[CONFORMED]
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
FORM 20-F
[ ] REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
OR
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 - For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 - For the transition period from ____________
to____________
Commission file number 1-14606
CHINA ENERGY RESOURCES CORPORATION
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
British Virgin Islands
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
Citco Building, Wickhams Cay c/o Arimoto, Ogaswara & Mo
P.O. Box 662, Road Town 276 Fifth Avenue, Suite 703
Tortola, British Virgin Islands New York, NY 10001
(Address of principal executive offices)
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
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share American Stock Exchange
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the
Act.
None
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section
15(d) of the Act.
None
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's classes of
capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual
report.
As of December 31, 1996, 2,399,850 common shares, par value $0.01 per share
(the "Common Stock"), were issued and outstanding.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes No X
Indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has
elected to follow. Item 17 Item 18 X
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
PART I
ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS 1
ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTIES 10
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 11
ITEM 4. CONTROL OF REGISTRANT 12
ITEM 5. NATURE OF TRADING MARKET 13
ITEM 6. EXCHANGE CONTROLS AND OTHER LIMITATIONS
AFFECTING SECURITY HOLDERS 13
ITEM 7. TAXATION 15
ITEM 8. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA 19
ITEM 9. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 24
ITEM 10.DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF REGISTRANT 30
ITEM 11.COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS 31
ITEM 12.OPTIONS TO PURCHASE SECURITIES FROM REGISTRANT
OR SUBSIDIARIES 31
ITEM 13.INTEREST OF MANAGEMENT IN CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS 32
PART II
ITEM 14.DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED 32
PART III
ITEM 15.DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES 33
ITEM 16.CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND CHANGES IN SECURITY
FOR REGISTERED SECURITIES 33
PART IV
ITEM 17.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 33
ITEM 18.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 34
ITEM 19.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS 35
Certain Definitions and Supplemental Information
All references to "China" or "PRC" in this Annual Report are references to
The People's Republic of China. Unless otherwise specified, all references
in this Annual Report to "U.S. dollars," "dollars," or "$" are to United
States Dollars; all references to "Renminbi" or "Rmb" are to Renminbi, which
is the legal currency of China. Unless otherwise specified, translation of
amounts from Renminbi to U.S. dollars for the convenience of the reader have
been made in this Annual Report at the exchange rates indicated in Item 8.
"Selected Financial Data -- Exchange Rate Information," as quoted by the
People's Bank of China. No representation is made that the Renminbi amounts
could have been, or could be, converted into U.S. dollars at that rate or at
any other rate. See Item 6. "-- Exchange Controls and Other Limitations
Affecting Security Holders -- PRC."
The financial statements of China Energy Resources Corporation (the
"Company") are presented in U.S. dollars. All financial statements of the
Company presented herein have been prepared in conformity with United States
generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP").
Forward-Looking Statements
This Annual Report may contain "forward-looking statements" within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including
(without limitation) under Item 1. "Description of Business," Item 2.
"Properties," Item 6. "Exchange Controls and Other Limitations Affecting
Security Holders" and Item 9. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations." Such statements are not
guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks and
uncertainties that could affect the Operating Company's operations, markets,
prices and other factors and hence the results of the Company. Among the
factors that could cause actual results to differ are changes in the planned
economic development of the PRC, competitive pressures, delays or
difficulties in increasing capacity utilization at existing production
facilities, delays in development of mining operations, a significant
increase in PRC coal production capacity or a significant decrease in demand
for the Operating Company's products, changes in PRC regulation or taxation
of foreign equity joint ventures, increased PRC regulations of the mining,
production and sale of coal under the recently enacted National Coal Act,
increased or more stringent PRC environmental regulations and the tightening
of PRC exchange controls.
PART I
ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Historical Background
China Energy Resources Corporation (the "Company") was incorporated on March
15, 1996 under the International Business Companies Act of the British Virgin
Islands. The Company is a holding company which is the sole shareholder of
China Coal Mining (B.V.I.) Co. Ltd. ("CCM"), a corporation organized under
the International Business Companies Act of the British Virgin Islands.
Pursuant to a joint venture agreement dated September 16, 1995, CCM acquired
an eighty percent (80%) interest in Mishan Hua Xing Coke Limited ("MHXC"), a
new Sino-foreign equity joint venture company organized in the People's
Republic of China (the "PRC"). Pursuant to this agreement, CCM paid cash in
the amount of $7,886,000 for its 80% interest in MHXC. The MHXC joint
venture period, which was initially established for a term of 20 years from
the joint venture's date of formation, was subsequently extended by the
parties for an additional 10 years and may be extended by unanimous
resolution of the board of directors subject to the approval of the
relevant authorities. CCM purchased its interest in MHXC from the
government of the PRC, which remains the owner of a 20% interest in MHXC.
MHXC succeeded to the business of Mishan Coal Chemical Holding Company, a PRC
government-owned enterprise ("MCCH"), which owned and operated two production
factories: Mishan City Coke Factory ("MCCF") and Qitaihe City Coal Factory
("QCCF"). Prior to the acquisition by MCCH in 1994, MCCF was a PRC
government-owned enterprise and QCCF was part of another PRC government owned
enterprise.
In December 1995, the principals of the Company entered into a definitive
agreement (the "Merger Agreement") for the merger of Jackson Holding Corp.
("JHC"), with and into the Company. JHC was incorporated in the State of New
York on February 22, 1994 for the sole purpose of acquiring or merging with
an unspecified operating business. On January 9, 1995, JHC commenced a
"blank check" offering pursuant to Rule 419 under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended (the "1933 Act"). JHC had approximately 170 shareholders of its
common stock. The Merger Agreement was approved by unanimous written consent
by the Board of Directors of the Company dated March 22, 1996. In July 1996,
the shareholders of JHC voted in favor of the Merger. On September 10, 1996,
the Company filed a Registration Statement on Form F-4 with the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission to effect the merger. The Company's
Registration Statement on Form F-4 was declared effective on October 4, 1996
by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
In connection with the merger, the Company issued 109,850 common shares to
the shareholders of JHC in exchange for the entire issued share capital of
JHC. At the time of the merger, JHC had no operating assets.
On April 21, 1997, the Company listed 5,898,436 of its common shares (the
"Common Stock") on the American Stock Exchange, which included 2,399,850
shares outstanding and 3,498,586 shares reserved for issuance.
General
All of the Company's operations are conducted through its operating
subsidiary, CCM, and in turn through the PRC-based MHXC joint venture to
which CCM is a party (referred to hereinafter as the "Operating Company").
The Operating Company has two wholly-owned coal refining operations, MCCF and
QCCF.
MCCF
MCCF engages primarily in the production and sale of metallurgical coke.
MCCF completed its steam coal preparation facility in 1993. In 1995, MCCF
completed construction of an additional production facility to process steam
coal into metallurgical coke and foundry coke. This facility has been
designed for annual production capacities of approximately 200,000 tons of
steam coal, approximately 85,000 tons of metallurgical coke and approximately
56,000 tons of foundry coke. Improvements to the facility, which cost
approximately $3,000,000, were financed through an unsecured loan by a local
PRC bank at a fixed term rate of 15.3%. These improvements enabled MCCF to
produce metallurgical coke and foundry coke which it was unable to do prior
to such improvements. Presently, the main product of the MCCF plant is
metallurgical coke.
On June 20, 1995, the Mishan City Municipal Government granted MCCF exclusive
underground rights to mine coal from certain coal reserves located in Mishan
City, within Heilongjiang Province, PRC. MCCF's mining rights (the "coal
mine use rights") were granted on June 20, 1995 and continue in force for 100
years. See "--Government Regulation." Upon the formation of the Operating
Company, the PRC joint venture partner made an interest free loan in the
amount of $7,906,000 to MCCF to partially finance the acquisition of the coal
mine use rights.
The reserves are located within approximately 10 kilometers of the MCCF
production facility. Present access to these reserves is solely by way of an
undeveloped road system. The coal reserves are located in the districts of
Dalizi, Jinshazi, Beiyinzi, Dazhushan and Zhushan. These five districts
collectively produce the following types of coal: coking; fat; gas; and
meager. The combination of these four types of coal is required to produce
high quality foundry coke. MCCF is not presently involved in the mining of
these reserves due to the lack of funds available for this purpose. MCCF has
been engaged in conducting mine site surveys, clearing the surface of
potential mine entrance sites, performing geological surveys and preparing
mining plans. The Company believes that these activities will enable MCCF to
begin its mining operations as soon as practicable after sufficient funds are
available. The costs associated with mining preparation work have been
capitalized as part of MCCF's coal mine use rights.
As a result of the macro-economic adjustments and related credit policy
advocated by the central PRC government, MCCF was not able to obtain working
capital from local banks after the completion of its production facilities in
1995. Due to this lack of working capital, MCCF's production of high quality
metallurgical coke declined from 33,000 tons in 1995 to 6,758 tons for the
first six months of 1996. In June 1996, operation of the MCCF plant was
subcontracted to a company under the control of the PRC's Ministry of Coal.
According to the subcontract, the party which operated the plant (i) was
obligated to meet all the operating expenses of the plant, (ii) was entitled
to receive all the revenues from the plant's operation and (iii) paid to MCCF a
subcontracting fee of $723,000. This subcontract was terminated on March 31,
1997.
QCCF
QCCF engages in the production and sale of steam coal. The QCCF factory was
constructed in 1993 and employs the "air-heavy medium fluid bed" dry process
of coal preparation, which management of the Operating Company believes is a
leading production technology worldwide and is appropriate for production in
cold and dry regions such as the region where QCCF's factory is located.
QCCF's annual production capacity is approximately 750,000 tons of steam coal
and the factory operated at 63% of its capacity in 1996.
Historically, a substantial percentage of the sales of QCCF have been to one
customer, Mudanjiang No. 2 Power Plant ("Mudanjiang") in Heilongjiang
Province, PRC. On an annual basis, the PRC government designates the quota
of steam coal that will be purchased for each of its power plants and the
districts from which such coal will be supplied. Each power plant can then
determine which suppliers within each district it will contract with for the
year. In 1994 and 1995, QCCF contracted to supply 240,000 tons and 312,000,
respectively, tons of steam coal to Mudanjiang. In 1996, QCCF's sales volume
to Mudanjiang totalled 390,890 tons.
In order to assure that its customers will receive steam coal on a timely
basis, QCCF needs to secure sufficient transportation capacity. In 1996,
QCCF entered into a cooperative agreement with a unrelated party under the
control of the Railroad Transportation Department whereby QCCF would be
entitled to transportation capacity for 400,000 tons of steam coal annually
in exchange for a negotiated fee.
Business Strategy
Through offerings of convertible notes and warrants in November 1996 and
January 1997 in exempt transactions pursuant to Regulation S under the 1933
Act, the Company raised net proceeds of approximately $5,400,000. These
proceeds are primarily being used to provide working capital to the Operating
Company's factories to utilize idle capacity, to fill backlog orders of
steam coal and coke coal and to expand the existing operations of the
Operating Company.
The Operating Company's business strategy is to increase sales in the PRC of
both steam coal and coke coal by increasing production capacities and
marketing additional coal products. Additionally, the Operating Company
intends to explore its ability to produce foundry coke in commercial
quantities which meet international quality standards for sales in the PRC
and for export. It is expected that the Operating Company will utilize
existing cash flow from operations to approach the maximum steam coal and
coke production capacities of its existing plant and equipment. Management
believes that steam coal and coke production can be increased by a
substantial percentage without any significant capital improvements, as the
Operating Company has the plant and equipment necessary to support this
business expansion.
With its existing technology, management believes that the MCCF facility is
capable of producing high quality foundry coke within international
standards. Foundry coke is widely used in the production of specialty steel,
the raw material used in high performance steel products such as automobile
and airplane engines. The high temperature requirements for foundry coke
require a high quality raw coal, as measured by low sulfur, phosphorous and
ash contents and a high caloric value.
Presently, the Operating Company's factories purchase a majority of their raw
coal from coal mine operations of unrelated parties. Management intends to
apply some excess cash flow, if available, to begin mining of the coal
reserves to which MCCF has exclusive mining rights. It is hoped that, once
such mining activities are fully operational, the MCCF reserves will supply a
major portion of the raw mined coal for production in the Operating Company's
factories. Management believes that such mining operations will result in
lower costs to MCCF for raw materials and an increase in the Operating
Company's gross profit and net income. Construction of MCCF's coal mining
facilities is expected to require a substantial investment in mining
equipment or the acquisition of an existing coal mining operation. The
Operating Company expects that it will cost in excess of $3,000,000 to
commence such mining operations, including but not limited to equipment for
digging, mining, safety, ventilation and transportation. The Company expects
such construction would take approximately one year from commencement to
completion.
Sales and Marketing
MCCF's primary product is high quality metallurgical coke, which is sold to
steel mills. Since 1994, the sales volume of MCCF has been volatile. Due to
a shortage of working capital, the MCCF factory operated substantially below
capacity from 1994 through mid-1996. During the first half of 1996, MCCF
sold certain residual products which were below the factory's quality
standards. Subsequently, during the second half of 1996 and the first
quarter of 1997, the operation of the MCCF plant was subcontracted to a
company under the control of the PRC's Ministry of Coal. Therefore, the
sales volume of the MCCF factory attributable to the Operating Company
showed a significant decrease for 1996, as well as a decrease in the average
net sales price per ton from the 1995 level. As a result of the working
capital raised in 1996 and early 1997, the MCCF subcontracting agreement was
terminated on March 31, 1997 and MCCF's management is focusing on the process
of rebuilding its workforce, production and sales operations.
MCCF reported the following sales of metallurgical coke for the previous
three fiscal years:
1994 1995 1996
Sales volume (in tons) 12,360 33,000 6,758
Average net sales price (per ton)* $24.60 $57.39 $38.32
_______________
*Sales prices indicated are net of discounts and returns.
QCCF's primary product is steam coal, which is used by thermal power plants.
Since 1994, the sales volume of QCCF has increased at an annual rate of over
20%. The QCCF factory employs the "air-heavy medium fluid bed" dry process
of coal preparation. QCCF believes that this process is well-suited to the
cold climate where its products are used and that this processing
technology provides it with a competitive advantage over other suppliers
within the Qitaihe City region which use alternative technologies.
In order to ensure a stable demand for its products along with a source of
working capital, QCCF has entered into various long-term coal supply
contracts with its major electric utility customers. These contracts
generally stipulate that the utility company will provide a certain amount of
working capital to QCCF in return for QCCF's obligation to supply coal at the
prevailing market price. In addition, pursuant to these contracts, the
utility companies are generally responsible for obtaining transportation
capacity for which they earn a fee on a per ton basis.
In 1996, QCCF implemented certain "penalty" policies in its sales contracts
as a method to emphasize quality control and customer satisfaction in the
marketing of its products. Its sales contracts specify quality standards for
the coal to be delivered, generally in terms of the coal's BTU and burn
characteristics. To the extent that any QCCF product fails to meet the
agreed upon standard, QCCF will rebate a set amount to its customer.
Similarly, if QCCF delivers a tonnage that is higher than the quantity
purchased, QCCF does not charge the customer for the freight cost of
transporting the excess goods.
QCCF reported the following sales of steam coal for the previous three fiscal
years:
1994 1995 1996
Sales volume (in tons) 304,630 390,000 475,305
Average net sales price (per ton)* $14.65 $15.52 $15.86
_______________
*Sales prices indicated are net of discounts and returns.
