GURE 10-K & 10-Q changes, risk factors and insider trading
Gulf Resources, Inc. · Nasdaq · Chemicals & Allied Products · CIK 885462 · All filings on SEC.gov
At a glance
What changed in the latest 10-K
Risk Factors
Largest changes
“We face various legal and operational risks and uncertainties associated with having our operations in China and the complex and evolving PRC laws and regulations. The PRC government has significant authority in regulating our operations and may intervene or influence our operations at any time, which could result in a material adverse change in our operations and the value of our securities. The PRC government has recently indicated its intent to exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and foreign investment in China-based issuers. …”see in full comparison
“As of the date of this annual report, we and our PRC subsidiaries have obtained the requisite licenses and permits from the PRC government authorities that are material for the business operations of our PRC subsidiaries. In addition, as of the date of this annual report, we and our PRC subsidiaries are not required to obtain approval or permission from the CSRC or the CAC or any other entity that is required to approve our PRC subsidiaries’ operations or required for us to offer securities to foreign investors under any currently effective PRC laws, regulations, and regulatory rules. …”see in full comparison
“Our auditor, GGF CPA LTD., Certified Public Accountants, is a China-based accounting firm registered with the PCAOB, and is subject to laws in the United States pursuant to which the PCAOB conducts regular inspections to assess its compliance with the applicable professional standards. Our auditor is headquartered in the China and is subject to inspection by the PCAOB on a regular basis. On August 26, 2022, the PCAOB signed the Protocol with the CSRC and the MOF of the People’s Republic of China, governing inspections and investigations of audit firms based in mainland China and Hong Kong. …”see in full comparison
“If it is determined in the future that the approval of the CSRC, the CAC or any other regulatory authority is required for our listing on U.S. exchange, we may face sanctions by the CSRC, the CAC or other PRC regulatory agencies. These regulatory agencies may impose fines and penalties on our operations in China, limit our ability to pay dividends outside of China, limit our operations in China or take other actions that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects, as well as the trading price of our securities.”see in full comparison
“The Chinese government has exercised and can continue to exercise substantial control to intervene on virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through regulation and state ownership, and as a result, it can influence the manner in which we must conduct our business activities and effect material changes in our operations or the value of the common stock we are registering in this resale. …”see in full comparison
“On February 17, 2023, the CSRC released the Trial Administrative Measures for Administration of Overseas Securities Offerings and Listings by Domestic Companies (the “Trial Measures”) and five supporting guidelines, which came into effect on March 31, 2023. Pursuant to the Trial Measures, domestic companies that seek to offer or list securities overseas, both directly and indirectly, should fulfill the filing procedures and report relevant information to the CSRC. …”see in full comparison
Full comparison: every changed paragraph (53)
WeIf
arewe currentlycannot notcontinue into compliancesatisfy withthe continued listing requirements and other rules of the Nasdaq continuedStock listing requirements. If we are unable to regain compliance with Nasdaq’s
listing requirements,Market, our securities couldmay be delisted,
which could affectnegatively impact the price of our common stock’s market pricesecurities and liquidity and reduce
ouryour ability to raisesell capital.them.
On May 6, 2025, we was notified by the Listing Qualifications Staff of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) that the Staff granted the Company’s request to transfer the listing of its common stock, par value $0.0005 per share, from The Nasdaq Global Select Market tier to The Nasdaq Capital Market tier, and that the Staff granted the Company’s request for a second 180-calendar day period, or until November 3, 2025, to regain compliance with the $1.00 bid price requirement, as set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2).
On November 4, 2025, the Company received a delist determination letter from the staff (the “Staff”) of the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC advising the Company that the Staff had determined that the Company did not regain compliance with Minimum Bid Price Requirement by the November 3, 2025, deadline. The Staff had determined that the Company’s securities will be scheduled for delisting from The Nasdaq Capital Market on November 11, 2025.
The Company effected a one-for-ten reverse stock split of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock (the “Reverse Stock Split”). The Company effected the Reverse Stock Split in the market on October 27, 2025, and its common stock began trading on The Nasdaq Capital Market on a split-adjusted basis at the market open on such date. On November 7, 2025, the Company appealed to the Staff’s delisting determination by submitting a hearing request to the Nasdaq Hearings Panel.
On December 1, 2025, Gulf Resources, Inc. (the “Company”) received a letter from The Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC stating that the Company had regained compliance with the minimum bid price requirement for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market, as set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2). Consequently, the hearing before the Hearings Panel scheduled to take place on December 9, 2025, has been cancelled. The Company’s securities have continued listing and trading on The Nasdaq Stock Market. On April 23, 2026, the Company received a notice (the “Initial Notice”) from the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) notifying the Company that due to the Company’s failure to timely file its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 (the “Form 10-K”), with the SEC, the Company was not in compliance with Nasdaq’s continued listing requirements under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) (the “Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) Rule”), which requires the timely filing of all required periodic reports with the SEC, and the Company subsequently received a notice (the “May Notice”) from Nasdaq on May 26, 2026 due to the Company’s non-compliance with the Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) Rule as a result of the Company’s failure to timely file its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2026 (the “First Quarter Form 10-Q”, together with the Form 10-K, the “Delinquent Reports”). The May Notice states that the Company had until June 22, 2026, to submit to Nasdaq a plan to regain compliance with the Rule.
On June 25, 2026, the Company received a letter from Nasdaq indicating that, based on its further review and the plan of compliance submitted by the Company on June 17, 2026, Nasdaq determined to grant an exception to enable the Company to regain compliance with the Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) Rule. The terms of the exception were as follows: on or before August 31, 2026, the Company must file the Delinquent Reports, as required by the Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) Rule. In the event the Company does not satisfy the terms, Nasdaq will provide written notification that its securities will be delisted. At that time, the Company may appeal Nasdaq’s determination to a hearings panel.
On
November 5, 2024, the Company received a notice in the form of a letter (“Price Deficiency Letter”) from Nasdaq stating that
the Company was not in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(a)(1) because the bid price for the Company’s common stock had closed
below $1.00 per share for the previous 34 consecutive business days (the “Minimum Bid Price Requirement”). In accordance with
Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), the Company has been given 180 calendar days, or until May 5, 2025, to regain compliance with the Minimum
Bid Price Requirement. If at any time before May 5, 2025, the bid price of the Company’s common stock closes at $1.00 per share
or more for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days, the Staff Nasdaq will provide written confirmation that the Company has achieved
compliance. In the event the Company does not regain compliance, the Company may be eligible for additional time. To qualify for the additional
compliance period, the Company will be required to (i) submit, no later than the expiration date, an on-line Transfer Application, (ii)
submit a non-refundable $5,000 application fee, (iii) meet the continued listing requirement for the market value of its publicly held
shares and all other continued listing standards for The Nasdaq Stock Market, with the exception of the bid price requirement, and (iv)
will need to provide written notice of its intention to cure the deficiency during the second compliance period, by effecting a reverse
stock split if necessary. As part of its review process, the Nasdaq will make a determination of whether they believe the Company will
be able to cure this deficiency. Should the Nasdaq conclude that the Company will not be able to cure the deficiency, or should the Company
determine not to submit a transfer application or make the required representation, the Staff will provide notice that the Company’s
securities will be subject to delisting.
The
Nasdaq Price Deficiency Letter has no immediate impact on the listing of the Company’s common stock, which will continue to be listed
and traded on The Nasdaq Global Select Market, subject to the Company’s compliance with the other continued listing requirements
of The Nasdaq Stock Market.
We
cannot assure you that we will be able to regainmaintain compliance with Nasdaq listing standards. Our failure to continue to meet these requirements
would result in our common stock being delisted from NasdaqNasdaq. We and holders of our securities could be materially adversely impacted if
our securities are delisted from Nasdaq. In particular:
The Chinese government exerts substantial influence over the manner in which we must conduct our business activities. We are currently not required to obtain approval from Chinese authorities to list on U.S exchanges, however, if our holding company or subsidiaries were required to obtain approval or filing in the future and were denied permission from Chinese authorities to list on U.S. exchanges, we will not be able to continue listing on U.S. exchange, which would materially affect the interest of the investors.
The Chinese government has exercised and can continue to exercise substantial control to intervene on virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through regulation and state ownership, and as a result, it can influence the manner in which we must conduct our business activities and effect material changes in our operations or the value of the common stock we are registering in this resale. Under the current government leadership, the government of the PRC has been pursuing reform policies which have adversely affected China-based operating companies whose securities are listed in the U.S., with significant policies changes being made from time to time without notice. There are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of PRC laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, the laws and regulations governing our business, or the enforcement and performance of our contractual arrangements with borrowers in the event of the imposition of statutory liens, death, bankruptcy or criminal proceedings. Our ability to operate in China may be harmed by changes in its laws and regulations, including those relating to taxation, environmental regulations, land use rights, property and other matters. The central or local governments of these jurisdictions may impose new, stricter regulations or interpretations of existing regulations that would require additional expenditure and efforts on our part to ensure our compliance with such regulations or interpretations. Accordingly, government actions in the future, including any decision not to continue to support recent economic reforms and to return to a more centrally planned economy or regional or local variations in the implementation of economic policies, could have a significant effect on economic conditions in China or particular regions thereof, and could require us to divest ourselves of any interest we then hold in Chinese properties.
Given recent statements by the Chinese government indicating an intent to exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers, any such action could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or become worthless.
Recently, the General Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the General Office of the State Council jointly issued the Opinions on Severely Cracking Down on Illegal Securities Activities According to Law, or the Opinions, which was made available to the public on July 6, 2021. The Opinions emphasized the need to strengthen the administration over illegal securities activities, and the need to strengthen the supervision over overseas listings by Chinese companies. Effective measures, such as promoting the construction of relevant regulatory systems, will be taken to deal with the risks and incidents of China-concept overseas listed companies. As of the date hereof, we have not received any inquiry, notice, warning, or sanctions from PRC government authorities in connection with the Opinions.
On June 10, 2021, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China, or the SCNPC, promulgated the PRC Data Security Law, which took effect in September 2021. The PRC Data Security Law imposes data security and privacy obligations on entities and individuals carrying out data activities, and introduces a data classification and hierarchical protection system based on the importance of data in economic and social development, and the degree of harm it will cause to national security, public interests, or legitimate rights and interests of individuals or organizations when such data is tampered with, destroyed, leaked, illegally acquired or used. The PRC Data Security Law also provides for a national security review procedure for data activities that may affect national security and impose export restrictions on certain data information.
In early July 2021, regulatory authorities in China launched cybersecurity investigations with regard to several China- based companies that are listed in the United States. The Chinese cybersecurity regulator announced on July 2 that it had begun an investigation of Didi Global Inc. (NYSE: DIDI) and two days later ordered that the company’s app be removed from smartphone app stores. On July 5, 2021, the Chinese cybersecurity regulator launched the same investigation on two other Internet platforms, China’s Full Truck Alliance of Full Truck Alliance Co. Ltd. (NYSE: YMM) and Boss of KANZHUN LIMITED (Nasdaq: BZ). On July 24, 2021, the General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council jointly released the Guidelines for Further Easing the Burden of Excessive Homework and Off-campus Tutoring for Students at the Stage of Compulsory Education, pursuant to which foreign investment in such firms via mergers and acquisitions, franchise development, and variable interest entities are banned from this sector.
On August 17, 2021, the State Council promulgated the Regulations on the Protection of the Security of Critical Information Infrastructure, or the Regulations, which took effect on September 1, 2021. The Regulations supplement and specify the provisions on the security of critical information infrastructure as stated in the Cybersecurity Review Measures. The Regulations provide, among others, that protection department of certain industry or sector shall notify the operator of the critical information infrastructure in time after the identification of certain critical information infrastructure.
On August 20, 2021, the SCNPC promulgated the Personal Information Protection Law of the PRC, or the Personal Information Protection Law, which took effect in November 2021. As the first systematic and comprehensive law specifically for the protection of personal information in the PRC, the Personal Information Protection Law provides, among others, that (i) an individual’s consent shall be obtained to use sensitive personal information, such as biometric characteristics and individual location tracking, (ii) personal information operators using sensitive personal information shall notify individuals of the necessity of such use and impact on the individual’s rights, and (iii) where personal information operators reject an individual’s request to exercise his or her rights, the individual may file a lawsuit with a People’s Court.
As such, the Company’s business segments may be subject to various government and regulatory interference in the provinces in which they operate. The Company could be subject to regulation by various political and regulatory entities, including various local and municipal agencies and government sub-divisions. The Company may incur increased costs necessary to comply with existing and newly adopted laws and regulations or penalties for any failure to comply. Additionally, the governmental and regulatory interference could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or be worthless.
Furthermore, it is uncertain when and whether the Company will be required to obtain permission from the PRC government to list on U.S. exchanges in the future, and even when such permission is obtained, whether it will be denied or rescinded. Although the Company is currently not required to obtain permission from any of the PRC federal or local government to obtain such permission and has not received any denial to list on the U.S. exchange, our operations could be adversely affected, directly or indirectly, by existing or future laws and regulations relating to its business or industry.
