventories for obsolescence and compares the cost of inventory with the market
value at least once a year. An allowance is made for writing down the inventory to its market value, if it is lower than cost.
F-7
Plant and equipment
Plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses, if any. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are
charged to earnings as incurred. Major additions are capitalized. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated
depreciation are removed from the respective accounts, and any gain or loss is included in operations. Depreciation of plant and equipment is provided using
the straight-line method for substantially all assets with estimated lives as follows:
Buildings and improvements
Machinery equipment
Vehicles and office equipment
Estimated
Useful Life
20 years
5-10 years
5 years
Construction in progress represents the costs incurred in connection with the construction of buildings or new additions to the Company’s plant facilities. No
depreciation is provided for construction in progress until such time as the assets are completed and placed into service.
Government grants
The Company is entitled to receive grants from the PRC municipal government due to its operation in the high and new technology business sector. For the
years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company received grants of approximately $973,320 (RMB6,305,117), $1,193,000 (RMB7,866,300),
and $3,372,000 (RMB23,000,000), respectively, from the PRC municipal government. Grants received from the PRC municipal government in 2010 and
2009 could be used for enterprise development and technology innovation purposes. The government grants received during the 2010 and 2009 periods were
recognized in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as a reduction of cost of the assets acquired and buildings constructed. The grants that the
Company received in 2011 were without condition, and they were recorded as other income upon receipt.
Intangible assets
Intangible assets mainly include land use rights. All land in the PRC is government owned. However, the government grants “land use rights.” The Company
acquired land use rights in 2007 and has the right to use the land for 50 years. Amortization of the rights held by Guanke and Guancheng began in the fourth
quarter of 2009 and in the third quarter of 2010, respectively, as the land had been placed into service. The right held by Guanwei remains unamortized as it
is under development and had no operations as of date of disposal.
Impairment of long-lived assets
The Company evaluates long lived assets, including equipment and intangible assets, for impairment at least once per year and whenever events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable from its estimated future cash flows. Recoverability of intangible assets, other long-
lived assets is measured by comparing their net book value to the related projected undiscounted cash flows from these assets, considering a number of factors
including past operating results, budgets, economic projections, market trends and product development cycles. If the net book value of the asset exceeds the
related undiscounted cash flows, the asset is considered impaired and an impairment loss equal to an amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair
value of the asset is recognized. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, management believes there was no impairment of long-lived assets.
Derivative liability
Derivative liabilities, which include public and private warrants, a put option and underwriter options, are recorded on the consolidated balance sheet as a
liability at their fair value. The Company accounts for derivative liabilities in accordance with an accounting standard regarding “Instruments that are
Indexed to an Entity’s Own Stock”. This accounting standard specifies that a contract that would otherwise meet the definition of a derivative but is both (a)
indexed to the Company’s own stock and (b) classified in stockholders’ equity in the statement of financial position would not be considered a derivative
financial instrument. It provides a new two-step model to be applied in determining whether a financial instrument or an embedded feature is indexed to an
issuer’s own stock and thus able to qualify for the scope exception within the standards.
Prior to the Acquisition, warrants issued were treated as equity. As a result of the Acquisition, the derivative treatment exemption was no longer afforded
equity treatment because the strike price of the warrants is denominated in U.S. Dollars, a currency other than the Company’s functional currency which is the
Chinese Renminbi (“RMB”). Therefore, warrants are not considered indexed to the Company’s own stock, and as such, all future changes in the fair value of
these warrants will be recognized currently in earnings until such time as the warrants are exercised or expire. The Company reclassified the fair value of
these warrants, which have the dual-indexed feature, from equity to liability.
F-8
The Company accounts for the put option agreement in accordance with the accounting standards regarding certain financial instruments with characteristics
of both liabilities and equity. The put option agreement obligated the Company to purchase such shares. As the result, the Company treated the put option as
a liability.
Fair value of financial instruments
The Company’s financial instruments primarily consist of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable and payable, other receivables and
payables, advances to customers, short-term loans, customer deposits and put option liability.
As of the balance sheet dates, the estimated fair value of these financial instruments were not materially different from their carrying values as presented due
to the short maturities of these instruments and that the interest rates on the borrowings approximate those that would have been available for loans for similar
remaining maturity and risk profile at the respective reporting periods.
The accounting standards regarding fair value of financial instruments and related fair value measurements define financial instruments and require fair value
disclosures of those financial instruments. The fair value measurement accounting standard defines fair value, establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for
disclosures of fair value measurement and enhances disclosure requirements for fair value measures. The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheets for
current assets and current liabilities qualifying as financial instruments are a reasonable estimate of fair value because of the short period of time between the
origination of such instruments and their expected realization and their current market rate of interest. The three levels are defined as follows:
• Level 1
• Level 2
• Level 3
inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are
observable for the assets or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instruments.
inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value.
The following table sets forth by level within the fair value hierarchy our financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring
basis:
Warrant derivative liability
$
92,966 $
62,879 $
30,087 $
Carrying Value at
December
31, 2011
Fair Value Measurement at
December 31, 2011
Level 2
Level 3
Level 1
Warrant derivative liability
Put option liability
Total
Carrying Value at
December
31, 2010
Fair Value Measurement at
December 31, 2010
Level 2
Level 3
Level 1
$
$
1,530,569 $
2,000,000
3,530,569 $
1,068,974 $
2,000,000
3,068,974 $
461,595 $
-
461,595 $
-
-
-
-
A discussion of the valuation techniques used to measure fair value for the liabilities listed above and activity for these liabilities for the year ended December
31, 2011, is provided in Note 12.
As of December 2011 and 2010, there was no asset or liability measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis.
F-9
Revenue recognition
The Company’s revenue recognition policies are in accordance with the accounting standards. Sales revenue is recognized at the date of shipment to
customers when a formal arrangement exists, the price is fixed or determinable, the delivery is completed, no other significant obligations of the Company
exist and collectability is reasonably assured. For products that are required to be examined by customers, sales revenue is recognized after the customer
examination is passed. Payments received before all of the relevant criteria for revenue recognition are recorded as customer deposits. The Company offers
limited extended warranty and service contracts to customers. Most of these services are provided by the distributors. Management did not estimate future
warranty liabilities as historical warranty expenses were minimal.
Income taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with the FASB’s accounting standard for income taxes. Under the asset and liability method as
required by this accounting standard, deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences by applying enacted statutory
tax rates applicable to future years to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities. The
charge for taxation is based on the results for the reporting period as adjusted for items which are non-assessable or disallowed. It is calculated using tax rates
that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date. The effect on deferred income taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in income
in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recognized if it is more likely than not that some portion, or all of, a deferred tax asset
will not be realized. There was no deferred tax amount as of December 31, 2011 and 2010.
Under the accounting standard regarding accounting for uncertainty in income taxes, a tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more likely than
not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest
amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax
benefit is recorded. Penalties and interest incurred related to underpayment of income tax are classified as income tax expense in the year incurred. No
material penalties or interest relating to income taxes have been incurred during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009. US GAAP also
provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosures and transition.
According to the PRC Tax Administration and Collection Law, the statute of limitations is three years if the underpayment of taxes is due to computational
errors made by the taxpayer or its withholding agent. The statute of limitations extends to five years under special circumstances, which are not clearly
defined. In the case of a related party transaction, the statute of limitations is ten years. There is no statute of limitations in the case of tax evasion.
According to the Circular on the State Administration of Taxation on Strengthening the Management of EIT Collection of Proceeds from Equity Transfers by
Non-Resident Enterprises (Guoshuihan [2009] No. 698) (“Circular 698”), a non-PRC Tax Resident Enterprise is subject to the PRC EIT on the taxable gain
arising from a sale of transfer of any intermediate offshore company which directly or indirectly holds an interest, including any assets, subsidiaries, or other
forms of business operations, in the PRC at a rate of 19%, or otherwise stipulated in an applicable tax treaty or arrangement. Circular 698 applies to all
transactions conducted on or after January 1, 2008.
In addition to the above, after the EIT Law and its Implementing Rules were promulgated, the State Administration of Taxation released several regulations to
stipulate more details for carrying out the EIT Law and its Implementing Rules. These regulations include:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Notice of the State Administration of Taxation on the Issues Concerning the Administration of Enterprise Income Tax Deduction and Exemption
(2008);
Notice of the State Administration of Taxation on Intensifying the Withholding of Enterprise Income Tax on Non-resident Enterprises’ Interest
Income Sourcing from China (2008);
Notice of the State Administration of Taxation on Several Issues Concerning the Recognition of Incomes Subject to the Enterprise Income Tax
(2008);
Opinion of the State Administration of Taxation on Strengthening the Administration of Enterprise Income Tax (2008);
Notice of the Ministry of Finance and State Administration of Taxation on Several Preferential Policies regarding Enterprise Income Tax (2008);
Interim Measures for the Administration of Collection of Enterprise Income Tax on the Basis of Consolidation of Trans-regional Business Operations
(2008); and
F-10
7.
Several Issues Concerning the Enterprise Income Tax Treatment on Enterprise Reorganization (2009).
Advertising costs
The Company expenses the cost of advertising as incurred in selling expenses. The Company had minimum advertising costs incurred for the years ended
December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.
Shipping and handling
Shipping and handling cost incurred to ship finished products to customers are included in selling expenses. Shipping and handling expenses for the years
ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, amounted to $391,758, $333,647 and $58,288, respectively.
Research and development costs
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and are included in general and administrative expenses. The costs of material and equipment that
are acquired or constructed for research and development activities and have alternative future uses are classified as plant and equipment and depreciated over
their estimated useful lives. Research and development costs for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 amounted to $319,408 and $117,843,
respectively. The Company had no research and development costs of the year ended December 31, 2009.
Earnings per share
The Company reports earnings per share in accordance with the provisions of FASB’s related accounting standard. This standard requires presentation of
basic and diluted earnings per share and disclosure of the methodology used in computing such earnings per share. Basic earnings per share exclude dilution
and is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted
earnings per share takes into account the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised and
converted into common stock. Dilution is computed by applying the treasury stock method. Under this method, option and warrants were assumed to be
exercised at the beginning of the period (or at the time of issuance, if later), and as if funds obtained thereby were used to purchase common stock at the
average market price during the period.
Foreign currency translation
The reporting currency of the Company is the U.S. Dollar. The functional currency of PRC subsidiaries is the RMB. Results of operations and cash flow are
translated at average exchange rates during the period, and assets and liabilities are translated at the unified exchange rate as quoted by the People’s Bank of
China at the end of the period. Capital accounts are translated at their historical exchange rates when the capital transaction occurred. Translation adjustments
resulting from this process are included in accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated statement of shareholders’ equity. Transaction gains
and losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are included in the results
of operations as incurred.
The balance sheet amounts with the exception of equity were translated at RMB6.30 and RMB6.59 to $1.00 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
The equity accounts were stated at their historical exchange rates. The average translation rates applied to the income and cash flow statement amounts for the
years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 were RMB6.46, RMB6.76 and RMB6.82 to $1.00, respectively.
Recent accounting pronouncements
In December 2010, the FASB issued an authoritative pronouncement on disclosure of supplementary pro forma information for business combinations. The
objective of this guidance is to address diversity in practice regarding the interpretation of the pro forma revenue and earnings disclosure requirements for
business combinations. The amendments in this update specify that if a public entity presents comparative financial statements, the entity should disclose
revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the business combination(s) that occurred during the current year had occurred as of the beginning of
the comparable prior Annual Reporting period only. The amendments also expand the supplemental pro forma disclosures to include a description of the
nature and amount of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the business combination included in the reported pro forma
revenue and earnings. The amendments affect any public entity as defined by Topic 805—Business Combinations that enters into business combinations that
are material on an individual or aggregate basis. The amendments will be effective for business combinations consummated in periods beginning after
December 15, 2010, and should be applied prospectively as of the date of adoption. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this pronouncement did not
have a significant impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
F-11
In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04 Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and
Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs. This ASU is the result of joint efforts by the FASB and International Accounting Standards Board
(“IASB”) to develop a single, converged fair value framework — that is, converged guidance on how (not when) to measure fair value and on what
disclosures to provide about fair value measurements. Thus, there are few differences between this ASU and its international counterpart, IFRS 13. While this
ASU is largely consistent with existing fair value measurement principles in U.S. GAAP, it expands Topic 820’s existing disclosure requirements for fair
value measurements and makes other amendments. Many of these amendments were made to eliminate unnecessary wording differences between U.S. GAAP
and IFRSs. However, some could change how the fair value measurement guidance in Topic 820 is applied. This ASU is effective for interim and annual
periods beginning after December 15, 2011 for public entities. It is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial
statements.
In June 2011, the FASB issued an authoritative pronouncement to allow an entity the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of
net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but
consecutive statements. In both choices, an entity is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other
comprehensive income along with a total for other comprehensive income, and a total amount for comprehensive income. The guidance eliminates the option
to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in shareholders’ equity. These amendments do not change the
items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income. The guidance
should be applied retrospectively. For public entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years, beginning after
December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this pronouncement will have a significant impact on the
Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
In September 2011, the FASB issued an authoritative pronouncement related to testing goodwill for impairment. The guidance is intended to simplify how
entities, both public and nonpublic, test goodwill for impairment. The pronouncement permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether
it is “more likely than not” that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform
the two-step goodwill impairment test. The guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted, including for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed as of a date before September 15,
2011, if an entity’s financial statements for the most recent annual or interim period have not yet been issued or, for nonpublic entities, have not yet been
made available for issuance. The Company does not expect the adoption of this pronouncement will have a significant impact on our financial condition or
results of operations.
In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2001-11 Balance Sheet (Topic 210)-Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities: The guidance requires an
entity to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those
arrangements on its financial position. An entity is required to apply the amendments for Annual Reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and
interim periods within those annual periods. An entity should provide the disclosures required by those amendments retrospectively for all comparative
periods presented. It is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-12 Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): In order to defer only those changes in update 2011-05 that relate to
the presentation of reclassification adjustments, the paragraphs in this update supersede certain pending paragraphs in Update 2011-05. The amendments are
being made to allow the Board time to re-deliberate whether to present on the face of the financial statements the effects of reclassifications out of
accumulated other comprehensive income on the components of net income and other comprehensive income for all periods presented. While the Board is
considering the operational concerns about the presentation requirements for reclassification adjustments and the needs of financial statement users for
additional information about reclassification adjustments, entities should continue to report reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income
consistent with the presentation requirements in effect before Update 2011-05. All other requirements in Update 2011-05 are not affected by this update,
including the requirement to report comprehensive income either in a single continuous financial statement or in two separate but consecutive financial
statements. Public entities should apply these requirements for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. It is
not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
F-12
In July 2012, the FASB issued 2012-02 Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): The amendments in this update will allow an entity to first assess
qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative impairment test. Under these amendments, an entity would not be required to
calculate the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset unless the entity determines, based on qualitative assessment, that it is not more likely than not,
the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. The amendments include a number of events and circumstances for an entity to consider in conducting the
qualitative assessment. The amendments are effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012.