Dependence on One Major Customer
Historically, a substantial percentage of the sales of QCCF (and its
predecessor companies) have been to one customer, Mudanjiang No. 2 Power
Plant ("Mudanjiang"), in Heilongjiang Province, PRC, which accounted for
approximately 79%, 80% and 82% of QCCF's net sales and approximately 79%, 70%
and 80% of the Operating Company's net sales for the years ended December 31,
1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively. On an annual basis, the PRC government
designates the quota of steam coal that will be purchased for each of its
power plants and the districts from which such coal will be supplied. Each
power plant can then determine which suppliers within each district it will
contract with for the year. In 1994 and 1995, QCCF contracted to supply
240,000 tons and 312,000 tons, respectively, of steam coal to Mudanjiang. In
1996, QCCF's sales volume to Mudanjiang totalled 390,890 tons. QCCF has
agreed to supply up to 900,000 tons to Mudanjiang in 1997, subject to QCCF's
ability to obtain sufficient transport capacity. See "--General--QCCF." The
loss of Mudanjiang as a customer of QCCF would have a material adverse effect
on both the Operating Company's and the Company's financial condition,
results of operations, cash flows, business and prospects.
Transportation
Transportation is an important factor in coal marketing because a significant
portion of the cost of processed coal is attributable to transportation. The
availability and cost of such transportation affects the marketability of
coal. Generally, transportation costs from the Operating Company's two
factories to their customers are incurred by the factories.
The development of the PRC railway system still lags behind the growth of the
PRC economy as a whole, and discrepancies between the capacity and volume of
transportation are severe in many areas of the PRC. Currently, most of the
customers of the Operating Company's factories are located within their
respective regions, and the factories utilize the PRC's rail transport
system to deliver substantially all of their products to their customers.
With the Operating Company's ongoing efforts to develop new customers as well
the intention for MCCF to export products to Southeast Asia, it is expected
that the number of customers located in areas other than the PRC's northeast
region will increase. Accordingly, alternative means of transportation may
be required to accommodate future product transportation needs. Although the
Company believes that the Operating Company's factories will be able to
satisfy their transportation needs for the foreseeable future based on their
current production capacities and that sufficient rail transportation will be
made available to the factories to meet any increases in production
capacities, there can be no assurance that either of the Operating Company's
factories will continue to receive a sufficient amount of rail transport
capacity. Additionally, there can be no assurance that either of the
factories will be able to develop alternative means of transportation that
are reliable and cost-efficient.
Technology
MCCF
The raw coal that is mined in the Mishan City area contains high quality coal
for use in coke production. This raw coal generally has low sulfur and
phosphorus contents and strong cohesiveness. All of these qualities together
produce a high quality coke coal, with the exception of the ash content in
the raw coal which, according to an independent governmental test conducted
in Beijing, is between 17% and 24%. An ash content of between 8% and 9% is
considered to be the international standard for high quality foundry coke.
MCCF employs the "heavy medium flow-rotator coal preparation technique," an
advanced processing technology developed by the Tangshan Branch of China Coal
Industry Research Institute. Management believes that by employing this
technique MCCF has the capability to meet the rigorous quality standards
required for export. With the use of this technology, the ash content of the
cleaned coal can be kept between 7.0 - 8.0%, thus providing cleaned coal with
a reduced ash content for the production of foundry coke. The Operating
Company believes that the flow-rotator process is more economical than the
widely-used jigging method which has been the standard process for the past
several decades. While management believes that the advanced flow-rotator
process produces a significantly higher yield of clean coal, a higher rate of
reclaim and a lower ash content than the jigging method, there can be no
assurance that MCCF's existing technology will enable it to produce foundry
coke that meets the international standard.
QCCF
The processing plant at QCCF employs the "air-heavy medium fluid bed" dry
process of coal preparation, which the Company believes is a leading
technology worldwide. This process was the result of ten years' research by
China Minerals University, which has patented the technology. This process
provides a new method for coal sorting in areas where water resources are in
short supply and where it is severely cold. Management of the Operating
Company believes that this process is more environmentally friendly than wet
separation processes because it produces no waste water and slime. Due to
certain deficiencies in the implementation of this technology during the
summer rainy season, the Operating Company intends to employ working capital,
if available, to improve upon this technology.
Government Regulation
Companies operating in the PRC are subject to certain laws, rules and
regulations promulgated by the government thereof. PRC laws applicable to
the mining, production and utilization of coal include the Mineral Resources
Law of the PRC (1996, revising the 1986 law) and the Regulations for the
Implementation of the Mineral Resources Law of the PRC (1994). In
particular, the Operating Company is subject to the Coal Law of the People's
Republic of China, which became effective on December 1, 1996 (the "National
Coal Law"), and which comprehensively regulates the mining of the PRC's coal
resources, the production of coal and related business operations. The
planned mining operations of the Operating Company may, under the National
Coal Law, require approval by the Heilongjiang Provincial Coke and Coal
Bureau. Rules to be promulgated by the State Council under the National Coal
Law could impose substantial substantive regulation of the production and
pricing of coal and coke. There can be no assurance that the National Coal
Law and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder will not have an
adverse effect on the business or operations of the Operating Company or the
coal mine use rights of MCCF. In addition, prior to the export of coke or
coal, the Operating Company must obtain an export license from the Ministry
of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation ("MOFTEC"), which, under the
National Coal Law, may be authorized to grant such licenses only to large
scale coal-production enterprises. While management believes that it will be
able to obtain such a license once it is in a position to begin exporting,
there can be no assurance that such a license will be obtained by the
Operating Company.
The Operating Company is subject to certain PRC laws and regulations
applicable to Sino-foreign equity joint ventures. The law of the PRC on
Sino-Foreign Joint Equity Enterprise (the "Joint Venture Law") establishes a
comprehensive regulatory and corporate governance framework with respect to
Sino-foreign equity joint ventures. Some pertinent provisions of the Joint
Venture Law provide as follows: (i) Article 4 requires that the transfer of
one party's share be effected only with the consent of the other party or
parties; (ii) Article 5 provides that if site-use rights are not part of the
Chinese partner's investment contribution, the joint venture shall pay fees
to the government for such usage; (iii) Article 9 requires that the
production and operational plans of a joint venture be filed with the
relevant authorities and (iv) Article 12 requires approval by the government
for any extension of a joint venture's term. More detailed restrictions are
provided in Regulations for the Implementation of the Law of the PRC on
Sino-Foreign Joint Equity Enterprise. In addition, the Regulations on Labor
Management in Foreign Investment Enterprises set forth certain restrictions,
including, but not limited, to restrictions on the hiring and discharge of
employees, establishment of wages, maintenance of insurance and welfare and
other benefits. The Operating Company is also subject to certain PRC
national and local environmental regulations with which it must comply in the
production of its coal and coke products. See "--Environmental Protection."
Environmental Protection
The Company is subject to PRC national and local environmental protection
regulations which currently impose fees for the discharge of waste
substances, require the payment of fines for pollution, and provide for the
closure by the PRC government of any facility that fails to comply with
orders requiring it to cease or cure certain activities causing environmental
damage. Due to the nature of the Operating Company's business, the Operating
Company produces significant amounts of waste water, coal dust, solid waste
materials, and noise during the course of its production of coke and coal.
The Operating Company has established environmental protection systems to
treat certain of its waste materials, to safeguard against accidents and to
reduce noise. The Operating Company believes that its environmental
protection facilities and systems are adequate for it to comply with the
existing national and local environmental protection regulations. However,
there can be no assurance that the PRC national or local authorities will not
impose additional or more stringent regulations which would require
additional expenditure on environmental matters, changes in the Operating
Company's processes or systems and/or plant closures.
The Operating Company regards environmental protection as a priority and
maintains an environmental protection department which is responsible for
coordinating its environmental protection systems. The Operating Company
believes that it is in substantial compliance with all applicable
environmental statutes and regulations.
Competition
MCCF - Metallurgical and Foundry Coke
The coke produced in the PRC is mainly of the metallurgical quality.
Generally, coke quality is measured by its low contents of sulfur,
phosphorous and ash, and high caloric value. Metallurgical coke is considered
to be a lesser grade of coke than foundry coke due to its ash, sulfur and
phosphorous contents. The output of foundry coke in the PRC remains low due
to highly technological production requirements.
Within the Operating Company's region, the Operating Company believes that
the Jixi City Coal Preparation Plant ("Jixi"), which produces mainly
metallurgical coke, is its only major competitor. The Operating Company
believes that MCCF's preparation process can achieve a lower ash content for
coke than is possible with the process employed by Jixi. A low ash content
is required to meet international standards for foundry coke. The Operating
Company believes that its coke products are priced competitively with those
of Jixi.
The Operating Company believes that its potential major competitors for the
production of foundry coke in the PRC are Zhenjiang Coking Chemical Plant and
Beijing Coking Chemical Plant. Because both of these plants are located in
the central regions of the PRC, the Operating Company believes that
transportation costs have been, and will continue to be, a factor which
increases the cost of coke delivered by these plants to customers in the PRC
regions served by the Operating Company. The Operating Company believes that
such increased costs of delivery may provide an effective barrier to
competition from these other producers. In addition, the Operating Company
believes that both of these other plants produce only limited quantities of
foundry coke.
QCCF - Steam Coal
QCCF presently processes steam coal for use by thermal power generating
plants in its region. The Operating Company has not experienced significant
competition in the sale of steam coal produced by QCCF due to the strong
demand for steam coal in the PRC. In QCCF's region, Heilongjiang Province,
there are four major production districts, which include Jixi, Hegang,
Qitaihe and Shuangyashan. Within each of these districts are many
government-owned steam coal production facilities, all of which represent
competition to QCCF within the region in which QCCF operates. The Operating
Company is not aware of any available statistics regarding these government-
owned facilities, some of which may have significantly greater production
capacities than the combined capacities of the Operating Company.
International
The Operating Company has not engaged in any sales of its coal or coke
products to customers located outside of the PRC. The Operating Company
plans to explore the possibility of exporting a portion of its coke and coal
production, subject to its ability to increase production capacities in order
to produce coke and coal products in commercial quantities which meet
international quality standards, obtain sufficient transport capacity and any
required regulatory approvals. There are many coke and coal producers
worldwide that have significantly greater resources and experience in
international sales than the Operating Company, and which may have an
established customer base for their coal and coke production. The Operating
Company expects that its major competition in the international markets would
be from coal and coke producers located in the United States, Australia and
Canada.
Employees
As of December 31, 1996, the Company and CCM each had 2 full-time employees.
As of December 31, 1996, the Operating Company, including its two factories,
had approximately 902 employees, of whom 520 worked for QCCF and 382 worked
for MCCF. Of the Operating Company's total number of employees,
approximately 91% were production workers, approximately 7% were managerial
staff and approximately 2% were engineering and technical staff. Generally,
the QCCF and MCCF factories have entered into employment contracts with their
workers, which contracts typically are subject to annual renewal, contain
annual wage determination provisions and provisions regarding pension and
medical benefits in accordance with applicable PRC regulations governing the
management of labor. Due to the working capital deficiency experienced by
the MCCF factory during 1996, MCCF reduced the salaries of its employees for
the first half of 1996, while such salaries for the second half of 1996 were
the responsibility of the subcontracting party. In addition to cash
compensation, each of the factories provides certain pension funds and costs
of medical care to their employees.
ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTIES
Properties
Substantially all of the operations of the Operating Company and CCM are
conducted at the facilities of the Operating Company.
The Operating Company owns and operates two coal production factories, MCCF
and QCCF, in the northeast region of the PRC. These factories include
certain buildings, fixtures and equipment necessary for the production of
steam coal and metallurgical and foundry coke. These factories are owned by
the Operating Company.
The MCCF factory and raw material stockpiles are located on a 127,000 square
meter site located in Mishan City, Heilongjiang Province, PRC. MCCF has been
granted certain land use rights by the Mishan City government in connection
with the real property that MCCF occupies. Pursuant to these rights, MCCF
has the exclusive right to use and occupy the real property for a period of
50 years, commencing September 16, 1995. MCCF also owns and operates 1.13
kilometers of railroad track located on the real property, which it uses
exclusively in connection with its business. The real property on which the
railroad track is located is also subject to the 50-year land use rights
mentioned above. The MCCF factory has the capacity to produce approximately
85,000 tons of metallurgical coke and 56,000 tons of foundry coke per year.
According to the Administrative Bureau for Coal Mining of Heilongjiang, the
coal reserves which have been assigned to MCCF have the potential to mine raw
recoverable coal of the following types: Dalizi - coke and fat coal; Jinshazi
- - fat and gas coal; Beiyinzi - coke coal; Dazhushan - gas; and Zhushan -
meager coal. The Operating Company has completed an initial feasibility
study related to the coal reserves, but has not engaged an independent expert
evaluation to verify the type, quality or quantity of these reserves. The
Operating Company intends to engage in such an analysis prior to the
commitment of a substantial amount of capital to develop any mining
operations.
While the Operating Company has the right to mine coal from these reserves,
it has not yet done so. The Operating Company estimates that it will require
in excess of $3,000,000 to commence mining operations. To date, the
Operating Company has engaged in conducting mine site surveys, clearing the
surface of potential mine entrance sites, performing geological surveys and
preparing mining plans. The Operating Company has commenced these activities
to enable it to begin mining operations as soon after sufficient funds are
available, if at all. The costs associated with mining preparation work have
been capitalized as part of MCCF's coal mine use rights.
The QCCF factory and raw material stockpiles are located on a 150,000 square
meter site located in Qitaihe City, Heilongjiang Province, PRC. QCCF has
been granted certain land use rights by the Qitaihe City government in
connection with the real property that QCCF occupies. Pursuant to these
rights QCCF has the exclusive right to use and occupy the real property for a
period of 30 years commencing September 16, 1995. The QCCF factory has the
capacity to produce approximately 750,000 tons of steam coal per year and was
operated at approximately 63% of capacity in 1996.
The MCCF and QCCF factories of the Operating Company are located in Mishan
City and Qitaihe City, respectively, in the PRC. Firefighting and disaster
relief or assistance in the PRC are primitive by Western standards. The
Operating Company and its factories do not currently maintain personal
injury, fire, casualty or other property insurance covering their raw
materials, environmental damage, work in progress, furniture, equipment or
factory buildings in the PRC. Any damage or loss relating to the Operating
Company or its facilities would have a material adverse effect on both the
Operating Company's and the Company's business, results of operations and
financial condition.
Neither the Company nor the Operating Company and its factories maintain any
business interruption insurance.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Legal Proceedings
Neither the Company nor CCM is a party to, nor is the property of the Company
or CCM subject to any pending legal proceedings which are potentially
material to the Company or CCM.
ITEM 4. CONTROL OF REGISTRANT
The following table sets forth certain information regarding ownership of the
Company's shares of Common Stock as of June 11, 1997 by (i) all persons who
own more than ten percent (10%) of the outstanding shares of Common Stock and
(ii) all officers and directors of the Company as a group.
Title of Identity of Amount Percent
Class Person or Group Owned of Class
Common Stock Hualong Holding Co. Ltd.(1) 1,250,000 41%
Common Stock Rana Energy Investment Ltd. 661,428 21%
Common Stock All officers and directors as a group 48,000 2%
(1) Mr. Li Hong Wu holds approximately 30% of the issued and outstanding
shares of Hualong Holding Co. Ltd., a company organized under the
International Business Companies Act of the British Virgin Islands. In
addition to his interest in Hualong Holding Co. Ltd., Mr. Li Hong Wu also
owns 24,000 shares of Common Stock of the Company.
Mr. Li Hong Wu is the Chairman of the Board and President of the Company and
its wholly-owned subsidiary, China Coal Mining (B.V.I.) Co. Ltd. He is also
the Chairman of the Operating Company.
As of December 31, 1996 there were 2,399,850 shares of Common Stock issued
and outstanding. On March 25, 1997 and April 18, 1997, two holders of Notes
exercised their rights to convert an aggregate principal amount of $2,570,000
in Notes plus interest due thereon into shares of Common Stock at a
conversion price of $3.50 per share. As a result, there were 3,081,278
shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding as of June 11, 1997. In the
event that the remaining holders of the outstanding $3,552,500 principal
amount of Notes and Warrants to purchase 1,894,150 shares would exercise
their conversion rights (in the case of Notes) and their purchase rights (in
the case of Warrants), and assuming the floor price of $3.50 per share, an
additional 2,909,150 shares of Common Stock would be issued, resulting in a
total of 6,063,444 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding and dilution
to the existing shareholders (calculated as of June 11, 1997) of
approximately 51%. Assuming full conversion (in the case of Notes) or
exercise (in the case of Warrants) of the remaining outstanding Notes and
Warrants, the following table sets forth information regarding ownership of
the Company's shares of Common Stock on a fully diluted basis by (i) all
persons who own more than ten percent (10%) of the outstanding shares of
Common Stock and (ii) all officers and directors of the Company as a group.
