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EXCEL - IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT - ALCO, INC.Financial_Report.xls
EX-32 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - ALCO, INC.exhibit321.htm
EX-31 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - ALCO, INC.exhibit312.htm
EX-31 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - ALCO, INC.exhibit311.htm
EX-32 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - ALCO, INC.exhibit322.htm

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-K



x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013


or


o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ____ to _____



Commission file number 000-51105


ALCO, INC.

 (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Nevada

11-3644700

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)

(IRS Employer Identification Number)


25th Floor, Fortis Bank Tower

No. 77-79 Gloucester Road

Wanchai, Hong Kong

(Address of principal executive office)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  852-2521-0373

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:


Title of each class

Name of each exchange on which registered

N/A

N/A


Securities to be registered under Section 12(g) of the Act:


Common Stock

(Title of Class)


Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  

o Yes     x No


Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.  

o Yes     x No


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  

x Yes   o No




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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  

x Yes   o No


Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.          x


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.


Large accelerated filer

o

Accelerated filer

o

Non-accelerated filer

o

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company

x


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

 Yes o  No x


State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter:  0


APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE REGISTRANTS


Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.  As of March XX, 2014, there were 10,336,000 shares of the registrant’s common stock, $0.001 par value, outstanding.


DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE


List hereunder the following documents if incorporated by reference and the Part of the Form 10-K (e.g., Part I, Part II, etc.) into which the document is incorporated: (1) Any annual report to security holders; (2) Any proxy or information statement; and (3) Any prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) or (c) under the Securities Act of 1933.  The listed documents should be clearly described for identification purposes (e.g., annual report to security holders for fiscal year ended December 24, 1980).



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INDEX


PART I

4

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

4

 

 

BACKGROUND

4

 

 

PRINCIPAL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

5

 

 

DESCRIPTION OF INDUSTRY

7

 

 

GOVERNMENT REGULATION

7

 

 

CUSTOMERS AND MARKETING

8

 

 

COMPETITION

8

 

 

EMPLOYEES

8

 

 

REPORTS TO SECURITY HOLDERS

8

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

9

 

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

9

 

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

9

 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

9

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

10

PART II

10

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

10

 

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

11

 

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

11

 

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS

16

 

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

16

 

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

41

 

ITEM 9A(T). CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

41

 

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

42

PART III

42

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

42

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

43

 

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

45

 

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

46

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

46

PART IV

47

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

47



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PART I


DISCLAIMER REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS


Certain statements in this report, including statements in the following discussion, are what are known as “forward-looking statements”, which are basically statements about the future.  For that reason, these statements involve risk and uncertainty since no one can accurately predict the future.  Words such as “plans,” “intends,” “will,” “hopes,” “seeks,” “anticipates,” “expects,” and the like, often identify such forward-looking statements, but are not the only indication that a statement is a forward-looking statement.  Such forward-looking statements include statements concerning our plans and objectives with respect to the present and future operations of the Company, and statements which express or imply that such present and future operations will or may produce revenues, income or profits.  Numerous factors and future events could cause the Company to change such plans and objectives, or fail to successfully implement such plans or achieve such objectives, or cause such present and future operations to fail to produce revenues, income or profits.  Therefore, the reader is advised that the following discussion should be considered in light of the discussion of risks and other factors contained in this report on Form 10-K and in the Company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  No statements contained in the following discussion should be construed as a guarantee or assurance of future performance or future results.


ITEM 1. BUSINESS

BACKGROUND


ALCO


ALCO, Inc. (“ALCO,” “we,” “us,” the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Nevada on June 7, 1999 under the name Sea Horse, Inc.  On September 20, 2004, we changed our name to Lotus Capital Corp.  On February 13, 2006, we changed our name to ALCO, Inc.


ALCO was formed as a "blind pool" or "blank check" company whose business plan was to acquire one or more properties or businesses and to pursue other related activities intended to enhance shareholder value.