Early adoption is permitted, including for annual and interim impairment tests performed as of a date before July 27, 2012, if a public entity’s financial
statements for the most recent annual or interim period have not yet been issued. It is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated
financial statements.
Reclassification
Certain amounts included in the 2010 financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2011 financial statement presentation as follows:
1.
2.
Taxes (apart from enterprise income tax) payables of $(76,340) were presented as part of Other Payables in the Company’s Consolidated Balance
Sheets as of December 31, 2010. After such reclassification, Other Payables as of December 31, 2010 decreased to $1,679,541 and Taxes Payable
increased to $2,526,279.
The put option derivative liability of $2,000,000 was presented as part of current liabilities in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as of
December 31, 2010. After such reclassification, current liabilities as of December 31, 2010 increased to $90,462,801.
Note 3 – Business acquisition
On February 12, 2010, the Company entered into a Share Exchange Agreement (the “Share Exchange Agreement”) with Honesty Group Holdings Limited
(“Honesty Group”) and its shareholders. On March 12, 2010, the Company completed the acquisition (“Acquisition”) of all of the outstanding capital stock
of the Honesty Group. The Acquisition resulted in the shareholders of Honesty Group obtaining a majority of the voting interest in the Company. Generally
accepted accounting principles accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”) require that Honesty Group, whose shareholders retain the majority
voting interest in the combined business, be treated as the acquirer for accounting purposes. After the Share Exchange, the Company had 16,094,756
ordinary shares issued and outstanding, and Honesty Group’s shareholders owned approximately 88.9% of the issued and outstanding shares. Although
Honesty Group was deemed to be the acquiring company for accounting and financial reporting purposes, the legal status of the Company as the surviving
corporation did not change. Since the Company did not have any assets with operating substance except cash and short-term investments prior to the
transaction, the Acquisition was accounted for as reorganization and recapitalization of Honesty Group. As a result, the consolidated financial statements of
the Company (the legal acquirer) is, in substance, those of Honesty Group (the accounting acquirer), with the assets and liabilities, and revenues and
expenses, of the Company being included effective from the date of the share exchange transaction.
The Acquisition transaction utilized the capital structure of the Company. The assets and liabilities of Honesty Group were recorded at historical cost. The
outstanding stock of the Company prior to the share exchange transaction was accounted at its net book value with no goodwill or other intangible being
recognized as the result of the acquisition. There was no gain or loss recognized on the transaction. The historical financial statements for periods prior to
March 12, 2010 are those of Honesty Group except that the equity section and earnings per share have been retroactively restated to reflect the reorganization
and recapitalization.
Following the closing of the share exchange transaction, the gross amount of $5.4 million in the trust fund, established by the Company in connection with its
initial public offering, was distributed to Honesty Group. Acquisition-related costs incurred to affect the recapitalization were approximately $1.7 million, of
which $1.0 million was accounted for as expense for the year ended December 31, 2010.
F-13
At the closing, the Company issued 14.3 million ordinary shares to Honesty Group’s shareholders in exchange for 100% of the capital stock of Honesty
Group. Of the 14.3 million ordinary shares, 5.8 million shares were placed in escrow subject to the Company’s future performance and would be released as
follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.0 million shares if Income from Existing Operations from the Company’s existing operation for the fiscal year of 2010 exceeds $15 million
excluding the cost incurred in connection with the Acquisition;
0.8 million shares if Income from Existing Operations from the Company’s existing operation for the fiscal year of 2011 exceeds $20 million
excluding the cost incurred in connection with the Acquisition;
5.8 million shares if the Company fails to meet the target for the fiscal year of 2010 but meets the target for the fiscal year of 2011; and
If neither target is met, the 5.8 million shares will be delivered to the Company for cancellation and returned to the status of authorized but unissued
shares.
Income from Existing Operations means the income from operations for Guanke derived from the financial information used to prepare the financial
statements for the Company, provided, however, costs incurred by the Company in connection with the Acquisition or the formation, capitalization or
recapitalization of Hambrecht Asia Acquisition Corp. should not be treated an expense for any period in determining whether the target has been met.
Prior to the Share Exchange, the Sponsors (Note 12) had 1,059,826 ordinary shares issued and outstanding, of which 124,738 shares were forfeited, 766,823
shares were placed in the escrow and will be released contingent on financial advisory and certain other services to be provided by the Sponsors, and 168,265
ordinary shares issued were outstanding.
Prior to the Share Exchange, public shareholders had 4,239,300 ordinary shares issued and outstanding, of which 2,147,493 shares were repurchased and
retired for an aggregate price of $17,285,811 and 1,232,139 shares were redeemed for an aggregate price of $9,838,351. After the closing, public shareholders
had 859,668 shares outstanding. Total shares outstanding were 1,027,933.
As of December 31, 2010, 5,000,000 shares owned by the former shareholders of Honesty Group were no longer subject to forfeiture based on the satisfaction
of the first Earn-Out Milestone. These shares were included in the diluted earnings per share computation starting October 1, 2010; 340,810 shares owned by
the Sponsors were no longer subject to forfeiture based on services rendered.
As of December 31, 2011, an additional 800,000 shares owned by the former shareholders of Honesty Group were no longer subject to forfeiture based on the
satisfaction of the second Earn-Out Milestone. These shares were included in the diluted earnings per share computation starting October 1, 2011; as of
December 31, 2011, a further 20,517 shares owned by the Sponsors were no longer subject to forfeiture based on services rendered.
Real estate option agreement
As a condition to the Share Exchange Agreement, the Company entered into a real estate option agreement with Mr. Burnette Or pursuant to which Mr. Or, or
an entity led by him, has the option to purchase the land use rights and buildings at cost. After the Sale of Honesty Group, the option was cancelled by Mr.
Or.
Note 4 - Accounts receivable, trade
Accounts receivable as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 consisted of the following:
Accounts receivable
Accounts receivable – related parties
Trade accounts receivable, net
2011
19,680,682 $
-
19,680,682 $
2010
55,985,013
49,559
56,034,572
$
$
During the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company wrote off delinquent accounts receivable of $190,840, $1,947,371 and nil,
respectively.
F-14
Note 5 - Other receivables and prepayments
Other receivables and prepayments as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 consisted of the following:
VAT and miscellaneous tax recoverable
Other prepayments
Other receivables and prepayments
Note 6 - Inventories
Inventories consisted of the following as of December 31, 2011 and 2010:
Raw material
Finished goods
Total inventories
Note 7 - Advances to suppliers
2011
2010
551,031 $
205,732
756,763 $
129,009
300,855
429,864
2011
- $
1,864,011
1,864,011 $
2010
7,874,232
9,416,891
17,291,123
$
$
$
$
The Company makes advances to certain vendors for inventory purchases and construction projects. The advances on inventory purchases were $4,609,506
and $23,312,312 as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
As of December 31, 2010, advances to suppliers included assets held by Honesty Group. After the Sale of Honesty Group,
advances to suppliers reduced dramatically as they were sold with the Honesty Group (see Note 21).
Note 8 - Plant and equipment, net
Plant and equipment consisted of the following as of December 31, 2011 and 2010:
Buildings and improvements
Machinery and equipment
Vehicles and office equipment
Construction in progress
Total
Less: accumulated depreciation
Plant and equipment, net
$
2011
- $
434,301
-
-
434,301
2010
10,909,066
8,447,292
401,213
89,744
19,847,315
$
(216,715)
217,586 $
(2,961,018)
16,886,297
Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 amounted to $1,368,780, $1,506,093 and $605,522, respectively.
For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, interest expense of approximately $8,326, $254,118 and $175,932, respectively, were capitalized into
construction in progress.
Note 9 - Intangible assets, net
Net intangible assets consisted of the following at December 31, 2011 and 2010:
Land use rights
Software
Total
Less: accumulated amortization
Intangible assets, net
2011
- $
-
-
-
- $
2010
8,700,613
3,793
8,704,406
(115,191)
8,589,215
$
$
F-15
Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 amounted to $91,382, $105,279 and $12,715, respectively.
As of December 31, 2010, intangible assets included assets held by Honesty Group. After the Sale of Honesty Group, intangible assets went with the Honesty
Group (see Note 21).
Note 10 - Debt
As of December 31, 2010, the Company had four credit facilities pursuant to which the Company issued a portion of the notes payable and short-term loans
below. The Company had a) a facility with the Bank of Communications in the amount of $16.4 million (RMB 108.3 million) with the expiration date on
August 6, 2011, b) a facility with the Agricultural Bank of China in the amount of $10.3 million (RMB 68 million) with the expiration date on September 1,
2011, c) a facility with Industrial and Commercial Bank of China in the amount of $15.2 million (RMB 100 million) with the expiration date on December
31, 2011, and d) a facility with Industrial Bank Co. Ltd. in the amount of $8.3 million (RMB 55 million) with the expiration date on November 7, 2011. Each
facility had a pledge agreement and was personally guaranteed by a Board member and/or the Company’s CEO. The personal guarantees were either expired
or were replaced with the names of non-SGOCO individuals as of the date of this report.
Following the Sale of Honesty Group, the credit agreements and related outstanding debt remained with Honesty Group and its subsidiaries; SGOCO had no
debt outstanding as of December 31, 2011.
Notes payable
Notes payable are lines of credit extended by the banks. When purchasing raw materials, the Company often issues a short term note payable to the vendor
funded with draws on the lines of credit. This short term notes payable is guaranteed by the bank for its complete face value through a letter of credit and
usually matures within three to six months of issuance. The banks require the Company to deposit a certain amount of cash at the bank as a guarantee deposit
which is classified on the balance sheet as restricted cash. In addition, the banks charge processing fees based on the face value of the note.
As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, $0 and $6,537,086 of restricted cash was collateral for the $0 and $26,346,505 notes payable. With the Sale of Honesty
Group, the notes payable remained with Honesty and its subsidiaries; SGOCO had no notes payable as of December 31, 2011.
Letters of credit from Agricultural Bank of China with interest rates ranging from 0.25% to 0.59%
Letters of credit from Bank of Communications with an interest rate of 3%
Letters of credit from Industrial and Commercial Bank of China with interest rates ranging 1.79% to 2.05%
Notes payable from Bank of Communications and Industrial Bank Co., Ltd., non-interest bearing
Total
Bank overdraft
As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, bank overdrafts amounted to $0 and $1,492,226, respectively.
F-16
2011
- $
-
-
-
- $
2010
3,511,379
3,093,994
4,560,906
15,180,226
26,346,505
$
$
Short term loans
As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company had the following major short-term loans from banks at:
Three loans with Industrial Bank Co., LTD, due December 2011 with an interest rate of 5.56%, guaranteed by the
Company’s Board members and secured by the Company’s land use right
$
- $
5,157,800
2011
2010
One loan with Agricultural Bank of China, due January 2011 with an interest rate of 5.58%, guaranteed by the
Company’s Board members and secured by the Company’s land use right
Four loans with Bank of Communications, due August 2011 with an interest rate of 5.84%, guaranteed by the
Company’s Board members and secured by the Company’s land use right
Four loans with Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, due from January 2011 to June 2011 with interest rates of
4.86% and 5.1%, which are guaranteed by the Company’s Board members and secured by one accounts receivable
balance*
Total – bank loans
-
-
3,034,000
5,309,500
$
-
- $
4,672,360
18,173,660
* Cash collected is designated for the purpose of paying down the principal amounts owed to the financial institutions and is included in restricted cash.
The Company had one loan from an unrelated company. The loan bears no interest, is due on demand, and is unsecured. The balance amounted to $0 and
$128,793 as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
See Note 18 for disclosure related to shareholder loan.
Total interest incurred amounted to $2,082,360, $1,275,184 and $1,017,545 for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. For the
years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, interest expenses of $8,326, $254,118 and $175,932, respectively, were capitalized into construction in
progress.
With the Sale of Honesty Group, short-term loans remained with Honesty and its subsidiaries; SGOCO had no short-term loans outstanding as of December
31, 2011.
Other payables
Other payables as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 consisted of the following:
Accrued professional fees
Accrued transportation expenses
Payables for construction and equipment
Advance to staff
Others
Other taxes payable
Other payables
Note 11 - Employee pension
2011
2010
67,688 $
34,324
-
-
150,939
90,932
343,883 $
299,727
124,682
473,579
151,700
706,193
(76,340)
1,679,541
$
$
Regulations in the PRC require the Company to contribute to a defined contribution retirement plan for all permanent employees. The PRC government is
responsible for the pension liability to these retired employees. The Company is required to make monthly contributions to the state retirement plan at 20% of
the base requirement for all permanent employees. Different geographic locations have different base requirements. Total pension expense incurred by the
Company was immaterial for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.
Note 12 – Warrant derivative liability
Public Warrants
In March 2008, the Company, then a special purpose acquisition corporation (“SPAC”), completed its initial public offering (“IPO”), in which it sold
4,239,300 units (consisting of one ordinary share and one warrant) at $8.00 per unit. Those warrants (“Public Warrants”) issued in the IPO are publicly traded.
Of the 4,239,300 Public Warrants outstanding prior to the consummation of the Acquisition, holders of 2,673,273 Public Warrants elected to redeem the
warrants for cash of $0.50 per warrant.
F-17
During the year of 2011 the Company bought back 967,177 public warrants through private negotiations for total consideration of $360,610 with an average
price $0.37 per warrant. As a result, 598,850 Public Warrants were outstanding at December 31, 2011.
Those warrants are excisable at $8.00 per share with an expiration date of March 7, 2014. In the event that the last sale price of an ordinary share exceeds
$11.50 per share for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading day period, the Company has the option to redeem Public Warrants at a price of $0.01 per
warrant. These warrants are publicly traded and were valued at the quoted market price of $0.105 per warrant as of December 31, 2011.