Title of Identity of Amount Percent
Class Person or Group Owned of Class
Common Stock Hualong Holding Co. Ltd. 1,250,000 21%
Common Stock Rana Energy Investment Ltd. 661,428 11%
Common Stock All officers and directors as a group 48,000 1%
The Company is not aware of any other arrangement which may at a subsequent
date result in a change of control of the Company.
ITEM 5. NATURE OF TRADING MARKET
The Common Stock of the Company is listed on the American Stock Exchange (the
"AMEX"). The AMEX is the principal trading market for the Common Stock,
which is not listed on any other exchanges within or outside the United
States. The Common Stock commenced trading on the AMEX on April 21, 1997
under the symbol "CHG."
The high and low sales prices for shares of the Common Stock on the AMEX for
the period indicated were as follows:
High Low
1997 Second Quarter (from April 21 to June 16) $6 $4 9/16
As of June 11, 1997, there were 3,081,278 shares of Common Stock issued and
outstanding, 317,906 of which were held of record by approximately 334
holders with addresses in the United States.
ITEM 6. EXCHANGE CONTROLS AND OTHER LIMITATIONS AFFECTING
SECURITY HOLDERS
PRC
The Operating Company receives almost all of its revenues in Renminbi, which
is not freely convertible into foreign exchange. However, the Operating
Company may require foreign currency to convert profits, if any, into U.S.
dollars in the amounts needed for the Company to pay dividends, if any, and
to discharge obligations denominated in foreign currency.
The PRC government imposes control over its foreign currency reserves in part
through direct regulation of the conversion of Renminbi into foreign exchange
and through restrictions on foreign trade. Prior to January 1, 1994, the PRC
had a dual exchange rate system, which consisted of the rate fixed from
time-to-time by the PRC State Administration of Exchange Control (the
"SAEC") and the rates prevailing in the various swap centers around the
country (the "Swap Rates"). In most cases, foreign enterprises satisfied
their need for foreign exchange through such means as exporting products for
foreign currency, selling "import substitute" products in the PRC for payment
in foreign currency, or accessing a swap center. Among the more widely used
Swap Rates was the rate at the swap center in Shanghai. Effective January 1,
1994, a new unitary, managed floating-rate system was introduced in the PRC
to replace the previous dual-track foreign exchange system, which was
abolished pursuant to the Notice of the People's Bank of China Concerning
Further Reform of the Foreign Currency Control System (the "PBOC Notice").
The conversion of Renminbi into U.S. dollars must now be based on the rate
set by the People's Bank of China, which is set based on the previous day's
PRC interbank foreign exchange market rate and with reference to current
exchange rates on the world financial markets. In furtherance of these
currency reforms, the China Foreign Exchange Trading Center (the "CFETC") was
formally established in Shanghai and began operating in April 1994. The
establishment of the CFETC was originally intended to coincide with the
phasing out of the swap centers. However, the swap centers have been
retained as an interim measure and it is envisaged that the local swap
centers will be phased out gradually.
Currently, foreign investment enterprises ("FIEs") in the PRC (including
Sino-foreign equity and co-operative joint ventures) are required to apply to
the local bureau of the SAEC for "foreign exchange registration certificates
for foreign investment enterprises." Upon the presentation of appropriate
documentation, FIEs may enter into foreign exchange transactions at swap
centers, or in the future, through the unified market when all swap centers
are consolidated under the CFETC. On January 29, 1996, the State Council
promulgated the Regulations of the People's Republic of China Regarding
Foreign Exchange Control (the "Regulations") which came into effect on April
1, 1996. Pursuant to the Regulations, conversion of Renminbi into foreign
exchange for current account items is permissible. Conversion of Renminbi
into foreign exchange for capital items, such as direct investment, loans or
security is still under the sole jurisdiction and requires approval of the
SAEC.
As a result of the adoption of the unitary exchange rate system on January 1,
1994, the official bank exchange rate for Renminbi to U.S. dollars
experienced an immediate devaluation of approximately 50% to US$1.00 =
Rmb 8.7000. Any future volatility or devaluation of the Renminbi could have
a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations
and financial condition.
Management believes that the Operating Company will be able to obtain all
required approvals for the conversion and remittance abroad of foreign
currency necessary for the operations of both the Operating Company's and the
Company's businesses. However, such approvals do not guarantee the
availability of foreign currency and no assurance can be given that the
Operating Company will be able to convert sufficient amounts of foreign
currency in the PRC's foreign exchange markets in the future at acceptable
rates, or at all, for the repayment of debt, payments of interest, purchases
of equipment or payment of dividends, if any, and payments for services and
other contracts. To the extent that the Operating Company is restricted from
distributing dividends and profits to CCM, such restrictions could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations and
financial condition.
Certain Foreign Issuer Considerations
The Company is an International Business Company ("IBC") incorporated under
the provisions of the International Business Companies Act (the "Act") of the
British Virgin Islands (the "BVI"). The transfer of shares between persons
regarded as resident outside of the BVI is not subject to any exchange
controls. Likewise, issues and transfers of shares involving any person
regarded as resident in the BVI are not subject to exchange control approval.
There are no limitations on the rights of non-BVI owners of the Company's
Common Stock to hold or vote their shares. Because the Company is an IBC,
there are no restrictions on its ability to transfer funds into and out of
the BVI or to pay dividends to U.S. residents who are holders of the
Company's Common Stock.
In accordance with the Company's Memorandum and Articles of Association,
share certificates are only issued as registered shares. In the case of a
representative acting in a special capacity (for example, as an executor or
trustee), share certificates should record the capacity in which the
representative is acting. Notwithstanding the recording of any such special
capacity, the Company is not bound to investigate or incur any responsibility
in respect of the proper administration of any such estate or trust. The
Company takes no notice of any trust applicable to any of its shares whether
or not it had notice of such trust.
As an IBC, the Company may not engage in the following activities: (i) carry
on business with persons resident in the BVI except as set out in Section
5(2) of the Act; (ii) own an interest in real property situate in the BVI,
other than a lease of property for use as an office from which to
communicate with shareholders or where books and records of the Company are
prepared and maintained; (iii) carry on a banking or trust business, unless
it is licensed under the Banks and Trusts Companies Act 1990; (iv) carry on
business as an insurance or a reinsurance company, insurance agency or
insurance broker, unless it is licensed under an enactment authorizing it to
carry on that business; (v) carry on the business of company management
unless it is licensed under the Company Management Act, 1990; or (vi) carry
on the business of providing the registered office or the registered agent
for companies incorporated in the BVI.
There are no restrictions on the degree of foreign ownership of the Company.
The Company is subject neither to taxes on its income or dividends nor to any
foreign exchange controls in the BVI. In addition, the Company is not
subject to capital gains tax in the BVI, and profits can be accumulated by
the Company, as required, without limitation.
ITEM 7. TAXATION
The following discussion summarizes certain tax consequences to a holder of
Common Stock of the Company under present British Virgin Islands tax laws,
People's Republic of China tax laws and United States federal income tax
laws. The discussion does not deal with all possible tax consequences
relating to the Company's operations or ownership of the Common Stock and
does not purport to deal with the tax consequences applicable to particular
investors, some of which (including banks, securities dealers, insurance
companies and tax-exempt entities) may be subject to special rules. In
particular, the discussion does not address the tax consequences under state,
local and other national (i.e., non-BVI, non-PRC and non-United States
federal) tax laws. The following discussion 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.
British Virgin Islands Taxation
Under the International Business Companies Act of the British Virgin Islands
(the "International Business Companies Act") as currently in effect, a holder
of Common Stock of the Company who is not a resident of the BVI is exempt
from BVI income tax on dividends paid with respect to the Common Stock of the
Company. A holder of Common Stock of the Company is not liable for BVI
income tax on gains realized on the sale or disposal of such shares. The BVI
does not impose a withholding tax on dividends paid by the Company to its
shareholders due to its incorporation under the International Business
Companies Act.
There are no capital gains or income taxes levied by the BVI on companies
incorporated under the International Business Companies Act. In addition,
the Common Stock of the Company is not subject to transfer taxes, stamp
duties or similar charges.
There is no income tax treaty or convention currently in effect between the
United States and the BVI.
As an exempted company, the Company is required to pay the BVI government an
annual license fee based on the Company's stated authorized capital.
PRC Taxation
The income tax rate in the PRC for Sino-foreign equity joint ventures is
governed by the Income Tax Law for Enterprises with Foreign Investment and
Foreign Enterprises and its Implementation Rules of 1991 (the "PRC Income Tax
Law"). Under the PRC Income Tax Law, the standard tax rate for Sino-foreign
equity joint ventures is 33%, comprised of a national income tax of 30% and
a local tax of 3%. The national tax rate of 30% is reduced to 15% for joint
ventures engaged in certain priority projects, including, but not limited to,
energy and transportation. The 15% tax rate also applies to joint ventures
established in one of five special economic zones and to joint ventures of a
productive nature located in one of certain economic and technological
development zones in the coastal open cities. Joint ventures which are
established in designated coastal economic development zones or in the old
urban areas of special economic zones or economic and technological
development zones and engage in productive activities are entitled to a
reduced national tax rate of 24%. The 3% local tax may also be reduced or
waived by the local government of the province or locality in which a joint
venture is located. The Operating Company does not currently benefit from
any of the aforementioned tax rate reductions.
Sino-foreign equity joint ventures engaged in productive activities and which
have a term of at least 10 years, such as the Operating Company, are exempt
from income tax for their first two profitable years and are entitled to a
50% reduction of the otherwise applicable income tax rate during the
subsequent three-year period.
United States Federal Income Taxation
Taxation of Shareholders
The following discussion addresses certain of the U.S. federal income tax
consequences to a United States person (i.e., a citizen or resident of the
United States, a corporation, partnership or other entity created or
organized under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision
thereof, an estate the income of which is subject to United States income
taxation regardless of its source or a trust if a court within the United
States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the
trust and one or more U.S. fiduciaries have the authority to control all
substantial decisions of the trust (a "U.S. Investor") who is a holder of
Common Stock. The following discussion does not address the U.S. federal
income tax treatment applicable to certain types of investors (e.g., dealers
in securities or currencies, financial institutions, life insurance
companies, tax-exempt organizations and holders of 10% or more of the Common
Stock of the Company) or to persons other than U.S. Investors, all of whom
may be subject to tax rules that differ significantly from those summarized
below. The summary of U.S. federal income taxation deals only with Common
Stock held as a capital asset by U.S. Investors whose "functional currency"
is the United States dollar. If a U.S. Investor holds its Common Stock
through a foreign branch or other foreign business unit, the following
discussion may not be accurate in all respects as to such investor. In
addition, future changes to U.S. federal income tax laws could have an effect
on the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and
disposition of Common Stock.
A U.S. Investor receiving a distribution in respect of the Common Stock will
be required to include such distribution in gross income as a taxable
dividend to the extent such distribution is paid from earnings and profits of
the Company as determined under U.S. federal income tax law. A distribution
in excess of the earnings and profits of the Company first will be treated,
for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as a nontaxable return of capital to
the extent of the U.S. Investor's basis in the Common Stock, and to the
extent in excess of such basis, as capital gain. Any amount treated as a
dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes generally will constitute
foreign source "passive income" (or, in the case of certain holders,
"financial services income") and will not be eligible for the dividends
received deduction generally allowed to corporate shareholders. Except for
corporations that own 10% or more of the Common Stock of the Company, no
shareholder will be entitled to claim a foreign tax credit against U.S.
federal income tax for any tax paid by the Company or any entity in which the
Company invests, directly or indirectly. For reporting purposes, any
dividends that are paid in any currency other than U.S. dollars must be
translated into U.S. dollars at the spot rate on the date the dividends are
distributed by the Company, regardless of whether the dividend received is in
fact converted into U.S. dollars.
With certain exceptions, gain or loss on the sale or exchange of the Common
Stock will be treated as capital gain or loss. Such capital gain or loss
will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Investor has held the
Common Stock for more than one year at the time of the sale or exchange. In
general, gains realized upon the disposition of Common Stock will be U.S.
source gain for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Under existing
authorities, it is unclear whether a loss on the sale of Common Stock would
be treated as U.S. source or foreign source income for U.S. federal income
tax purposes.
Various provisions contained in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the "Code") impose special taxes in certain circumstances on non-U.S.
corporations and their shareholders. The following is a summary of certain
provisions that could have an adverse impact on the Company and its U.S.
Investors.
Personal Holding Companies
Sections 541 through 547 of the Code relate to the classification of certain
corporations (including foreign corporations) as personal holding companies
("PHCs") and the consequent taxation of such corporations on certain of their
U.S. source income (and certain types of foreign source income which are
effectively connected with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business) to the
extent amounts at least equal to such income are not distributed to their
shareholders. A PHC is a corporation (i) more than 50% of the value of the
stock of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals
(without regard to their citizenship or residence), and (ii) which, if a
foreign corporation, receives 60% or more of such U.S.-related gross income,
as specifically adjusted, from certain passive sources (such as dividends,
interest, royalties or rents). If the Company is classified as a PHC, a tax
will be levied at the rate of 39.6% on the Company's undistributed U.S.
taxable income.
Foreign Personal Holding Companies
Sections 551 and 558 of the Code relate to foreign personal holding companies
("FPHCs") and impute undistributed income of certain foreign corporations to
U.S. persons who are shareholders of such corporations. A foreign
corporation will be classified as a FPHC if (i) five or fewer individuals,
who are U.S. citizens or residents, directly, indirectly or constructively
own more than 50% of the corporation's stock (measured either by voting power
or value) (the "shareholder test") and (ii) the corporation receives 60% (50%
for subsequent years) or more of its gross income (regardless of source), as
specially adjusted, from certain passive sources (the "income test").
If the Company is classified as a FPHC after applications of the shareholder
test and the income test, a U.S. Investor may be required to include in
income a constructive dividend equal to its pro rata share of the Company's
"undistributed foreign personal holding company income" for that year whether
or not such amounts were actually distributed by the Company. Various other
adverse consequences will also result if the Company is treated as a FPHC
including, for example, denial of basis step-up on the death of a holder of
Common Stock.
Controlled Foreign Corporations
Sections 951 through 964 and section 1248 of the Code relate to controlled
foreign corporations ("CFCs") and impute undistributed income to certain
shareholders and convert into dividend income gains on dispositions of shares
which would otherwise qualify for capital gains treatment. A corporation
will be classified as a controlled foreign corporation if U.S. persons who
own, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the Common Stock of the Company
("10% Shareholders"), own, in the aggregate, more than 50% (measured by
voting power or value) of the shares of a foreign corporation.
In the event the Company is classified as a CFC, all U.S. Investors that own
10% or more of the Common Stock of the Company will be subject to taxation
under Subpart F of the Code, including possible taxation of such U.S.
Investors based on certain income of the Company even in the absence of
distributions of such income by the Company.
Passive Foreign Investment Companies
A foreign corporation is classified as a "passive foreign investment company"
(a "PFIC") for United States federal income tax purposes if either (i) 75% or
more of its gross income in a taxable year is passive income or (ii) the
average percentage of its assets by value during a taxable year which produce
or are held for the production of passive income is at least 50% of the
average fair market value of all of the Company's assets for such year. For
the purpose of the PFIC tests, if a foreign corporation owns directly or
indirectly at least 25% by value of the stock of another corporation, the
foreign corporation is treated as owning its proportionate share of the
assets of the other corporation, and as if it had received directly its
proportionate share of the income of such other corporation. The effect of
this special provision with respect to the Company and its direct and
indirect ownership of its subsidiaries is that the Company, for purposes of
the income and assets test described above, will be treated as owning
directly its proportionate share of each of those companies' income, if any,
so long as the Company owns, directly or indirectly, at least 25% by value of
the particular company's stock. Active business income of the Company's
subsidiaries will be treated as active business income of the Company, rather
than as passive income.