On February 17, 2023, the CSRC promulgated Trial Administrative Measures of the Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies (the “Overseas Listing Trial Measures”) and five relevant guidelines, which became effective on March 31, 2023. According to the Overseas Listing Trial Measures, PRC domestic companies that seek to offer and list securities in overseas markets, either in direct or indirect means, are required to fulfill the filing procedure with the CSRC and report relevant information. The Overseas Listing Trial Measures provides that an overseas listing or offering is explicitly prohibited, if any of the following: (1) such securities offering and listing is explicitly prohibited by provisions in laws, administrative regulations and relevant state rules; (2) the intended securities offering and listing may endanger national security as reviewed and determined by competent authorities under the State Council in accordance with law; (3) the domestic company intending to make the securities offering and listing, or its controlling shareholder(s) and the actual controller, have committed relevant crimes such as corruption, bribery, embezzlement, misappropriation of property or undermining the order of the socialist market economy during the latest three years; (4) the domestic company intending to make the securities offering and listing is currently under investigations for suspicion of criminal offenses or major violations of laws and regulations, and no conclusion has yet been made thereof; or (5) there are material ownership disputes over equity held by the domestic company’s controlling shareholder(s) or by other shareholder(s) that are controlled by the controlling shareholder(s) and/or actual controller.
The Overseas Listing Trial Measures also provides that if the issuer meets both the following criteria, the overseas securities offering and listing conducted by such issuer will be deemed as indirect overseas offering by PRC domestic companies: (1) 50% or more of any of the issuer’s operating revenue, total profit, total assets or net assets as documented in its audited consolidated financial statements for the most recent fiscal year is accounted for by domestic companies; and (2) the issuer’s main business activities are conducted in China, or its main place(s) of business are located in China, or the majority of senior management staff in charge of its business operations and management are PRC citizens or have their usual place(s) of residence located in China. Where an issuer submits an application for initial public offering to competent overseas regulators, such issuer must file with the CSRC within three business days after such application is submitted. In addition, the Overseas Listing Trial Measures provide that the direct or indirect overseas listings of the assets of domestic companies through one or more acquisitions, share swaps, transfers or other transaction arrangements shall be subject to filing procedures in accordance with the Overseas Listing Trial Measures. The Overseas Listing Trial Measures also requires subsequent reports to be filed with the CSRC on material events, such as change of control or voluntary or forced delisting of the issuer(s) who have completed overseas offerings and listings.
At a press conference held for these new regulations (“Press Conference”), officials from the CSRC clarified that the domestic companies that have already been listed overseas on or before March 31, 2023, shall be deemed as existing issuers (the “Existing Issuers”). Existing Issuers are not required to complete the filling procedures immediately, and they shall be required to file with the CSRC upon occurrences of certain subsequent matters such as follow-on offerings of securities. According to the Overseas Listing Trial Measures and the Press Conference, the existing domestic companies that have completed overseas offering and listing before March 31, 2023, such as us, shall not be required to perform filing procedures for the completed overseas securities issuance and listing. However, from the effective date of the regulation, any of our subsequent securities offering in the same overseas market or subsequent securities offering and listing in other overseas markets shall be subject to the filing requirement with the CSRC within three working days after the offering is completed or after the relevant application is submitted to the relevant overseas authorities, respectively. If it is determined that any approval, filing or other administrative procedures from other PRC governmental authorities is required for any future offering or listing, we cannot assure you that we can obtain the required approval or accomplish the required filings or other regulatory procedures in a timely manner, or at all. If we fail to fulfill filing procedure as stipulated by the Trial Measures or offer and list securities in an overseas market in violation of the Trial Measures, the CSRC may order rectification, issue warnings to us, and impose a fine of between RMB1,000,000 and RMB10,000,000. Persons-in-charge and other persons that are directly liable for such failure shall be warned and each imposed a fine from RMB500,000 to RMB5,000,000. Controlling shareholders and actual controlling persons of us that organize or instruct such violations shall be imposed a fine from RMB1,000,000 and RMB10,000,000.
On February 24, 2023, the CSRC published the Provisions on Strengthening the Confidentiality and Archives Administration Related to the Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Enterprises (the “Provisions on Confidentiality and Archives Administration”), which came into effect on March 31, 2023. The Provisions on Confidentiality and Archives Administration require that, in the process of overseas issuance and listing of securities by domestic entities, the domestic entities, and securities companies and securities service institutions that provide relevant securities service shall strictly implement the provisions of relevant laws and regulations and the requirements of these provisions, establish and improve rules on confidentiality and archives administration. Where the domestic entities provide with or publicly disclose documents, materials or other items related to the state secrets and government work secrets to the relevant securities companies, securities service institutions, overseas regulatory authorities, or other entities or individuals, the companies shall apply for approval of competent departments with the authority of examination and approval in accordance with law and report the matter to the secrecy administrative departments at the same level for record filing. Where there is unclear or controversial whether or not the concerned materials are related to state secrets, the materials shall be reported to the relevant secrecy administrative departments for determination. However, there remain uncertainties regarding the further interpretation and implementation of the Provisions on Confidentiality and Archives Administration.
As of the date of this annual report, we and our PRC subsidiaries have obtained the requisite licenses and permits from the PRC government authorities that are material for the business operations of our PRC subsidiaries. In addition, as of the date of this annual report, we and our PRC subsidiaries are not required to obtain approval or permission from the CSRC or the CAC or any other entity that is required to approve our PRC subsidiaries’ operations or required for us to offer securities to foreign investors under any currently effective PRC laws, regulations, and regulatory rules. If it is determined that we are subject to filing requirements imposed by the CSRC under the Overseas Listing Regulations or approvals from other PRC regulatory authorities or other procedures, including the cybersecurity review under the revised Cybersecurity Review Measures, for our future offshore offerings, it would be uncertain whether we can or how long it will take us to complete such procedures or obtain such approval and any such approval could be rescinded. Any failure to obtain or delay in completing such procedures or obtaining such approval for our offshore offerings, or a rescission of any such approval if obtained by us, would subject us to sanctions by the CSRC or other PRC regulatory authorities for failure to file with the CSRC or failure to seek approval from other government authorization for our offshore offerings. These regulatory authorities may impose fines and penalties on our operations in China, limit our ability to pay dividends outside of China, limit our operating privileges in China, delay or restrict the repatriation of the proceeds from our offshore offerings into China or take other actions that could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects, as well as the trading price of our common stock. The CSRC or other PRC regulatory authorities also may take actions requiring us, or making it advisable for us, to halt our offshore offerings before settlement and delivery of the securities offered. Consequently, if investors engage in market trading or other activities in anticipation of and prior to settlement and delivery, they do so at the risk that settlement and delivery may not occur. In addition, if the CSRC or other regulatory authorities later promulgate new rules or explanations requiring that we obtain their approvals or accomplish the required filing or other regulatory procedures for our prior offshore offerings, we may be unable to obtain a waiver of such approval requirements, if and when procedures are established to obtain such a waiver. Any uncertainties or negative publicity regarding such approval requirement could materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition, reputation, and the trading price of our common stock.
In addition, on December 28, 2021, the CAC, the National Development and Reform Commission (“NDRC”), and several other administrations jointly issued the revised Measures for Cybersecurity Review, or the Revised Review Measures, which became effective and has replaced the existing Measures for Cybersecurity Review on February 15, 2022. According to the Revised Review Measures, if an “online platform operator” that is in possession of personal data of more than one million users intends to list in a foreign country, it must apply for a cybersecurity review. Based on a set of Q&A published on the official website of the State Cipher Code Administration in connection with the issuance of the Revised Review Measures, an official of the said administration indicated that an online platform operator should apply for a cybersecurity review prior to the submission of its listing application with non-PRC securities regulators. Given the recency of the issuance of the Revised Review Measures and their pending effectiveness, there is a general lack of guidance and substantial uncertainties exist with respect to their interpretation and implementation. For example, it is unclear whether the requirement of cybersecurity review applies to follow-on offerings by an “online platform operator” that is in possession of personal data of more than one million users where the offshore holding company of such operator is already listed overseas. Furthermore, the CAC released the draft of the Regulations on Network Data Security Management in November 2021 for public consultation, which among other things, stipulates that a data processor listed overseas must conduct an annual data security review by itself or by engaging a data security service provider and submit the annual data security review report for a given year to the municipal cybersecurity department before January 31 of the following year. If the draft Regulations on Network Data Security Management are enacted in the current form, we, as an overseas listed company, will be required to carry out an annual data security review and comply with the relevant reporting obligations.
Our business
belongs to the chemical industry in China, which does not involve the collection of user data, implicate cybersecurity, or involve any
other type of restricted industry. Based on the advice of PRC counsel and our understanding of currently applicable PRC laws and regulations,
listing of our common stock in the U.S. is not subject to the review or prior approval of the Cyberspace Administration of China (the
“CAC”) or the China Securities Regulatory Commission (the “CRSC”). Uncertainties still exist, however, due to
the possibility that laws, regulations, or policies in the PRC could change rapidly in the future. Any future action by the PRC government
expanding the categories of industries and companies whose foreign securities offerings are subject to review by the CRSCCRSC, or the CAC
could could
significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and could cause the value
of of
such securities to significantly decline or be worthless.
Furthermore,
the PRC legal system is based in part on government policies and internal rules, some of which are not published on a timely basis or
at all and may have a retroactive effect. As a result, we may not be aware of our violation of any of these policies and rules until sometimesome
time after the violation. In addition, any administrative and court proceedings in the PRC may be protracted, resulting in substantial
costs costs
and diversion of resources and management attention.
We face various legal and operational risks and uncertainties associated with having our operations in China and the complex and evolving PRC laws and regulations. The PRC government has significant authority in regulating our operations and may intervene or influence our operations at any time, which could result in a material adverse change in our operations and the value of our securities. The PRC government has recently indicated its intent to exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and foreign investment in China-based issuers. Such actions could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or be worthless. The General Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the General Office of the State Council jointly issued the “Opinions on Severely Cracking Down on Illegal Securities Activities According to Law,” or the Opinions, which were made available to the public on July 6, 2021. The Opinions emphasized the need to strengthen the administration over illegal securities activities, and the need to strengthen the supervision over overseas listings by Chinese companies. Given the current PRC regulatory environment, it is uncertain when and whether we or our PRC subsidiaries, will be required to obtain permission from the PRC government to list on U.S. exchanges in the future, and even when such permission is obtained, whether it will be denied or rescinded. We have been closely monitoring regulatory developments in China regarding any necessary approvals from the CSRC or other PRC governmental authorities required for overseas listings. As of the date of this annual report, we have not received any inquiry, notice, warning, sanctions or regulatory objection to listing on U.S. exchange from the CSRC or other PRC governmental authorities. However, there remains significant uncertainty as to the enactment, interpretation and implementation of regulatory requirements related to overseas securities offerings and other capital markets activities. For more details, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors - Risks Related to Doing Business in China” On February 17, 2023, the CSRC released the Trial Administrative Measures for Administration of Overseas Securities Offerings and Listings by Domestic Companies (the “Trial Measures”) and five supporting guidelines, which came into effect on March 31, 2023. Pursuant to the Trial Measures, domestic companies that seek to offer or list securities overseas, both directly and indirectly, should fulfill the filing procedures and report relevant information to the CSRC. If a domestic company fails to complete the filing procedures or conceals any material fact or falsifies any major content in its filing documents, such domestic company may be subject to administrative penalties by the CSRC, such as order to rectify, warnings, fines, and its controlling shareholders, actual controllers, the person directly in charge and other directly liable persons may also be subject to administrative penalties, such as warnings and fines. Currently, we and our PRC subsidiaries are not required to file for a cybersecurity review by the Cyberspace Administration of China, or the CAC, for our past issuance of securities to investors and maintaining our listing status on the Nasdaq, since our company already listed on Nasdaq before promulgation of the Trial Measures is not required to file for a cybersecurity review by the CAC to maintain our listing status on the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC, or the Nasdaq on which our securities have been listed. Even though we are not required to complete the filing procedures with the CSRC for our historical issuance of securities, we may be required by the Trial Measures to file with the CSRC in connection with future securities offerings and listings outside of mainland China, including follow-on offerings, issuance of convertible bonds, offshore relisting after going-private transactions, and other equivalent offering activities. There remain substantial uncertainties about the interpretation, application and implementation of the laws and regulations relating to the CSRC filing and CAC cybersecurity review. If we fail to obtain any requisite approvals with respect to future offerings of our equity securities to foreign investors, or if we inadvertently conclude that such permissions or approvals are not required, or if the applicable laws, regulations or interpretations thereof change and we become subject to the requirement of additional permissions or approvals in the future, our ability to execute our financing and equity offering plans may be significantly limited or completely hindered. Any lack of or failure to maintain requisite approvals, licenses or permits applicable to us or our PRC subsidiaries may have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects, significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors, and cause the value of our securities to significantly decline or become worthless.
As of the
date of this annual report, we and our PRC subsidiaries, (1) are not required to obtain permissions from any PRC authorities to operate
or issue our common stock to foreign investors, (2) are not subject to permission requirements from the CSRC, CAC or any other entity
that is required to approve of our PRC subsidiaries’ operations, and (3) have not received or were denied such permissions by any
PRC authorities. Nevertheless, the General Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the General Office of the
State Council jointly issued the “Opinions on Severely Cracking Down on Illegal Securities Activities According to Law,” or
the Opinions, which were made available to the public on July 6, 2021. The Opinions emphasized the need to strengthen the administration
over illegal securities activities, and the need to strengthen the supervision over overseas listings by Chinese companies. Given the
current PRC regulatory environment, it is uncertain when and whether we or our PRC subsidiaries, will be required to obtain permission
from the PRC government to list on U.S. exchanges in the future, and even when such permission is obtained, whether it will be denied
or rescinded. We have been closely monitoring regulatory developments in China regarding any necessary approvals from the CSRC or other
PRC governmental authorities required for overseas listings. As of the date of this annual report, we have not received any inquiry, notice,
warning, sanctions or regulatory objection to listing on U.S. exchange from the CSRC or other PRC governmental authorities. However, there
remains significant uncertainty as to the enactment, interpretation and implementation of regulatory requirements related to overseas
securities offerings and other capital markets activities.