Sponsors Warrants
In March 2008, the Company was also engaged in a private offering of 1,550,000 warrants of the Company to the original shareholders of the SPAC
(“Sponsors”). Prior to consummation of the Share Exchange, those Sponsors agreed to forfeit 1,300,000 of their Sponsor Warrants to purchase ordinary
shares. The remaining Sponsor Warrants to purchase 250,000 ordinary shares were transferred without consideration to an unaffiliated investment company,
Pope Investment II, LLC.
These warrants are not publicly traded and are excisable at $8.00 per share with an expiration date of March 7, 2014. The warrants were outstanding at
December 31, 2011. In the event that the last sale price of an ordinary share exceeds $11.50 per share for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading day period,
the Company has the option to redeem the warrants at a price of $0.01 per warrant.
During the year of 2011 the Company bought back 250,000 warrants from Pope Investment II, LLC for $125,000 with a price $0.50 per warrant. As a result,
there were no outstanding sponsor’s warrants as of December 31, 2011.
Unit Options
Connected with the IPO in March 2008, the Company issued an option (“Unit Options”) on a total of 280,000 units with each unit consisting of one ordinary
share and one ordinary share warrant (“Representative Warrants”) to the underwriters, Broadband Capital Management LLC. The Unit Option permits the
acquisition of 280,000 Units at $10 per unit. Those Representative Warrants are excisable at $8.00 per share with an expiration date of March 7, 2014, and
were valued at $0.00055 per share at December 31, 2011, using the observable market price of the Public Warrants.
The Company utilized the American Binominal Option Valuation Model to estimate the value of the Unit Options as of December 31, 2011 at $154, or
$0.00055 per Unit Option, with an exercise price of $9.895 (being $10 minus the portion of the exercise price of $0.105 allocated as the value of the warrant
component), market price of $1.3, expected remaining term of 2.25 years, expected volatility of 44%, and risk free rate of 0.27%. The warrant component of
the Unit Options was valued based on the public market price of the publicly traded warrants of $0.105 per warrants, or $29,400 in total, as of December 31,
2011.
Underwriter Warrants
Connected with a secondary public offering of the Company’s ordinary shares on December 23, 2010, the Company issued to its underwriter an option for
$100 to purchase up to a total of 66,667 shares of ordinary shares (5% of the shares sold in the secondary offering) at $6.00 per share (120% of the price of
the shares sold in the secondary offering). The option is exercisable commencing on June 12, 2012 and expires on December 20, 2015.
During 2011, the Company bought back 53,096 warrants from the underwriters for $26,548 with a price $0.50 per warrant. As a result, there were 13,571
outstanding underwriter warrants as of December 31, 2011.
The Company utilized the American Binominal Option Valuation Model to estimate the value of the underwriter warrants as of December 31, 2011 at $533,
with an exercise price of $6.00, market price of $1.30, expected remaining term of four years, expected volatility of 44%, and a risk free rate of 0.59%.
The Company adopted the provisions of an accounting standard regarding instruments that are Indexed to an Entity’s Own Stock. This accounting standard
specifies that a contract that would otherwise meet the definition of a derivative but is both (a) indexed to the Company’s own stock and (b) classified in
stockholders’ equity in the statement of financial position would not be considered a derivative financial instrument. It provides a new two-step model to be
applied in determining whether a financial instrument or an embedded feature is indexed to an issuer’s own stock and thus able to qualify for the scope
exception within the standards.
F-18
As a result, the Public Warrants, Sponsor Warrants, and Unit Options previously treated as equity pursuant to the derivative treatment exemption are no longer
afforded equity treatment because the strike price of the warrants is denominated in U.S. Dollar, a currency other than the Company’s functional currency
which is the RMB. Therefore the warrants and unit options are not considered indexed to the Company’s own stock, and as such, all future changes in the fair
value of these securities will be recognized currently in earnings until such time as the securities are exercised or expire.
As of December 31, 2011, the fair values of the public warrants, underwriter warrants and Unit Option were $62,879, $533 and $29,554, respectively. The
amount of $925,445 was recognized as “Change in fair value of warrant derivative liability” in the consolidated statement of income for the year ended
December 31, 2011.
A summary of changes in warrant activity is presented as follows as of December 31, 2011:
Public
Warrants
Sponsor
Warrants
Unit
Options *
Underwriter
Warrants
Total
Outstanding, December 31, 2009
-
-
-
-
-
Granted
Forfeited
Exercised
1,566,027
250,000
280,000
66,667
2,162,694
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Outstanding, December 31, 2010
1,566,027
250,000
280,000
66,667
2,162,694
Forfeited
Repurchased
-
-
(967,177)
(250,000)
-
-
-
-
(53,096)
(1,270,273)
Outstanding, December 31, 2011
598,850
-
280,000
13,571
892,421
* Each unit option includes one ordinary share and one ordinary share warrant.
Note 13 - Put option liability
The Company executed a put option agreement dated March 9, 2010 (“Put Agreement”) with Pope Investments II LLC (“Pope”) whereby the Company
granted to Pope a put option to sell 250,000 shares of the Company at a price of $8.00 per share. The Put Agreement was effective upon completion of Pope’s
purchase of 250,000 shares of the Company’s ordinary shares. The agreement is exercisable for a three-month period from February 15, 2011 until May 15,
2011. Mr. Burnette Or, Chief Executive Officer, may purchase any shares put to the Company, or if neither of the Company nor Mr. Or make the purchase,
two of the founders of the Company have agreed to make the purchase on behalf of Mr. Or. The founders also have the right to put the options back to Mr. Or
or the Company in the event they make the purchase of the Put shares.
The Put Option was recorded as liability as of March 12, 2010. The value of the Put Option was $2,000,000 at December 31, 2010. On February 28, 2011,
pursuant to the Put Option, the Company repurchased 250,000 shares from Pope for an aggregate purchase price of $2,000,000 (or $8.00 per share).
Note 14 – Capital transactions
Preferred stock
On January 29, 2008, the Company amended its articles of association and authorized 1,000,000 preferred shares. No preferred shares were issued or
registered in the IPO. There were no preferred shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2011 and 2010.
F-19
Issuance of capital stock
On the completion date of the Share Exchange, the Company issued 14,300,000 ordinary shares to the shareholders of the Honesty Group, of which
5,800,000 shares were placed in escrow subject to the Company’s future two years’ performance. The Company issued 1,794,756 ordinary shares to the
Company’s shareholders before the completion of Share Exchange, of which 766,823 was placed in escrow. Refer to Note 3 for additional information on
issuance of ordinary shares.
On December 23, 2010, the Company completed a second public offering of 1,333,333 ordinary shares at $5.00 per share with net proceeds of approximately
$5.3 million after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses.
Warrants and put options
Refer to Notes 12 and 13 for information on warrants and put options.
Note 15 - Statutory reserve
Statutory reserves
The laws and regulations of the PRC require that before an enterprise distributes profits to its partners, it must first satisfy all tax liabilities, provide for losses
in previous years, and make allocations in proportions determined at the discretion of the Board of Directors after the statutory reserves.
Surplus reserve fund
As stipulated by the Company Law of the PRC, as applicable to Chinese companies with foreign ownership, net income after taxation can only be distributed
as dividends after appropriation has been made for the following:
1. Making up cumulative prior years’ losses, if any;
2.
Allocations to the “Statutory surplus reserve” of at least 10% of income after tax, as determined under PRC accounting rules and regulations, until the
fund amounts to 50% of the company’s registered capital; and
3.
Allocations to the discretionary surplus reserve, if approved in the shareholders’ general meeting.
The surplus reserve fund is non-distributable other than during liquidation and can be used to fund previous years’ losses, if any, and may be utilized for
business expansion or converted into share capital by issuing new shares to existing shareholders in proportion to their shareholding or by increasing the par
value of the shares currently held by them, provided that the remaining reserve balance after such issue is not less than 25% of the registered capital.
Note 16 - Income taxes
The Company is a tax-exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands. Honesty Group did not have any assessable profits arising in or derived from
Hong Kong for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, and accordingly no provision for Hong Kong Profits Tax was made in those periods.
SGO Corporation is incorporated in the State of Delaware and is subject to U.S. federal taxes at United States federal income tax rate of 34%.
The Company conducts all its operating business through its three subsidiaries in China. These subsidiaries are governed by the income tax laws of the PRC
and do not have any deferred tax assets or deferred tax liabilities under the income tax laws of the PRC because there are no temporary differences between
financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities.
The Company conducts all its operating business through its three subsidiaries in China. These subsidiaries are governed by the Income Tax Law of the PRC
concerning foreign invested enterprises and foreign enterprises and various local income tax laws (the Income Tax Laws). Beginning January 1, 2008, the
new Enterprise Income Tax (“EIT”) law has replaced the previous laws for Domestic Enterprises (“DEs”) and Foreign Invested Enterprises (“FIEs”). The
new standard EIT rate of 25% has replaced the 33% rate previously applicable to both DEs and FIEs. Companies established before March 16, 2007 will
continue to enjoy tax holiday treatment approved by local government for a grace period of the next 5 years or until the tax holiday term is completed,
whichever is sooner.
F-20
Guanke was established before March 16, 2007 and therefore is qualified to continue enjoying the reduced tax rate as described above. Guanke was granted
income tax exemption for two years commencing from January 1, 2007, and is subject to 50% of the 25% EIT tax rate, or 12.5%, from January 1, 2009
through December 31, 2011.
All other subsidiaries in China are subject to 25% EIT tax rate.
The Income Tax Laws also imposes a 10% withholding income tax for dividends distributed by a foreign invested enterprise to its immediate holding
company outside China for distribution of earnings generated after January 1, 2008. Under the Income Tax Laws, the distribution of earnings generated prior
to January 1, 2008 is exempt from the withholding tax. As our subsidiaries in the PRC will not be distributing earnings to the Company for the years ended
December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, no deferred tax liability has been recognized for the undistributed earnings of these PRC subsidiaries at December 31,
2009, 2010 and 2011. Total undistributed earnings of these PRC subsidiaries at December 31, 2011 were RMB3,463,164 ($549,708).
The following table reconciles the U.S. statutory rates to the Company’s effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:
2011
2010
2009
U.S. Statutory rates
Foreign income not recognized in USA
China income taxes
Tax exemption
Tax on disposal of Honesty Group (a)
Other (b)
Effective income taxes
34%
(34)
25
(12.5)
34%
(34)
25
(12.5)
34%
(34)
25
(12.5)
21.2
0.5
34.2%
0.1
12.6%
(a) According to the Circular on the State Administration of Taxation on Strengthening the Management of EIT Collection of Proceeds from Equity
Transfers by Non-Resident Enterprises (Guoshuihan [2009] No. 698) (“Circular 698”), a non-PRC Tax Resident Enterprise is subject to the PRC EIT on
the taxable gain arising from a sale of transfer of any intermediate offshore company which directly or indirectly holds an interest, including any assets,
subsidiaries, or other forms of business operations, in the PRC at a rate of 10%, or otherwise stipulated in an applicable tax treaty or arrangement.
Circular 698 applies to all transactions conducted on or after January 1, 2008.
2.5
15.0%
As such, included in the income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2011 is an amount of $5.4 million on the Sale of Honesty Group.
(b)
There were no other material other items affecting the effective income tax for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009. The 0.5%, 2.5%
and 0.1% for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 included expenses incurred by SGOCO and Honesty of approximately $1.1
million, $1.9 million and $0.5 million, respectively. The other losses also affected by losses incurred by Guanwei and Jinjiang Guanke that were not
subjected to PRC income taxes.
Note 17 - Enterprise-wide geographic reporting
The Company manufactures and sells LCD/LED products. The production process, selling practice and distribution process is the same for all products.
Based on qualitative and quantitative criteria established by the FASB accounting standard regarding disclosures about segments of an enterprise and related
information, the Company considers itself to be operating within one reportable segment.
The Company does not have long-lived assets located in foreign countries other than PRC. Geographic area data is based on product shipment destination. In
accordance with the enterprise-wide disclosure requirements of the accounting standard, the Company’s net revenue from external customers by geographic
areas is as follows:
China
International
Total
2011
276,286,084
36,849,687
313,135,771
$
$
2010
186,105,094 $
31,195,651
217,300,745 $
2009
65,434,963
2,439,341
67,874,304
$
$
In 2011, approximately 12% of the revenues were from international sales covering 39 countries and regions. Top 5 export countries and regions were Korea,
UK, Hong Kong, India and USA.
F-21
Note 18 - Related party and shareholder transactions
The Company’s majority shareholder, Sun Zone Investments Limited (“Sun Zone”) was the parent company of Mosview Technology Group Ltd.,
(“Mosview”), and BORO (Fujian) Electronic Co., Ltd., (“BORO”). The ownership of Mosview and BORO were transferred to an unrelated third party in
February 2010. Therefore, Sun Zone no longer owns any interest in Mosview or BORO as of December 31, 2010.
Edge10 Corporation Limited was incorporated in the United Kingdom and is owned by a third party individual. The Company’s CEO was the sole director
since December 8, 2010. Prior to 2011, SGOCO sold products to Mosview, which then sold to Edge10; during 2011, SGOCO sold products to a third party
trading company, which then sold to Edge10. There were no direct transactions between SGOCO and Edge10 in the years 2011 and 2010.
In the ordinary course of business the Company has conducted business with Mosview and BORO. All transactions with related parties are short term in
nature. Settlements for the balances are usually in cash.
The Company had the following related party transactions as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009,
respectively:
Revenues - related parties
Name of related parties
BORO
Mosview
Accounts receivables - related parties
Name of related parties
Mosview
Purchase - related parties
Name of related parties
Mosview
Short-term loan – shareholder
Name of related parties
Sun Zone Investments Limited
$
$
$
2011
2010
2009
-
-
-
$
$
5,481,829 $
7,136,218
12,618,047 $
3,806,102
2,395,599
6,201,701
December 31,
2011
December 31,
2010
-
49,559
2011
2010
2009
-
$
7,255,920 $
5,585,445
December 31,
2011
December 31,
2010
$
208,958 $
2,545,439
In the past, the Company and BORO provided working capital loans to each other. The loans were all interest-free demand loans and were not formalized in
written documents. The Company utilized loans from BORO rather than banking institutions because the approval process was faster and the loans were
interest free. The Company provided BORO with such loans in prior periods as BORO was a significant customer of SGOCO.