If the Company were to be classified as a PFIC, a U.S. Investor would be
subject to various adverse U.S. tax consequences. Such adverse consequences
include an interest charge on taxes deemed deferred by them on receipt of
certain "excess" dividend distributions by the Company to the U.S. Investor
and on realization of gain on disposition of any of the Common Stock owned by
the U.S. Investor (all of which distributions and gains would be taxable as
ordinary income), or if a U.S. Investor were to so elect to, and the Company
were to agree to comply with certain reporting requirements, such U.S.
Investor currently would be taxable on such U.S. Investor's pro rata share
of the Company's ordinary earnings and profits and long-term capital gains
for each year (at ordinary income or capital gains rates, respectively), even
if no dividend distributions were received.
United States Backup Withholding
A holder of Common Stock of the Company may be subject to "backup
withholding" at the rate of 31% with respect to dividends paid on such Common
Stock if such dividends are paid by a paying agent, broker or other
intermediary in the United States or by a U.S. broker or certain United
States-related brokers to such holder outside the United States. Actual
backup withholding may be avoided by the holder of Common Stock of the
Company if such holder (i) certifies its status as a non-U.S. holder under
penalties of perjury or otherwise establishes an exemption or (ii) provides a
correct taxpayer identification number, certifies that such holder is not
subject to backup withholding and otherwise complies with the backup
withholding rules.
Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from a payment to a
holder will be refunded (or credited against the holder's U.S. federal income
tax liability, if any) provided that the required information is furnished to
the United States Internal Revenue Service.
ITEM 8. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Summary Financial and Operating Data
The selected information set forth below should be read in conjunction with,
and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the consolidated financial
statements of the Company and the financial statements of CCM and MCCH
included in this Annual Report. The Company prepares its financial
statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
The Company was incorporated for the sole purpose of holding 100% of the
capital stock of CCM and being the surviving entity of the merger with JHC.
The selected consolidated pro forma financial information of CCM for 1995 set
forth below is based on the assumption that CCM had been formed on and owned
its 80% interest in the Operating Company on and as of January 1, 1995. The
Operating Company is a Sino-foreign equity joint venture company which
succeeded to the business of MCCH. MCCH owned and operated two production
factories: MCCF and QCCF. The figures below reflect primarily the financial
operating results of MCCF and QCCF.
<TABLE>
The Company:
<CAPTION>
Actual Actual
Actual Pre-Joint Post-Joint Pro Forma Actual
Year Venture Venture Year Year
Ended Period Period Ended Ended
12/31/94 1995 1995 12/31/95 12/31/96
audited unaudited audited unaudited audited
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Consolidated Statement of
Operations Data:
Net sales $4,766 $ 5,896 $ 2,050 $ 7,946 $ 7,801
Subcontracting income 0 0 0 0 723
Cost of sales (3,458) (4,121) (1,115) (5,272) (5,584)
------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Gross profit 1,308 1,775 935 2,674 2,940
Selling, general and
administrative ( 890) ( 796) ( 314) ( 736) ( 961)
------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Operating income 418 979 621 1,938 1,979
Interest expenses (45) ( 158) ( 198) ( 526) ( 433)
Interest income 0 4 0 4 11
Other income 33 16 10 26 46
------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Income before income taxes
and minority interest 406 841 433 1,442 1,603
Income tax 0 0 0 0 0
------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Income before minority
interest 406 841 433 1,442 1,603
Minority interest 0 0 ( 87) ( 288) ( 345)
------- -------- ------- -------- ---------
Net income $ 406 $ 841 $ 346 $ 1,154 $ 1,258
Earnings per share (3) - - $ 0.346 $ 1,154 $ 0.66
Dividends per share - - - - -
Weighted average number of
shares outstanding (5) - - 1 1 1,905
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Data (at period end):
Working capital 5,448 6,289 14,706 N/A 1,804
Total assets 13,258 16,058 24,814 N/A 28,499
Total long-term debts 1,564 1,564 4,364 N/A 5,369
Minority interest 0 0 2,109 N/A 2,377
Shareholders' equity 3,884 4,725 8,233 N/A 12,156
Consolidated Cash Flow
Statement Data:
Net cash provided by
operating activities 743 91 611 N/A 1,599
Net cash used in
investment activities 1,738 899 7,968 N/A 674
Net cash provided by
financing activities 1,088 760 7,578 N/A 3,757
Additions to property,
plant and equipment 1,730 899 123 N/A 674
Depreciation 370 357 130 N/A 863
Statistical Data:
Gross margin 27.4% 30.1% 45.6% 33.7% 28.4%
Operating margin 8.8% 16.6% 30.3% 24.4% 16.1%
________________________________
</TABLE>
(1) See Statement of Operations of Mishan Coal Chemical Holding Company
("MCCH") for the year ended December 31, 1994.
(2) See Statement of Operations of MCCH for the nine months ended September
30, 1995.
(3) See Consolidated Statement of Operations of the Company for the period
from August 18, 1995 to December 31, 1995.
(4) See Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Statement of Operations of CCM for
the year ended December 31, 1995. Pursuant to a joint venture agreement
dated September 16, 1995, CCM acquired an 80% interest in MHXC. The selected
unaudited pro forma financial information has been prepared based upon the
historical financial statements of MCCH as if the acquisition of CCM's
interest had occurred on January 1, 1995.
(5) The calculation of actual earnings per share of Common Stock for 1996 is
based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year
ended December 31, 1996, whereas the calculation of pro forma earnings per
share for 1995 is based on the pro forma number of common shares outstanding
for CCM.
The pro forma assumptions and adjustments made for the pro forma 1995
Statement of Operations include the following:
(a) The acquisition of CCM by the Company and the acquisition of the 80%
interest in MHXC by CCM were assumed to have occurred on January 1, 1995.
(b) The Company did not have any revenues except for those attributed to its
80% consolidated interest in MHXC.
(c) MXHC will be entitled to the tax exemptions granted under the current tax
regulations of Sino-foreign equity joint venture enterprises.
(d) Provision for amortization of the land use rights acquired on the
formation of the MXHC joint venture.
(e) Minority interest of 20% in the earnings of MHXC was recorded.
(6) See Consolidated Statement of Operations of the Company for the year
ended December 31, 1996.
Following are certain operating results, set forth separately, of the
Company, MCCH and QCCH. These operating results form the basis for the
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data for the Company.
The Company:
Actual Proforma Actual
Year Year Year
Ended Ended Ended
12/31/94 12/31/95 12/31/96
(amounts in thousands)
Statement of Operations
Data (Unconsolidated):
Net Sales $ - $ - $ 0
Cost of sales - - 0
------- -------- -------
Gross Profit - - 0
Selling, general and administrative
expenses - - (96)
------- -------- -------
Operating income - - (96)
Interest expenses - - (58)
Interest income - - 11
Other income - - 0
------- -------- -------
Income before income taxes
and minority interest - - (143)
Income tax - - 0
------- -------- -------
Income before minority interest - - (143)
Minority interest - - 0
------- -------- -------
Net income $ - $ - $ (143)
MCCF:
Actual Pro Forma Actual
Year Year Year
Ended Ended Ended
12/31/94 12/31/95 12/31/96
(amounts in thousands)
Statement of Operations Data:
Net Sales $ 304 $ 1,894 $259
Subcontracting income - - 723
Cost of sales (236) (1,267) (684)
------ -------- -------
Gross Profit 68 627 298
Selling, general and administrative
expenses (159) (313) (309)
------- -------- -------
Operating income (91) 314 (11)
Interest expenses (45) (293) (127)
Interest income 0 1 0
Other income 1 17 0
------- -------- -------
Income before income taxes
and minority interest (135) 39 (138)
Income tax 0 0 0
------- ------- -------
Income before minority interest (135) 39 (138)
Minority Interest 0 (8) 28
Net income $ (135) $ 31 $ (110)
QCCF:
Actual Pro Forma Actual
Year Year Year
Ended Ended Ended
12/31/94 12/31/95 12/31/96
(amounts in thousands)
Statement of Operations Data:
Net Sales $ 4,462 $ 6,052 $ 7,542
Cost of sales (3,222) (4,005) (4,900)
-------- -------- --------
Gross profit 1,240 2,047 2,642
Selling, general and administrative
expenses (731) (423) (556)
-------- -------- --------
Operating income 509 1,624 2,086
Interest expenses 0 (233) (248)
Interest income 0 3 0
Other income 32 9 46
-------- -------- --------
Income before taxes
and minority interest 541 1,403 1,884
Income Tax 0 0 0
-------- -------- --------
Income before minority interest 541 1,403 1,884
Minority interest 0 (280) (373)
-------- -------- --------
Net income $541 $1,123 $1,511
Operating Company:
Product Mix and Sales Volume
1994 1995 1996
Metallurgical coke
Sales volume (in tons) 12,360 33,000 6,758
Average sales price per ton $ 24.60 $ 57.39 $ 38.32
Average production cost per ton $ 19.09 $ 38.39 $ 101.21
Steam coal:
Sales volume (in tons) 304,630 390,000 475,305
Average sales price per ton $ 14.65 $ 15.52 $ 15.86
Average production cost per ton $ 10.58 $ 10.27 $ 10.31
Exchange Rate Information
The following table sets forth the applicable exchange rate used for the
presentation of financial information in this Annual Report and in the
financial statements presented herein:
Period Ended Exchange Rate
December 31, 1994 US$1.00 = Rmb8.3177
September 30, 1995 US$1.00 = Rmb8.3175
December 31, 1995 US$1.00 = Rmb8.3179
December 31, 1996 US$1.00 = Rmb8.2982
ITEM 9. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
CCM, which was incorporated on August 18, 1995, entered into the joint
venture which created the Operating Company on September 16, 1995. The
Company was subsequently incorporated on March 15, 1996 to be the sole
shareholder of CCM. All of the Company's operations are conducted through
its operating subsidiary, CCM, and in turn through CCM's interest in the
Operating Company. As a result, the Company's operations and financial
condition depend entirely upon the Operating Company's results of operations
and financial condition.
References to the Company for the year ended 1996 are to the consolidated
results of CCM and the Company. References to the Operating Company for the
year ended 1995 are to the consolidated results of the Operating Company.
References to the Operating Company for the year ended 1994 are to the
consolidated results of MCCH.
The Operating Company has two wholly-owned coal refining operations, MCCF and
QCCF. The Operating Company derives its revenues principally from two lines
of business within the PRC's coal industry: (1) the production and sale of
metallurgical coke to steel mills and machinery manufacturers; and (2) the
production and sale of steam coal to power plants, with all of such sales to
customers located in the PRC.
MCCF
MCCF engages primarily in the production and sale of metallurgical coke.
MCCF completed its steam coal preparation facility in 1993. Subsequently, in
1995, MCCF completed construction of an additional production facility to
process steam coal into metallurgical coke and foundry coke. This facility
has been designed for annual production capacities of approximately 200,000
tons of steam coal, approximately 85,000 tons of metallurgical coke and
approximately 56,000 tons of foundry coke. Improvements to the facility,
which cost approximately $3,000,000, were financed through an unsecured loan
by a local PRC bank at a fixed term rate of 15.3%. These improvements
enabled MCCF to produce metallurgical coke and foundry coke which it was
unable to do prior to such improvements. Presently, the main product of
the MCCF plant is metallurgical coke.
On June 20, 1995, the Mishan City Municipal Government granted MCCF exclusive
underground rights to mine coal from certain coal reserves located in Mishan
City, within Heilongjiang Province, PRC. MCCF's mining rights were granted
on June 20, 1995 and continue in force for 100 years. MCCF is not presently
involved in the mining of these reserves due to the lack of funds available
for this purpose. MCCF has been engaged in conducting mine site surveys,
clearing the surface of potential mine entrance sites, performing geological
surveys and preparing mining plans. The Company believes that these
activities will enable MCCF to begin its mining operations as soon as
practicable after sufficient funds are available. The costs associated with
mining preparation work have been capitalized as part of MCCF's coal mine use
rights.
QCCF
QCCF engages in the production and sale of steam coal. The QCCF factory was
constructed in 1993 and employs the "air-heavy medium fluid bed" dry process
of coal preparation, which management believes is a leading production
technology worldwide and is appropriate for production in cold and dry
regions such as the region where QCCF's factory is located. QCCF's annual
production capacity is approximately 750,000 tons of steam coal and the
factory operated at 63% of capacity in 1996.
Results of Operations
1996 Compared to Pro Forma 1995
Net Sales. Net Sales is recorded as gross sales less returns and discounts.
Net sales remained essentially unchanged at $7,801,000 in 1996 as compared to
net sales of $7,946,000 in 1995.
MCCF's sales of metallurgical coke decreased 86% from $1,894,000 in 1995 to
$259,000 in 1996. Coal sales volume decreased 80% from 33,000 tons in 1995
to 6,758 tons in 1996. The average net sales price decreased from $57.39 per
ton in 1995 to $38.32 per ton in 1996. The reductions in both sales volume
and sales price were due to MCCF's lack of working capital for the production
of metallurgical coke in 1996. MCCF's small sales volume in 1996 was
generated from sales of inventory produced in 1995 and from the sale of
below standard metallurgical coke which was generated from efforts to
maintain the MCCF production facility in operational condition. As a result,
the unit sales price and the quality of MCCF's coke decreased when compared
to 1995. In June 1996, operation of the MCCF plant was subcontracted to a
third party. According to the subcontract, the party which operated the
plant (i) was obligated to meet all of the operating expenses of the plant,
(ii) was entitled to receive all of the revenues from the plant's operation
and (iii) paid to MCCF a subcontracting fee of $723,000. This subcontract was
terminated on March 31, 1997.
QCCF's sales of steam coal increased 25% from $6,052,000 in 1995 to
$7,542,000 in 1996. Coal sales volume increased 22% from 390,000 tons in
1995 to 475,305 tons in 1996. The average net sales price increased
moderately from $15.52 per ton in 1995 to $15.86 per ton in 1996. The
increases in both sales volume and sales price were mainly attributable to
the following factors: (1) the improved technological application of the
"air-heavy medium fluid bed" dry process of coal preparation which enhanced
the efficiency of QCCF's production process and improved the quality of the
coal produced; (2) stricter quality control of coal inspection and testing
processes which resulted in fewer returns and higher pices and (3) increased
demand from QCCF's major customer, Mudanjiang No. 2 Power Plant. Sales to
Mudanjiang amounted to 390,890 tons in 1996, representing an increase of
78,861 tons, or 25%, as compared to 1995. Approximately 80% of the Operating
Company's MCCF's sales were made to Mudanjiang in 1996 as compared to 70% in
1995.
Cost of sales. The cost of coal sales includes the cost of raw materials,
direct labor and benefits, depreciation, transportation and manufacturing
overhead.
MCCF's cost of sales decreased 46% from $1,267,000 in 1995 to $684,000 in
1996. The decrease was mainly attributable to: (1) MCCF's decreased sales
volume; (2) additional depreciation expenses of $384,000 incurred in 1996 for
the production facility and (3) fixed manufacturing overhead costs which
could not be completely eliminated in 1996. These fixed costs included water
and electricity, indirect labor and the cost of materials which were needed
to maintain the coal production facility in operational condition.
QCCF's cost of sales increased 22% from $4,005,000 in 1995 to $4,900,000 in
1996. The increase was primarily attributable to: (1) QCCF's increase in
sales volume of 85,305 tons and (2) increases in raw material prices and
transportation costs per unit of production. The increase was partially
offset by decreases in labor and manufacturing overhead costs per unit of
production which resulted from production economies of scale.