On February
17, 2023, the CSRC released the Trial Administrative Measures for Administration of Overseas Securities Offerings and Listings by Domestic
Companies (the “Trial Measures”) and five supporting guidelines, which came into effect on March 31, 2023. Pursuant to the
Trial Measures, domestic companies that seek to offer or list securities overseas, both directly and indirectly, should fulfill the filing
procedures and report relevant information to the CSRC. If a domestic company fails to complete the filing procedures or conceals any
material fact or falsifies any major content in its filing documents, such domestic company may be subject to administrative penalties
by the CSRC, such as order to rectify, warnings, fines, and its controlling shareholders, actual controllers, the person directly in charge
and other directly liable persons may also be subject to administrative penalties, such as warnings and fines. As a listed company, we
believe that we and all of our PRC subsidiaries are not required to fulfill filing procedures and obtain approvals from the CSRC to continue
to offer our securities or operate our business as of the date of this annual report. In addition, to date, none of us and our PRC subsidiaries
has received any filing or compliance requirements from CSRC for the listing of the Company at Nasdaq and all of its overseas offerings.
Furthermore, based on our understanding of the current PRC laws, we believe that the CSRC’s approval is not required to be obtained
for the Company’s listing on Nasdaq; however, there are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of
the Regulation on Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Companies by Foreign Investors (“M&A Rules”), other PRC Laws and
future PRC laws and regulations, and there can be no assurance that any governmental agency will not take a view that is contrary to or
otherwise different from our belief stated herein.
If it is
determined in the future that the approval of the CSRC, the CAC or any other regulatory authority is required for our listing on U.S.
exchange, we may face sanctions by the CSRC, the CAC or other PRC regulatory agencies. These regulatory agencies may impose fines and
penalties on our operations in China, limit our ability to pay dividends outside of China, limit our operations in China or take other
actions that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects, as well as
the trading price of our securities.
The Holding
Foreign Companies Accountable Act, or HFCAA,
was enacted on December 18, 2020.2020, as amended by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023.
The HFCAA states if the SEC determines that a company has filed audit reports issued by a registered
public accounting firm that has not
been subject to inspection by the PCAOB for three consecutive years beginning in 2021, the SEC shall
prohibit such ordinary shares from
being traded on a national securities exchange or in the over the counterover-the-counter trading market in the U.S.
On March 24, 2021, the SEC adopted interim final rules relating to the implementation of certain disclosure and documentation requirements of the HFCAA. A company will be required to comply with these rules if the SEC identifies it as having a “non- inspection” year under a process to be subsequently established by the SEC. Furthermore, on June 22, 2021, the U.S. Senate passed the Accelerating Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, which was signed into law on December 29, 2022, amends the HFCAA and requires the SEC to prohibit an issuer’s securities from trading on any U.S. stock exchanges if its auditor is not subject to PCAOB inspections for two consecutive years instead of three. On December 15, 2022, the PCAOB announced that it was able to secure complete access to inspect and investigate PCAOB-registered public accounting firms headquartered in China mainland and Hong Kong completely in 2022. The PCAOB Board vacated its previous 2021 determinations that the PCAOB was unable to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong.
As of the date of this annual report, the PCAOB has not issued any new determination that it is unable to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms headquartered in any jurisdiction. As a result, we do not expect to be identified as a “Commission-Identified Issuer” under the HFCAA for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, after we file our annual report on Form 10-K for such fiscal year. On December 29, 2022, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, was signed into law, which amended the HFCAA (i) to reduce the number of consecutive non-inspection years required for triggering the prohibitions under the HFCAA from three years to two, and (ii) so that any foreign jurisdiction could be the reason why the PCAOB does not have complete access to inspect or investigate a company’s auditors. As it was originally enacted, the HFCAA applied only if the PCAOB’s inability to inspect or investigate because of a position taken by an authority in the foreign jurisdiction where the relevant public accounting firm is located. As a result of the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2023, the HFCAA now also applies if the PCAOB’s inability to inspect or investigate the relevant accounting firm is due to a position taken by an authority in any foreign jurisdiction. The denying jurisdiction does not need to be where the accounting firm is located. However, whether the PCAOB will be able to continue to conduct inspections and investigations completely to its satisfaction of PCAOB-registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong are subject to uncertainty and depends on a number of factors out of our, and our auditor’s, control, including positions taken by authorities of the PRC. Each year, the PCAOB will determine whether it can inspect and investigate completely audit firms in mainland China and Hong Kong, among other jurisdictions. If PCAOB determines in the future that it no longer has full access to inspect and investigate completely accounting firms in mainland China and Hong Kong and we continue to use an accounting firm headquartered in one of these jurisdictions to issue an audit report on our financial statements filed with the SEC, we would be identified as a Commission-Identified Issuer following the filing of the annual report on Form 10-K for the relevant fiscal year. There can be no assurance that we would not be identified as a Commission-Identified Issuer for any future fiscal year, and if we were identified for two consecutive years, we would become subject to the prohibition on trading under the HFCAA.
On March
24, 2021, the SEC adopted interim final rules relating to the implementation of certain disclosure and documentation requirements of the
HFCAA. A company will be required to comply with these rules if the SEC identifies it as having a “non inspection” year under
a process to be subsequently established by the SEC. The SEC is assessing how to implement other requirements of the HFCAA, including
the listing and trading prohibition requirements described above. Furthermore, on June 22, 2021, the U.S. Senate passed the Accelerating
Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, which was signed into law on December 29, 2022, amends the HFCAA and requires the SEC to prohibit
an issuer’s securities from trading on any U.S. stock exchanges if its auditor is not subject to PCAOB inspections for two consecutive
years instead of three. On September 22, 2021, the PCAOB adopted a final rule implementing the HFCAA, which provides a framework for the
PCAOB to use when determining, as contemplated under the HFCAA Act, whether the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely registered
public accounting firms located in a foreign jurisdiction because of a position taken by one or more authorities in that jurisdiction.
On December 2, 2021, the SEC issued amendments to finalize the interim final rules previously adopted in March 2021 to implement the submission
and disclosure requirements in the HFCAA. The rules apply to registrants that the SEC identifies as having filed an annual report with
an audit report issued by a registered public accounting firm that is located in a foreign jurisdiction and that the PCAOB is unable to
inspect or investigate completely because of a position taken by an authority in a foreign jurisdiction. On December 16, 2021, the PCAOB
issued a Determination Report which found that the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms
headquartered in: (1) mainland China of the PRC, because of a position taken by one or more authorities in mainland China; and (2) Hong
Kong, a Special Administrative Region and dependency of the PRC, because of a position taken by one or more authorities in Hong Kong.
The PCAOB has made such designations as mandated under the HFCAA. Pursuant to each annual determination by the PCAOB, the SEC will, on
an annual basis, identify issuers that have used non-inspected audit firms and thus are at risk of such suspensions in the future. On
August 26, 2022, the PCAOB signed the Protocol with the CSRC and the MOF of the People’s Republic of China, governing inspections
and investigations of audit firms based in mainland China and Hong Kong. The Protocol remains unpublished and is subject to further explanation
and implementation. Pursuant to the fact sheet with respect to the Protocol disclosed by the SEC, the PCAOB shall have independent discretion
to select any issuer audits for inspection or investigation and the unfettered ability to transfer information to the SEC. On December
15, 2022, the PCAOB announced that it was able to secure complete access to inspect and investigate PCAOB-registered public accounting
firms headquartered in China mainland and Hong Kong completely in 2022. The PCAOB Board vacated its previous 2021 determinations that
the PCAOB was unable to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms headquartered in China mainland and Hong
Kong. However, whether the PCAOB will continue to be able to satisfactorily conduct inspections of PCAOB-registered public accounting
firms headquartered in China mainland and Hong Kong is subject to uncertainty and depends on a number of factors out of our, and our auditor’s,
control. The PCAOB is continuing to demand complete access in China mainland and Hong Kong moving forward and was already making plans
to resume regular inspections in early 2023 and beyond, as well as to continue pursuing ongoing investigations and initiate new investigations
as needed. The PCAOB has indicated that it will act immediately to consider the need to issue new determinations with the HFCAA if needed.
Therefore, the PCAOB may in the future determine that it is unable to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms
in mainland China and Hong Kong.
Our auditor,
GGF CPA LTD, Certified Public Accountants, the independent
registered public accounting firm that issued the audit report included in
our annual report, an auditor of companies that are traded
publicly in the United States and ana China-based accounting firm registered
with the PCAOB, is subject to laws in the United States pursuant
to which the PCAOB conducts regular inspections to assess its compliance
with the applicable professional standards. Our auditor is based
in the China and is subject to inspection by the PCAOB on a regular basis.
However,
our auditor’s working papers related to usus, and our subsidiaries are located in China. If our auditor is not permitted to provide
requested audit work papers located in China to the PCAOB, investors would be deprived of the benefits of PCAOB’s oversight of our
auditor through such inspections which could result in limitation or restriction to our access to the U.S. capital markets, and trading
of our securities may be prohibited under the HFCAA, which would result in the delisting of our securities from the Nasdaq.
Because the majority of our operations are in mainland China and our auditor has been located in mainland China, a jurisdiction where the U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) is currently unable to conduct inspections without the approval of Chinese authorities, there have been concerns regarding oversight of the audits of our financial statements filed with the SEC. If the PCAOB continues to be unable to inspect our audit firm in the PRC for three consecutive years, the HFCAA requires the SEC to prohibit the trading of our securities on a national securities exchange, including Nasdaq, or on over-the- counter markets in the United States.
In addition, the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives have each passed bills, which, if enacted, would decrease the number of non-inspection years from three consecutive years to two, thus reducing the time period before our securities may be prohibited from trading on a U.S. securities exchange or delisted from Nasdaq. The foregoing could adversely affect the market price of our securities and our ability to raise capital effectively.
Auditors of companies that are registered with the SEC and traded publicly in the United States, including our independent registered public accounting firm, are required to be registered with the PCAOB and to undergo regular inspections by the PCAOB to assess their compliance with the laws of the United States and applicable professional standards. Because our current auditor is located in mainland China, a jurisdiction where the PCAOB is currently unable to conduct inspections without the approval of Chinese authorities, our auditor is not currently inspected by the PCAOB.
PCAOB inspections of auditors located outside of mainland China and Hong Kong have at times identified deficiencies in those auditors’ audit procedures and quality control procedures, which may be addressed as part of the PCAOB’s inspection process to improve future audit quality. The lack of PCAOB inspections of audit work undertaken in mainland China and Hong Kong prevent the PCAOB from regularly evaluating our auditor’s audits and its quality control procedures. As a result, investors are deprived of the benefits of PCAOB inspections, which could result in limitations or restrictions on our access to the U.S. capital markets.
Furthermore, in recent years, the U.S. Congress and regulatory authorities have continued to express concerns about challenges in their oversight of financial statement audits of U.S.-listed companies with significant operations in China. As part of this continued focus on access to audit and other information currently protected by national law, in particular under Chinese law, the United States enacted the HFCAA in December 2020. The HFCAA requires the SEC to identify issuers that have filed an annual report with an audit report issued by a registered public accounting firm that is located in a foreign jurisdiction and that the PCAOB has determined it is unable to inspect or investigate completely because of a restriction imposed by a non-U.S. authority in the auditor’s local jurisdiction (a “Commission-Identified Issuer”). Under the HFCAA, if the SEC conclusively identifies an issuer as a Commission-Identified Issuer for three consecutive years, the SEC is required to prohibit the trading of the issuer’s securities on a national securities exchange or through any other method that is within the jurisdiction of the SEC to regulate, including over-the counter markets in the United States. Our securities may be prohibited from trading on the Nasdaq or other U.S. stock exchanges if our auditor is not inspected by the PCAOB for three consecutive years, and this ultimately could result in our securities being delisted.
Furthermore, in June 2021, the U.S. Senate passed the Accelerating Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (“AHFCAA”), which, if enacted, would amend the HFCAA and require the SEC to prohibit an issuer’s securities from trading on any U.S. stock exchanges if its auditor is not subject to PCAOB inspections for two consecutive years (as opposed to the three years under the HFCAA). In February 2022, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the America Creating Opportunities for Manufacturing Pre- Eminence in Technology and Economic Strength (COMPETES) Act of 2022 (the “America COMPETES Act”), which similarly would amend the HFCAA to shorten the number of non-inspection years from three years to two years. The America COMPETES Act, however, includes a broader range of legislation than the AHFCA Act in response to the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act passed by the U.S. Senate in 2021. The U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate will need to agree on amendments to these respective bills to allow the legislature to pass their amended bills before the President can sign the bill into law. It is unclear if or when either of these bills will be signed into law.