During the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the largest loan amounts outstanding from BORO for the benefit of SGOCO were nil, $2.9
million and $2.3 million, respectively, and the largest loan amounts outstanding from SGOCO for the benefit of BORO were nil, $4.8 million and $2.8
million, respectively. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, no amounts remained outstanding from either party.
F-22
Sun Zone loaned $2,545,439 to Honesty for the entity’s cash flow purposes in 2010. As of December 31, 2011, Sun Zone loaned $$0.16 million and $0.05
million to SGOCO International and the Company, respectively. The loans are non-interest bearing, unsecured, and payable on demand.
Note 19 - Earnings per share
The following is a reconciliation of the basic and diluted earnings per share computation:
Net income for earnings per share
Weighted average shares used in computation – basic
Dilutive effect of release of escrowed shares
Dilutive effect of warrants and put options
Weighted average shares used in diluted computation
Earnings per share – basic
Earnings per share – diluted
For the year ended December 31,
2010
2011
2009
$
$
16,619,057
16,086,598
201,644
-
16,288,242
1.03
1.02
$
$
19,931,589 $
9,354,186
1,335,202
16,569
10,705,957
2.13 $
1.86 $
7,159,073
8,500,000
-
-
8,500,000
0.84
0.84
In accordance with the accounting standards, outstanding ordinary shares that are contingently returnable are treated in the same manner as contingently
issuable.
As of December 31, 2011, 5,000,000 shares were no longer subject to forfeiture and were included in the calculation of basic earnings per share computation
since January 1, 2011. In addition, a further 800,000 shares owned by the former shareholders of Honesty Group were no longer subject to forfeiture based on
the satisfaction of the second Earn-Out Milestone. These shares were included in the diluted earnings per share computation starting October 1, 2011, the
beginning of the quarter they became non-contingent. A further 20,517 shares owned by the sponsors were no longer subject to forfeiture based on services
rendered, and they were included in the basic earnings per share computation upon provision of services. As of December 31, 2011, all the Company’s
warrants and unit options were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation as they were anti-dilutive.
As of December 31, 2010, 5,000,000 shares owned by the former shareholders of Honesty Group were no longer subject to forfeiture based on the satisfaction
of the first Earn-Out Milestone. These shares were included in the diluted earnings per share computation starting October 1, 2010, the beginning of the
quarter they became non-contingent. 340,810 shares owned by the sponsors were no longer subject to forfeiture based on services rendered, and they were
included in the basic earnings per share computation upon provision of services. The shares subject to the Put Option are included in the calculation of diluted
earnings per share on the reverse treasury stock method.
For the year ended December 31, 2009, basic and diluted earnings per share computation excludes the 5,800,000 shares in escrow
on condition of certain performance target for 2010 and 2011 and 766,823 ordinary shares in escrow which will be released
contingent on financial advisory and certain other services to be provided by the Sponsors. The Company had no warrants and unit
options outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2009.
Note 20 – Commitments and contingencies
From time to time, the Company is involved in legal matters arising in the ordinary course of business. Management currently is not aware of any legal
matters or pending litigation, which would have a significant effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2011 and 2010.
F-23
Our contractual obligations primarily consist of operating lease obligations and capital commitments. The following table sets forth a breakdown of our
contractual obligations as of December 31, 2011, and their maturity profile:
Capital contributions (1)
Operating lease obligations (2)
- Honesty Group
Total
Total
Less than 1
Year
Payment Due by Period
1-3 Years
(U.S. Dollar)
3-5 Years
More than 5
Years
2,250,040
500,000
1,750,040
-
314,057
2,564,097
68,109
568,109
147,569
1,897,609
98,379
98,379
-
-
-
(1)
(2)
The registered capital of SGOCO (Fujian) and Beijing SGOCO are $2,200,000 and $500,000, respectively. As of December 31, 2011, SGOCO
International had paid capital of $449,960 and $nil to SGOCO (Fujian) and Beijing SGOCO, respectively. SGOCO International must pay the rest
obligations within two years of the date of issuance of each subsidiary’s business license according to PRC registration capital management rules. As
of March 19, 2012, SGOCO International had paid registered capital of $100,950 to Beijing SGOCO.
Lease obligations for our office premises, warehouses, computer and other hardware. Following the Sale of Honesty Group, the Company rents from
Honesty Group 3,000 square meters for office premises, warehouses and staff dormitory in Fujian at a monthly rent of RMB41,000 for a period of 1-7
years from July 1, 2011.
Note 21 – Sale of Honesty
Honesty Group and its subsidiaries represented the Company’s core manufacturing facility along with land, buildings and product equipment. On November
15, 2011, the Company entered into an agreement to sell its 100% ownership interest in Honesty Group to Apex Flourish Group Limited (“Apex”) for $76
million in total consideration. Prior to the transaction, Honesty Group transferred contracts and assets essential to the Company’s product research and
development, branding and distribution to SGOCO International, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company established in July 2011, and its PRC operating
subsidiary, SGOCO (Fujian). Through these transactions, the Company aims to transition SGOCO from a heavy-asset business model to a “light-asset”
business model with greater flexibility and scalability.
Following the Sale of Honesty Group, the Company has outsourced its manufacturing operations to Honesty Group and the decision to outsource will not
eliminate the related operations and cash flows from the ongoing operations of the Company. The Company ceased consolidating the financial statements of
Honesty Group. Honesty Group is now a supplier to the Company and the Company does not have any significant benefits or liability from the operating
results of Honesty Group except the normal risk with any major vendor. Management has performed an analysis and concluded Honesty is not a VIE as of the
reporting date.
Pursuant to the Sale and Purchase Agreement, Apex assumed the Company’s obligations to pay up the remaining capital of $8.75 million in Guanwei and to
pay the remaining balance of approximately $14 million of the commitment to the Fujian Jinjiang government to invest in the Guanke Technology Park.
There can be no assurances that Chinese governmental authorities will not assert an obligation of SGOCO to pay the unpaid capital into Guanwei or the
remaining investment in Guanke Technology Park, if Apex fails to do so.
Pursuant to the Sale and Purchase Agreement, the $76 million in total consideration was to be paid in installments over a period of five months. As of May
31, 2012, we have received the full amount of the consideration, of which:
-
-
-
-
-
cash of $1,213,000 was received before December 31, 2011;
cash of $18,733,669 was received after December 31, 2011;
offset against purchase deposits paid to Honesty Group of $1,771,815 and payables to Honesty Group of $10,156,024 at the time of disposal;
goods received before December 31, 2011 of $8,925,001; and
goods received after December 31, 2011 of $38,744,121.
The accounting gain from the disposal of Honesty Group was $126,860 based on the disposal date of November 30, 2011 when management deemed SGOCO
lost operating control over Honesty Group and its subsidiaries.
Following the Sale of Honesty Group, Honesty Group remained a major manufacturer of the Company’s products. The following is a summary of
transactions and balances with Honesty Group and its subsidiaries after the Sale of Honesty Group:
Purchases
Rental of office premises
Accounts payable as of December 31, 2011
Note 22 - Subsequent events
$
$
25,079,563
4,644
2,710,049
The Company has performed an evaluation of subsequent events through the date these consolidated financial statements were issued to determine whether
the circumstances warranted recognition and disclosure of those events or transactions in the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2011.
On January 1, 2012, a total of 207,000 ordinary shares were issued to our employees, directors and consultants.
On June 18, 2012, the Company rented from Beijing Silver Tower Property Development Ltd. 278.11 square meters for office premises at a monthly rent of
RMB83,433 from July 1, 2012 to August 15, 2014.
F-24
AMENDMENT NO. 1
TO
ESCROW AGREEMENT
Exhibit 2.5
This Amendment No. 1 to Escrow Agreement (“Amendment”) is made as of April 17, 2012, by and among Sun Zone Investments Limited, a
company organized under the laws of the British Virgin Islands (“Sun Zone”), Sze Kit Ting, an individual residing at Rm. 2101, 21/F Block B Healthy
Gardens, No. 560 King’s Road, North Point, Hong Kong (collectively with Sun Zone, the “Sellers”), SGOCO Group, Ltd. (f/k/a SGOCO Technology, Ltd.,
f/k/a Hambrecht Asia Acquisition Corp.), a company organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands (together with its predecessors, the “Company”),
certain holders of securities of the Company, who execute a counterpart signature page hereto (each a “Sponsor” and collectively “Sponsors”), and Grand
Pacific Investment Limited as escrow agent (the “Escrow Agent”) and amends the Escrow Agreement dated as of March 12, 2010, by and among the parties
hereto (the “Escrow Agreement”). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this Amendment have the same meaning as such capitalized terms have in the
Exchange Agreement (as defined below), the Sponsor Agreement (as defined below) and the Escrow Agreement.
WHEREAS, the Company has entered into a Share Exchange Agreement (the “Exchange Agreement”), dated as of February 12, 2010, as amended,
by and among the Company, Honesty Group Holdings Limited (“Honesty Group”), and the Sellers, who collectively owned all of the outstanding shares of
Honesty Group (the “Honesty Group Shares”), pursuant to which the Sellers exchanged all of the Honesty Group Shares for up to 14,300,000 ordinary shares
of the Company (the “HMAUF Shares”);
WHEREAS, in connection with entering into the Exchange Agreement, and as a condition to the execution by the Sellers of the Exchange
Agreement, the Sponsors have entered into a Sponsor Agreement with the Sellers, dated as of February 12, 2010, as amended by Amendment No. 1 to
Sponsor Agreement, dated March 11, 2010 (as so amended, the “Sponsor Agreement”)
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Sponsor Agreement and the Escrow Agreement, each Sponsor agreed to deposit in escrow certain HMAUF Shares
owned by such Sponsor subject to fulfillment of certain conditions (the “Conditions”) set forth in the Sponsor Agreement, each as set forth opposite such
Sponsor’s name on Exhibit A-1 to the Sponsor Agreement be held in escrow in accordance with the terms of the Escrow Agreement (the “Sponsor
Conditional Shares”).
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Sponsor Agreement and the Escrow Agreement, if the Conditions are not met by the latest Measurement Date (as
defined in the Sponsor Agreement), all of the Conditional Shares are to be forfeited to the Company and cancelled.
WHEREAS, due to the less positive than expected market conditions, the Sellers, the Company, the Sponsors and the Escrow Agent (each a “Party”
and collectively, the “Parties”) agree to amend the Escrow Agreement to grant the Sponsors additional time to meet the Conditions.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the covenants and agreement of the parties set forth below and other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:
1.
Section 5 (a) of the Escrow Agreement is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:
5. Disbursement of the Sponsor Conditional Shares.
(a) Within ten (10) Business Days after the earlier of satisfaction of the Conditions or December 31, 2012, the Company shall give notice to the
other Parties to this Agreement specifying whether the Conditions to release of the Sponsor Conditional Shares have been met (a “Notice of
Conditions”).
1
2.
Section 5 (c)-1 is hereby added to the Escrow Agreement immediately following Section 5 (c) to read in its entirety as follows:
(c)-1 In the event the Conditions set forth in Clauses (1) and (2) of Section I-1. A of the Sponsor Agreement have been met but less than US$15
million in gross proceeds of equity has been raised, the Notice of Conditions shall specify the number of Sponsor Conditional Shares and Sponsor
Earn-Out Shares forfeited, and the basis for the calculation. The Sponsors shall have ten (10) Business Days after the Notice of Conditions is
delivered to dispute the Notice of Conditions by delivering a Conditions Dispute Notice to the Escrow Agent and the Company, setting forth with
particularity the facts demonstrating the amount in gross proceeds of equity raised pursuant to Clause (3) of Section I-1. A of the Sponsor
Agreement. If no Conditions Dispute Notice is received by the Escrow Agent within such ten (10) Business Days, the Escrow Agent shall deliver all
of the forfeited Sponsor Conditional Shares and forfeited Sponsor Earn-Out Shares to the Company and such shares will be returned to the status of
authorized but unissued shares as of the date of the Notice of Conditions, and the Escrow Agent shall disburse the remaining Sponsor Conditional
Shares and Sponsor Earn-Out Shares held in escrow to the appropriate Sponsors.
For those Sponsors who for whatever reason fail to execute a counterpart signature page hereto as of April 17, 2012, their rights and responsibilities
under the Escrow Agreement shall remain as if this Amendment has never been executed.
If any term or other provision of this Amendment is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any Law, or public policy, all other conditions
and provisions of this Amendment shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the Transactions is
not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable
of being enforced, the parties shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Amendment so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as
possible in an acceptable manner to the end that Transactions are fulfilled to the extent possible.
This Amendment may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become
effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to the other parties.
This Amendment shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York regardless of the laws that might
otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflicts of laws thereof.
Except as amended hereby, the Escrow Agreement continues in full force and effect as written.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]
2
SIGNATURE PAGE TO
AMENDMENT No. 1 TO ESCROW AGREEMENT
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Amendment on the day and year first above written.
/s/ Burnette Or
SGOCO Group, Ltd.
By:
Name: Burnette Or
Title:
Address: 14/F, Building #4
Chief Executive Officer
Beijing International Center
No. 38 East 3rd Ring Road North
Chaoyang District, Beijing
China 100026
/s/ SZE KIT TING
By:
Name:
SZE KIT TING
Address: Room 2101, 21/F., Block B
Healthy Gardens
No. 560 King’s Road
North Point, Hong Kong
SUN ZONE INVESTMENTS LIMITED
Grand Pacific Investment Limited
/s/ Tin Man Or
By:
Name: Tin Man Or
Title:
Address: [Luoshan Houlin Industry Area
Jinjiang Fujian, China]
Director
/s/ Hoo Cheng
By:
Name: Hoo Cheng
Title:
Address: 50th Floor, Bank of China Tower
1 Garden Road, Central
Hong Kong
Director
3
SIGNATURE PAGE TO
AMENDMENT No. 1 TO ESCROW AGREEMENT
The undersigned has read and understands this Amendment, and accepts and agrees to all of its terms. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto
have executed this Amendment on the day and year first above written.