Gross Profit. Gross profit increased 10% from $2,674,000 in 1995 to
$2,940,000 in 1996 due to an increase of 29% in gross profit generated by
QCCF, offset by a decrease of 52% in gross profit for MCCF. MCCF's gross
profit decreased from 1995 to 1996 due to its lack of working capital for the
production of metallurgical coke. QCCF's gross profit increased from 1995 to
1996 primarily as a result of an increase in sales of steam coal.
Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and
administrative expenses increased 31% to $961,000 in 1996 from $736,000 in
1995. The increase of $225,000 is attributable to (1) QCCF's proportionate
increase of such expenses as its sales increased; (2) $96,000 of additional
travel and professional expenses incurred at the Company level in connection
with the issuance of the Notes and Warrants and expenses associated with
increased reporting obligations of the Company. These increases were offset
only slightly by a marginal reduction in MCCF's selling, general and
administrative expenses as the MCCF plant conducted minimal production and
selling activities in 1996.
Interest expenses. Interest expenses decreased 18% from $526,000 in 1995 to
$433,000 in 1996. The decrease of $93,000 was attributable to the following
factors: (1) a local bank granted a one-time waiver of approximately $166,000
in interest expenses owed by MCCF in 1996; (2) QCCF incurred an additional
$15,000 in interest expenses as its average short-term borrowing increased
during 1996 and (3) the Company incurred $58,000 in additional interest
expenses in 1996 as interest on the Notes. The Operating Company's average
short-term borrowing rate was 17% in 1995 and 1996, whereas the long-term
borrowing rate was fixed at 14% for both 1995 and 1996.
Commencing October 1, 1995, the Mishan City government agreed to share one-
half of the interest owed by MCCF on certain long-term interest bearing
loans. The government's share of interest expenses increased from $50,000 in
1995 to $197,000 in 1996. This agreement expires on December 31, 1997.
Interest expense in the amount of $458,000 was imputed for the year ended
December 31, 1996 on the interest free loan from CCM's joint venture partner
at the rate of 16% per annum. Such interest was capitalized as part of
MCCF's coal mine use rights.
Income taxes. Substantially all of the Company's current profits accrue in
the PRC where the applicable tax rate is currently 33%. However, pursuant to
the PRC Income Tax Law, the Operating Company is exempt from income tax for
its first two profitable years. This two-year "tax holiday" was to begin
with the first profitable year of the Operating Company, measured from its
formation on September 16, 1995. For the following three years, the
Operating Company will pay income tax at a rate of one-half of the then
current tax rate. There is no tax payable in the British Virgin Islands on
dividends paid to CCM and the Company by any of their subsidiaries or
factories. Therefore, there was no provision for income tax for the year
ended December 31, 1996 and for the period from September 16, 1995 to
December 31, 1995. For the period from January 1, 1995 to September 15,
1995, no provision for income tax was made because QCCF was exempted from
income tax under an agreement with its previous owner and MCCF was operating
at a loss during its construction and product testing period.
Net Income. Net income increased 9% from $1,154,000 in 1995 to $1,258,000 in
1996. The $104,000 increase in earnings was attributable to: (1) the
increase of $1,490,000 in sales of steam coal by QCCF; (2) the subcontracting
fee of $723,000 earned by MCCF and (3) certain interest expenses forfeited or
shared by local banks and the Mishan City government. The increase
attributed to these factors was substantially offset by MCCF's decrease in
sales of metallurgical coke of $1,635,000 and PRC expenses incurred by the
Company in connection with the issuance of the Notes and Warrants.
1995 Compared to 1994
Net sales. Net sales increased 67% from $4,766,000 in 1994 to $7,946,000 in
1995 primarily due to: (1) a 523% increase in the net sales of metallurgical
coke, which has a higher unit sales price than steam coal and (2) a 36%
increase in the net sales of steam coal, along with a moderate increase in
the unit sales price of steam coal. Approximately 70% of the Operating
Company's sales were made to Mudanjiang in 1995 as compared to 79% in 1994.
The unit sales price for metallurgical coke increased substantially from
$24.60 to $57.39 as its quality improved significantly in 1995.
Cost of Sales. The MCCF and QCCF factories both experienced slight increases
in raw material and labor costs from 1994 to 1995. In addition, both
factories included as part of their production costs amortization expenses
on the land use rights acquired upon the formation of the Operating Company
in 1995. Such amortization expenses did not exist in 1994.
MCCF's cost of sales, on a per ton basis, increased 101.1% from 1994 to 1995
as a result of improved product quality.
QCCF's cost of sales, on a per ton basis, decreased by 2.9% from 1994 to 1995
as a result of increased production economies of scale, as offset by slight
increases in raw material and labor costs.
Gross Profit. Gross profit increased 104% from $1,308,000 in 1994 to
$2,674,000 in 1995 due to an increase in sales of metallurgical coke, which
has a higher profit margin than steam coal and a decrease in QCCF's unit
production cost due to increased production economies of scale.
Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and
administrative expenses decreased 17% from $890,000 in 1994 to $736,000 in
1995. The decrease was attributable to: (1) the termination of QCCF's
management agreement in October 1995, which reduced the 1995 selling, general
and administrative expenses by $45,000 and (2) tighter management control
over general and administrative expenses, which decreases were partially
offset by a $125,000 increase in MCCF's selling expenses in connection with
the introduction of new products.
Interest expenses. Interest expenses increased 1069% from $45,000 in 1994 to
$526,000 in 1995. The increase was primarily attributable to the following
factors: (1) the Operating Company capitalized most of its interest expenses
in 1994 with respect to the long-term debt incurred to finance the
construction of MCCF's facility; (2) the Operating Company increased
short-term debt by $500,000 and (3) interest expenses were no longer
capitalized, but rather were a direct charge against net income. When QCCF's
management agreement was terminated in October 1995, QCCF incurred $62,800
in additional interest expenses for the fourth quarter which increased
overall 1995 interest expenses. The Operating Company's average short-term
borrowing rate increased from 16% in 1994 to 17% in 1995, whereas the
long-term borrowing rate was fixed at 14% for both 1994 and 1995. Interest
expense in the amount of $110,000 was imputed for the year ended December 31,
1995 on the interest free loan from CCM's joint venture partner at the rate
of 16% per annum. Such interest was capitalized as part of MCCF's coal mine
use rights.
Income Taxes. For the years 1994 and 1995, no provision for income tax was
made because, in 1994, QCCF was exempted from income tax under an agreement
with its previous owner and MCCF operated at a loss during its construction
and product testing period. These conditions remained constant until October
1995, when QCCF's agreement was terminated. For the period from August 18,
1995 through December 31, 1995, the Operating Company was exempted from
income tax pursuant to the PRC Income Tax Law.
Net income. Net income increased 184% from $406,000 in 1994 to $1,154,000 in
1995. The increase was mainly attributable to: (1) an increase in sales of
metallurgical coke, a higher profit margin product than steam coal; (2) a
decrease in production costs as a percentage of sales resulting from
production economics of scale and (3) tighter control by management over
selling, general and administrative expenses.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As a holding company, the Company's only sources of cash flow are dividends,
if any, paid by the Operating Company and retained net proceeds from its
Regulation S offerings of securities. The Company believes that such sources
of cash flow are sufficient to fund its operating expenses. See "Financing
Activities."
MCCF continued to incur a working capital deficit in 1996. Due to the lack
of working capital, in June 1996, operation of the MCCF plant was
subcontracted to a company under the control of the PRC's Ministry of Coal to
maintain the production facility and its workers. According to the
subcontract, the party which operated the plant was (i) obligated to meet all
of the operating expenses of the plant, (ii) was entitled to receive all of
the revenues from the plant's operation and (iii) paid to MCCF a
subcontracting fee of $723,000. Following the receipt of additional working
capital in early 1997, this subcontract was terminated on March 31, 1997. As
of December 31, 1996, MCCF had $1.5 million in short-term loans and
$1.8 million in long-term loans. MCCF has not incurred any additional bank
loans since 1995.
In addition, in 1996, MCCF made repayments ahead of the original payment
schedule on the loan regarding the coal mine use rights. As a result, the
repayment schedule for the balance of the loan was amended and, pursuant to
an agreement dated May 11, 1997, the scheduled repayments on the loan were
postponed for an additional two years.
QCCF has generally satisfied its working capital requirements, capital
expenditures and scheduled debt repayments from its operating cash flows.
Due to improved credit controls and trade receivable collection procedures,
QCCF improved its average receivable turnover from 57 days in 1995 to 37 days
in 1996. As of December 31, 1996, QCCF had $1.6 million in short-term loans
and no long-term debt. Management believes that cash generated from
operations will continue to be sufficient to meet QCCF's working capital
requirements, planned or anticipated capital expenditures, scheduled debt
repayments and other financial commitments.
The Operating Company believes that it will have sufficient working capital
for its current operations as a result of the "Financing Activities"
discussed below.
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures of the Operating Company amounted to $674,000 in 1996,
which mainly represented continued expenditures to modernize its older coal
production facility, improve productivity, purchase equipment, and replace
the transportation equipment and build up the transportation system of QCCF.
In 1997, the Operating Company expects that its capital expenditure
requirements will be approximately $5,000,000, all of which will be used for
the current plan to (i) modernize MCCF's foundry coke production facility and
to purchase additional, as well as upgrade existing, equipment and (ii)
construct a new QCCF coal preparation facility and warehouse, as well as
upgrade and automate existing systems. The Operating Company expects to fund
the cost of its capital expenditures primarily from operating cash flows and
additional financing activities by the Company. Estimated capital
expenditures are subject to continuing review and adjustment.
Financing Activities
In November 1996, the Company raised net proceeds of approximately $4,500,000
through an offering of convertible notes and warrants in an exempt transaction
pursuant to Regulation S under the 1933 Act. Subsequently, in January 1997,
the Company raised net proceeds of approximately $900,000 in a follow-on
offering of convertible notes and warrants (on the same terms as the November
1996 offering) in another exempt transaction pursuant to Regulation S under
the 1933 Act. The convertible notes and the warrants are referred to
hereinafter as the "Notes" and the "Warrants." The aggregate principal
amount of Notes issued in the November 1996 and January 1997 offerings was
$6,122,500. Based on a conversion price of $3.50 per share of Common Stock,
the Notes were convertible at the time of issuance into an aggregate of
1,749,293 shares of Common Stock. In connection with the purchase of a Note,
each purchaser was issued Warrants exercisable for the same number of shares
of Common Stock into which such purchaser's Note was convertible. Including
Warrants issued in payment of offering-related fees, the Company issued
Warrants exercisable for an aggregate of 1,894,150 shares of Common Stock
based on an exercise price of $3.50 per share of Common Stock at the time
of issuance. As of June 11, 1997, Notes in the aggregate principal amount
of $3,552,500 remained outstanding and Warrants to purchase an aggregate of
1,894,150 shares of Common Stock remained outstanding (based on the initial
conversion price of $3.50 per share).
The Notes carry interest at 8% per annum and the outstanding principal amount
of the Notes and any accrued and unpaid interest thereon are payable on the
maturity date of November 14, 2001. The Warrants became exercisable to
purchase shares of Common Stock on May 14, 1997 and expire on November 14,
1999. The exercise price per share for the Warrants is the same as the
conversion price in effect at such time for the Notes. See "Item 12. Options
to Purchase Securities from Registrant or Subsidiaries."
The proceeds from the offerings are being used primarily as working capital
by the Operating Company's two factories to utilize idle capacity, to fill
backlog orders of steam coal and coke coal and to expand the existing
operations of the Operating Company. To the extent that any of such
proceeds are not required for such working capital purposes, the Operating
Company intends to apply such funds toward preparation of the mining
operations related to the MCCF coal reserves.
Inflationary Impact
General inflation of costs had no material impact on the Company's revenues
and expenses during the year 1996 and no adverse effects from inflation are
anticipated in 1997. The Company has generally been able to adjust the price
of its products offered to its customers to minimize any risks associated
with inflationary pressures. However, due to the capital-intensive nature of
the Company's activities, inflation may have a significant impact on the
future development or improvement of the coal operations in the PRC.
Exchange Rate Risk
The exchange rate between the Renminbi and the U.S. dollar as quoted by the
People's Bank of China was US$1.00 = Rmb 8.2982 on December 31, 1996.
During the last few years, the value of the Renminbi generally has
experienced a gradual devaluation against most major currencies, declining
from 5.5309 Renminbi per U.S. dollar on December 31, 1992 to 8.2982 Renminbi
per U.S. dollar on December 31, 1996. As a result of the adoption of the
unitary exchange rate system on January 1, 1994, the official bank exchange
rate for Renminbi to U.S. dollars experienced an immediate devaluation of
approximately 50% to US$1.00 = Rmb 8.7000 on January 1, 1994. Since the
unification of the two-tier exchange rate system effective January 1, 1994,
the Renminbi has strengthened somewhat against the U.S. dollar. Since there
can be no assurance that the Renminbi exchange rate will not again become
volatile or that the Renminbi will not devalue significantly against the U.S.
dollar, the Company believes that exchange rate fluctuations may adversely
affect the Company's financial performance because of its foreign currency
denominated liabilities and may have a material adverse effect on the value,
translated or converted into U.S. dollars, of the Company's assets, earnings
and dividends, if any. The Company does not currently engage in hedging
transactions and does not intend to do so in the future.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF REGISTRANT
Directors and Executive Officers of the Company
Set forth below is certain information regarding the directors and executive
officers of the Company.
Date First Elected
Name Position or Appointed
Li Hong Wu(1) Chairman of the Board and President March 1996
Ren Guanxun Secretary and Director September 1995
Luan Jixiang Director April 1997
Wu Chunlai(1) Director April 1997
Wang Pei Chung(1) Director April 1997
(1) Member of Audit Committee.
Directors and Executive Officers of CCM
Set forth below is certain information regarding the directors and executive
officers of CCM, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
Date First Elected
Name Position or appointed
Li Hong Wu Chairman of the Board and President March 1996
Ren Guanxum Secretary and Director September 1995
Directors and Executive Officers of the Operating Company
Set forth below is certain information regarding the directors and executive
officers of the Operating Company, which owns and operates the MCCF and QCCF
factories. An 80% interest in the Operating Company is owned by CCM.
Date First Elected
Name Position or Appointed
Li Hong Wu Chairman of the Board March 1996
Ren Guanxum President and General Manager September 1995
Luan Jixiang Vice President September 1995
Xu Changhai Director September 1995
Yuan Si Xian Director September 1995
Wu Chunlai Director September 1995
Executive Officers and Key Employees of MCCF
Set forth below is certain information regarding the executive officers and
key employees of MCCF.
Date First Elected
Name Position or Appointed
Ren Guanxun General Manager September 1995
Xu Changhai Chief Engineer September 1995
Executive Officers and Key Employees of QCCF
Set forth below is certain information regarding the executive officers and
key employees of QCCF:
Date First Elected
Name Position or Appointed
Luan Jixiang General Manager September 1995
Yuan Si Xian Chief Engineer September 1995
There is no known family relationship between any director, executive officer
or key employee listed above and any other director, executive officer or
key employee listed above.
ITEM 11. COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
For the year ended December 31, 1996, the aggregate amount of compensation
and bonuses paid by the Operating Company to all directors and executive
officers of the Company listed in Item 10 above, for service in all
capacities, was approximately $10,343. The grant of bonuses is determined in
the sole discretion of the Board of Directors of the Company. For the year
ended December 31, 1996, the Company did not incur any direct compensation
expenses.