In September 2021, the PCAOB adopted PCAOB Rule 6100, Board Determinations Under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, which provides a framework for the PCAOB to use when determining whether the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely a registered public accounting firm located in a foreign jurisdiction because of a position taken by one or more authorities in that jurisdiction for the purposes of the HFCAA. PCAOB Rule 6100 establishes the manner of the PCAOB’s determinations; the factors the PCAOB will evaluate and the documents and information it will consider when assessing whether a determination is warranted; the form, public availability, effective date, and duration of such determinations; and the process by which the PCAOB will reaffirm, modify or vacate any such determinations. In November 2021, the SEC announced that it had approved Rule 6100. In December 2021, the SEC adopted amendments to finalize rules implementing the submission and disclosure requirements in the HFCAA for Commission-Identified Issuers, which became effective on January 10, 2022. In addition, the PCAOB issued a Determination Report, pursuant to PCAOB Rule 6100, which found that the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong because of positions taken by Chinese authorities in those jurisdictions. The SEC began to identify Commission- Identified Issuers for fiscal years beginning after December 18, 2020. A Commission-Identified Issuer will be required to comply with the submission and disclosure requirements in the annual report for each year in which it was so identified. If an issuer is identified as a Commission-Identified Issuer based on its annual report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, the issuer will be required to comply with the submission or disclosure requirements in its annual report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. If we are identified as a Commission-Identified Issuer that uses an auditor not subject to PCAOB inspection for three consecutive years, or, if the AHFCAA or the America COMPETES Act is passed, two consecutive years, our securities may be delisted from Nasdaq as a result. Delisting of our securities would force holders of our securities to sell their securities. Further, we may be prohibited from listing our securities on another U.S. securities exchange, making our shares harder to trade for the investors, potentially reducing demand and lowering our share price. The market price of our securities could be adversely affected as a result of anticipated negative impacts of such legislative or executive actions upon, as well as negative investor sentiment toward, companies with significant operations in mainland China and Hong Kong that are listed in the United States, regardless of whether such actions are implemented and regardless of our actual operating performance.
Our auditor, GGF CPA LTD., Certified Public Accountants, is a China-based accounting firm registered with the PCAOB, and is subject to laws in the United States pursuant to which the PCAOB conducts regular inspections to assess its compliance with the applicable professional standards. Our auditor is headquartered in the China and is subject to inspection by the PCAOB on a regular basis. On August 26, 2022, the PCAOB signed the Protocol with the CSRC and the MOF of the People’s Republic of China, governing inspections and investigations of audit firms based in mainland China and Hong Kong. The Protocol remains unpublished and is subject to further explanation and implementation. Pursuant to the fact sheet with respect to the Protocol disclosed by the SEC, the PCAOB shall have independent discretion to select any issuer audits for inspection or investigation and the unfettered ability to transfer information to the SEC. On December 15, 2022, the PCAOB announced that it was able to secure complete access to inspect and investigate PCAOB registered public accounting firms headquartered in China mainland and Hong Kong completely in 2022. The PCAOB Board vacated its previous 2021 determinations that the PCAOB was unable to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms headquartered in China mainland and Hong Kong. However, whether the PCAOB will continue to be able to satisfactorily conduct inspections of PCAOB-registered public accounting firms headquartered in China mainland and Hong Kong is subject to uncertainty and depends on a number of factors out of our, and our auditor’s control. The PCAOB is continuing to demand complete access in China mainland and Hong Kong moving forward and was already making plans to resume regular inspections in early 2023 and beyond, as well as to continue pursuing ongoing investigations and initiate new investigations as needed. The PCAOB has indicated that it will act immediately to consider the need to issue new determinations with the HFCAA if needed. Therefore, the PCAOB in the future may determine that it is unable to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms in mainland China and Hong Kong. Our auditor’s working papers related to us and our subsidiaries are located in China. If our auditor is not permitted to provide requested audit work papers located in China to the PCAOB, investors would be deprived of the benefits of PCAOB’s oversight of our auditor through such inspections which could result in limitation or restriction to our access to the U.S. capital markets and trading of our securities may be prohibited under the HFCAA, which would result in the delisting of our securities from the Nasdaq.
For a detailed description of
risks related to our doing business in China, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors - Risks Related To Doing Business In China” Changes in China’s economic,
economic, political or social conditions or government policies could have a material adverse effect on our business and operations.
While the
the Chinese economy has experienced significant growth over past decades, growth has been uneven, both geographically and among
various sectors
of the economy. Any adverse changes in economic conditions in the PRC, in the policies of the Chinese government or
in the laws and regulations
in the PRC could have a material adverse effect on the overall economic growth of the PRC. Such
developments could adversely affect our
business and operating results, lead to a reduction in demand for our services and adversely
affect our competitive position. The Chinese
government has implemented various measures to encourage economic growth and guide the
allocation of resources. Some of these measures
may benefit the overall Chinese economy,economy but may have a negative effect on us. For
example, our financial condition and results of operations
may be adversely affected by government control over capital investments
or changes in tax regulations. In addition, in the past the Chinese
government has implemented certain measures, including interest
rate adjustment, to control the pace of economic growth. These measures
may cause decreased economic activity in the PRC, which may
adversely affect our business and operating results.
If the Company becomes directly subject to the recent scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity involving U.S.-listed Chinese companies, we may have to expend significant resources to investigate and resolve the matters. Any unfavorable results from the investigations could harm our business operations and our reputation.
Recently, U.S. public companies that have substantially all of their operations in China have been subjects of intense scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity by investors, financial commentators and regulatory agencies, such as the SEC. Much of the scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity has centered on financial and accounting irregularities, lack of effective internal control over financial reporting, inadequate corporate governance and ineffective implementation thereof and, in many cases, allegations of fraud. As a result of enhanced scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity, the publicly traded stocks of many U.S.-listed Chinese companies have sharply decreased in value and, in some cases, have become virtually worthless or illiquid. Many of these companies are now subject to shareholder lawsuits and SEC enforcement actions and are conducting internal and external investigations into the allegations. It is not clear what effects the sector-wide investigations will have on the Company. If the Company becomes the subject of any unfavorable allegations, whether such allegations are proven to be true or untrue, the Company will have to expend significant resources to investigate such allegations and defend the Company. If such allegations were not proven to be baseless, the Company would be severely hampered and the price of the stock of the Company could decline substantially. If such allegations were proven to be groundless, the investigation might have significantly distracted the attention of the Company’s management.
It may be difficult to serve the Company with legal process or enforce judgments against the Company or its management.
Most of the Company’s assets are located in China, all of its directors and officers are non-residents of the United States and located in China, and all or substantial portions of the assets of such non-residents are located outside the United States. As a result, it may not be possible to effect service of process within the United States upon such persons to originate an action in the United States. Moreover, there is uncertainty that the courts of China would enforce judgments of U.S. courts against the Company, its directors or officers based on the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state, or an original action brought in China based upon the securities laws of the United States or any state.
The recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments are provided under the PRC Civil Procedures Law. PRC courts may recognize and enforce foreign judgments in accordance with the requirements of the PRC Civil Procedure Law based either on treaties between China and the country where the judgment is made or on principles of reciprocity between jurisdictions. China does not have any treaties or other forms of reciprocity with the United States that provide for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments. In addition, according to the PRC Civil Procedure Law, the PRC courts will not enforce a foreign judgment against us or our directors and officers if they decide that the judgment violates the basic principles of PRC laws or national sovereignty, security or public interest. As a result, it is uncertain whether and on what basis a PRC court would enforce a judgment rendered by a court in the United States.
On March 30,
30, 2015, the SAFE promulgated the Circular on Reforming the Management Approach Regarding the Foreign Exchange Capital Settlement of Foreign-Invested
Foreign-Invested Enterprises, or SAFE Circular 19, which took effect as of June 1, 2015. SAFE Circular 19 launched a nationwide reform
of the administration
of the settlement of the foreign exchange capitals of FIEs and allows FIEs to settle their foreign exchange capital
at their discretion,
but continues to prohibit FIEs from using the Renminbi fund converted from their foreign exchange capital for expenditure
beyond their
business scopes, providing entrusted loans or repaying loans between nonfinancial enterprises. The SAFE issued the Circular
on Reforming
and Regulating Policies on the Control over Foreign Exchange Settlement of Capital Accounts, or SAFE Circular 16, effective
in June 2016.
Pursuant to SAFE Circular 16, enterprises registered in China may also convert their foreign debts from foreign currency
to Renminbi on
a self-discretionary basis. SAFE Circular 16 provides an integrated standard for conversion of foreign exchange under capital account
account items (including but not limited to foreign currency capital and foreign debts) on a self-discretionary basis which applies to
all enterprises
registered in China. SAFE Circular 16 reiterates the principle that Renminbi converted from foreign currency-denominated
capital of a
company may not be directly or indirectly used for purposes beyond its business scope or prohibited by PRC laws or regulations, while
while such converted Renminbi shall not be provided as loans to its non-affiliated entities. As this circular is relatively new, there remains
remains uncertainty as to its interpretation and application and any other future foreign exchange relatedexchange-related rules. Violations of these Circulars
Circulars could result in severe monetary or other penalties. SAFE Circular 19 and SAFE Circular 16 may significantly limit our ability
to use Renminbi
converted from the net proceeds of this offering to fund our PRC operating subsidiary, to invest in or acquire any other
PRC companies
through our PRC Subsidiary, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Management's Discussion & Analysis (MD&A)
Removed heading “Flood Prevention Project”
Removed heading “Cost of Net Revenue”
Largest changes
“The consolidated financial statements are prepared on the going concern basis, meaning that the enterprise is expected to realize the assets and settle the liabilities through normal business operations. However, the going concern of the enterprise relies on many factors, such as profitable operations, generating operating cash flows, obtaining financing, etc.”see in full comparison
“The company assesses its liquidity by monitoring cash and cash equivalents, as well as operating and capital expenditure commitments. As of December 31, 2024, As of Dec 31, 2024, the Company had current assets of $17.45 million and current liabilities of $17.73 million. As a result, the deficit was $0.28 million, and it has suffered losses in both the fiscal years of 2024 and 2023 as well. If it is unable to raise additional funds, it may need to take measures such as cutting administrative and operational cost and save funds.”see in full comparison
During the year ended December 31,see in full comparison2024,2025, cash flowusedprovidedinby operating activities of approximately$0.68$7.8 million was mainly due to anet loss of $58.9 million, offsetnon-cashby a non-cashadjustment related to depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment of$18$13.1 million,impairmentamortization ofproperty,finance leasegainright-of-use asset of $3.1 million, accrued liabilities of $4 million, a loss on disposal ofequipmentlong-lived assets of$29$2 million,plantan impairment of long-lived assets of $30.1 million, andequipmentoffset by a net loss of$6.8 million and an increase in account receivable of $4.26$43.9 million.
“Impairment of Property, plant and equipment. Impairment of property, plant and equipment was $6,772,500 in the fiscal year 2024. In December 2024, due to the delayed completion of some machinery and equipment of Yuxin Chemical's new plant resulting from the impact of the current market environment, our company hired professional evaluators to perform impairment test on these assets. The latter determined impairment was $6,772,500.”see in full comparison
Full comparison: every changed paragraph (75)
The Shouguang City Bromine Association,
on behalf of all the bromine producers in Shouguang, initiated negotiations with the local government agencies. The local governmental
agencies acknowledged the factsfact that their initial requirements for the bromine industry did not include the project, the planning and
the land use rights approvals, which were later introduced by the provincial government as new requirements. The Company understood from
the local government that local government werewas coordinating with various government agencies to solve these three outstanding approval
issues in a timely manner and that all impacted bromine plants will not be allowed to commence production prior to obtaining those approvals.
In February 2019, the Company received a notification from the local government of Yangkou County that its Factories No. 1, No. 4, No.
7 and No. 9 passed inspection and were allowed to resume operations. In April 2019, Factory No. 1 and No. 7 resumed operations.
Subsequently, the Company received
an approval dated on February 27, 20202020, issued by the local governmental authority which allows us to resume production after the winter temporary
temporary closure. Further, the Company received another approval from the Shouguang Yangkou People’s Government dated on March
5, 20202020, to
resume production at its bromine factories No.1, No. 4, No.7 and No. 9 in order to meet the needs of bromide products for epidemic prevention
prevention and control (the “March 2020 Approval”). The Company’s factories No.7 and No.1 started trial production in middle-March
middle-March, 2020, and commenced commercial production on April 3, 2020.
The Company received oral notification from the government regarding Factory No. 8, allowing it to resume production in August 2022. Factory No.8 began contributing revenue in the fourth quarter of 2022.
The Company is awaiting governmental
approval for Factories No. 2 and No. 10. To our knowledge, the government is finalizing plans for all mining areas, including flood prevention
measures .measures. As a result, we may be required to make certain modifications to our existing wells and aqueducts prior to commencement of operations
operations of these factories in order to satisfy the local government's requirements. The Company completed its flood prevention project
in December
2023. This project was implemented for safeguarding its bromine facilities.
On November 24, 2017, the Company
received a letter from the People’s Government of Yangkou County, Shouguang City notifying the Company that due to the new standards
and regulations relating to safety production and environmental pollution, from certain local governmental departments, such as the municipal
environmental protection department, the security supervision department and the fire department, its chemical enterprises would have
to be relocated to a new industrial park called Bohai Marine Fine Chemical Industry Park. Although our chemical companies were in compliance
with regulations, they were also close to a residential area. As a result, the government determined we should relocate to the Bohai park.
Chemical companies that are not being asked to move into the park are being permanently closed. Since our factories closed, the Company
has secured from the government the land use rights for its chemical plant. On January 6, 2020, the Company received the environmental
protection approval by the government of Shouguang City, Shandong Province for the proposed Yuxin Chemical factory. Construction of the
new chemical facilities at Bohai Marine Fine Chemical Industrial Park commenced in June 2020. Initially, the construction was projected
to last around one year, with an additional six months for equipment installation and testing. However, due to the COVID epidemic and
electrical restrictions, the opening of the chemical factory has been postponed. The Company has received the refrigeration and air compressor
units. Additionally, the procurement of the final equipment for our chemical factory has been postponed until we have a better understanding
of the potential for derivative bromine products. We anticipate proceeding with the completion of its chemical factory in due course.