/s/ John Wang
By:
Name: John Wang
Address (for all Sponsors):
Address: [13/F Tower 2
New World tower
18 Queens Road Central
Hong Kong]
/s/ Robert Eu
By:
Name: Robert Eu
Address (for all Sponsors):
Address: [13/F Tower 2
New World tower
18 Queens Road Central
Hong Kong]
/s/ Stephen N. Cannon
Cannon Family Irrevocable Trust
By:
Name: Stephen N. Cannon
Title: Trustee
Address (for all Sponsors):
Address: 510 Hemlock Ave
Millbrae, CA 94030, USA
/s/ Robert Eu
AEX Capital, LLC
By:
Name: Robert Eu
Title: Managing Director
Address (for all Sponsors):
Address: [13/F Tower 2
New World tower
18 Queens Road Central
Hong Kong]
WR Hambrecht + Co., LLC
By:
/s/ W.R. Hambrecht
Name: W.R. Hambrecht
Title: [●]
Address (for all Sponsors):
Address: [13/F Tower 2
New World tower
18 Queens Road Central
Hong Kong]
Hambrecht 1980 Revocable Trust
/s/ W.R. Hambrecht
By:
Name: W.R. Hambrecht
Title: Trustee
Address: [13/F Tower 2
New World tower
18 Queens Road Central
Hong Kong]
/s/ Ronald L. Lakey
Shea Ventures LLC
By:
Name: Ronald L. Lakey
Title: Vice President
Address (for all Sponsors):
Address: [13/F Tower 2
New World tower
18 Queens Road Central
Hong Kong]
Marbella Capital Partners Ltd.
By:
/s/ John Wang
Name: John Wang
Title: Director
Address (for all Sponsors):
Address: [13/F Tower 2
New World tower
18 Queens Road Central
Hong Kong]
4
AMENDMENT NO. 2
TO
SPONSOR AGREEMENT
Exhibit 2.8
This Amendment No. 2 to Sponsor Agreement (“Amendment”) is made as of April 17, 2012, by and among Sun Zone Investments Limited, a company
organized under the laws of the British Virgin Islands (“Sun Zone”), Sze Kit Ting, an individual residing at Rm. 2101, 21/F Block B Healthy Gardens, No.
560 King’s Road, North Point, Hong Kong (collectively with Sun Zone, the “Sellers”) and certain holders of securities of SGOCO Group, Ltd. (f/k/a SGOCO
Technology, Ltd., f/k/a Hambrecht Asia Acquisition Corp.), a company organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands (together with its predecessors, the
“Company”), who execute a counterpart signature page hereto (each a “Sponsor” and collectively, the “Sponsors”) and amends the Sponsor Agreement dated
as of February 12, 2010, as amended by Amendment No. 1 to Sponsor Agreement dated as of March 11, 2010 (as so amended, the “Sponsor Agreement”), by
and among the parties hereto. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this Amendment have the same meaning as such capitalized terms have in the
Exchange Agreement (as defined below), the Sponsor Agreement and the Escrow Agreement (as defined below).
WHEREAS, the Company has entered into a Share Exchange Agreement (the “Exchange Agreement”), dated as of February 12, 2010, as amended,
by and among the Company, Honesty Group Holdings Limited (“Honesty Group”), and the Sellers, who collectively owned all of the outstanding shares of
Honesty Group (the “Honesty Group Shares”), pursuant to which Sellers exchanged all of the Honesty Group Shares for up to 14,300,000 ordinary shares of
the Company (the “HMAUF Shares”);
WHEREAS, the Sellers, the Company, the Sponsors and Grand Pacific Investment Limited as escrow agent (the “Escrow Agent”) have entered into
an Escrow Agreement dated as of March 12, 2010 (the “Escrow Agreement”).
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Sponsor Agreement and the Escrow Agreement, each Sponsor agreed to deposit in escrow certain HMAUF Shares
owned by such Sponsor subject to fulfillment of certain conditions (the “Conditions”) set forth in the Sponsor Agreement, each as set forth opposite such
Sponsor’s name on Exhibit A-1 to the Sponsor Agreement be held in escrow in accordance with the terms of the Escrow Agreement (the “Sponsor
Conditional Shares”).
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Sponsor Agreement and the Escrow Agreement, if the Conditions are not met by the latest Measurement Date (as
defined in the Sponsor Agreement), all of the Conditional Shares are to be forfeited to the Company and cancelled.
WHEREAS, due to the less positive than expected market conditions, the Company, the Sellers and the Sponsors (each a “Party” and collectively,
the “Parties”) agree to amend the Sponsor Agreement to grant the Sponsors additional time to meet the Conditions.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the covenants and agreement of the parties set forth below and other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:
1.
I-1
Section I-1. A. of the Sponsor Agreement is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:
Sponsors’ Conditional Shares.
A.
Each Sponsor agrees that the number of HMAUF Shares owned by such Sponsor and set forth opposite such Sponsor’s name in the column
captioned “Conditional Shares” on Exhibit A-1 to the Sponsor Agreement (the “Conditional Shares”) shall be forfeited to the Company and
cancelled unless on or before December 31, 2012, or such earlier date as the conditions set forth in clauses (2) and (3) below are met (the
“Measurement Date”), each following conditions shall have been met (collectively, the “Conditions”), provided, however, in the event the
Conditions set forth in clauses (1) and (2) have been met but less than US$15 million in gross proceeds of equity has been raised in
accordance with clause (3) below, the Conditional Shares shall not be forfeited to the extent of the equity raised from the efforts of Sponsor
Representatives (as defined below), on a pro rata basis (e.g., in the event US$12 million of gross proceeds is raised, only 20% of the
Conditional Shares shall be forfeited). The parties recognize that as of the execution date of the Amendment, US$7,068,000 in gross
proceeds of equity has been raised, and as a result, 361,327 Conditional Shares have been earned by the Sponsors:
1
(1)
from the Closing Date until the Measurement Date, Robert Eu and John Wang (together, the “Sponsor Representatives”) shall have
provided to the Company without compensation to the Sponsor Representatives or their Affiliates (other than the reimbursement of
reasonable business expenses, upon presentation of appropriate documentation for financial reporting and tax purposes of the
incurrence of such expenses on behalf of the Company), at the Company’s request, the following services for no fewer than 30
hours per month in the aggregate (it being understood that if the Company does not request services, the Sponsors Representatives
shall not be required to provide services):
·
Investor and public relations services (including the drafting/review of press releases and assisting with road shows, including
appearing at road shows with members of management);
· Assisting with the coordination of other advisors;
· Assisting the Company with listing on the NASDAQ Global Market or the NASDAQ Global Select market (or, if the
NASDAQ Global Market or Global Select Market does not continue to exist, the global market closest in scope and
qualifications to the NASDAQ Global Market on the date hereof); and
Introducing investors and service providers to the Company;
·
The Sponsor Representatives shall perform the foregoing actions in cooperation with the Company’s other designated advisors.
(2)
(3)
the Company being listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market, the NASDAQ Global Market or the NASDAQ Global Select Market
(or, if the NASDAQ Capital Market or the NASDAQ Global Market do not continue to exist, the global market closest in scope and
qualifications to either such market on the date hereof), provided that the Company acts in good faith to have its ordinary shares
listed promptly after meeting the qualifications of either such market (which shall include the obligation of the Company to
promptly submit an application and respond to any requests for information from NASDAQ); and
in addition to the US$7,068,000 already raised by the Company with the assistance of the Sponsor Representatives, the Sponsor
Representatives shall have made available to the Company the opportunity (evidenced by non-binding commitments of investors
financially capable of consummating the transactions) to sell additional common equity with gross proceeds of at least
US$7,932,000 at a time when both the Company and the Sponsor Representatives believe to be advantageous to raise money at the
highest price possible, with pricing determined in accordance with the pricing model described on Exhibit B to Amendment No. 1 to
Sponsor Agreement. To the extent that the Sponsor Representatives are in compliance with clause (1) above, all equity capital raised
by the Company prior to the Determination Date, including any amounts received by the Company upon exercise of any IPO
Warrants outstanding after the consummation of the Transactions, will be included in the calculation of the US$7,932,000 in total to
be raised. If the Company determines not to accept the offering price determined as provided herein, the Condition shall be deemed
satisfied to the extent of the equity capital which would have been raised if the offering had been consummated at such price.
2.
For those Sponsors who for whatever reason fail to execute a counterpart signature page hereto as of April 17, 2012, their rights and responsibilities
under the Sponsor Agreement shall remain as if this Amendment has never been executed.
2
3
4.
5.
6.
If any term or other provision of this Amendment is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any Law, or public policy, all other conditions
and provisions of this Amendment shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the Transactions is
not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable
of being enforced, the parties shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Amendment so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as
possible in an acceptable manner to the end that Transactions are fulfilled to the extent possible.
This Amendment may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become
effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to the other parties.
This Amendment shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York regardless of the laws that might
otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflicts of laws thereof.
Except as amended hereby, the Sponsor Agreement continues in full force and effect as written.
[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]
3
SIGNATURE PAGE TO
AMENDMENT No. 2 TO SPONSOR AGREEMENT
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Amendment on the day and year first above written.
SGOCO Group, Ltd.
/s/ Burnette Or
By:
Name: Burnette Or
Title:
Address: 14/F, Building #4
Chief Executive Officer
Beijing International Center
No. 38 East 3rd Ring Road North
Chaoyang District, Beijing
China 100026
/s/ Tin Man Or
SUN ZONE INVESTMENTS LIMITED
By:
Name: Tin Man Or
Title:
Address: [Luoshan Houlin Industry Area
Jinjiang Fujian, China]
Director
/s/ SZE KIT TING
By:
Name: SZE KIT TING
Address:
Room 2101, 21/F., Block B
Healthy Gardens, No. 560 King’s Road
North Point, Hong Kong
4
SIGNATURE PAGE TO
AMENDMENT No. 2 TO ESCROW AGREEMENT
The undersigned has read and understands this Amendment, and accepts and agrees to all of its terms. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto
have executed this Amendment on the day and year first above written.
/s/ John Wang
By:
Name: John Wang
Address (for all Sponsors):
Address: [13/F Tower 2
New World tower
18 Queens Road Central
Hong Kong]
/s/ Robert Eu
By:
Name: Robert Eu
Address (for all Sponsors):
Address: [13/F Tower 2
New World tower
18 Queens Road Central
Hong Kong]
/s/ Stephen N. Cannon
Cannon Family Irrevocable Trust
By:
Name: Stephen N. Cannon
Title: Trustee
Address (for all Sponsors):
Address: 510 Hemlock Ave
Millbrae, CA 94030, USA
/s/ Robert Eu
AEX Capital, LLC
By:
Name: Robert Eu
Title: Managing Director
Address (for all Sponsors):
Address: [13/F Tower 2
New World tower
18 Queens Road Central
Hong Kong]
WR Hambrecht + Co., LLC
By:
/s/ W.R. Hambrecht
Name: W.R. Hambrecht
Title: [●]
Address (for all Sponsors):
Address: [13/F Tower 2
New World tower
18 Queens Road Central
Hong Kong]
Hambrecht 1980 Revocable Trust
By:
/s/ W.R. Hambrecht
Name: W.R. Hambrecht
Title: Trustee
Address: [13/F Tower 2
New World tower
18 Queens Road Central
Hong Kong]
/s/ Ronald L. Lakey
Shea Ventures LLC
By:
Name: Ronald L. Lakey
Title: Vice President
Address (for all Sponsors):
Address: [13/F Tower 2
New World tower
18 Queens Road Central
Hong Kong]
Marbella Capital Partners Ltd.
/s/ John Wang
By:
Name: John Wang
Title: Director
Address (for all Sponsors):
Address: [13/F Tower 2
New World tower
18 Queens Road Central
Hong Kong]
5
Employment Agreement
Between David Xu and SGOCO Group, Ltd.
Exhibit 4.3
1
2
3
English Translation of Business License for SGOCO (Fujian) Electronic Co., Ltd.
Exhibit 4.5
Registered Number: 350500400057587
Date of Set-up: 28TH July, 2011
The Enterprise Name: SGOCO (Fujian) Electronic Co., Ltd.
Address: Guanke Technology Park, Houlin Community, Luoshan Street, Jinjiang City, Fujian Province
Legal Representative: Hong Cheng
Registered Capital: USD 2,200,000
Real Capital: USD 449,960
Enterprise Type: Limited liability (Limited liability (Taiwan, Hong Kong & Macao Corporation Owned Enterprises)
Scope of Management: Engage in research and development, wholesale of software products, electronic material, computer-aided design (3-D CAD), new
type flat panel monitor parts, digital TV, computer, digital display, digital electronics, TFT-LCD, PDP, OLED, FED(including SED) display monitors, digital
video, digital speaker, large screen colored display engine, light-source, projector, laptop computer, high end computer server, broadband(UWB),
telecommunication equipment, network exchange equipment, high end router, car electronics accessories, metal product standard mold, high precision
stamping dies, precision cavity mold, mold standard parts, and non-metal product mold.
Shareholder (The founder): SGOCO International (HK) Limited
Business Term: From July 28, 2011 to July 27, 2041
Issued Unit: Quanzhou Administration of Industry and Commerce
English Translation of Business License for Beijing SGOCO Image Technology Co., Ltd.
Exhibit 4.6
Registered Number: 110000450193427
Date of Set-up: December 26, 2011
The Enterprise Name: Beijing SGOCO Image Technology Co., Ltd.
Address: Beijing Silver Tower, Room 1817, 2 Dongsanhuan North Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
Legal Representative: Qinghong Deng
Registered Capital: USD 500,000
Real Capital: USD 100,095
Enterprise Type: Limited Liability (Taiwan, Hong Kong & Macao Corporation Owned Enterprises)
Scope of Management: General businesses include research and development, wholesale, import and export for computer software and hardware products,
electronics, digital products, telecommunication equipment, and networking products; transfer self-owned know-hows, electronic technology services. (the
next capital injection deadline is December 15, 2013)
Shareholder (The founder): SGOCO International (HK) Limited
Business Term: From December 26, 2011 to December 25, 2041
Issued Unit: Beijing Administration of Industry and Commerce
Sale and Purchase Agreement by and between
Apex Flourish Group Limited and SGOCO Group, Ltd.
Exhibit 4.7
DATED November 15, 2011
SGOCO GROUP, LTD.
as Seller
And
APEX FLOURISH GROUP LIMITED
as Purchaser
______________________________________________________
AGREEMENT
FOR SALE AND PURCHASE
OF ALL OF THE SHARES OF
HONESTY GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
______________________________________________________
Cheng Wong Lam & Partners
in association with Nixon Peabody LLP
and Hylands Law Firm
50th and 64th Floors, Bank of China Tower
1 Garden Road
Central
Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2521 0880
Fax: (852) 2521 0220
E-mail: gen@chengwonglam.com
1
Clause
Page
CONTENTS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
INTERPRETATION
SALE AND PURCHASE
PURCHASE PRICE
Securities
COMPLETION
WARRANTIES AND INDEMNITIES
Further assurances:
TERMINATION
Force Majeure
Non-competition
Right of First Refusal
CONFIDENTIALITY
STAMP DUTY AND EXPENSES
GENERAL
NOTICES
GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION
Schedule
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Annex
Particulars of the Company
Particulars of the Subsidiaries
Payment schedule
Seller’s Completion obligations
Warranties
Activities pending Completion
Exempted Transactions
A.