ITEM 12. OPTIONS TO PURCHASE SECURITIES FROM REGISTRANT OR SUBSIDIARIES
In November 1996, the Company raised net proceeds of approximately $4,500,000
through an offering of Notes and Warrants in an exempt transaction pursuant
to Regulation S under the 1933 Act. Subsequently, in January 1997, the
Company raised net proceeds of approximately $900,000 in a follow-on offering
of Notes and Warrants (on the same terms as the November 1996 offering) in
another exempt transaction pursuant to Regulation S under the 1933 Act. The
aggregate principal amount of Notes issued in the November 1996 and January
1997 offerings was $6,122,500. Based on a conversion price of $3.50 per
share of Common Stock, the Notes were convertible at the time of issuance
into an aggregate of 1,749,293 shares of Common Stock. In connection with
the purchase of a Note, each purchaser was issued Warrants exercisable for
the same number of shares of Common Stock into which such purchaser's Note
was convertible. Including Warrants issued in payment of offering-related
fees, the Company issued Warrants exercisable for an aggregate of 1,894,150
shares of Common Stock based on an exercise price of $3.50 per share of
Common Stock at the time of issuance. As of June 11, 1997, Notes in the
aggregate principal amount of $3,552,500 remained outstanding and Warrants to
purchase an aggregate of 1,894,150 shares of Common Stock remained
outstanding.
The Notes carry interest at 8% per annum and the outstanding principal amount
of the Notes and any accrued and unpaid interest thereon are payable on the
maturity date of November 14, 2001. The Warrants became exercisable to
purchase shares of Common Stock on May 14, 1997 and expire on November 14,
1999. The exercise price per share for the Warrants is the same as the
conversion price in effect at such time for the Notes. The complete terms of
the Notes and the Warrants, along with the applicable conversion and exercise
prices thereof, are set forth in the Notes, Warrants and the subscription
agreements of the purchasers thereof.
The holders of the Notes have the right, prior to the payment in full of all
principal and interest on the Notes, to convert any outstanding and unpaid
principal portion of the Note and accrued and unpaid interest thereon into
fully-paid and nonassessable shares of Common Stock at the conversion price
specified in the Notes. In the event that a holder does not convert the
entire principal amount of its Note and all accrued and unpaid interest
thereon before the maturity date for such Note, then on the maturity date,
the Company has the option of compelling the conversion of such Note or
paying to such holder the remaining unpaid principal and accrued interest
amount on such holder's Note.
The conversion price for the Notes, which is subject to a floor price of
$3.50 and a ceiling price of $8.50, is computed by calculating 60% of the
average closing bid and ask price for a share of the Common Stock on any
securities exchange or other securities market on which the Common Stock is
then being traded for the 10 trading days immediately preceding the
conversion date; provided, that in the event of a public offering or private
placement of securities of the Company resulting in gross proceeds of at
least $10 million, consummated within 18 months of the issuance date of the
Notes (a "Qualifying Offering"), the floor price shall be adjusted to equal
60% of the offering price per share in such Qualifying Offering. Pursuant to
the terms of the Notes, at any time prior to the date on which the Common
Stock has begun trading on a U.S. securities exchange or market (including
the American Stock Exchange), the conversion price would equal $3.50 per
share. The principal amount outstanding on the Notes, and all interest
accrued and payable thereon, may be prepaid by the Company, in whole but not
in part, on or after November 15, 1997; provided, that the average closing
bid price of the Common Stock has remained at or above $17.00 per share for
30 consecutive business days; and provided, that written notice of prepayment
is delivered to the holder of a Note not more than 60 days nor less than 30
days prior to the applicable prepayment date. A holder has the right to
exercise any conversion rights it may have with respect to its Note until
such time as any prepayment by the Company is made.
The principal amount outstanding on any Note, and all interest accrued and
payable thereon, may be prepaid at the request of the holder thereof, in
whole or in part; provided, that such holder has received a notice from the
Company that a Qualifying Offering has been consummated.
No officers or directors of the Company hold any of the Notes or Warrants.
ITEM 13. INTEREST OF MANAGEMENT IN CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
None.
PART II
ITEM 14. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED
Not required.
PART III
ITEM 15. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 16. CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND CHANGES IN SECURITY FOR REGISTERED
SECURITIES
None.
PART IV
ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Company has elected to provide the financial statements and related
information specified in Item 18 in lieu of Item 17.
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Index to Financial Statements
China Energy Resources Corporation (the "Company")
Independent Auditors' Report F-1
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December
31, 1996 and for the period from August 18, 1995 (commencement
of operations) to December 31, 1995 F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1996 and 1995 F-3
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the year ended
December 31, 1996 and for the period from August 18, 1995
(commencement of operations) to December 31, 1995 F-4
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December
31, 1996 and for the period from August 18, 1995 (commencement
of operations) to December 31, 1995 F-5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-6
Mishan Coal Chemical Holding Company ("MCCH")
Independent Auditors' Report F-15
Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 1994 and
for the nine months ended September 30, 1995 F-16
Statements of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 1994 and
for the nine months ended September 30, 1995 F-17
Notes to Financial Statements F-19
China Coal Mining (B.V.I.) Co. Ltd. ("CCM")
Introduction to Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial
Information F-20
Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Statement of Operations for the
year ended December 31, 1995 F-21
Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information F-22
ITEM 19. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS
(a) Financial Statements.
See Item 18 for a list of the financial statements filed as part of this
Annual Report.
(b) Exhibits.
Exhibit Number Description of Document
2.1 Long-Term Supply Agreement, dated December 31, 1996,
by and among, QCCF Qitaihe City Coal Mine and
Mudanjiang No. 2 Power Plant.
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the shareholders and board of directors of
CHINA ENERGY RESOURCES CORPORATION
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of China Energy
Resources Corporation (a British Virgin Islands Company) and its subsidiary
as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 and the related consolidated statements of
operations and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 1996 and for the
period from August 18, 1995 (commencement of operations) to December 31,
1995. 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 audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we
plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement. 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, such financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of China Energy Resources
Corporation and its subsidiary as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 and the
results of operations and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 1996 and
for the period from August 18, 1995 (commencement of operations) to December
31, 1995 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America.
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu
Certified Public Accountants
Hong Kong
February 26, 1997, except for note 9
as to which the date is May 11, 1997
CHINA ENERGY RESOURCES CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Amounts in thousands except per share amounts)
Period from
Year ended August 18,1995
December to December
31, 1996 31, 1995
Net sales $ 7,801 $ 2,050
Subcontracting income (note 1) 723 -
Cost of sales (5,584) (1,115)
_______ _______
Gross profit 2,940 935
Selling, general and administrative expenses (961) (314)
_______ _______
Operating income 1,979 621
Interest expense (422) (198)
Other income 46 10
_______ _______
Income before minority interests 1,603 433
Minority interest (345) (87)
_______ _______
Net income $ 1,258 $ 346
_______ _______
Earnings per share - Primary $ 0.66 $ 0.40
_______ _______
- Fully-diluted $ 0.60 $ -
_______ _______
Weighted average number of shares outstanding
- Primary 1,905 847
_______ _______
- Fully-diluted 2,089 -
_______ _______
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
CHINA ENERGY RESOURCES CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in thousands except per share amounts)
December 31,
1996 1995
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 4,948 $ 221
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for
doubtful accounts of $211 (1995: $196) 1,244 2,715
Inventories (note 5) 3,072 2,967
Prepayments, prepaid expenses, and other assets 1,137 1,044
______ _______
Total current assets 10,401 6,947
Property, plant and equipment, net (note 6) 17,926 17,642
Value added taxes receivable (note 7) 167 220
Other assets 5 5
_______ _______
Total assets $ 28,499 $ 24,814
_______ _______
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings (note 8) $ 3,108 $ 2,968
Current portion of long-term debt (note 9) 844 301
Accounts payable 718 1,633
Customer deposits 168 250
Other payables 1,829 1,542
Plant construction payables 434 788
Amount due to PRC joint venture partner 278 803
Accrued payroll and employee benefits 309 302
Accrued interest 901 1,481
Other accrued liabilities 8 40
_______ _______
Total current liabilities 8,597 10,108
Long-term debt (note 9)
Related parties 2,058 2,861
Other 964 1,503
Convertible notes (note 10) 2,347 -
Minority interests 2,377 2,109
Commitments and contingencies (note 12)
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred share, $0.01 par value, 2,000,000 shares
authorized, No share issued and outstanding - -
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares
authorized, 2,399,850 (1995: 2,290,000) shares
issued and outstanding 24 23
Additional paid-in capital 10,530 7,864
Retained earnings 1,602 346
_______ _______
Total stockholders' equity 12,156 8,233
_______ _______
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 28,499 $ 24,814
_______ _______
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
CHINA ENERGY RESOURCES CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Amounts in thousands)
Total
Additional stock-
Common stock paid-in Retained holders'
Shares Amount capital earnings equity
Issue of shares on establishment
of China Coal (note 1) 2,290 $ 23 $ 7,864 $ - $ 7,887
Net income - - - 346 346
_______ _____ _______ _______ _______
Balance at December 31, 1995 2,290 23 7,864 346 8,233
Merger with Jackson (note 1) 110 1 47 (2) 46
Amount created on issuance of
convertible notes - - 2,619 - 2,619
Net income - - - 1,258 1,258
_______ ______ _______ ______ _______
Balance at December 31, 1996 2,400 $ 24 $10,530 $ 1,602 $ 12,156
_______ _______ _______ _______ _______
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
CHINA ENERGY RESOURCES CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in thousands)
8.18.1995
to
1996 12.31.1995
Cash flow from operating activities:
Net income $ 1,258 $ 346
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Minority interest 345 87
Depreciation 863 130
Bad debt provisions 15 1
Value added tax on opening debit balance utilized 53 10
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable 1,456 (200)
Inventories (105) (178)
Prepayments and other assets (93) (173)
Accounts payable (915) (577)
Customer deposits (82) 7
Other payables 288 667
Plant construction payables (354) (13)
Amount due to PRC joint venture partner (525) 221
Accrued payroll and employee benefits 7 34
Accrued interest (580) 245
Other accrued liabilities (32) 4
_______ _______
Net cash provided by operating activities 1,599 611
_______ _______
Cash flow from investing activities:
Cash and cash equivalents acquired on merger
with Jackson 45 -
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (674) (123)
Purchase of a subsidiary (net of cash acquired) - (7,848)
Realization of other assets - 3
_______ _______
Net cash used in investing activities (629) (7,968)
_______ _______
Cash flow from financing activities:
Repayment of long-term debt from related parties (1,266) -
Repayment to minority interests (83) -
Repayment of short-term borrowings - net 140 (309)
Issuance of convertible notes 2,347 -
Issuance of common stock 2,619 7,887
_______ _______
Net cash provided by financing activities 3,757 7,578
_______ _______
Increase in cash and cash equivalents 4,727 221
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 221 -
_______ _______
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 4,948 $ 221
_______ _______
Supplementary disclosures of cash flow information
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest $ 1,202 $ 64
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
CHINA ENERGY RESOURCES CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands except per share amounts)
1. ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
China Energy Resources Corporation (the "Company"), a private company
incorporated in the British Virgin Islands, was incorporated on March 15,
1996 for the purpose of holding a 100% interest in China Coal Mining (B.V.I.)
Co. Ltd. ("China Coal") and to enter into an agreement with Jackson Holding
Corp. ("Jackson"), a New York Corporation.
On March 15, 1996 the shareholders in China Coal exchanged their shares in
China Coal for shares in the Company. The exchange of shares has been
accounted for as a reorganization of entities under common control similar to
a pooling of interests. The accompanying financial statements include the
combined results and operations and financial position of the Company, China
Coal and its 80% held subsidiary for all periods presented.
On March 22, 1996, pursuant to an agreement and plan of merger between the
Company and Jackson, Jackson was merged into the Company and the Company
issued 109,850 shares of its common stock to the shareholders of Jackson for
the entire issued share capital of Jackson. Jackson had been established in
1994 for the sole purpose of acquiring or merging with an unspecified
business, and at the time of merger Jackson had no operating assets and had
not engaged in any business activities. The transaction has been accounted
for as a reverse acquisition and the financial statements presented represent
the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiary from August 18,
1995, the date the subsidiary commenced operations.
China Coal, a private company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands, was
incorporated on August 18, 1995. Pursuant to a joint venture agreement
dated September 16, 1995 between China Coal and Mishan Coal Chemical Holding
Company ("the Factory"), China Coal acquired for cash of Renminbi 65,600
(approximately $7,886) an 80% interest in a new joint venture company, Mishan
Hua Xing Coke Limited ("MHXC"), incorporated in the People's Republic of
China ("PRC"), which has succeeded to the business of the Factory. In
conjunction with the agreement the former owner contributed land use rights
with a fair value of Renminbi 14,806 (approximately $1,780) and coal mine use
right with a contractual value of Renminbi 95,760 (approximately $11,312) to
MHXC. The former owner provided an interest free loan of Renminbi 65,760
(approximately $7,906) to MHXC to finance the acquisition of the coal mine
use right by MHXC. The coal mine use right and interest free loan are
recorded at estimated fair value determined based on the estimated net
present value of the interest free loan. The joint venture period is 30
years from the date of formation and may be extended by the unanimous
resolution of the board of directors, subject to the approval of the relevant
government authorities. The remaining 20% interest in MHXC is owned by the
former owner of the Factory. The acquisition has been accounted for as a
purchase and the results of the MHXC have been included in the consolidated
financial statements since October 1, 1995. The purchase price approximated
the estimated fair values of MHXC at the date of acquisition.
MHXC operates two production facilities in Heilongjiang Province, PRC; the
Mishan City Coke Factory ("MCCF") and the Qitaihe City Coal Factory. During
1996 the operation of the MCCF plant was subcontracted to a company under the
control of the central government under an agreement where the Company
received a subcontracting fee of Renminbi 6,000 (approximately $723) and the
other party was entitled to all the revenues from the operations of the plant
and was obligated to meet all the operating expenses of the plant.
CHINA ENERGY RESOURCES CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands)
2. BASIS OF PREPARATION
The financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP").
This basis of accounting differs from that used in the statutory accounts of
MHXC, the Company's principal operating subsidiary, which were prepared in
accordance with the accounting principles and the relevant financial
regulations applicable to Sino-foreign equity joint venture enterprises as
established by the Ministry of Finance of China.
The principal adjustments made to conform the statutory accounts of MHXC to
U.S. GAAP included the following:
Adjustment to record the coal mine use right and interest free loan at
estimated fair value.
Adjustment to depreciation expense for property, plant and equipment to
reflect more accurately the economic useful life of the assets;
Adjustment to recognize interest expense on the accruals basis.
Adjustment to recognize sales and cost of sales upon shipment to customers.
Adjustment to write back excess provisions made by MHXC.
Adjustment to include the attributable share of transportation cost in
closing inventories.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts
of assets and liabilities and the 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. Actual results could
differ from those estimates.
3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles of consolidation - The consolidated financial statements include
the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of the Company and its
subsidiaries. All material intra-group transactions have been eliminated.
Cash and cash equivalents - Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand,
demand deposits and highly liquid instruments with a maturity of three months
or less at the time of purchase.
Inventories - Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, determined by the
average cost method, or market. Finished goods inventories consist of raw
materials, direct labor and overhead associated with the manufacturing
process.
Property, plant and equipment - Property, plant and equipment is stated at
cost. Depreciation is provided to write off the cost of property, plant and
equipment over their estimated useful lives in equal instalments as follows:
Land use rights 30-50 years
Buildings 8-45 years
Plant and machinery 5-20 years
Transportation vehicles 5-10 years
Railway 50 years
Coal mine use right - Coal mine use right is stated at estimated fair value
at date of acquisition determined based on the estimated market value of the
interest free loan used to finance the acquisition of the asset plus the
costs of preparing the mine site for its intended mining operations.
Interest is capitalized on the coal mine use right during the period in
which activities are in progress necessary to get the mine ready for its
intended mining operations. As of December 31, 1996 and 1995 interest
capitalized amounted to $568 and $110 respectively. Amortization is provided
to write off the value of coal mine use right over the units extracted
compared with estimated total units to be extracted. The coal mine use right
and the Company's other long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying
amount of an asset may not be recoverable.
Construction-in-progress represents plant and buildings under construction
and includes cost of construction, purchase of plant and machinery and
interest arising from borrowings used to finance these assets during the
period of construction or installation. No interest was capitalized during
the period. Construction-in-progress is not depreciated until amounts are
reclassified to property when available for use.