However, in the event that the Chinese economy persists in its weakness and if we perceivesperceive this trend to be ongoing, there is a possibility
that the chemical factory could be repurposed for the production of Sodium-Ion batteries.
In January 2017, the Company completed
the construction of the first brine water and natural gas well field in Daying County, Sichuan Province, and commenced trial production
in January 2019. On May 29, 2019, the Company received verbal notice from the government of Tianbao Town, Daying County, Sichuan Province,
mandating the need for project approval for its Daying well, encompassing the entire natural gas and brine water project. This also includes
approvals for safety production inspection, environmental protection assessment, and to solve the related land issue. Until these approvals
are obtained, the Company must temporarily suspend trial production at its natural gas well in Daying. Additionally, in compliance with
the Chinese government new policies, the Company is required to obtain an exploration license for bromine and a mining license for natural
gas. Pursuant to the Opinions of the Ministry of Natural Resources on Several Issues in Promoting the Reform of Mineral Resources Management
(Trial) promulgated by the Ministry of Natural Resources of PRC on January 9, 2020, which came into effect on May 1, 2020, privately owned
enterprises are allowed to participate in the natural gas production. The Company is engaged in ongoing discussions with the government of
of Daying County regarding the establishment of a joint venture for the exploration and production of natural gas and brine products in
Sichuan.
Flood Prevention Project
In August
2023, the Company initiated its preventive measures for safeguarding its bromine facilities. Our strategy involves the renovation of the
channels of four major rivers within our mining area, encompassing the tributary of the Mihe River. The aim is to prevent flooding that
could harm the wells, aqueducts and crude salt pans at our plant. In December 2023, the Company completed this flood prevention project.
As of December 31, 2023, we incurred $46,510,856 in other expenses for the project.
The cost incurred for four major
rivers are: (1) Liansigou Section for $8,057,722;(2) Mi River Section for $20,168,321;(3) Ta River Section $10,070,033; (4) Weitan River
Section for $8,214,780.
Net Loss for fiscal year 2025 decreased to $43,920,231 from $59,900,372 in 2024, mainly due to increased sales and margins, a $17,757,325 increase in net revenue and a $27,160,155 reduction in loss on disposal of long-lived assets. These positive factors were partially offset by a sharp rise in impairment of long-lived assets to $30,068,794.
Net
Loss Loss
of $58,935,452$59,900,372 for fiscal year 2024 was mainly attributable to decreased sales and reduced margins. The company also suffered a
loss of $29,169,008
and $6,772,500 on retirement of fixed assets and impairment of fixed assets. Additionally, the compensation expenses
amounted to $194,700
for shares issued to company employees, officers and consultant for the year 2024.
Net Loss
of $61,795,279 for year 2023 was mainly attributable to decreased sales and reduced margins. Additionally, the compensation expenses amounted
to $451,350 for shares issued to company employees, officers and consultant for the year 2023. The Company also incurred losses
of $46,510,856 on a flood prevention project.
Bromine segment
Net
revenue from our bromine segment decreasedincreased by 79.4%
314.4% to $5,549,815$23,000,303 for the year ended December 31, 2024,2025, compared to $26,921,462$5,549,815 for
the year ended December 31, 2023.2024. This decreaseincrease was due
to aan decreaseincrease in bromine unit price of 27%55% and aan decreaseincrease in volume of 72%.168%.
Crude salt segment
Net revenue from our crude salt segment decreasedincreased by 31.0%18.0% to
to $2,049,988$2,418,032 for the year ended December 31, 2024,2025, compared to $2,971,467$2,049,988 for the last year. This decreaseincrease was due to aan decreaseincrease in crude
salt unit price of 13% and a decrease in volume of 20%.22%.
For
the yearyears ended December 31, 2024,2025, and December 31, 2023,
2024, the net revenue for the natural gas segmentproduction was $61,207nil and $150,861.$61,207. The 59.4%This decrease in revenue
was primarily
due to the expiration of contracts.
Cost of Net Revenue
Cost
of netrevenue revenue
primarily includes costs of the raw materials consumed, the direct salaries and benefits for production staff, electricity
costs, costs,
depreciation and amortization of manufacturing plantplants and machinery, and other manufacturing-related costs. Our cost of net revenue
was $14,746,741$23,257,971 for the year ended December 31, 2024,2025, representing a $13,343,212$8,511,230 (or 48%58%) decreaseincrease compared to the preceding year. The
The decreaseincrease in costs was mainly due to a significant decreaseincrease in sales volume.
Bromine segment
For the year ended December 31, 2025, the cost of revenue for the bromine segment was $22,221,144. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the cost of revenue for the bromine segment was $13,750,051.
Crude salt segment
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the cost of net revenue
for the bromine segment was $13,750,051. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the cost of net revenue for the bromine segment was $26,521,281.
For
the year ended December 31, 2024,2025, the cost
of net revenue for the crude salt segment was $996,396.$1,036,827. The cost of net revenue for our crude
salt segment for the year ended
December 31, 20232024, was $1,567,993.$996,396.
Cost of net revenue for our chemical products segment for
the fiscal year 20242025 and 20232024 was $0.nil.
Cost of net revenue for our natural gas segment for the
year ended December 31, 20242025, and 20232024 was $294nil and $679.$294.
Gross
Profit/(Loss) Profit.. Gross (loss)profit was $7,085,731or
93%,$2,160,364 or 8%, of net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024,2025, compared to $1,953,837,the gross
loss of $7,085,731 or 7%,93%, of net revenue for the same period in 2023.2024.
Bromine segment
For the year ended December 31, 2024,2025, the gross lossprofit
margin margin
for our bromine segment was 147%3% compared to the gross profitloss of 2%147% in the previous year. This decreaseincrease was due to aan decreaseincrease in
bromine bromine
unit price of 27%55% and aan decreaseincrease in volume of 72%.168%.
Crude salt segment
For
the year
ended December 31, 2024,2025, the gross profit margin for our crude salt segment was 51%,57%, compared to 47%51% in the preceding year,
representing representing
a 4%6 percentage point increase.
Natural gas segment
For the year ended December 31, 2025, the gross profit margin for our natural gas segment was nil, compared to 100% in the preceding year. The decrease was due to the expiration of contracts.
Direct
labor and factory
overheads were incurred during plant shutdown. On September 1, 2017, the Company received notification from
the government of Yangkou
County, Shouguang City of PRC stating that production at all its bromine and crude salt and chemical factories
should be halted with immediate
effect in order for the Company to perform rectification and improvement in accordance with the county’s
new safety and environmental
protection requirements. On November 24, 2017, the Company received a letter from the Government of Yangkou
County, Shouguang City notifying
the Company to relocate its two chemical production plants located in the second living area of the
Qinghe Oil Extraction Plant to Bohai
Park. As such, direct labor and factory overhead costs (including depreciation of plant and machinery)
amounted amountedto $5,098,990 and $8,880,643 and $9,544,675
for fiscal years 20242025 and 2023,2024, which were presented as operating expenses instead of in cost of
revenue. The decrease in direct labor
and factory overhead costs was primarily attributable to the factories operation status during
the fiscal year 20242025 and year 2023,2024. respectively.
These five factories (including No.1,No.4,No.7,No.8No.1, No.4, No.7, No.8 and No.9) were in production during the year 2024.
2025.
General and Administrative
Expenses. General and administrative expenses were $5,271,011$5,580,071 for the year ended
December 31, 2024,2025, representing ana increasedecrease of
$1,030,179 $655,860 (or 24%11%) as compared to $4,240,832$6,235,931 for the same period in 2023.2024. The decrease was
mainly contributed by a decrease in bad debt expenses.
Bromine segment
Loss from operations from our bromine segment was $17,238,619$4,658,726
for the fiscal year 2024,2025, compared to a loss of $10,005,755$17,455,130 in the same period in 2023.2024. This decrease was due to aan decreaseincrease in bromine
unit price of 27%55% and aan decreaseincrease in volume of 72%.168%.
Crude salt segment
Loss
from operations from our
crude salt segment was $76,694$908,680 for fiscal year 20242025 compared to ana incomeloss of $640,309$668,110 in the same period in 2023. 2024.
The main reason for
the declineincrease in loss in crude salt in 20242025 compared with 20232024 is thatdue to the unitincrease pricein ofdepreciation sales is down by 13%, and the sales volume is also down
by 20%.expenses.
Loss
from operations from our chemical products segment
was $3,028,479$1,393,175 for the fiscal year 2024,2025, compared to a loss of $1,653,349$3,185,472 in the same
period in 2023.2024. The main reason for the changes was due to the decrease in the bad debt for the fiscal year 2025 compared to the fiscal
year 2024.
Other (Expense)/Income,
Expense, Net. Other
income, net, which represent bank interest income,expenses, net ofwas finance lease interest expense and $50,470 of non-operating expenses was
$62,113$4,003,497 for the fiscal year 2024,2025, representing aan decreaseincrease of $207,032 (or approximately 143%$3,953,027 as compared
to the preceding year. It represents provision for guaranteed litigation for the fiscal year 2025.
Loss on Disposal of Long-lived Assets
Loss on disposal of long-lived assets was $2,008,853 in the fiscal year 2025. As the company was the joint responsible party for the debts of the Vegetable Group, the court auctioned the land and the attached properties on it of SYCI.
Loss
on disposal of property,long-lived plant and equipment.
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipmentassets was $29,169,008 in the fiscal year 2024. In June 2024, consideredconsidering the bromide
well and transmission
channel have been in use for many years, the Company conducted a site inspection and found that some wells and channels
were seriously
damaged by water seepage which in turn required write-off or new construction, and the write-off amount is $29,169,008.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets
The court engaged a third-party valuer for evaluation of the land at xiangjiang road, yangkou town, shouguang city and its attached properties; The Company engaged an independent third-party valuer for evaluation of the fixed assets of Daying County. The valuation reports returned a total fair value of $ 5,066,558. The Company recognized a total impairment loss of $30,068,794 accordingly.
Gain on disposal of subsidiary
The sale of SYCI was completed in December 2025, and the gain on disposal of subsidiary amounted to $674,776.
Impairment of Property, plant and equipment. Impairment
of property, plant and equipment was $6,772,500 in the fiscal year 2024. In December 2024, due to the delayed completion of some machinery
and equipment of Yuxin Chemical's new plant resulting from the impact of the current market environment, our company hired professional
evaluators to perform impairment test on these assets. The latter determined impairment was $6,772,500.
For the fiscal year 2024,2025, the Company
had a negativepositive foreign currency
translation adjustment of $2,800,874$2,677,801 versus a negative adjustment of $5,025,980$2,730,049 in the previous year.
This adjustment impacts all balance
sheet translations into U.S. dollars.
Net Cash Provided by (Used
in) Operating Activities
During
the year ended December
31, 2024,2025, cash flow usedprovided inby operating activities of approximately $0.68$7.8 million was mainly due to a net loss of $58.9 million, offsetnon-cash
by a non-cash adjustment related to depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment of $18$13.1 million, impairmentamortization of property,finance lease
gainright-of-use asset of $3.1 million, accrued liabilities of $4 million, a loss on disposal of equipmentlong-lived assets of $29$2 million, plantan impairment
of long-lived assets of $30.1 million, and equipmentoffset by a net loss of $6.8 million and an increase in account receivable of $4.26$43.9 million.
During
the year ended
December 31, 2023,2024, cash flow usedprovided inby operating activities of approximately $32.75$0.68 million was mainly due to a net loss
of $61.8
$59.9 million, offset by a non-cash adjustment related to depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment of $27.13$15.82
million, million
impairment of long-lived assets of $6.8 million, loss on disposal of equipment of $29 million, and ana increasedecrease in accountsaccount and other payable and accrued expenses receivable
of $1.11$4.26 million.
The overall accounts receivable
balance as of December 31, 20242025 decreased increased
by $4,301,173,$2,704,897, compared to those of December 31, 2023.2024. The decreaseincrease was mainly due to thean decrease
increase in the amount of accounts receivable
in the current period as a result of the decreaseincrease in sales revenue. We have policies in place to
ensure that sales are made to customers
with an appropriate credit history. We perform ongoing credit evaluationevaluations on the financial condition
of our customers.
The net inventory level as of December
December 31, 20242025 decreasedincreased by $261,858,$247,446, as compared to the net inventory level as of December 31, 2023,2024, one of the main reasons for the increase
reduction in inventories was the declinerise in sales.
Raw materials decreasedincreased by $22,230$9,469 as of December 31,
2024,2025, as compared to December 31, 2023.2024.
Finished goods decreasedincreased by $239,628$237,977 as of December
31, 2024,2025, as compared to December 31, 2023.2024.
For
the fiscal year 2024,2025, wenet cash used approximatelyin $60.5investing activities was $22.57 million. This was driven by $8.85 million
for purchase of fixed
assets assets.and $13.93 million of loans to third parties.
For
the fiscal year 2023,2024, wenet cash used $0in investing activities was $28.95 million. This was driven by $28.92 million for investingpurchase activities.of fixed
assets.
Net Cash Provided By / (Used In) Financing Activities
What changed in the latest 10-Q
Risk Factors
New heading “Risks Related to Doing Business in China”
New heading “Because all of our operations are in China, our business is subject to the complex and rapidly evolving laws and regulations there. The Chinese government may exercise significant oversight and discretion over the conduct of our business and may intervene in or influence our operations at any time, which could result in a material change in our operations and/or the value of our common stock.”