The Accounts
2
3
5
5
5
6
6
7
7
7
8
8
9
9
10
10
11
12
13
15
16
17
19
20
22
AGREEMENT dated November 15, 2011
PARTIES
1.
2.
SGOCO GROUP, LTD., a company incorporated in Cayman Islands whose correspondence address is at Unit 12, 31/F., Eight Commercial Tower,
8 Sun Yip Street, Chaiwan, Hong Kong (the “Seller"); and
APEX FLOURISH GROUP LIMITED, a company incorporated in British Virgin Islands whose correspondence address is at Room 2907, West
Tower Shun Tak Centre, 168-200 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong (the "Purchaser").
WHEREAS:
(A)
(B)
HONESTY GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED (“Company”) is a private company incorporated in Hong Kong the particulars of which are set out in
Schedule 1.
The Seller is the legal and beneficial owner of the number of Sale Shares (as defined below) and all those Sale Shares constitute the entire issued
share capital of the Company.
(C)
The Purchaser wishes to purchase and the Seller wishes to sell, the Sale Shares subject to and upon the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
AGREEMENT
1.
1.1
INTERPRETATION
Definitions: In this Agreement, the following expressions shall have the following meanings except where the context otherwise requires:
"Accounts"
the un-audited balance sheet, as at the Last Accounts Date, and un-audited profit and loss account for the nine months ended on the Last
Accounts Date, of the Company and all notes thereto and the directors' reports relating to such accounts as set out in the Annex.
"Business Day"
a day (excluding Saturdays) on which commercial banks are generally open for banking business in Hong Kong;
"Companies Ordinance"
the Companies Ordinance, Chapter 32 of The Laws of Hong Kong;
"Completion"
completion of the sale and purchase of the Sale Shares in accordance with the provisions of Clause 5;
"Completion Date"
the date on which Completion takes place;
"Directors"
the directors of the Company;
"Encumbrance"
a mortgage, charge, pledge, lien, option, restriction, hypothecation, assignment, right to acquire or of pre-emption, third-party right or
interest, other encumbrance, priority or security interest of any kind, or any other type of preferential arrangement (including, without
limitation, a title transfer or retention arrangement) having similar effect, and any agreement or obligation to create or grant any of the
aforesaid;
3
“Exempted Transactions”
transactions set out or described in Schedule 7;
"Group"
the Company and the Subsidiaries, and a "Group Company" shall be construed accordingly;
“Guarantee”
any guarantee, indemnity, suretyship, letter of comfort or other assurance, security or right of set-off or financial or other obligation given or
undertaken by a person to secure or support or incur a financial or other obligation with respect to an obligation or liability (actual or
contingent) of any third party and whether given directly or by way of counter-indemnity to any third party who has provided a guarantee;
"Last Accounts Date"
September 30, 2011, the date to which the Accounts have been prepared in accordance with US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles;
“Material Breach”
Delay of more than 60 days in paying the Purchase Price in accordance with Clause 5.3;
"Purchase Price"
the total purchase price payable by the Purchaser for all the Sale Shares pursuant to this Agreement, as set out in Clause 3.1;
"Records"
records and information of the Company (including, without limitation, all accounts, books, ledgers, minutes books, registers, financial and
other records of whatsoever kind, returns and filings made or filed pursuant to Companies Ordinance or Inland Revenue Ordinance, and all
other statutory books and records);
“Relevant Interests”
material interests, ownership or rights in or related to any Group Company, including any shares, production premises, office spaces, real
properties, leases, businesses, equipments and moulds.
"Sale Shares"
the 10,000 shares in the Company to be sold by the Seller to the Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement;
“Seller’s Solicitors”
Cheng Wong Lam & Partners, 50th Floor and 64th Floor, Bank of China Tower, 1 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong;
“Subsidiaries”
the subsidiaries of the Company the particulars of each of them are set out in Schedule 2; and a “Subsidiary” shall be construed accordingly;
"Warranty"
a representation, warranty and undertaking contained in Clause 6.1 and Schedule 5 and "Warranties" means all of those statements.
1.2
References: In this Agreement, a reference to:
(a) a Clause, Recital, Schedule or an Annex is, unless the context otherwise requires, a reference to a clause or sub-clause of, or the recital or a
schedule or an annex to this Agreement;
(b) any Ordinance, regulation or other statutory provision or enactment is a reference to such Ordinance, regulation, statutory provision or
enactment as amended, modified, consolidated, codified, re-enacted, or extended or applied by a court of competent jurisdiction, from time to time
and includes subsidiary legislation made thereunder;
4
(c) this Agreement (or any specific provision hereof) or any other document shall be construed as references to this Agreement, that provision
or that other document as amended, varied or modified from time to time;
(d) "HK$" is to Hong Kong dollars, the lawful currency for the time being of Hong Kong;
(e) "Hong Kong" is to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China;
(f)
"US$" is to the United States dollars, the lawful currency for the time being of the United States of America; and
(g) "U. S.," "US" or "United States" is to the United States of America.
1.3
Headings: Headings in this Agreement are for ease of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation or construction of this Agreement.
1.4
Recitals, Schedules and Annexes: The Recitals, Schedules and Annexes form part of this Agreement.
1.5
Construction: Words denoting the singular include the plural and vice versa and words denoting one gender include all genders.
2.
SALE AND PURCHASE
The Seller as beneficial owner shall sell and the Purchaser shall purchase the Sale Shares on and subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement and free from any Encumbrance other than any Encumbrance created pursuant to this Agreement and with all rights now and
hereafter attaching thereto.
PURCHASE PRICE
Purchase Price: The Purchase Price for all the Sale Shares shall be the cash sum of Seventy Six Million (US$76,000,000), which shall be paid
in installments upon and after Completion in accordance with Clause 5.3.
Form of payment: Each of the payments due to the Seller under this Clause 3 shall be made by way of telegraphic transfer, at the time and in
the manner as set out in Schedule 3.
3.
3.1
3.2
4.
Securities
In order to secure the payment of the Purchase Price and the performance of the obligations of the Purchaser under this Agreement, the
Purchaser agrees to (a) pledge 100% of the Sale Shares back to the Seller and/or its assignee(s) (the “Pledge”), of which the terms and
conditions are prescribed in the Deed of Share Charge dated the date hereof and (b) grant to the Seller and/or its assignee(s) a security
interest in the Accounts Receivable, Cash and Advances to Suppliers in the account of each and every Group Company (the “Security
Interest”) as of the Last Accounts Date, with a total sum equals to the Purchase Price (the “Secured Amount”), of which the Purchaser
undertakes to procure the Group Companies including, but not limited to, Guanke (Fujian) Electron Technological Industry Co., Ltd. to
establish escrow accounts in China with and in such manner as requested by Seller’s subsidiary SGOCO (Fujian) Electronic Co. Ltd., with
the total sum of the escrow accounts equals to the Secured Amount and (c)undertakes to procure each and every Group Company to
liquidate its Accounts Receivable, Cash and Advances to Suppliers to enable the Purchaser to have sufficient funds for making the payments
to the Seller in whatever manner available.
5
5.
5.1
5.2
5.3
6.
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
As part of this Pledge and Security Interest provided by the Purchaser to the Seller, the Purchaser agrees that it will not dispose of any real assets
(i.e., land, building, or equipment) without the Seller’s prior written consent until full payment of the Purchase Price as set out in Clause 3.1.
COMPLETION
Completion: Completion shall take place at the offices of the Seller’s Solicitors upon execution of this Agreement.
Seller’s obligations: At or before Completion, the Seller shall procure the satisfaction of the conditions and the delivery to the Purchaser of
those documents and other items set out in Schedule 4.
Purchaser's obligations: Against due performance of the provisions of Clause 5.2, the Purchaser shall pay the Purchase Price to the Seller by
way of telegraphic transfer at the time and in the manner as set out in Schedule 3.
WARRANTIES AND INDEMNITIES
Warranties: Subject to the matters which are expressly provided for under the terms of this Agreement and the Accounts, the Seller
represents, warrants and undertakes to the Purchaser and its successors in title that to the best of its knowledge and belief after reasonable
investigation on its part each statement contained in Schedule 5 is true, accurate and complete in all respects and not misleading at the date
of this Agreement. The Seller acknowledges that the Purchaser is entering into this Agreement in reliance upon each Warranty.
Separate Warranties: Each Warranty is separate and independent and without prejudice to any other Warranty and, except where expressly
stated otherwise, is not limited by any provision of this Agreement or another Warranty.
Purchaser’s rights: In the event of any Relevant Breach, the Purchaser shall, without prejudice to the Purchaser’s other rights in respect
thereof, be entitled by notice given to the Seller at any time to require the Seller to make good the resultant loss by the payment in cash to
the Purchaser of an amount equal to the amount by which in consequence of the Relevant Breach the value of the Sale Shares falls short of
the value they would have had if the relevant Warranty had been true and accurate and not misleading and otherwise had been complied
with.
“Relevant Breach” means any event, matter or circumstance which, to the knowledge and belief of the Seller after reasonable investigation on
its part, is inconsistent with, contrary to or otherwise a material breach of any of the Seller’s Warranties and includes any matter or thing
which in any material respect renders any of the Seller’s Warranties untrue or misleading.
Limitation of Seller’s liability: Notwithstanding any provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, the maximum amount of liability of the
Seller in relation to any and all breaches of the Warranties whatsoever (including the legal fees and fees of arbitrators that the Purchaser
may incur) shall not exceed US$2 million. In addition, the Seller shall not bear any liabilities whatsoever in relation to its obligations under
this Agreement, the Warranties or the activities or conduct or omission of the Group unless the Purchaser commences legal proceedings
against the Seller with specific references to such obligation, the Warranties or activities or conduct or omission of the Group mentioned
above within two years from the date of the Completion.
Purchaser’s responsibility: The Purchaser agrees to assume responsibility to pay the required registered capital of Guanwei (Fujian) Electron
Technological Industry Co., Ltd. (the “Responsibility”) and fulfill the commitment to Fujian Jinjiang Government by Guanke (Fujian)
Electron Technological Industry Co., Ltd. to make future investments in the Guanke Technology Park (the “Commitment”). In addition, the
Purchaser hereby agrees for itself, its successors and assigns to indemnify, defend and hold the Seller and the Group, their legal
representatives, officers, directors, employees, agents, successors and assigns (the “Seller Indemnified Parties”), free and harmless from any
and all actions, suits, and proceedings and from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, costs, charges, counsel fees, payments,
expenses and liabilities whatsoever which any of them may sustain or incur by reason of any matter or thing arising out of or relating to the
Responsibility and the Commitment, except in the event that such actions, suits, proceedings, losses, claims, damages, costs, charges, counsel
fees, payments, expenses and liabilities arise as results of gross negligence of the Seller Indemnified Parties who not having acted in good
faith.
6
6.6
7.
7.1
7.2
8.
8.1
8.2
9.
9.1
Exempted Transactions: The Purchaser acknowledges that it has been adequately informed by the Seller about the Exempted Transactions
and has factored in the impact of the Exempted Transactions in reaching an agreement with the Seller on, among other matters, the
Purchase Price. The Purchaser warrants that the Exempted Transactions are agreeable to it and it will not consider any of the Exempted
Transactions as constituting a breach of the Warranties or any other provisions of this Agreement.
Further assurances:
The Seller shall execute and deliver such further documents and perform and procure such acts and things as the Purchaser may reasonably
require effectively to vest the beneficial and registered ownership of the Sale Shares in the Purchaser free from any Encumbrances other
than any Encumbrances created pursuant to this Agreement and to give full effect to the Seller’s obligations under this Agreement.
The Purchaser shall (and shall procure the Group to) execute and deliver such further documents and perform and procure such acts and
things as the Seller may reasonably require effectively to complete the Exempted Transactions and to give full effect to the Purchaser’s
obligations under this Agreement. The Purchaser shall procure that the Seller has full access to the Company’s accounts, including, but not
limited to, the balance sheet and profit and loss accounts, until December 31 2012.
TERMINATION
Seller’s right: The Seller may terminate this Agreement in whole or in part with a full reservation of all accrued rights and remedies
immediately upon written notice to the Purchaser if (a) the Purchaser is found to be in Material Breach of Clause 5.3, or (b) the Purchaser
becomes insolvent, or a petition in bankruptcy is filed by or against the Purchaser.
Purchaser’s right: The Purchaser may terminate this Agreement if there shall be a material breach by the Seller of any representation or
warranty, or any covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement and which breach cannot be cured or has not been within twenty
business days of receiving written notice of the breach from the Purchaser.
Force Majeure
Force Majeure : “Force Majeure" shall mean events, such as acts of God (including fire, flood, earthquake, storm, hurricane or other natural
disaster), war, invasion, act of foreign enemies, hostilities (regardless of whether war is declared), civil war, rebellion, revolution,
insurrection, military or usurped power or confiscation, terrorist activities, nationalization, government sanction, blockage, embargo, labor
dispute, strike, lockout or interruption or failure of electricity or telephone service (each a “Force Majeure Event").
9.2
Effect of Force Majeure:
(a)
If a party suffers a Force Majeure Event, such party shall promptly notify the other party by written notice within 24 hours of the
occurrence of the Force Majeure Event, and, so long as such condition shall persist, such party shall not be liable for the delay in
performance of, or the failure to perform, its obligations (other than obligations for payment of amounts due as set out in Schedule
3) under this Agreement. Within fifteen days after giving notice of the Force Majeure Event, the claiming party shall give the other
party an estimate of the Force Majeure Event’s expected duration and probable impact. The claiming party shall continue to
furnish the other party with timely regular reports and updates during the continuation of the Force Majeure Event. Each party
shall immediately exercise commercially reasonable efforts to mitigate or limit the impact of the Force Majeure Event on its
operations.
7
(b)
(c)
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no party is entitled to terminate this Agreement without the other party’s written consent as a result
of the occurrence of a Force Majeure Event.