Net sales - Net sales represent the invoiced value of products, net of sales
taxes. Sales are recognized when products are shipped to customers.
Foreign currency translation - The consolidated financial statements of the
Company are presented in United States dollars. The Company's principal
operating subsidiary, MHXC, conducts substantially all its business in
Renminbi.
Foreign currency transactions of MHXC are translated into Renminbi at the
applicable rates of exchange quoted by the People's Bank of China
(the "PBOC"), prevailing at the date of the transactions. Monetary assets
and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into
Renminbi using the applicable PBOC rate prevailing at the relevant balance
sheet date. Substantially all the transactions of MHXC are denominated in
Renminbi and MHXC did not have any material monetary assets or liabilities
denominated in foreign currencies. On consolidation, the assets and
liabilities of MHXC are translated into United States dollars at the year end
rates of exchange and revenues and expenses are translated at average
exchange rates prevailing during the period. Translation adjustments are
included as a separate components of stockholders' equity.
Provisions for doubtful accounts - Provisions for doubtful accounts are
established based on management's assessment of the recoverability of
accounts receivable. The expense amounted to $15 in 1996 and $1 in 1995.
Repairs and maintenance - Repair and maintenance costs are charged against
income in the period in which they are incurred. The expense is allocated
to cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses. The
aggregate expenses were to $42 in 1996 and $30 in 1995.
Income taxes - Deferred income taxes are provided using the liability method.
Under the liability method, deferred income taxes are recognized for all
significant temporary differences between the tax and financial statement
bases of assets and liabilities. The tax consequences of those differences
are classified as current or non current based upon the classification of the
related asset or liability in the financial statements. During the period
there were no significant temporary differences.
Earnings per share - Earnings per share is based on the weighted average
number of common stock outstanding during each period, plus, when the effect
is dilutive, the common stock equivalents consisting of certain shares
subject to issue in connection with the conversion of the outstanding
convertible notes and warrants.
CHINA ENERGY RESOURCES CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands except per share amounts)
4. INCOME TAXES
Income is subject to taxation in the various countries in which the Company
and its subsidiary operate. The Company is not taxed in the British Virgin
Islands where it is incorporated. The components of income before income
taxes are as follows:
8.18.1995
to
1996 12.31.1995
British Virgin Islands $ - $ -
China 1,620 433
_______ _______
$ 1,620 $ 433
_______ _______
A reconciliation of the statutory income tax rate and the effective tax rate
is as follows:
% %
Statutory tax rate in PRC 33 33
Tax holidays and concessions attributable to
activities in PRC (33) (33)
_______ _______
Effective tax rate - -
_______ _______
The Company's subsidiary, MHXC, which is incorporated in China is subject to
Chinese income taxes at the applicable tax rate (currently 33%) on taxable
income based on income tax laws applicable to foreign enterprises. Pursuant
to the same income tax laws, the subsidiary is fully exempt from Chinese
income tax on its manufacturing operations for two years starting from the
first profit making year, followed by a 50% exemption for the next three
years. The exemptions applicable to these subsidiaries will expire in 1999.
5. INVENTORIES
December 31,
1996 1995
Raw materials $ 3,029 $ 2,607
Finished goods 34 168
Consumables 9 192
_______ _______
Total $ 3,072 $ 2,967
_______ _______
The amount of work-in-progress is insignificant due to the short production
cycle of the manufacturing process.
CHINA ENERGY RESOURCES CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands except per share amounts)
6. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
December 31,
1996 1995
Coal mine use right $ 6,725 $ 6,267
Land use rights 1,780 1,780
Buildings 6,378 6,229
Plant and machinery 1,966 1,765
Transportation vehicles 989 677
Railway 1,247 1,233
_______ _______
Total 19,085 17,951
Less: Accumulated depreciation (1,766) (903)
Construction in progress 607 594
_______ _______
Total $ 17,926 $ 17,642
_______ _______
The coal mine use right is stated at estimated fair value at date of
acquisition determined based on the estimated market value of the interest
free loan used to finance the acquisition of the asset plus the costs of
preparing the mine site for its intended use. The contractual price of the
coal mine use right was $11,312.
7. VALUE ADDED TAXES RECEIVABLE
Value added tax ("VAT") is applicable to MHXC at a rate of 17% on the gross
sales amounts and credit given at the same rate for VAT paid on purchases.
The net VAT payable is accounted for to the tax authorities.
In accordance with notices issued by the government authorities, the Factory
can deem VAT, at the rate of 14%, to have been paid on the opening inventory
amount at January 1, 1995 (the date VAT was introduced) and applied against
future VAT payable based on criteria to be agreed with the local authorities.
This amount has been established as a receivable. The Company believes that
the amount will be recoverable against future VAT payable subject to approval
as to timing by the tax authorities. Amounts of $53 and $10 were utilized in
1996 and 1995, respectively.
8. SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS
Short-term borrowings represent unsecured short-term loans provided by banks
and other lenders to the Company's PRC subsidiary.
December 31,
1996 1995
Short-term borrowings at the end of period $3,108 $2,968
Weighted average interest rate on borrowings at
end of period 17% 17%
Interest rates are determined periodically by the banks and other lenders in
consultation with the Company's subsidiary and are normally subject to annual
review. There are no formal short-term credit facilities with the banks and
short-term borrowings are negotiated on a loan-by-loan basis.
CHINA ENERGY RESOURCES CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands except per share amounts)
9. LONG-TERM DEBT
December 31,
1996 1995
Long-term debt, which is unsecured, consists of:
Bank loans at fixed interest rates
(14.04% at December 31, 1996)
Due in 1996 $ - $ 301
Due in 1997 844 541
Due in 1998 241 240
Due in 1999 241 240
Due in 2000 241 241
After 2000 241 241
_______ _______
1,808 1,804
_______ _______
Interest free loan from PRC joint venture partner
Due in 2000 - 1,581
Due in 2001 - 1,581
Due in 2002 1,331 1,581
Due in 2003 1,331 1,581
Due in 2004 1,332 1,582
Due in 2005 1,332 -
Due in 2006 1,332 -
_______ _______
6,658 7,906
Less: notional interest 4,600 5,045
_______ _______
2,058 2,861
_______ _______
Total 3,866 4,665
Current portion of long-term debt 844 301
_______ _______
Long-term debt, less current portion $ 3,022 $ 4,364
_______ _______
All long-term bank loans are authorized by the provincial or local governments
and are administered by the banks.
On December 28, 1996, the repayment of the portion of long-term debt due in
1996 was extended to December 31, 1997.
The interest free loan from the PRC joint venture partner was raised to
partially finance the acquisition of the coal mine use right. At the date
the loan was obtained it was to be repaid by five equal instalments with each
instalment limited to 40% of the income after tax of the relevant year. In
1996 the Company made repayments ahead of the original planned payment
schedule and the scheduled repayments of the remaining balance of the loan
were rateably amended. In addition, the scheduled repayments were postponed
by an agreement dated May 11, 1997 for an additional two years. The loan is
stated in the financial statements at the estimated present value calculated
based on the annual discount rate of 16%, being the estimated annual interest
rate for fixed asset lending in the PRC. This estimate of the market value
of the loan is subject to a high degree of uncertainty because there is no
market for the loan, the loan is not transferrable and the repayment terms are
contingent on future operations of the Company.
With effect from October 1, 1995 the government of Mishan City agreed to
share 50 percent of the interest paid by MCCF on the long-term interest-
bearing loans and certain short-term borrowings. The government's share of
interest expense amounted to $197 in 1996 and $50 in 1995. This agreement
expires in December 31, 1997. In 1996 the bank providing the above interest-
bearing loan agreed to forfeit the balance of the interest due in 1996 on the
loan. The interest shared by the local government party of $197 and the
interest forfeited by the bank of $166 have been netted against interest
expense in the statement of operations.
CHINA ENERGY RESOURCES CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands except per share amounts)
10. CONVERTIBLE NOTES
At December 31, 1996 the Company had outstanding convertible notes with
detachable warrant hereof amounting to $2,347 which were issued in 1996.
These notes carry interest at 8 percent per annum and the principal amount
and the accrued interest thereon are payable in 2001.
The holders have the right prior to the payment in full of all principal of
and interest on the notes, to convert any outstanding and unpaid principal
portion of the notes and accrued interest into fully paid and nonassessable
shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, of the Company, as such
shares exist on the date of issuance of the notes, or any shares of capital
stock of the Company into which such shares have been changed or reclassified
(the "common stock") at the conversion price as defined in the note. In the
event the holders do not convert the entire principal amount of the notes
and all accrued and unpaid interest earned thereon before the maturity date,
then on that date the Company has the option of compelling the conversion of
the notes or paying to the holders the remaining unpaid principal amount of
the notes and interest thereon.
The conversion price is subject to a floor price and a ceiling price (as
defined in the note agreement) and is equal to 60% of the average closing bid
and ask price for the common stock on any securities exchange or other
securities market on which the common stock is then being traded, for the ten
trading days immediately preceding the conversion date; provided, however,
that in the event of a public offering or private placement of securities of
the Company, resulting in gross proceeds of at least $10,000, consummated
within 18 months of the date of the notes, the floor price shall be adjusted
to equal 60 percent of the offering price per share in such an offering; and
provided, further, that the floor price, as adjusted, (i) shall never be
lower than $3.50 per share (the "floor price") and (ii) shall never exceed
$8.50 per share (the "ceiling price"). At any time prior to the date on
which the common stock is traded on the American Stock Exchange or other U.S.
securities exchange or market, the conversion price for the common stock
shall equal $3.50 per share.
The conversion price and number and kind of shares or other securities to be
issued upon conversion is subject to adjustment from time to time upon the
happening of certain events specified in the note agreement while this
conversion right remains outstanding.
The principal amount outstanding on the notes, and all interest accrued and
payable thereon, may be prepaid by the Company, in whole but not in part, on
or after November 15, 1997; provided that the average closing bid price of
the common stock has remained at or above $17.00 per share for thirty
consecutive business days; and provided, further, that written notice of
prepayment is delivered to the holder not more than sixty days nor less than
thirty days prior to the applicable prepayment date. The holder has the
right to exercise any conversion rights it may have hereunder until such time
as any prepayment is made.
Within ten business days after a holder receives notice from the Company that
a qualifying offering has been consummated, the holder may demand in writing
that the principal amount outstanding on the note, and all interest accrued
thereon, be prepaid by the Company, in whole or in part, but any partial
demand shall be in increments of $25. The borrower shall repay the principal
amount outstanding on the note, and all interest accrued on payable thereon,
within 15 days after receipt of such a notice from the holder.
Subsequent to the year end the Company has issued additional convertible
notes with a face value totalling $1,000 on the same terms as the above notes.
The holder of the warrant detached to the covertible notes is entitled to
purchase from the Company at any time on or after May 14, 1997 or from time
to time before 5:00 p.m. on November 14, 1999 fully paid and nonassessable
shares of common stock, $0.1 par value per share, of the Company, as adjusted
in the event that the following computation results in a greater number of
shares: the quotient obtained by dividing the principal amount of the loan
from the holder to the Company pursuant to a note from the Company to the
holder by the purchase price. The purchase price shall be subject to a floor
price and a ceiling price and shall equal 60% of the average closing bid and
ask price for the common stock on any securities exchange or other securities
market on which the common stock is then being traded, for the ten trading
days immediately preceding the date of exercise; provided, however, that in
the event of a qualifying offering, the floor price shall be adjusted to
equal 60% of the offering price per share in such qualifying offering; and
provided, further, that the floor price, as adjusted, (i) shall never be
lower than $3.50 per share and (ii) shall never exceed $8.50 per share.
CHINA ENERGY RESOURCES CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands except per share amounts)
11. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Substantially all of the sales, purchases, raw materials and purchases of
ancillary items the Company's PRC subsidiary are with state-owned
enterprises. Even though such state-owned enterprises may be regarded as
having the same beneficial owner of the PRC joint venture partner of the
Company's subsidiary, the PRC central government, such state-owned
enterprises are frequently under separate control and do not possess any
management, ownership or other interest in each other. As a result, the
Company does not view transactions with such state-owned enterprises as
constituting related party transactions.
12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
During 1996 the Company entered into an agreement with a company under the
control of the central government in respect of the Company's Mishan City
Coke Factory ("MCCF") whereby MCCF provided equipment, workers and technology
and the other party was responsible for all operating costs, other than
depreciation, and for all sales and transport of coal. The Company receives
an annual subcontracting fee of Rmb6,000 (approximately $723). The agreement
was for the period up to December 31, 1996 and thereafter is terminable by
mutual agreement.
At December 31, 1996, the Company and its subsidiaries had no contracted
capital expenditure.
At December 31, 1996, a subsidiary of the Company has issued a guarantee of
$36 to a bank in respect of a loan provided by the bank to a company in PRC.
The Company and its PRC subsidiary do not currently maintain any insurance
coverage on the property, plant and equipment owned by the subsidiary. In
addition, the Company and the subsidiary do not currently carry any business
interruption insurance or any third party liability insurance to cover claims
in respect of bodily injury, property or environmental damages arising from
accidents on the subsidiary's property or relating to its operations.
13. FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE
The PRC government imposes control over its foreign currency reserves in part
through direct regulation of the conversion of Renminbi into foreign exchange
and through restrictions on foreign trade. The conversion of Renminbi into US
dollars and other foreign currencies is based on the rate set by the People's
Bank of China, which is set based on the previous day's PRC interbank foreign
exchange market rate and with reference to current exchange rates on the
world financial markets. The exchange rate at December 31, 1996 was US$1 =
Rmb8.2982.
Foreign investment enterprises may generally remit out of the PRC profits or
dividends derived from a source within the PRC, subject to the availability
of foreign currency. Except for such profits or dividends, remittance out of
the PRC by foreign investors of any other amount (including proceeds from a
disposition of an investment in the PRC) is subject to the approval of State
Administration of Exchange Control and to the availability of foreign
currency (at the central government or provincial level). In addition, if
there is a deterioration in the PRC's balance of payments or for other
reasons, the PRC may impose restrictions on foreign currency remittances
abroad. No assurance can be given that the Company's PRC subsidiary will be
able or permitted to remit out of the PRC amounts due to the Company.
14. CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
The subsidiary's trade receivables in respect of sales on credit terms are
subject to a concentration of credit risk with customers in the industrial
sectors of steel making, metallurgy, electricity and other heavy industries.
In addition, the PRC subsidiary has no formal credit terms and its sales are
predominantly to PRC companies. Therefore, the subsidiary's ability to
collect its trade receivables is related to the economic conditions in these
industrial sectors and in the PRC as a whole.
CHINA ENERGY RESOURCES CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands except per share amounts)
15. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The carrying values of financial instruments, including cash and cash
equivalents and short-term borrowings, were equal to their approximate fair
value as of December 31, 1996 because of the relatively short maturities of
these investments. At December 31, 1996 the fair value of bank loans and
interest free loan from PRC joint venture partner were approximately $1,737
and $2,058 respectively, estimated based on the discount rate the seller
would pay to a credit-worthy third party to assume its obligation.
16. EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT BENEFITS
All the subsidiary's full-time employees are entitled to a retirement pension
calculated with reference to their basic salaries on retirement and their
length of service in accordance with a government managed pension plan. The
PRC government is responsible for the pension obligations of retired staff.
The PRC subsidiary is required to make contributions to the state retirement
plan at 15-25% of the monthly salaries of the current full-time employees
subject to local authorities' discretion. Employees are required to make
contributions at 2% of their basic salary. Contract and part-time employees
are not entitled to such benefits. The expense of such arrangements to the
subsidiary was immaterial for the period. The Company and its subsidiaries
are not obligated under any other post-retirement plans and post-employment
benefits are not material.