New heading “If the Chinese government chooses to exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers, such action could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or be worthless.”
New heading “The occurrence of security breaches and cyber-attacks could negatively impact our business.”
New heading “Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system could adversely affect us.”
New heading “If the Chinese government were to impose new requirements for approval from the PRC Authorities to issue our common stock to foreign investors or list on a foreign exchange, such action could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or be worthless.”
New heading “Our common stock may be delisted from the Nasdaq under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act if the PCAOB is unable to adequately inspect audit documentation located in China. The delisting of our common stock, or the threat of their being delisted, may materially and adversely affect the value of your investment.”
Removed heading “If we are unable to comply with the applicable continued listing requirements or standards of Nasdaq, there is a possibility that our common stock could be delisted. At present, we are not in compliance with certain Nasdaq continued listing requirements. Should we be unable to regain compliance, our securities may be subject to delisting, which could impact the market price and liquidity of our common stock and potentially limit our access to capital.”
Largest changes
“We face various legal and operational risks and uncertainties associated with having our operations in China and the complex and evolving PRC laws and regulations. The PRC government has significant authority in regulating our operations and may intervene or influence our operations at any time, which could result in a material adverse change in our operations and the value of our securities. The PRC government has recently indicated its intent to exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and foreign investment in China-based issuers. …”see in full comparison
“If we are unable to comply with the applicable continued listing requirements or standards of Nasdaq, there is a possibility that our common stock could be delisted. At present, we are not in compliance with certain Nasdaq continued listing requirements. Should we be unable to regain compliance, our securities may be subject to delisting, which could impact the market price and liquidity of our common stock and potentially limit our access to capital.”see in full comparison
“Information technology systems are important to our business and operations. We are subject to attempts to compromise our security and information systems, including denial of service attacks, viruses, malicious software or ransomware, and exploitations of system flaws or weaknesses. Error or malfeasance or other irregularities may also result in the failure of our or our third-party service providers’ cybersecurity measures and may give rise to a cybersecurity incident. …”see in full comparison
“Our common stock may be delisted from the Nasdaq under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act if the PCAOB is unable to adequately inspect audit documentation located in China. The delisting of our common stock, or the threat of their being delisted, may materially and adversely affect the value of your investment.”see in full comparison
“Because all of our operations are in China, our business is subject to the complex and rapidly evolving laws and regulations there. The Chinese government may exercise significant oversight and discretion over the conduct of our business and may intervene in or influence our operations at any time, which could result in a material change in our operations and/or the value of our common stock.”see in full comparison
“We have received a determination from Nasdaq regarding potential delisting and, while we have effected a reverse stock split and timely appealed against such determination. While these actions reflect our commitment to maintaining our listing, there can be no assurance that we will regain or maintain compliance with Nasdaq’s continued listing requirements. A delisting could have implications for the trading and liquidity of our common stock, as well as our capital-raising efforts.”see in full comparison
Full comparison: every changed paragraph (37)
Our failure to timely file periodic reports has resulted in non-compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(1), and our common stock may be subject to delisting.
We failed to timely file our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2026. As a result, Nasdaq notified us that we were not in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(1), which requires the timely filing of periodic financial reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
We filed our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 on August 17, 2026 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 on August 28, 2026. However, because we had not filed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, Nasdaq notified us that we had incurred an additional delinquency. Nasdaq granted us an exception period requiring us to file this Quarterly Report on or before October 12, 2026.
Although we filed this Quarterly Report within the exception period granted by Nasdaq, there can be no assurance that Nasdaq will determine that we have regained compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(1), or that we will satisfy all other applicable Nasdaq continued listing requirements. If Nasdaq determines that our securities are subject to delisting, we may be required to appeal the determination to a Nasdaq Hearings Panel. There can be no assurance that any appeal would be successful or that Nasdaq would continue the listing of our common stock during the appeal process.
A delisting of our common stock from Nasdaq could materially reduce the liquidity and market price of our common stock, limit the availability of market quotations, result in our common stock being treated as a “penny stock,” increase transaction costs for investors, limit our ability to raise capital and adversely affect our business and financial condition.
Risks Related to Doing Business in China
Because all of our operations are in China, our business is subject to the complex and rapidly evolving laws and regulations there. The Chinese government may exercise significant oversight and discretion over the conduct of our business and may intervene in or influence our operations at any time, which could result in a material change in our operations and/or the value of our common stock.
As a business operating in China, we are subject to the laws and regulations of the PRC, which can be complex and evolve rapidly. The PRC government has the power to exercise significant oversight and discretion over the conduct of our business, and the regulations to which we are subject may change rapidly and with little notice to us or our shareholders. As a result, the application, interpretation, and enforcement of new and existing laws and regulations in the PRC are often uncertain. In addition, these laws and regulations may be interpreted and applied inconsistently by different agencies or authorities, and inconsistently with our current policies and practices. New laws, regulations, and other government directives in the PRC may also be costly to comply with, and such compliance or any associated inquiries or investigations or any other government actions may:
The promulgation of new laws or regulations, or the new interpretation of existing laws and regulations, in each case that restrict or otherwise unfavorably impact the ability or manner in which we conduct our business and could require us to change certain aspects of our business to ensure compliance, which could decrease demand for our products, reduce revenues, increase costs, require us to obtain more licenses, permits, approvals or certificates, or subject us to additional liabilities. To the extent any new or more stringent measures are required to be implemented, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected as well as materially decrease the value of our Common Stock.
If we are unable to comply with the applicable continued listing
requirements or standards of Nasdaq, there is a possibility that our common stock could be delisted. At present, we are not in compliance
with certain Nasdaq continued listing requirements. Should we be unable to regain compliance, our securities may be subject to delisting,
which could impact the market price and liquidity of our common stock and potentially limit our access to capital.
We have received a determination from
Nasdaq regarding potential delisting and, while we have effected a reverse stock split and timely appealed against such determination.
While these actions reflect our commitment to maintaining our listing, there can be no assurance that we will regain or maintain compliance
with Nasdaq’s continued listing requirements. A delisting could have implications for the trading and liquidity of our common stock,
as well as our capital-raising efforts.
On November 4, 2025, we received a letter
from the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) indicating that we had not regained compliance
with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) (“Minimum Bid Price Requirement”) by the November 3, 2025 deadline. As a result, our securities
would be scheduled for trading suspension. On November 7, 2025, we promptly appealed the Staff’s determination to the Nasdaq Hearings
Panel (the “Panel”) a hearing before the Panel has been scheduled on December 9, 2025.
We are actively
evaluating a range of available strategic and corporate actions that may assist in regaining compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement.
Apart from the reverse stock split which we have already implemented, we also intend to enhance investor engagement and pursue operational
improvements, subject to board and shareholder approval.
While we are making every effort to address
the listing requirements, there can be no assurance that the Panel will determine that we have achieved compliance with Listing Rule 5550(a)(2)
within the prescribed period or that we will qualify for any additional compliance period that may be available or that we will ultimately
satisfy all applicable Nasdaq listing standards. If our common stock is delisted, it could result in:
There can also be no assurance that the market price of the
Company’s common stock will maintain the Minimum Bid Price Requirement.
The
Chinese government has exercised and can continue
to exercise substantial control to intervene on virtually every sector of the Chinese
economy through regulation and state ownership,
and as a result, it can influence the manner in which we must conduct our business activities
and effect material changes in our operations
or the value of the common stock we are registering in this resale. Under the current government
leadership, the government of the PRC
has been pursuing reform policies which have adversely affected China-based operating companies
whose securities are listed in the U.S.,
with significant policies changes being made from time to time without notice. There are substantial
uncertainties regarding the interpretation
and application of PRC laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, the laws and regulations
governing our business, or the enforcement
and performance of our contractual arrangements with borrowers in the event of the imposition
of statutory liens, death, bankruptcy or
criminal proceedings. Our ability to operate in China may be harmed by changes in its laws and
regulations, including those relating to
taxation, environmental regulations, land use rights, property and other matters. The central
or local governments of these jurisdictions
may impose new, stricter regulations or interpretations of existing regulations that would
require additional expendituresexpenditure and efforts
on our part to ensure our compliance with such regulations or interpretations. Accordingly,
government actions in the future, including
any decision not to continue to support recent economic reforms and to return to a more centrally
planned economy or regional or local
variations in the implementation of economic policies, could have a significant effect on economic
conditions in China or particular regions
thereof, and could require us to divest ourselves of any interest we then hold in Chinese properties.
As
of the date of this report, we and our
PRC subsidiaries have obtainobtained the requisite licenses and permits from the PRC government authorities
that are material for the business
operations of our PRC subsidiaries. In addition, as of the date of this report, we and our PRC subsidiaries
are not required to
obtain approval or permission from the CSRC or the CAC or any other entity that is required to approve our PRC subsidiaries’
operations operations
or required for us to offer securities to foreign investors under any currently effective PRC laws, regulations, and regulatory
rules. rules.
If it is determined that we are subject to filing requirements imposed by the CSRC under the Overseas Listing Regulations or approvals
from other PRC regulatory authorities or other procedures, including the cybersecurity review under the revised Cybersecurity Review
Measures, Measures,
for our future offshore offerings, it would be uncertain whether we can or how long it will take us to complete such procedures
or obtain
such approval and any such approval could be rescinded. Any failure to obtain or delay in completing such procedures or obtaining
such such
approval for our offshore offerings, or a rescission of any such approval if obtained by us, would subject us to sanctions by the
CSRC CSRC
or other PRC regulatory authorities for failure to file with the CSRC or failure to seek approval from other government authorization
for our offshore offerings. These regulatory authorities may impose fines and penalties on our operations in China, limit our ability
to pay dividends outside of China, limit our operating privileges in China, delay or restrict the repatriation of the proceeds from our
offshore offerings into China or take other actions that could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results
of operations, and prospects, as well as the trading price of our common stock. The CSRC or other PRC regulatory authorities also may
take actions requiring us, or making it advisable for us, to halt our offshore offerings before settlement and delivery of the securities
offered. Consequently, if investors engage in market trading or other activities in anticipation of and prior to settlement and delivery,
they do so at the risk that settlement and delivery may not occur. In addition, if the CSRC or other regulatory authorities later promulgate
new rules or explanations requiring that we obtain their approvals or accomplish the required filing or other regulatory procedures for
our prior offshore offerings, we may be unable to obtain a waiver of such approval requirements, if and when procedures are established
to obtain such a waiver. Any uncertainties or negative publicity regarding such approval requirement could materially and adversely affect
our business, prospects, financial condition, reputation, and the trading price of our common stock.
If the Chinese government chooses to exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers, such action could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or be worthless.
Recent statements by the Chinese government have indicated an intent to exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and/or foreign investments in China based issuers. PRC has recently proposed new rules that would require companies collecting or holding large amounts of data to undergo a cybersecurity review prior to listing in foreign countries, a move that would significantly tighten oversight over China-based internet giants. On January 4, 2022, the Cyberspace Administration of China, or CAC, issued the revised Measures on Cyberspace Security Review (the “Revised Measures”), which came into effect on February 15, 2022. Under the Revised Measures, any “network platform operator” controlling personal information of no less than one million users which seeks to list in a foreign stock exchange should also be subject to cybersecurity review. Pursuant to the Revised Measures, companies holding data on more than 1 million users must now apply for cybersecurity approval when seeking listings in other nations due to the risk that such data and personal information could be “affected, controlled, and maliciously exploited by foreign governments.”
Our business belongs to the chemical industry in China, which does not involve the collection of user data, implicate cybersecurity, or involve any other type of restricted industry. Based on the advice of PRC counsel and our understanding of currently applicable PRC laws and regulations, listing of our common stock in the U.S. is not subject to the review or prior approval of the Cyberspace Administration of China (the “CAC”) or the China Securities Regulatory Commission (the “CRSC”). Uncertainties still exist, however, due to the possibility that laws, regulations, or policies in the PRC could change rapidly in the future. Any future action by the PRC government expanding the categories of industries and companies whose foreign securities offerings are subject to review by the CRSC or the CAC could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and could cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or be worthless.
The occurrence of security breaches and cyber-attacks could negatively impact our business.
Information technology systems are important to our business and operations. We are subject to attempts to compromise our security and information systems, including denial of service attacks, viruses, malicious software or ransomware, and exploitations of system flaws or weaknesses. Error or malfeasance or other irregularities may also result in the failure of our or our third-party service providers’ cybersecurity measures and may give rise to a cybersecurity incident. The techniques used to conduct security breaches and cyber-attacks, as well as the sources and targets of these attacks, change frequently and may not be recognized until launched against us or our third-party service providers. We or our third-party service providers may not have the resources or technical sophistication to anticipate or prevent rapidly evolving types of cyber-attacks. The primary risks that could directly result from the occurrence of security breaches and cyber-attacks include operational interruption, financial losses, personal information leakage and non-compliance. The occurrence of such incidents could negatively impact our business operations and our relationships with customers and employees, and damage our reputation. If we or our third-party service providers are unable to avert security breaches and cyber- attacks, we could incur significantly higher costs, including remediation costs to repair damage caused by the breach, costs to deploy additional personnel and network protection technologies, train employees and engage third-party experts and consultants, as well as litigation costs resulting from the incident. These costs, which could be material, could adversely impact our results of operations in the period in which they are incurred and may not meaningfully limit the success of future attempts to breach our information technology systems.
Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system could adversely affect us.
The PRC legal system is a civil law system based on written statutes. Unlike the common law system, prior court decisions under the civil law system may be cited for reference but have limited precedential value.