From the date of its incorporation until December 9, 2005, ALCO’s only business activities were organizational activities directed at developing its business plan, raising its initial capital and registering under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  On November 22, 2005, ALCO entered into an Agreement for Share Exchange with AL Marine Holdings (BVI) Ltd (“AL Marine”) and the individual shareholders of AL Marine pursuant to which it agreed to acquire all of the issued and outstanding stock of AL Marine in exchange for the issuance of 9,766,480 shares of ALCO’s common stock.  The closing under the Agreement for Share Exchange was completed on December 9, 2005, and upon completion of the closing, AL Marine became a wholly-owned subsidiary of ALCO.   


AL Marine


AL Marine was incorporated under the laws of the British Virgin Islands on May 30, 2005 for the sole purpose of acting as a holding company for interests in several affiliated operating businesses.  On July 15, 2005, AL Marine acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Andrew Liu & Company Limited (“ALC”), a Hong Kong corporation, 85% of the outstanding shares of EduShipAsia, Ltd. (“ESA”), a Hong Kong corporation, and 60% of the outstanding shares of Chang An Consultants Limited (“CAC”), a Hong Kong corporation.  


On July 28, 2010, AL Marine set up a Hong Kong corporation called AL Marine Holdings (Hong Kong) Limited (“ALM HK”).  On December 16, 2010, ALM HK acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Shanghai Heshili Broker Co. Ltd (“SHB”), a China corporation.  In order to hold and run SHB effectively, ALM HK appoints a local Chinese through an agency agreement to hold SHB on behalf of ALM HK.  In addition, ALM HK and SHB enter into an exclusive agreement on December 16, 2010.  Under this agreement, ALM HK is entitled to receive all the profits earned from SHB.




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On July 19, 2011, a new entity named AL Marine Consulting Services (Shanghai) Ltd (“ALM Shanghai”) was legally established in China.  AL Marine indirectly owns 100% of ALM Shanghai through ALM HK.  ALM Shanghai is set up for holding all the interest of SHB.  On July 20, 2011, the agency agreement between ALM HK and the local Chinese was replaced by another agency agreement between ALM Shanghai and the local Chinese.  At the same date, the exclusive agreement between ALM HK and SHB was replaced by another exclusive agreement between ALM Shanghai and SHB.


On October 1, 2012, AL Marine acquired 82% of the outstanding shares of Kim Insurance Brokers Pte Limited (“KIM”), a Singapore corporation.  On March 27, 2013, the Company changed the name of KIM to ALCO Insurance Brokers Pte Limited (“ALCO Insurance”).


The business of ALCO is now carried on through AL Marine and its subsidiaries.


PRINCIPAL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES


ALCO operates through its subsidiaries: ALC, CAC, ESA, SHB and ALCO Insurance.  These subsidiaries operate primarily in Hong Kong, China and Singapore.


ALC


ALCO is principally engaged in the marine insurance brokerage business though it’s wholly owned subsidiary, ALC, which was incorporated in 1989 as an insurance brokerage firm specializing in marine hull protection and indemnity insurance.  ALC began operations in Hong Kong and moved into China in 1991.  


Under Hong Kong regulations, a person who acts as an insurance broker must have authorization from the Insurance Authority or be a member of a body of insurance brokers approved by the Insurance Authority.  The Hong Kong Confederation of Insurance Brokers (“HKCIB”) is such a body that has been approved by the Insurance Authority.  ALC became a member of the HKCIB in 1993.  In order to be admitted to the Confederation, an insurance broker must meet minimum requirements in regard to qualifications and experience; capital and net assets; professional indemnity insurance; keeping of separate records; and the keeping of proper books and accounts.  These requirements are determined by the Insurance Authority.  If an insurance broker does not meet these standards, the Confederation can withdraw the insurance broker’s membership.


Insurance brokers represent the insured in negotiating and placing insurance coverage with insurers, as well as handling claims when they occur.  Insurance brokers generate revenue from commissions and fees on insurance premiums and earn interest on premiums held before remittance to the insurers.  Brokers do not issue the policies themselves; they only find and place policies with insurance carriers on behalf of their clients and act as a liaison between the insurer and the client during the claims process.