17. SEGMENT INFORMATION AND CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK AND MAJOR CUSTOMERS
The Company through its PRC subsidiary is engaged in one industry segment,
the manufacture and sale of coal products in the PRC where the PRC
subsidiary's operations are located. One customer, Mudanjiang No. 2 Power
Plant of Heilongjiang Province, PRC, accounted for 80% of net sales in 1996
and 83% in 1995. No customer accounted for more than 10% of trade accounts
receivable as of December 31, 1996.
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the shareholders and board of directors of
MISHAN COAL CHEMICAL HOLDING COMPANY
We have audited the accompanying statements of operations and cash flows of
Mishan Coal Chemical Holding Company (the "Factory") for the year ended
December 31, 1994 and the nine months ended September 30, 1995, all expressed
in Renminbi. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
management of China Coal Mining (B.V.I.) Co. Ltd. and the Factory. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based
on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we
plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement. 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
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such financial statements present fairly, in all material
respects, the results of operations and cash flows of the Factory for the
year ended December 31, 1994 and the nine months ended September 30, 1995 in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
of America.
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu
Certified Public Accountants
Hong Kong
November 13, 1995
MISHAN CAOL CHEMICAL HOLDING COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Amounts in thousands)
Nine months Nine months
Year ended ended ended
December September September
31, 1994 30, 1995 30, 1995
Rmb Rmb US$
Net sales 39,627 49,019 5,896
Cost of sales 28,754 34,263 4,121
_______ _______ _____
Gross profit 10,873 14,756 1,775
Selling, general and administrative
expenses 7,400 6,616 796
_______ _______ _____
Operating income 3,473 8,140 979
Interest expense (373) (1,276) (154)
Other income, net 277 131 16
_______ _______ _____
Income before income taxes 3,377 6,995 841
Provision for income taxes (note 4) - - -
_______ _______ _____
Net income 3,377 6,995 841
_______ _______ _____
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
MISHAN COAL CHEMICAL HOLDING COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in thousands)
Nine months Nine months
Year ended ended ended
December September September
31, 1994 30, 1995 30, 1995
Rmb Rmb US$
Cash flow from operating activities:
Net income 3,377 6,995 841
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation 3,078 2,971 357
Bad debt provisions 1,547 - -
Loss on sales of property, plant and
equipment 94 - -
Value added tax on opening debit balance (2,012) - -
Value added tax on opening debit balance
utilized 99 - -
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable (8,600) (10,321) (1,242)
Inventories (13,379) (6,850) (824)
Prepayments and other assets (1,218) (1,994) (240)
Accounts payable 7,495 5,292 637
Customer deposits 1,087 769 92
Other payables 4,073 899 108
Plant construction payables (2,493) 2,198 264
Amount due to a former owner 8,417 (3,581) (430)
Accrued payroll and employee benefits 965 879 106
Accrued interest 3,192 3,679 443
Other accrued liabilities 460 (175) (21)
_______ _______ ______
Net cash provided by operating activities 6,182 761 91
_______ _______ ______
Cash flow from investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (14,388) (7,477) (899)
Increase in other assets (68) - -
_______ _______ ______
Net cash used in investing activities (14,456) (7,477) (899)
_______ _______ ______
Cash flow from financing activities:
Increase in short-term borrowings 16,848 13,403 1,612
Repayment of short-term borrowings (1,700) (6,480) (779)
Withdrawal of capital (6,104) (605) (73)
_______ _______ ______
Net cash provided by financing activities 9,044 6,318 760
_______ _______ ______
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents 770 (398) (48)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
of period 26 796 96
_______ _______ ______
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 796 398 48
_______ _______ ______
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest 2,068 1,648 198
Non cash transactions:
Property, plant and equipment acquired
by means of capital contribution 20,341 - -
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
MISHAN COAL CHEMCIAL HOLDING COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, expressed in Renminbi unless otherwise stated)
18. ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Effective January 1, 1994, Mishan Coal Chemical Holding Company (the
"Factory"), a state-owned enterprise established in the People's Republic of
China ("PRC"), was formed and pursuant to an agreement dated December 18,
1993 took over the business of Mishan City Coke Factory ("MCCF"), a state-
owned enterprise in the PRC under the same administration as the Factory, and
acquired at their historic costs the property, plant and equipment of Qitaihe
City Coal Factory ("QCCF"), which was part of another PRC state-owned
enterprise. Subsequently, in 1994 RMB6,104 of the capital contributed by the
former owner of QCCF was withdrawn in cash. Pursuant to a joint venture
agreement dated September 16, 1995 between China Coal Mining (B.V.I.) Co.
Ltd. (the "Company"), a private company incorporated in the British Virgin
Islands, and the Factory, the Company acquired an 80% interest in a new joint
venture company, Mishan Hua Xing Coke Limited ("MHXC") which was established
on October 6, 1995 and which has succeeded to the business of the Factory.
The joint venture period is 30 years from the date of formation and may be
extended by the unanimous resolution of the board of directors, subject to
the approval of the relevant authorities. The remaining 20% interest in MHXC
is owned by the former owner of the Factory.
The accompanying financial statements present the results of operations and
cash flows of the factory from January 1, 1994 to September 30, 1995.
Subsequent to that date MHXC succeeded to the business of the Factory.
19. BASIS OF PREPARATION
The financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP").
This basis of accounting differs from that used in the statutory accounts of
the Factory, which were prepared in accordance with the accounting principles
and the relevant financial regulations applicable to state-owned industrial
enterprises as established by the Ministry of Finance of China.
The principal adjustments made to conform the statutory accounts of the
Factory to U.S. GAAP included the following:
Additional allowance for doubtful accounts receivable;
Adjustment to depreciation expense for property, plant and equipment to
reflect more accurately the economic useful life of the assets;
Adjustment to recognize interest expense on the accruals basis.
Adjustment to recognize sales and cost of sales upon shipment to customers.
Adjustment to write back excess provisions made by the Factory.
Adjustment to include the attributable share of transportation cost in
closing inventories.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amounts of assets and liabilities and the 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. Actual
results could differ from those estimates.
CHINA COAL MINING (B.V.I.) CO. LTD.
INTRODUCTION TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
INFORMATION
China Coal Mining (B.V.I.) Co. Ltd. (the "Company"), a private company
incorporated in the British Virgin Islands, was incorporated on August 18,
1995. Pursuant to a joint venture agreement dated September 16, 1995
between the Company and Mishan Coal Chemical Holding Company ("the Factory"),
the Company acquired for cash of Renminbi 65,600 (approximately US$7,886) an
80% interest in a new joint venture company, Mishan Hua Xing Coke Limited
("MHXC"), incorporated in the People's Republic of China ("PRC"), which has
succeeded to the business of the Factory. In conjunction with the agreement
the former owner contributed land use rights with a fair value of Renminbi
14,806 (approximately US$1,780) and coal mine use right with a fair value of
Renminbi 95,760 (approximately US$11,312) to MHXC. The former owner
provided an interest free loan of Renminbi 65,760 (approximately US$7,906) to
MHXC to finance the acquisition of these rights by MHXC. The joint venture
period is 30 years from the date of formation and may be extended by the
unanimous resolution of the board of directors, subject to the approval of
the relevant authorities. The remaining 20% interest in MHXC is owned by the
former owner of the Factory.
The unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Statements of Operations are based upon
the historical statements of operations of the Factory and MHXC, after giving
effect to pro forma adjustments described in the notes thereto as if the
Company's acquisition of the 80% interest in the Factory had occurred on
January 1, 1995.
The unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information does not purport
to represent what the results of operations of the Company would actually
have been had the events described above in fact occurred on such a date, or
to project the results of the operations of the Company for any future date
or period.
The unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information should be read in
conjunction with the financial statements of the Company and the Factory,
including the notes thereto.
CHINA COAL MINING (B.V.I.) CO. LTD.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
(Amounts in thousands except per share amounts)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Factory Factory
Total Total
Nine Nine China China
Months Months Coal Coal
ended ended Mining Mining
September September (B.V.I.) Pro (B.V.I.)
30, 1995 30, 1995 Co. Ltd. forma Co. Ltd.
Historical Historical Historical adjustments Pro forma
Rmb US$ US$ US$ US$
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales 49,019 5,896 2,050 7,946
Cost of sales 34,263 4,121 1,115 36 (a) 5,272
_______ _______ _______ _______ _______
Gross profit 14,756 1,775 935 (36) 2,674
Selling, general and
administrative expenses 6,616 796 314 (374) (b) 736
_______ _______ _______ _______ _______
Operating income 8,140 979 621 338 1,938
Interest expense (1,276) (154) (198) (170) (b) (522)
Other income, net 131 16 10 - 26
_______ _______ _______ _______ _______
Income before income taxes
and minority interests 6,995 841 433 168 1,442
Provision for income taxes - - - - -
_______ _______ _______ _______ _______
Income before minority
interests 6,995 841 433 168 1,442
Minority interests - - (87) (201) (c) (288)
_______ _______ _______ _______ _______
Net income 6,995 841 346 (33) 1,154
_______ _______ _______ _______ _______
Proforma earnings per share 1,154
_______
Proforma number of shares
outstanding 1,000
_______
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma consolidated financial
information
CHINA COAL MINING (B.V.I.) CO. LTD.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Note 1 - Assumptions and description of pro forma adjustments
The pro forma adjustments were made under the following assumptions:
(i) The Company did not have any revenues except for its 80% consolidated
interest in MHXC; and
(ii) MHXC will be entitled to the tax exemption granted under the current tax
regulations of Sino-foreign equity joint venture enterprises.
A description of the pro forma adjustments is as follows:
(a) To provide amortization of the land use rights acquired on formation of
the joint venture company for the nine months ended September 30, 1995. No
amortization has been provided for the coal mine use right since the mine is
not yet in operation.
(b) To reverse amounts paid to Qitaihe City Fuel Company ("QCFC") and
reinstate interest expense on termination of the agreement with QCFC (See
Note 6 to Financial Statements of the Factory). The adjustment for the
amounts paid to QCFC is net of certain operating expenses that would
otherwise have been incurred by the Factory.
(c) To record minority interest in the earnings of MHXC.
Note 2 - Impact of tax holiday and other tax
Income taxes - No income tax would have been paid by MHXC since its formation
as it would be granted an exemption by the PRC government tax authorities.
The income tax laws generally exempt Sino-foreign equity joint venture
enterprises engaged in manufacturing, upon approval by the relevant tax
authorities, from state and local taxes for two years starting from the
first profitable year of operations, which two-year tax holiday will be
followed by a 50% reduction for the next three years. MHXC will be governed
by the Income Tax Law of the People's Republic of China concerning Foreign
Investment Enterprises and Foreign Enterprises. Pursuant to these laws,
Sino-foreign equity joint venture enterprises generally are subject to an
income tax at an effective rate of 33%, consisting of a national tax of 30%
and a local tax of 3%.
CHINA COAL MINING (B.V.I.) CO. LTD.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION - (Continued)
Note 3 - Translation into United States Dollars
The financial records of the Factory and MHXC are maintained, and its
financial statements are expressed, in Renminbi. The translations of
Renminbi amounts into US dollars have been made at the rate of Rmb8.3179 to
US$1, the exchange rate quoted by the PBOC on December 31, 1995. Such
translations should not be construed as representations that the Rmb amounts
could be converted into US dollars at that rate or any other rate.
Note 4 - Appropriation for reserve funds
MHXC will maintain discretionary reserve funds as required by the
"Regulations for Implementation of the Law of the People's Republic of China
on Joint Ventures Using Chinese and Foreign Investment". The reserves
include a general reserve fund, a staff welfare and incentive bonus fund and
an enterprise expansion fund. The amount of appropriations will be based on
PRC GAAP and will be determined on an annual basis by the board of directors
of MHXC. The appropriations will be reflected in the year end balance sheet
under shareholder's equity as reserve funds; however, for US GAAP purposes
the appropriation to the staff welfare and incentive bonus fund will be
charged to income.
The ability of MHXC to distribute funds to the Company is subject to its
satisfaction of the reserve requirements.
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form
20-F and has duly caused this annual report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
CHINA ENERGY RESOURCES CORPORATION
By: /s/ George W. Li
Li Hong Wu
Chairman of the Board and President
Date: June 16, 1997
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Number Description of Document
2.1 Long-Term Supply Agreement, dated December 31, 1996, by
and among, QCCF, Quitaihe City Coal Mine and
Mundanjiang No. 2 Power Plant.
EXHIBIT 2.1
Long-Term Supply Agreement, dated December 31, 1996, by and among,
QCCF, Qutaihe City Coal Mine and Mudanjiang No. 2 Power Plant.
English Translation
Long-Term Supply Agreement Between QCCF and Mudanjiang No. 2 Power Plant
Parties to the Agreement:
Party A: QCCF and Qitaihe City Coal Mine (Collectively "PartyA")
Party B: Mudanjiang Bardar Electric Industrial Co. (a company belonging to the
Mudanjiang No.2 Power Plant)
In order to meet the demand created by the improvement made by the PRC
government in the existing coal-electrical system which emphasizes on direct
sales between coal suppliers to power plants, this agreement is made between
QCCF and Mudanjiang No. 2 Power Plant ("Mudanjiang"). The purpose of this
agreement is to stabilize the supply and demand relationship between the
parties. This Agreement is made because both parties were satisfied with the
previously established co-operative ventures in 1994 and 1995.
1. Term (7 years)
The parties agree that the period of the agreement is from January 1, 1997 to
January 1, 2004.
2. Method of Cooperation
(i) Party A uses its existing factory and coal production facility as
investment.
(ii) Mudanjiang has contributed RMB 2 million on January 1, 1994 and January
1, 1995.
(iii) It is proposed that Mudanjiang will purchase 15 rail transportation
cars.
3. Duties of Party A
(i) Responsible for daily operation and administrative work.
(ii) Supply 900,000 tons of coal to Mudanjiang every year.
(iii) Responsible for arranging rail transportation plan.
(iv) Responsible for repayment of amount owed to Mudanjiang after the
agreement becomes effective on January 1, 1997.
4. Duties of Mudanjiang
(i) Assist Party A to perform administrative work.
(ii) Purchase 900,000 tons of coal (including steam coal) from Party A every
year.
(iii) Obtain adequate funds for the purchase of coal supplied by Party A.
5. Quantity and Quality Requirements
(i) Party A must supply 900,000 tons of coal to Mudanjiang every year.
(ii) The ash content of the coal supplied by Party A cannot exceed 35% and
the caloric value must be above 5,000MJ per kg.
(iii) The quantity and quality of coal shall be determined by the testing and
inspection done by Mudanjiang No. 2 Power Plant.
(iv) The price shall be determined based on the caloric value of the coal.
6. Profit Sharing
(i) Mudanjiang is given a rebate of RMB10 per ton which applies up to
560,000 tons every year.
(ii) Any remaining profit is retained by Party A.
(iii) For any increase in the price of coal which is approved by the
Government after 1997, Mudanjiang is responsible for 25% of the price
increase but only with respect to 500,000 tons per year.
(iv) The expenses incurred with respect to Mudanjiang's existing 10 rail
transportation cars with annual capacity of 100,000 tons is borne by
Mudanjiang.
7. Breach of the Agreement
(i) Except for uncontrollable reasons, any party, who does not fulfill the
obligations under the agreement or terminate the agreement without the consent
of the other party, is liable for payment of damages to the other party. The
damages shall equal 30% of the coal value not fulfilled under the agreement.
(ii) If economic loss is suffered as a result of a breach of the agreement,
the breaching party shall pay for the economic loss suffered by the other
party and compensatory damages.
8 Dispute Settlement
(i) In the event of any disputes, the parties should try to resolve them
based on friendly, mutual concession, otherwise, any dispute will be settled
in a local court of PRC.
9. Any deficiency in this agreement will be discussed and resolved by the
parties.
The agreement will be effective from January 1, 1997.
Party A: QCCF:
Legal representative:
Signature of Mr. Luan Jixiang
Mudanjiang Bardar Electric Industrial Co.
Signature of the Legal representative
December 31, 1996