In 1979, the PRC government began to promulgate a comprehensive system of laws and regulations governing economic matters generally. The overall effect of legislation over the past three decades has significantly enhanced the protections afforded to various forms of foreign investments in the PRC. However, the PRC has not developed a fully integrated legal system, and recently enacted laws and regulations may not sufficiently cover all aspects of economic activities in the PRC. In particular, the interpretation and enforcement of these laws and regulations involve uncertainties. Since PRC administrative and court authorities have significant discretion in interpreting and implementing statutory provisions and contractual terms, it may be difficult to evaluate the outcome of administrative and court proceedings and the level of legal protection we enjoy. These uncertainties may affect our judgment on the relevance of legal requirements and our ability to enforce our contractual rights or tort claims. In addition, these regulatory uncertainties may be exploited through unmerited or frivolous legal actions or threats in attempts to extract payments or benefits from us.
Furthermore, the PRC legal system is based in part on government policies and internal rules, some of which are not published on a timely basis or at all and may have a retroactive effect. As a result, we may not be aware of our violation of any of these policies and rules until some time after the violation. In addition, any administrative and court proceedings in the PRC may be protracted, resulting in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention.
If the Chinese government were to impose new requirements for approval from the PRC Authorities to issue our common stock to foreign investors or list on a foreign exchange, such action could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or be worthless.
We face various legal and operational risks and uncertainties associated with having our operations in China and the complex and evolving PRC laws and regulations. The PRC government has significant authority in regulating our operations and may intervene or influence our operations at any time, which could result in a material adverse change in our operations and the value of our securities. The PRC government has recently indicated its intent to exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and foreign investment in China-based issuers. Such actions could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or be worthless. The General Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the General Office of the State Council jointly issued the “Opinions on Severely Cracking Down on Illegal Securities Activities According to Law,” or the Opinions, which were made available to the public on July 6, 2021. The Opinions emphasized the need to strengthen the administration over illegal securities activities, and the need to strengthen the supervision over overseas listings by Chinese companies. Given the current PRC regulatory environment, it is uncertain when and whether we or our PRC subsidiaries, will be required to obtain permission from the PRC government to list on U.S. exchanges in the future, and even when such permission is obtained, whether it will be denied or rescinded. We have been closely monitoring regulatory developments in China regarding any necessary approvals from the CSRC or other PRC governmental authorities required for overseas listings. As of the date of this annual report, we have not received any inquiry, notice, warning, sanctions or regulatory objection to listing on U.S. exchange from the CSRC or other PRC governmental authorities. However, there remains significant uncertainty as to the enactment, interpretation and implementation of regulatory requirements related to overseas securities offerings and other capital markets activities. For more details, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors - Risks Related to Doing Business in China” On February 17, 2023, the CSRC released the Trial Administrative Measures for Administration of Overseas Securities Offerings and Listings by Domestic Companies (the “Trial Measures”) and five supporting guidelines, which came into effect on March 31, 2023. Pursuant to the Trial Measures, domestic companies that seek to offer or list securities overseas, both directly and indirectly, should fulfill the filing procedures and report relevant information to the CSRC. If a domestic company fails to complete the filing procedures or conceals any material fact or falsifies any major content in its filing documents, such domestic company may be subject to administrative penalties by the CSRC, such as order to rectify, warnings, fines, and its controlling shareholders, actual controllers, the person directly in charge and other directly liable persons may also be subject to administrative penalties, such as warnings and fines. Currently, we and our PRC subsidiaries are not required to file for a cybersecurity review by the Cyberspace Administration of China, or the CAC, for our past issuance of securities to investors and maintaining our listing status on the Nasdaq, since our company already listed on Nasdaq before promulgation of the Trial Measures is not required to file for a cybersecurity review by the CAC to maintain our listing status on the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC, or the Nasdaq on which our securities have been listed. Even though we are not required to complete the filing procedures with the CSRC for our historical issuance of securities, we may be required by the Trial Measures to file with the CSRC in connection with future securities offerings and listings outside of mainland China, including follow-on offerings, issuance of convertible bonds, offshore relisting after going-private transactions, and other equivalent offering activities. There remain substantial uncertainties about the interpretation, application and implementation of the laws and regulations relating to the CSRC filing and CAC cybersecurity review. If we fail to obtain any requisite approvals with respect to future offerings ofour equity securities to foreign investors, or if we inadvertently conclude that such permissions or approvals are not required, or if the applicable laws, regulations or interpretations thereof change and we become subject to the requirement of additional permissions or approvals in the future, our ability to execute our financing and equity offering plans may be significantly limited or completely hindered. Any lack of or failure to maintain requisite approvals, licenses or permits applicable to us or our PRC subsidiaries may have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects, significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors, and cause the value of our securities to significantly decline or become worthless.
Our common stock may be delisted from the Nasdaq under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act if the PCAOB is unable to adequately inspect audit documentation located in China. The delisting of our common stock, or the threat of their being delisted, may materially and adversely affect the value of your investment.
The Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, or HFCAA, was enacted on December 18, 2020, as amended by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023. The HFCAA states if the SEC determines that a company has filed audit reports issued by a registered public accounting firm that has not been subject to inspection by the PCAOB for three consecutive years beginning in 2021, the SEC shall prohibit such ordinary shares from being traded on a national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter trading market in the U.S.
The Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, or HFCAA, was enacted on December 18, 2020, as amended by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023. The HFCAA states if the SEC determines that a company has filed audit reports issued by a registered public accounting firm that has not been subject to inspection by the PCAOB for three consecutive years beginning in 2021, the SEC shall prohibit such ordinary shares from being traded on a national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter trading market in the U.S.
On March 24, 2021, the SEC adopted interim final rules relating to the implementation of certain disclosure and documentation requirements of the HFCAA. A company will be required to comply with these rules if the SEC identifies it as having a “non inspection” year under a process to be subsequently established by the SEC. Furthermore, on June 22, 2021, the U.S. Senate passed the Accelerating Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, which was signed into law on December 29, 2022, amends the HFCAA and requires the SEC to prohibit an issuer’s securities from trading on any U.S. stock exchanges if its auditor is not subject to PCAOB inspections for two consecutive years instead of three.
As of the date of this annual report, the PCAOB has not issued any new determination that it is unable to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms headquartered in any jurisdiction. As a result, we do not expect to be identified as a “Commission-Identified Issuer” under the HFCAA for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, after we filed our annual report on Form 10-K for such fiscal year. On December 29, 2022, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, was signed into law, which amended the HFCAA (i) to reduce the number of consecutive non-inspection years required for triggering the prohibitions under the HFCAA from three years to two, and (ii) so that any foreign jurisdiction could be the reason why the PCAOB does not have complete access to inspect or investigate a company’s auditors. As it was originally enacted, the HFCAA applied only if the PCAOB’s inability to inspect or investigate because of a position taken by an authority in the foreign jurisdiction where the relevant public accounting firm is located. As a result of the Consolidated Appropriations Act2023, the HFCAA now also applies if the PCAOB’s inability to inspect or investigate the relevant accounting firm is due to a position taken by an authority in any foreign jurisdiction. The denying jurisdiction does not need to be where the accounting firm is located. However, whether the PCAOB will be able to continue to conduct inspections and investigations completely to its satisfaction of PCAOB-registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong are subject to uncertainty and depends on a number of factors out of our, and our auditor’s, control, including positions taken by authorities of the PRC. Each year, the PCAOB will determine whether it can inspect and investigate completely audit firms in mainland China and Hong Kong, among other jurisdictions. If PCAOB determines in the future that it no longer has full access to inspect and investigate completely accounting firms in mainland China and Hong Kong and we continue to use an accounting firm headquartered in one of these jurisdictions to issue an audit report on our financial statements filed with the SEC, we would be identified as a Commission-Identified Issuer following the filing of the annual report on Form 10-K for the relevant fiscal year. There can be no assurance that we would not be identified as a Commission-Identified Issuer for any future fiscal year, and if we were identified for two consecutive years, we would become subject to the prohibition on trading under the HFCAA.
Our auditor, GGF CPA LTD, Certified Public Accountants, the independent registered public accounting firm that issued the audit report included in our annual report, an auditor of companies that are traded publicly in the United States and a China-based accounting firm registered with the PCAOB, is subject to laws in the United States pursuant to which the PCAOB conducts regular inspections to assess its compliance with the applicable professional standards. Our auditor is based in the China and is subject to inspection by the PCAOB on a regular basis.
However, our auditor’s working papers related to us and our subsidiaries are located in China. If our auditor is not permitted to provide requested audit work papers located in China to the PCAOB, investors would be deprived of the benefits of PCAOB’s oversight of our auditor through such inspections which could result in limitation or restriction to our access to the U.S. capital markets, and trading of our securities may be prohibited under the HFCAA, which would result in the delisting of our securities from the Nasdaq.
Because
the majority of our operations are
in mainland China and our auditor has been located in mainland China, a jurisdiction where the U.S.
Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (“PCAOB”) is currently unable to conduct inspections without the approval of Chinese
authorities, there have been concerns
regarding oversight of the audits of our financial statements filed with the SEC. If the PCAOB
continues to be unable to inspect our audit
firm in the PRC for three consecutive years, the HFCAA requires the SEC to prohibit the trading
of our securities on a national securities
exchange, including Nasdaq, or on over-the-counterover-the- counter markets in the United States.
In
September 2021, the PCAOB adopted PCAOB Rule
6100, Board Determinations Under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, which provides
a framework for the PCAOB to use when determining
whether the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely a registered public
accounting firm located in a foreign jurisdiction
because of a position taken by one or more authorities in that jurisdiction for the
purposes of the HFCAA. PCAOB Rule 6100 establishes
the manner of the PCAOB’s determinations;; the factors the PCAOB will evaluate
and the documents and information it will consider
when assessing whether a determination is warranted;; the form, public availability,
effective date, and duration of such determinations;
; and the process by which the PCAOB will reaffirm, modify or vacate any such determinations.
In November 2021, the SEC announced that it
had approved Rule6100. In December 2021, the SEC adopted amendments to finalize rules implementing
the submission and disclosure requirements
int he HFCAA for Commission-Identified Issuers, which became effective on January 10, 2022.
In addition, the PCAOB issued a Determination
Report, pursuant to PCAOB Rule 6100, which found that the PCAOB is unable to inspect or
investigate completely registered public accounting
firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong because of positions taken by
Chinese authorities in those jurisdictions. The SEC
began to identify Commission- Identified Issuers for fiscal years beginning after
December 18, 2020. A Commission-Identified Issuer will
be required to comply with the submission and disclosure requirements in the annual
report for each year in which it was so identified.
If an issuer is identified as a Commission-Identified Issuer based on its annual
report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, the
issuer will be required to comply with the submission or disclosure requirements
in its annual report for the fiscal year ended December
31, 2022. If we are identified as a Commission-Identified Issuer that uses an
auditor not subject to PCAOB inspection for three consecutive
years, or, if the AHFCAA or the America COMPETES Act is passed, two consecutive
years, our securities may be delisted from Nasdaq as a
result. Delisting of our securities would force holders of our securities to sell
their securities. Further, we may be prohibited from
listing our securities on another U.S. securities exchange, making our shares harder
to trade for the investors, potentially reducing
demand and lowering our share price. The market price of our securities could be adversely
affected as a result of anticipated negative
impacts of such legislative or executive actions upon, as well as negative investor sentiment
toward, companies with significant operations
in mainland China and Hong Kong that are listed in the United States, regardless of whether
such actions are implemented and regardless
of our actual operating performance.
Management's Discussion & Analysis (MD&A)
New heading “Sales and Marketing Expenses”
New heading “Direct labor and factory overheads incurred during plant shutdown”
New heading “General and Administrative Expenses”
New heading “Income (loss) from Operations”
New heading “Sales and Marketing Expenses”
New heading “Direct labor and factory overheads incurred during plant shutdown”
New heading “General and Administrative Expenses”
New heading “Loss from Operations”
Removed heading “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements”
Largest changes
“Direct labor and factory overheads incurred during plant shutdown”see in full comparison
“Direct labor and factory overheads incurred during plant shutdown”see in full comparison
“On September 2, 2026, Nasdaq granted the Company an additional exception period and required the Company to file its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 on or before October 12, 2026. Nasdaq stated that, if the Company failed to file the Quarterly Report by that date, Nasdaq Staff may provide written notification that the Company’s securities are subject to delisting. The Company may have the right to appeal a delisting determination to a Nasdaq Hearings Panel.”see in full comparison
Full comparison: every changed paragraph (137)
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
On April 23, 2026 and May 26, 2026, the Company received notifications from the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) stating that the Company was not in compliance with the Rule, which requires the timely filing of periodic financial reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The April 23, 2026 notification related to the Company’s failure to timely file its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, and the May 26, 2026 notification related to the Company’s failure to timely file its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2026.
On May 26, 2026, the Company received a notice from the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”), indicating that, as a result of not having timely filed its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 (the “Form 10-Q”), and the Company remains delinquent in filing its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 (the “Initial Delinquent Filing”), the Company is in non-compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(1), which requires timely filing all required periodic financial reports with the Securities Exchange Commission.
The Notice has no immediate effect on the listing or trading of the Company’s common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market. As previously disclosed in the current report on Form 8-K filed by the Company on April 27, the Company must submit a plan to regain compliance with respect to these delinquent reports no later than June 22, 2026. If the plan is accepted by Nasdaq, then Nasdaq would grant the Company up to 180 calendar days from the due date of the Initial Delinquent Filing, or until October 12, 2026, to regain compliance.