If a party asserts Force Majeure as an excuse for the delay in performance of, or the failure to perform the party's obligation, then
the nonperforming party must prove that the party has fulfilled the obligations set out in Clause 9.2 (a) and that the party
substantially fulfilled all non-excused obligations under this Agreement.
10.
Non-competition
10.1
10.2
10.3
For a period of three years from the Completion (the “Non-Compete Period”), the Purchaser shall not, directly or indirectly, (and shall
procure that no Group Company shall) solicit or accept any orders from any customer or client of the Seller at this moment or during the
prior twelve months, including any customer or client for which the Seller is currently acting as an original equipment manufacturer, or
OEM.
During the Non-Compete Period, the Purchaser shall not (and shall procure that no Group Company shall) induce or attempt to induce any
employee of the Seller to leave their employment.
The Purchaser agrees that the non-competition undertakings and covenants set out in Clauses 10.1 and 10.2 are reasonable in nature. If a
court or arbitrator of competent jurisdiction determines that any of the non-competition undertakings and covenants set out in Clauses 10.1
and 10.2 is unreasonable in nature, the Purchaser agrees that such court or arbitrator shall reform such undertaking and restrictive
covenant so that it is enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by law for an undertaking or restrictive covenant of that nature, and
such court or arbitrator shall enforce the undertaking or restrictive covenant to that extent. Such remedies shall not be exclusive, but rather
shall be in addition to any other remedies available at law or in equity for violation of this Agreement.
10.5
For a period of three years from the Completion, the Purchaser shall procure the Group to continue to provide to the Seller products and services in
the same or substantially similar manner as it does now, unless otherwise directed by the Seller.
11.
Right of First Refusal
11.1
11.2
For a period of five years from the Completion, the Purchaser shall not (and shall procure that no Group Company shall) sell, assign,
transfer or otherwise voluntarily alienate or dispose of any of the Relevant Interest to a third party without first offering to sell, assign or
transfer the Relevant Interest to the Seller and/or its assignee(s).
If the Purchaser or a Group Company receives from a third party a valid and binding offer to purchase any of the Relevant Interests which
is acceptable to the Purchaser or the Group Company (the “Interest Holder”), it shall give the Seller a written notice (the "Notice") stating:
(a) the Interest Holder's bona fide intention to sell or otherwise transfer the Relevant Interests at issue (the “Offered Relevant Interests”);
(b) the name and address of each proposed purchaser or other transferee (the "Proposed Transferee"); (c) the details of the Relevant
Interests to be transferred to each Proposed Transferee; (d) the bona fide cash price or other consideration for which the Interest Holder
proposes to transfer the Offered Relevant Interests (the "Offered Price"); and (e) that the Interest Holder acknowledges this Notice is an
offer to sell the Offered Relevant Interests to the Seller and/or its assignee(s) pursuant to the Seller's right of first refusal at the Offered
Price as provided for in this Agreement.
8
11.3
11.4
11.5
At any time within thirty days after the date of the Notice, the Seller and/or its assignee(s) may, by giving written notice to the Interest
Holder, elect to purchase all (or, with the consent of the Interest Holder, less than all) the Offered Relevant Interests proposed to be sold,
assigned or transferred to any one or more of the Proposed Transferees named in the Notice, at the purchase price determined as specified
below.
The purchase price for the Offered Relevant Interests purchased under this Clause will be the Offered Price. If the Offered Price includes
consideration other than cash, then the value of the non-cash consideration, as determined in good faith by the Seller's Board of Directors,
will conclusively be deemed to be the cash equivalent value of such non-cash consideration.
If all of the Offered Relevant Interests proposed in the Notice to be transferred to a given Proposed Transferee are not purchased by the
Seller and/or its assignee(s) as provided in this Clause, then the Interest Holder may sell, assign or otherwise transfer such Offered Relevant
Interest to each Proposed Transferee at the Offered Price or at a higher price, provided that (a) such sale, assign or other transfer is
consummated within one hundred twenty days after the date of the Notice, (b) any such sale or other transfer is effected in compliance with
all applicable laws, and (c) each Proposed Transferee agrees in writing that the provisions of this Clause will continue to apply to the Offered
Relevant Interests in the hands of such Proposed Transferee. If the Offered Relevant Interests described in the Notice are not transferred to
each Proposed Transferee within such one hundred twenty day period, then a new Notice subject to the provisions of this Clause must be
given to the Seller, pursuant to which the Seller will again be offered the right of first refusal before any Relevant Interests held by the
Interest Holder may be sold or otherwise transferred.
12.
CONFIDENTIALITY
12.1
Confidentiality: Each party shall at all times keep confidential, treat as privileged, and not directly or indirectly make or allow to be made
any disclosure or use of any oral or written information relating to any other party or the existence or subject matter of this Agreement
("Confidential Information"), except to the extent:
(a) required by applicable laws or regulations or rules of any stock exchange (where the securities of a party or its holding company are listed)
or the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or the federal securities laws in the United States, and after providing notice to the other relevant
party or parties of the proposed disclosure and taking into account the reasonable requirements of the other party or parties;
(b) necessary to obtain the benefit of, or to carry out obligations under, this Agreement, which shall include the ability to disclose Confidential
Information to any government authorities, employees or advisers who need to have it for purposes directly connected with the transactions
provided for in this Agreement, provided that the relevant disclosing party shall advise such employees or advisers of the confidential nature of the
Confidential Information and shall use all reasonable endeavours to procure that such persons keep the relevant Confidential Information strictly
confidential and shall indemnify the other relevant party in respect of all costs, claims, actions, proceedings, losses and liabilities in connection with
any unauthorised disclosure or use of the Confidential Information by such persons; or
(c) that the information is or becomes available in the public domain without breach by a party of its confidentiality obligations under this
clause or at law.
Each party shall, on request by any other party at any time, return to the other party any Confidential Information which it holds (in whatever form)
in respect of that other party.
13.
STAMP DUTY AND EXPENSES
13.1
Stamp duty:
(a) All or any stamp duty payable on the instruments of transfer and bought and sold notes relative to the sale and purchase of the Sale Shares
shall be borne equally by the Seller and the Purchaser.
9
(b) The Seller will handle the assessment of stamp duty by the Stamp Office, and the payment of stamp duty.
13.2
Expenses: Save as expressly provided herein, all expenses incurred by or on behalf of the parties and their advisers including all fees of
agents, representatives, solicitors, accountants, actuaries and other advisers employed by any of them, in connection with the negotiation,
preparation or execution of this Agreement, shall be borne solely by the party who incurred the liability.
14.
GENERAL
14.1
14.2
14.3
No prejudice to rights/waiver: No failure to exercise, or delay in exercising, any right or remedy under this Agreement will operate as a release
or waiver of such right or remedy or any other right or remedy, nor will any single or partial exercise of any right or remedy under this
Agreement or provided by law preclude any other or further exercise of it or the exercise of any other right or remedy or prejudice or affect
any right or remedy against others under the same liability whether joint, several or otherwise. A waiver of any breach of this Agreement or
any right of remedy under this Agreement shall not be effective, or implied, unless that waiver is in writing and is signed by the party giving
the waiver.
Status: Nothing in this Agreement is intended or shall be deemed to constitute a partner, agency, employer-employee, variable interest entity
or joint venture relationship between the parties.
Entire agreement: This Agreement (together with the documents referred to herein and the Schedules hereto) contains the entire agreement
between the parties hereto relating to the transactions contemplated herein and supersedes any previous agreement (oral or written)
between the parties in relation thereto.
14.4
Variations in writing: Any variation to this Agreement shall be binding only if it is in writing and signed by or on behalf of each party.
14.5
14.6
14.7
Severability: If any term in or provision of this Agreement shall be held to be illegal or unenforceable, in whole or in part, under any
enactment or rule of law, the term or provision shall to that extent be deemed not to form part of this Agreement and the enforceability of
the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected.
Rights cumulative: The rights and remedies provided in this Agreement are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided
by law.
Survival: The rights and obligations contained in this Agreement remain in force after Completion, except to the extent that they have been
fully performed or where this Agreement provides otherwise. The rights and remedies of each party in respect of this Agreement shall not be
affected by Completion.
14.8
Counterparts: This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts each of which when executed and delivered is an original, but
all the counterparts together constitute the same document.
15.
NOTICES
15.1
Addresses: Any notice or other communication under or in connection with this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be left at or sent by
pre-paid registered post (if posted from and to an address in Hong Kong and Macau), pre-paid registered airmail (if posted from or to an
address outside Hong Kong and Macau) or facsimile transmission to the party due to receive the notice or communication at its respective
address or facsimile number set out below or to such other address and/or number(s) as may have been last specified by such party by
written notice to each of the other parties hereto.
10
To the Seller:
Address:
Attention:
Facsimile:
Unit 12, 31/F., Eight Commercial Tower
8 Sun Yip Street, Chaiwan, Hong Kong
Hiu Ping Lam
(852) 2521 1780
With a copy to Cheng Wong Lam & Partners by fax at number (852) 2521 0220, marked for the attention of Mr. Cheng Hoo and Mr. David Cheng
To the Purchaser:
Address:
Attention:
Room 2907, West Tower Shun Tak Centre
168-200 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong
Xiaohong Ye
15.2
Delivery: In the absence of evidence of earlier receipt, a notice or other communication is deemed given:
(a) if delivered personally, when left at the address referred to in Clause 15.1;
(b) if sent by mail except air mail, two days after posting; and
(c) if sent by air mail, six days after posting;
(d) if sent by fax, on completion of its transmission.
In proving the giving of a notice by mail it shall be sufficient to prove that the envelope containing such notice was properly addressed and posted.
16.
GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION
16.1
Hong Kong law: This Agreement is governed by, and shall be construed in accordance with, the laws of Hong Kong.
16.2
Arbitration: The parties agree that they shall use their best efforts to resolve amicably any dispute or difference arising from or in connection
with this Agreement. If the parties are unable to settle the dispute or difference within 30 days from the delivery by any party of a notice
confirming the existence of the dispute, any party may refer the dispute to arbitration in Hong Kong under the Hong Kong International
Arbitration Centre Administered Arbitration Rules in force when the valid notice of arbitration is submitted in accordance with these rules.
The arbitration shall be conducted in the English language. The award of the arbitration shall be final and binding on the parties, and the
costs of arbitration shall be borne by the losing party, unless otherwise determined by the relevant arbitration authority. During arbitration,
except for the matters under dispute, the parties shall continue to perform this Agreement.
11
SCHEDULE 1
PARTICULARS OF THE COMPANY
Company number:
Place of incorporation:
995476
Hong Kong
Date of incorporation:
September 13, 2005
Authorized Share Capital:
HK$10,000 divided into 10,000 shares of HK$1 each
Issued Share Capital:
HK$10,000 divided into 10,000 shares
Shareholders and Shareholdings:
SGOCO Group Ltd. – 10,000 shares
Registered office:
Room 2301, 23/F, Ginza Square, 565-567 Nathan Road, Yaumatei, Kowloon, Hong Kong
12
SCHEDULE 2
PARTICULARS OF THE SUBSIDIARIES
1.
Guanke (Fujian) Electron Technological Industry Co., Ltd.
Company number:
350500400013970
Place of incorporation:
Fujian Province, China
Date of incorporation:
Registered Capital:
January16, 2006
US$11,880,000
Shareholders and Shareholdings:
Honesty Group Holdings Limited
Registered office:
Guanke Technology Park, Luoshan, Jinjiang City, Fujian, China 362200
2.
Guanwei (Fujian) Electron Technological Industry Co., Ltd.
Company number:
350500400006333
Place of incorporation:
Fujian Province, China
Date of incorporation:
June 22, 2007
Registered Capital:
US$11,880,000, of which US$8.75 million is outstanding
Shareholders and Shareholdings:
Honesty Group Holdings Limited
Registered office:
Guanke Technology Park, Luoshan, Jinjiang City, Fujian, China 362200
13
3.
Guancheng (Fujian) Electron Technological Industry Co., Ltd.
Company number:
350500400006368
Place of incorporation:
Fujian Province, China
Date of incorporation:
Registered Capital:
June 22, 2007
US$7,800,000
Shareholders and Shareholdings:
Honesty Group Holdings Limited
Registered office:
Guanke Technology Park, Luoshan, Jinjiang City, Fujian, China 362200
4.
Jinjiang Guanke Electron Co., Ltd.
Company number:
350582100117205
Place of incorporation:
Fujian Province, China
Date of incorporation:
May 12, 2010
Registered Capital:
RMB17, 000,000
Shareholders and Shareholdings:
Guanke (Fujian) Electron Technological Industry Co., Ltd.
Registered office:
Guanke Technology Park, Luoshan, Jinjiang City, Fujian, China 362200
14
SCHEDULE 3
Payment Schedule
1. The Purchase Price as set forth in Clause 3.1 shall be paid by way of telegraphic transfer in the manner as directed by the Seller in writing.
2. The Purchase Price shall be paid in installments according to the following schedule:
Payment Date
Payment
7 days after the Completion Date
30 days after the Completion Date
60 days after the Completion Date
90 days after the Completion Date
120 days after the Completion Date
US$15,200,000 or its equivalent
US$15,200,000 or its equivalent
US$15,200,000 or its equivalent
US$15,200,000 or its equivalent
US$15,200,000 or its equivalent
3. There shall be imposed upon the Purchaser a 2% per month liquidated damage for any late payment computed upon the amount of any outstanding
principal and accrued interest whose payment to the Seller is overdue for more than 30 days under this Agreement.
15
SCHEDULE 4
SELLER’S COMPLETION OBLIGATIONS
ACTIONS
The following actions:
1.1
Meetings:
Holding of a Board of Directors’ meeting, or signing written resolutions, of the Directors of the Company at or in which resolutions shall be passed:
approving the transfer of the Sale Shares to the Purchaser and the registration of the same subject to its being duly stamped and presented for
registration in accordance with the Company’s articles of association;
noting the resignation of Sun Zone Investments Limited as Director and approving the appointment of Xiaohong Ye as Director;
noting the resignation of Honest Joy Secretarial Limited as company secretary of the Company and approving the appointment of Aileen Yok Yee
Chiu as secretary in its place;
revoking or varying all existing authorities in respect of the operation of the bank accounts of the Company as the Purchaser shall designate in
writing in advance.
DELIVERY OBLIGATIONS
Delivery of the following documents and things:
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
Share certificates: Valid share certificates for the Sale Shares in the name of the Seller.