ALC works in placing insurance coverage with both hull and machinery coverage (“H&M”) providers and protection and indemnity coverage (“P&I”) providers.  H&M covers the physical loss of or damage to the vessel arising from accidents, while P&I covers liabilities, losses, expenses and costs incurred in relation to injury or death on board. Business from China-based clients accounts for 95% of the business of ALC.


ALC places insurance coverages with approximately twenty different insurance providers. For P&I insurance, the Company places insurance with the thirteen major P&I clubs.  For H&M coverage, ALC places coverages with Lloyd’s Underwriters, among others.  ALC does not have any written agreements with these insurance providers.

  

 

ESA


AL Marine owns 85% of ESA.  In 2004, ESA was appointed as an exclusive agent by the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (UK) ("ICS") to set up ICS's first distant learning center in Shanghai, China.  ICS is an internationally recognized professional body representing shipbrokers, managers, and agents throughout the world.  ICS has approximately 3,500 members in over 60 countries.


We believe that many students in China will take advantage of the ICS training being offered in their country because they will not be required to travel overseas. As the exclusive agent of ICS in China, ALCO plans to provide delivery of courses in accordance with the syllabus of ICS, promotion of membership in ICS, and management of the examination center.  ICS is the



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only internationally recognized professional and vocational qualification in the shipping industry.  Pursuant to its contract with ICS, ESA is required to provide seminars, review sessions, revision workshops and other assistance to the students who enroll in the learning center.  Students will be charged GBP350 (approximately US$574), of which GBP330 (approximately US$540) will be paid to ICS.  The fees may be revised in the future upon the agreement of both parties.  ESA is responsible for paying the set up and maintenance for the center.


ESA has limited assets and its operations to date have not been significant.  As of December 31, 2013, ESA had net assets of $(104,147) with a cash balance of $61,082, accounts receivable of $8,593, due to related parties of $150,407 and accounts payable of $21,296.


During the 2013 fiscal year, ESA received 9,888 from enrollment fees from this arrangement. It spent approximately $26,277 setting up and maintaining the learning center.


CAC


AL Marine owns 60% of CAC which participates in a joint venture with a large state-owned shipping group in China, the China Chanjiang Shipping Corporation (the "CSC Group").  CAC, which was incorporated in Hong Kong in March 1999, acts as an in-house insurance brokerage firm and general consultant for the CSC Group.  CAC looks for business opportunities for the CSC Group and uses the CSC Group’s connections in China to create business opportunities for other foreign shipping interests.  


The CSC Group owns a substantial and growing fleet of ships, advertising space, and seafarers’ schools in China.  The CSC Group has a large share of the market in logistics, cruising, shipbuilding and other related businesses along the Changjang region in China and has expanded its businesses all over the country. The CSC Group’s other business activities include shipbuilding, crane manufacturing, cruising, advertising, and seafarers’ training.


CAC has no formal agreement with the CSC Group.  In 2013, approximately 8% of ALCO’s revenue was generated from CAC.


SHB


AL Marine indirectly owns 100% of SHB through ALM Shanghai and a local Chinese individual.  SHB, which was incorporated in China in July 2005, is an insurance brokerage firm engaging in general insurance brokerage in relation to property, motor vehicle, liability & indemnity, health and accident, etc.  SHB primary operations are in China.  


Under Chinese government regulations, a person who acts as an insurance broker must obtain a license from the China Insurance Regulatory Commission.  SHB obtained the necessary license in June 2005. In order to maintain the license, an insurance broker must meet minimum requirements in regard to qualifications and experience; paid-up capital; professional indemnity insurance; and keeping of proper books and accounts.  These requirements are determined by the Chinese government.  If an insurance broker does not meet these standards, the Commission can withdraw the insurance broker’s license.


SHB became ALCO’s subsidiary on December 16, 2010. In 2013, approximately 7.3% of ALCO’s revenue was generated from SHB.