On May 29, 2026, the Company issued a press release announcing its receipt of the Notice.
On June 1, 2026, the Company, following the Company’s ongoing dialogue with the staff of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, concluded that the Company will amend its fiscal year 2024 Form 10-K (the “FY2024 Form 10-K”) and Form 10-Qs for the first, second and third quarters of 2025 (collectively, the “Q1, Q2 and Q3 2025 Form 10-Qs”) to restate the disclosures (Note 6, Note 7 and Note 12 included in the FY2024 Form 10-K and the Q1, Q2 and Q3 2025 Form 10-Qs) to revise the previous recognition of buildings without ownership certificates as fixed assets in the balance sheets and to reclassify such buildings as right-of-use (ROU) assets based on lease agreements and ASC 842 Leases, for each of the periods included in those filing, including fiscal years 2023 and 2024 in the FY2024 Form 10-K and each of the quarterly and year-to-date periods included in the Q1, Q2 and Q3 FY2025 Form 10-Qs (collectively, the “Prior Filings”). The Prior Filings should no longer be relied upon because of errors identified in such financial statements, as described above.
On June 17, 2026, the Company submitted a plan to Nasdaq to regain compliance with the Rule. On June 25, 2026, Nasdaq accepted the Company’s compliance plan and granted the Company an exception period to file the delinquent periodic reports.
The Company filed its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 on August 17, 2026, and filed its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 on August 28, 2026.
On June 25, 2026, the Company received a written notice from Nasdaq (the “Extension Letter”) stating that it had accepted the Company’s plan to regain compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) (the “Rule”). Nasdaq granted the Company a plan period to regain compliance with the Rule.
On August 28, 2026, Nasdaq notified the Company that the Company had incurred an additional delinquency because it had not filed its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2026. Nasdaq requested that the Company submit an update to its compliance plan. On August 28, 2026, the Company submitted an updated compliance plan to Nasdaq requesting additional time to file its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2026.
On September 1, 2026, the Company received a written notice from Nasdaq (the “Extension Letter”) granting the Company an additional exception to regain compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) (the “Rule”).
On September 2, 2026, Nasdaq granted the Company an additional exception period and required the Company to file its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 on or before October 12, 2026. Nasdaq stated that, if the Company failed to file the Quarterly Report by that date, Nasdaq Staff may provide written notification that the Company’s securities are subject to delisting. The Company may have the right to appeal a delisting determination to a Nasdaq Hearings Panel.
The Nasdaq notifications and exception periods do not have an immediate effect on the listing or trading of the Company’s common stock on Nasdaq, subject to the Company’s continued compliance with the other applicable Nasdaq listing requirements.
The Company filed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 on September 30, 2026. As of the date of this Quarterly Report, the Company has filed the delinquent periodic reports identified in the Nasdaq notifications and is awaiting Nasdaq’s determination regarding whether the Company has regained compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(1).
There can be no assurance that Nasdaq will determine that the Company has regained compliance with the Rule, that the Company will satisfy all other applicable Nasdaq listing requirements, or that the Company’s common stock will continue to be listed on Nasdaq.
The Company received a notice
(the “Initial Notice”) from the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) on
April 18, 2024 notifying the Company that due to the Company’s failure to timely file its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 2023, with the SEC, the Company is not in compliance with Nasdaq’s continued listing requirements under
Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) (the “Rule”), which requires the timely filing of all required periodic reports with the SEC,
and the Company subsequently received a notice (the “May Notice”) from Nasdaq on May 21, 2024 due to the Company’s non-compliance
with the Rule as a result of the Company’s failure to timely file its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended
March 31, 2024. The May Notice states that the Company has until June 17, 2024 to submit to Nasdaq a plan to regain compliance with the
Rule.
As previously announced, on November 5,
2024, the Staff notified the Company that the bid price for the Common Shares no longer satisfied Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(a) (1), the
minimum bid price requirement applicable to The Nasdaq Global Select Market issuers. Pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), the
Company was afforded an initial 180-calendar day grace period, through May 5, 2025, to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement.
Issuers listed on The Nasdaq
Global Select Market are not eligible for a second 180-day grace period under the Nasdaq Listing Rules. However, based upon the Company’s
compliance with the various criteria required under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A)(ii) to obtain a second 180-day grace period applicable
to issuers listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market, the Company applied to transfer the listing of its Common Shares to The Nasdaq Capital
Market.
On May 6, 2025, the Company was notified by the Nasdaq that
the Company’s request to transfer the listing of its Common Stock, from The Nasdaq Global Select Market tier to The Nasdaq Capital
Market tier has been granted, and that the Company was granted a second 180-calendar day period, or until November 3, 2025 (the “Second
Compliance Period”), to regain compliance with the requisite bid price requirement, as set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2).
The transfer of the listing of the Common Shares from The Nasdaq Global Select Market to The Nasdaq Capital Market took effect with the
open of business on May 8, 2025. The transfer is not expected to impact trading in the Common Shares, which will continue to trade on
Nasdaq under the symbol “GURE.”
On November 12, 2025, the Company
issued a press release providing certain updates on its hearing scheduling process with the Nasdaq Hearings Panel. The hearing did not
take place because the Company subsequently regained compliance with the applicable Nasdaq listing requirement.
The
following table presents certain information derived from the
condensed consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and stockholders' stockholders’
equity for the three-month periodand six-month periods ended MarchJune 31,30, 2026
and 2025.
Comparison
of the Three-Month Periods Ended
March 31,June 30, 2026 and 2025
Net Loss
income for the three-month period ended MarchJune 31,30, 2026
decreased increased to $3,926,381$1,143,193 from $4,629,500net loss of $814,364 in the same period in 2025, mainly
due to the net revenue increased to $2,368,626$12,886,977 for the
three-month period ended MarchJune 31,30, 2026 as compared to $1,604,447$8,343,785 in the same
period in 2025.
Net Revenue
Net revenue. The
table below shows the changes in net
revenue in the respective segments of the Company for the three-month period ended MarchJune 31,30, 2026
as compared to the same period in 2025:
For
the three-month periods ended MarchJune 31,30, 2026 and 2025,
the net revenue for the bromine segment was $2,249,950$12,244,273 and $1,481,869,$7,676,374, respectively.
The increase of the net revenue of bromine was due
to the 13%17% increase in tonnes sold and the 34%37% increase in average selling price of
bromine bromine.for the three-month period ended June 30, 2026.
For
the three-month periods ended MarchJune 31,30, 2026 and 2025,
the net revenue for the crude salt segment was $118,676$642,704 and $122,578,$667,411, respectively.
The decrease of net revenue of crude salt was mainly due to
the 2% decrease in tonnes sold and the 2%4% decrease in average selling price
of crude salt for the three-month period ended MarchJune 31,30, 2026.
Chemical products segment
For
the three-month periods ended MarchJune 31,30, 2026 and 2025, the net
revenue for the chemical products segment was nil due to the closure of
our chemical factories since September 1, 2017.
Natural gas segment
For
the three-month periods ended MarchJune 31,30, 2026 and 2025, the net
revenue for the natural gas segment was nil.
Cost
of revenue reflects mainly the raw materials consumed and the
direct salaries and benefits of staff engaged in the production process,
electricity, depreciation and amortization of manufacturing
plants and machinery and other manufacturing costs. Our cost of revenue was $2,353,412
$10,565,684 for the three-month period ended MarchJune 31,
30, 2026, an increase of $759,142$3,198,982 (or 48%43%) as compared to the same period in 2025
due to the increase of net revenue by 48%54% for the
three-month period ended MarchJune 31,30, 2026 as compared to the same period in 2025.
For
the three-month periodperiods ended MarchJune 31,30, 2026 and 20252025, the cost of
revenue for the bromine segment was $2,283,326$10,046,458 and $1,533,128,$7,017,116,
respectively. respectively.The increase in costs is mainly due to the increase in sales volume.
The increase in costs is mainly due to the increase in sales volume.
For
the three-month periodperiods ended MarchJune 31,30, 2026 and 20252025, the cost of
revenue for the crude salt segment was $70,086$519,226 and $61,142,$349,586, respectively.
The increase in costs is mainly due to the rise in amortization of the salt pans.
The increase in costs is mainly due to the rise in amortization
of the salt pans.
Chemical products segment
Cost
of revenue for our chemical products segment for the three-month
period periods ended MarchJune 31,30, 2026 and 2025 was nil.
Natural gas segment
Cost
of revenue for our natural gas segment for the three-month
period periods ended MarchJune 31,30, 2026 and 2025 was nil.
Gross Profit
Gross Profit (Loss).
Gross profit was $15,214,$2,321,293, or 0.6%18% of net revenue for three-month period ended MarchJune 31,30, 2026, representing an increase of $5,037,$1,344,210, as
compared compared
to a gross profit of $10,177,$977,083, or 0.6%12% of net revenue for the same period in 2025.
For
the three-month period ended MarchJune 31,30, 2026,
the gross lossprofit margin for our bromine segment was 1.5%,18%, compared to 3.5%9% in the three-month
period ended MarchJune 31,30, 2025. The decrease
increase in gross lossprofit margin was primarily attributable to the higher average selling price of bromine
of $4,948 per ton in the three-month period
ended March 31, 2026 compared to $3,684$5,328 per ton in the three-month period ended MarchJune 31,30, 2026 compared to $3,892 per ton in the three-month period ended June 30, 2025.
Bromine tonnes sales also increased from
402 1,972 tonnes for the three-month period ended MarchJune 31,30, 2025 to 4552,298 tonnes for the three-month
period ended MarchJune 31,30, 2026.
For
the three-month period ended MarchJune 31,30, 2026, the gross profit margin
for our crude salt segment was 41%,19%, compared to 50%48% in the same
period in 2025,2025. representingThe adecrease 9%in decrease.gross profit margin was mainly attributable to the rise in amortization of the salt pans.
Chemical products
segment
For
the three-month periodperiods ended MarchJune 31,30, 2026 and 2025,
the gross profit margin for our chemical products segment was 0%.
Natural
gas segment
For
the three-month periodperiods ended MarchJune 31,30, 2026 and 2025,
the gross profit margin for our natural gas segment was 0%.
Sales and Marketing Expenses
Direct labor and factory overheads incurred
during plant shutdown On September 1, 2017, the Company received notification from the government of Yangkou County, Shouguang
City of PRC that stated that production at all its bromine and crude salt and chemical factories should be halted with immediate effect
in order for the Company to perform rectification and improvement in accordance with the county’s new safety and environmental protection
requirements. On November 24, 2017, the Company received a letter from the Government of Yangkou County, Shouguang City notifying the
Company to relocate its two chemical production plants located in the second living area of the Qinghe Oil Extraction Plant to Bohai
Park. As a result, direct labor and factory overhead costs (including depreciation of plant and machinery) in the amount of $2,743,262
and $3,225,808 incurred for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively, of factories that have not resumed production
were presented as part of the operating expense.
General Sales
and Administrativemarketing Expenses General and administrative
expenses were $1,323,101$18,174 for the three-month period ended MarchJune 31,30, 2026, aan decreaseincrease of $66,422$3,372 (or 5%23%) as compared to $1,389,523 for
the same period in 2025.
Direct labor and factory overheads incurred during plant shutdown
On September 1, 2017, the Company received notification from the government of Yangkou County, Shouguang City of PRC that stated that production at all its bromine and crude salt and chemical factories should be halted with immediate effect in order for the Company to perform rectification and improvement in accordance with the county’s new safety and environmental protection requirements. On November 24, 2017, the Company received a letter from the Government of Yangkou County, Shouguang City notifying the Company to relocate its two chemical production plants located in the second living area of the Qinghe Oil Extraction Plant to Bohai Park. As a result, direct labor and factory overhead costs (including depreciation of plant and machinery) in the amount of $452,949 and $727,774 incurred for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2026 and 2025, respectively, of factories that have not resumed production were presented as part of the operating expense.
General and Administrative Expenses
Loss from Operations Loss from
operations was $4,056,597 the three-month period ended March 31, 2026, compared to loss from operations of $4,610,207 in the same period
in 2025.
Loss from operations from our bromine segment
was $3,067,778 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2026, compared to loss from operations of $3,370,836 in the same period in 2025.
This decrease was due to the 13% increase in tonnes sold and a 34% increase in average selling price.
Loss from operations from our crude salt segment was
$727,679 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2026, compared to loss from operations of $554,062 in the same period in 2025. The
main reason was due to the rise in amortization of the salt pans.
Chemical products segment
LossGeneral
and fromadministrative operationsexpenses fromwere our
chemical products segment was $0$598,003 for the three-month period ended MarchJune 31,30, 2026, compareda to loss from operationsdecrease of $358,629$427,777 in(or 42%) as compared
to $1,025,780 for the
same period in 2025. The reason for the reductiondecrease was mainly due to the sale of SYCI completedwas bysold December,in 2025.
GURE insider buying and selling (Form 4)
Since 2026-04-11, insiders reported open-market purchases in 0 Form 4 filings and open-market sales in 0 filings. Totals add up every open-market (code P and S) line in those filings, using the prices reported in the filings. Awards, option exercises, tax withholding and gifts are listed below but not counted.
No Form 4 stock transactions in this period.
Well-known investors holding GURE (13F)
| Investor | Quarter | Shares | Reported value | % of their 13F | Change vs prior quarter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citadel Advisors (Ken Griffin) | 2026-06-30 | 32,538 | $118.8K | 0.0% | Added 48% |
| Two Sigma Investments | 2026-06-30 | 14,652 | $53.5K | 0.0% | Reduced 17% |