Share transfers: Duly executed and valid instruments of transfer in relation to the Sale Shares, such transfers to be in favor of the Purchaser, and
sold notes in a form complying with the Stamp Duty Ordinance in respect of the Sale Shares.
Resignations of directors and secretary: Written resignations of Sun Zone Investments Limited as Director and Honest Joy Secretarial Limited as
company secretary of the Company, confirming that they have no claims against the Company or the Subsidiaries (as this case may be) in their
capacity as director or company secretary whatsoever whether by way of compensation, remuneration, severance payments, pensions, expenses or
otherwise.
Corporate records: To the extent that the same are not already in the possession of the Company or its agents all Records, complete and up to date,
and the certificates of incorporation, deeds, documents and correspondence relating to the business, affairs, assets and liabilities (including
documents of title relating to the assets of the Company).
The Accounts
Check books: All the current check book of the Company together with current bank statements of the Company in respect of its checking account.
Resolutions:
Original written resolutions of the Directors of the Company referred to in paragraph 1.1 of this Schedule 4 shall have been passed.
16
SCHEDULE 5
WARRANTIES
1.
1.1
2.
2.1
2.2
AUTHORITY AND INFORMATION
Authority: The Seller has full right, power and legal capacity to validly and duly execute and deliver, and to perform, this Agreement and all other
documents which are to be executed by it at or before Completion, and this Agreement constitutes, and the documents which are to be executed by it
at or before Completion when executed will constitute, legal, valid and binding agreements or obligations of the Seller enforceable in accordance
with their respective terms.
SHARES
Sale Shares: The Seller is the sole legal and beneficial owner of, and has full right, power and authority to sell and transfer the full legal and
beneficial ownership of the Sale Shares free from all Encumbrances (of which there are none in existence) and with all rights now and hereafter
attaching thereto.
Registered capital of Subsidiaries: The registered capital of the Subsidiaries is owned by the Company directly or indirectly as and to the extent set
out in Schedule 2.
2.3
No other interests: The Company does not have:
(a)
any subsidiary or is or has ever been the holder or beneficial owner of, or has agreed to acquire, any share or loan capital of any company,
other than the Subsidiaries; and/or
(b)
any branch, agency or place of business, or any permanent establishment.
3.
3.1
3.2
3.3
4.
4.1
4.2
ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS
Accounts: The Accounts:
(a)
(b)
(c)
give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, state of affairs and financial position of the Company at the Last Accounts Date and its
profits/loss for the financial period ended on that date;
comply with the requirements of the Companies Ordinance and other relevant laws; and
have been prepared in accordance with US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
No material adverse change: There has been no material and adverse effect on the financial position, business, and results of operations and
prospects of the Company since the Last Accounts Date.
Liabilities: No material liabilities have been assumed or incurred by the Company since the Last Accounts Date.
TAXATION
The Company has duly filed all tax returns and paid all applicable taxes in accordance with all relevant and applicable laws, and was not and is not
involved in any dispute with any tax authority and there are no factual circumstances existing which would result in any such dispute in the future.
All information supplied by or on behalf of the Company for the purposes of taxation was when supplied and remains complete and accurate in all
material respects.
17
5.
5.1
5.2
6.
6.1
7.
7.1
8.
8.1
9.
9.1
LEGAL STATUS AND COMPLIANCE
Due incorporation: The Company has been duly incorporated and is legally subsisting under the law of Hong Kong, and there has been no
resolution, petition or order for the winding-up of the Company, nor are any such resolutions, petitions or orders imminent or likely.
No breach of laws: Neither the Company nor any of its officers, agents or employees (during the course of their duties in relation to it), has
committed, or omitted to do, any act or thing which is in contravention of any applicable laws or regulation, giving rise to any fine, penalty, default
proceedings or other liability on its part or other adverse consequences.
BUSINESS
Since the Last Accounts Date: Since the Last Accounts Date, the business of the Company has been continued in the ordinary and normal course
and in the same manner as previously.
REAL PROPERTY
No real property: Except for real property or lease interest owned by its Subsidiaries, the Company does not own any real property or lease interest
in Hong Kong or elsewhere.
AGREEMENTS
Material/unusual contracts: Except the Subsidiaries’ articles of association in relation to the Company’s investment in the Subsidiaries, the
Company has not entered into any agreements, instruments and arrangements, whether written or oral, as at the date of this Agreement which are
material to the Company and its business, relationships and financial position and prospects, or is otherwise a contract of an unusual or abnormal
nature, or outside the ordinary and proper course of its business.
LITIGATION
No litigation: The Company is not involved in any litigation, arbitration, administrative or criminal or other proceedings, whether as plaintiff,
defendant or otherwise; there are no such proceedings pending or threatened, either by or against the Company; and there is no fact or circumstance
which is likely to give rise to any such proceedings involving the Company.
18
SCHEDULE 6
ACTIVITIES PENDING COMPLETION
Save with the prior written consent of the Purchaser, the Exempted Transactions or as expressly provided in this Agreement, the Seller shall procure that the
Company will:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Ordinary business: carry on its business and activities in the ordinary and usual course without interruption, in the usual manner so as to maintain
its business as a going concern, and not make any change or material decision regarding its business (including its terms of business), affairs, assets
and liabilities;
Acquire or dispose of assets: not acquire for or dispose of any assets of the Company otherwise than in the ordinary and usual course of its
business;
Capital expenditures: not make, or agree to make, any capital expenditure;
Dividends: not declare, pay or make any dividend or distribution;
Encumbrances: not to create any Encumbrance in respect of the Company or its assets;
Guarantees and loans: not give, or agree to give, any Guarantee or loan of any money to any person;
Payments in ordinary course: not make any payment out of the Company’s bank account except where the payment is in the ordinary and usual
course of its business;
Onerous agreements: not to enter into any agreement, arrangement or obligation which exceeds one year in term or is onerous or unusual in nature
Comply with laws and regulations: conduct its business in accordance with and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations;
10.
Co-operation to Purchaser: give all reasonable co-operations to the Purchaser so as to ensure a smooth transition of management and control of the
Company after Completion.
19
SCHEDULE 7
EXEMPTED TRANSACTIONS
1. Please see the table below setting forth all the asset transfer contracts which recently have been signed by the Group.
Date
Contract Parties
Description of Contracts
November 15, 2011
Guanke (Fujian) Electron Technological Industry Co., Ltd. (“Guanke
Transfer of trademarks and trademark
(Fujian)”) and SGOCO INTERNATIONAL (HK) LIMITED (“SGOCO
INTERNATIONAL”)
applications
November 15, 2011
Guanke (Fujian) and SGOCO INTERNATIONAL
Exclusive licensing of trademarks and interests
November 15, 2011
Guanwei (Fujian) Electron Technological Industry Co., Ltd.
(“Guanwei(Fujian)”) and SGOCO INTERNATIONAL
in the trademark applications
Transfer of trademark
November 15, 2011
Guanwei (Fujian) and SGOCO INTERNATIONAL
Exclusive licensing of trademark
November 15, 2011
Guanke (Fujian) and SGOCO Electronic Co. Ltd. (“SGOCO (Fujian)”)
Transfer of research and development related
equipments
2. Guanke (Fujian) will transfer and assign to SGOCO (Fujian) all of its right, title and interest in and to the domain names including www.sgoco.com and
www.sgocogroup.com (the “Domain Names”), and the registration thereof. After the Completion but before the said transfer of all of its right, title and
interest in and to the Domain Names are completed, Guanke (Fujian) will grant exclusive license to SGOCO (Fujian) to use the Domain Names.
3. Guanke (Fujian), Guancheng (Fujian) Electron Technological Industry Co., Ltd. and Jinjiang Guanke Electron Co., Ltd. (the “Assigning Parties”) will
terminate some of the master sale contracts for which one of them is a party that have not been fully performed. SGOCO (Fujian) and SGOCO
INTERNATIONAL will sign contracts with the respective third parties to assume the rights and/or responsibilities of one of the Assigning Parties
accordingly.
4. Guanke (Fujian) will terminate all of its agreements with the SGOCO retail stores and SGOCO (Fujian) will sign contracts with the SGOCO retail stores to
assume the rights and/or responsibilities of Guanke (Fujian) under Guanke (Fujian)’s original agreements with the SGOCO retail stores.
5. For the avoidance of doubt, the duly and timely completion of the Exempted Transactions does not constitute conditions precedent for the Completion.
20
EXECUTED AS AN AGREEMENT
SIGNED BY /s/ Burnette Or
for and on behalf of
SGOCO GROUP, LTD.
in the presence of:
Signature of Witness:
Name:
Address:
SIGNED BY /s/ Xiaohong Ye
for and on behalf of
APEX FLOURISH GROUP LIMITED
in the presence of:
Signature of Witness: HP Lam
Name: LAM HIU PING
Address:
)
)
)
(sealed) )
)
)
)
)
(sealed) )
)
21
ANNEX
THE ACCOUNTS (Preliminary Draft)
(In US$)
HONESTY GROUP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(UNAUDITED)
REVENUES:
Revenues
Revenues - related parties
Total revenues
COST OF GOODS SOLD:
Cost of goods sold
Cost of goods sold - related parties
Total cost of goods sold
GROSS PROFIT
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Selling expenses
General and administrative expenses
Total operating expenses
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES):
Interest income
Interest expense
Other income (expense), net
Change in fair value of warrant derivative liability
Total other income (expenses), net
INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
NET INCOME
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:
Foreign currency translation adjustment
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
HONESTY GROUP
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
For Q3,2011
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash
Restricted cash
Accounts receivable, trade
AR intercompany -SW
Other receivables
Other receivables intercompany - SPAC
Other receivables Intercompany - SGOCO
OR Intercompany - Sgoco Intl
Other Receivable-shareholder
Inventories
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2011
244,121,724
-
244,121,724
218,188,315
-
218,188,315
25,933,409
10.6%
1,134,426
3,137,749
4,272,175
21,661,234
231,137
(1,497,171)
(131,178)
-
(1,397,212)
20,264,022
2,738,849
17,525,173
1,632,453
19,157,626
September 30,
2011
(Unaudited)
3,605,707
28,830,550
56,399,181
36,745
623,003
240,456
3,377,815
440,000
445,005
13,824,900
Advances to suppliers
Total current assets
PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET
OTHER ASSETS
Intangible assets, net
Total other assets
Total assets
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable, trade
Accrued liabilities
Bank overdraft
Notes payable
Short-term loan
Other payables
Other payables Intercompany - SGOCO
Customer deposits
Taxes payable
Total current liabilities
Total liabilities
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Paid-in-capital
Statutory reserves
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Total shareholders' equity
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
22
116,846,666
224,670,028
16,564,220
8,791,482
25,355,702
250,025,730
38,458,725
310,592
1,519,836
59,352,650
50,975,028
2,189,627
5,560,000
9,751,286
2,972,706
171,090,450
171,090,450
22,366,631
3,560,838
47,110,186
5,897,625
78,935,280
250,025,730
List of Subsidiaries
Name of Subsidiary
Jurisdiction of Formation
SGOCO International (HK) Limited
Hong Kong
SGOCO (Fujian) Electronic Co., Ltd
People’s Republic of China
Beijing SGOCO Image Technology Co., Ltd.
People’s Republic of China
SGO Corporation.
Delaware, USA
Exhibit 8.1
Exhibit 12.1
I, Burnette Or, President and Chief Executive Officer, certify that:
CERTIFICATION
1.
2.
3.
4.
I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 20-F of SGOCO Group, Ltd.;
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to
make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading regarding the period
covered by this report;
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material
respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
The Company’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as
defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules
13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Company and have:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our
supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to
us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed
under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of
financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
Evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about
the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such
evaluation; and
Disclosed in this report any change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period
covered by the Annual Report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal
control over financial reporting; and
5.
The Company’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial
reporting, to the Company’s auditors and the audit committee of the Company’s Board of Directors (or persons performing the equivalent
functions):
(a)
(b)
Dated: August 30, 2012
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which
are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company’s
internal control over financial reporting.
By: /s/ Burnette Or
Name: Burnette Or
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer
Signature Page to Form 20-F
I, David Xu, Chief Financial Officer, certify that:
CERTIFICATION
Exhibit 12.2
1.
2.
3.
4.
I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 20-F of SGOCO Group, Ltd.;
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to
make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading regarding the period
covered by this report;
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material
respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
The Company’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as
defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules
13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Company and have:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our
supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to
us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed
under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of
financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
Evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about
the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such
evaluation; and
Disclosed in this report any change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period
covered by the Annual Report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal
control over financial reporting; and
5.
The Company’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial
reporting, to the Company’s auditors and the audit committee of the Company’s Board of Directors (or persons performing the equivalent
functions):
(a)
(b)
Dated: August 30, 2012
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which
are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company’s
internal control over financial reporting.
By: /s/ David Xu
Name: David Xu
Title: Chief Financial Officer
Signature Page to Form 20-F
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Exhibit 13.1
In connection with the Annual Report of SGOCO Group, Ltd. (the "Company") on Form 20−F for the year ended December 31, 2011, as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Burnette Or, President and Chief Executive Officer, and I, David Xu, Chief
Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.
Dated: August 30, 2012
Dated: August 30, 2012
By: /s/ Burnette Or
Name: Burnette Or
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer
By: /s/ David Xu
Name: David Xu
Title: Chief Financial Officer
Signature Page to Form 20-F
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Exhibit 15.1
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statements No. 333-172406 on Form S-8 and No. 333-176437 on Form F-3 of our report
dated August 30, 2012, relating to the consolidated financial statements of SGOCO Group, Ltd. and its subsidiaries (collectively the “Company”), which
appears in this Annual Report on Form 20-F of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2011.
/s/ Crowe Horwath (HK) CPA Limited
Hong Kong, China
August 30, 2012
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
EXHIBIT 15.2
To the Board of Directors of
SGOCO Group, Ltd.
We hereby consent to the use of our report dated April 28, 2011, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of SGOCO Group, Ltd. and Subsidiaries as of
December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the related consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for
each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2010, which report appear in the December 31, 2011 annual report on Form 20-F of SGOCO
Group, Ltd.
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (333-172406), and Registration Statement on Form F-3 (333-
176437), of the report described above, appearing in the annual report on Form 20-F of SGOCO Group, Ltd. for the year ended December 31, 2011.
/s/ Frazer Frost, LLP
Brea, California
August 30, 2012
.
Letter from Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm re: Item 16F
EXHIBIT 15.3