ALCO Insurance


AL Marine owns 82% of ALCO Insurance, which it acquired on October 1, 2012.  ALCO Insurance was incorporated in Singapore in February 1989.  It is an insurance brokerage firm engaging in general insurance brokerage business for property, motor vehicle, liability & indemnity, health and accident, etc.  The primary operations of ALCO Insurance are in Singapore.  


Under Singapore government regulations, a person who acts as an insurance broker must be registered with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (“MAS”) starting 1999.  ALCO Insurance was registered in July 2000 in accordance with the regulations. In order to maintain the registration, an insurance broker must meet minimum requirements in regard to paid-up capital, professional indemnity insurance, net asset value, insurance broking premium accounts, etc. These requirements are determined by the Singapore government.  If an insurance broker does not meet these standards, MAS can withdraw the insurance broker’s registration.




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ALCO Insurance became ALCO’s subsidiary on October 1, 2012.  In 2013, approximately 7.6% of ALCO’s revenue was generated from ALCO Insurance.  


On July 25, 2013, paid up share capital of ALCO Insurance was increased from SGD304,000 (approximately US$243,419) to SGD1,230,000 (approximately US$984,887).  The increase of SGD926,000 (approximately US$741,468) was divided into 926,000 ordinary shares and allotted in according to the current shareholding percentage. The Company injected additional SGD759,320 (approximately US$609,424) into ALCO Insurance and received capital injection of SGD166,680 (approximately US$132,044) from the non-controlling shareholder.  The ownership percentage remains unchanged after the capital injection.


DESCRIPTION OF INDUSTRY


Marine Insurance Brokerage


Marine insurance is a mature industry, which is diverse in terms of types of coverage and insurers.  These different options are intended to suit the risk profile and requirements of different types of vessels, voyages, shipowners, and charterers.  Within marine insurance, the two most common forms of insurance are H&M and P&I.  H&M covers the physical loss of or damage to the vessel arising from accidents, while P&I covers liabilities, losses, expenses and costs incurred in relation to injury or death.  


Various insurers differ significantly in the coverages and options they provide.  Most shipowners and charterers rely on professional insurance brokers for advice to make an informed decision on the choice of insurer and coverage that will suit their needs.  Insurance brokers represent the insured in negotiating and placing insurances with the insurers.  Brokers generate revenue primarily from commissions and fees on insurance calls and premiums.  Revenue is also generated from interest on calls and premiums held before remittance to the insurers and on claims held before payment to the insured.  Commission revenue varies based on the calls and premiums on the policies that are placed on behalf of clients.  When call and premium rates in the market rise, revenue for brokers increases, and revenue declines when call and premium rates decline.  The standard rate of commission for an insurance broker is approximately 10% on the call or premium of the insurance placed.


In addition, as part of the brokerage service, the brokers have a duty to make claims for their clients.  In doing so, they appraise the merits of the claim, devise a strategy for the claim and submit it to the insurer at the right place and in the correct form.

   

GOVERNMENT REGULATION


ALCO’s subsidiaries, ALC and CAC, as members of HKCIB, must comply with the minimum requirements specified by the Insurance Authority under Section 70(2) of the Insurance Companies Ordinance of Hong Kong.  The minimum requirements specified by the Insurance Authority (“IA”) under Section 70(2) of the Insurance Companies Ordinance are:


(a)

To maintain paid up share capital or minimum net assets of HK$100,000

(b)

To maintain adequate accounting records to reflect the transactions of its business

(c)

To maintain client accounts in accordance with the minimum requirements specified by the IA under Section 70(2) of the Ordinance

(d)

To maintain a professional indemnity insurance policy in accordance with the minimum requirements specified by the IA under Section 70(2) of the ordinance.


These restrictions and other laws with which we must comply are subject to change.  Any change in these laws may cause our cost of doing business to increase or cause a change in the demand for our services.  


ALCO’s subsidiary, SHB, must comply with the minimum requirements specified by the Chinese government under the Rules on Administration of Insurance Brokerage Institutions.  The minimum requirements specified by the rules include:


(a)

To maintain adequate accounting books to record the revenue and expenditure of insurance brokerage business

(b)

To maintain a professional indemnity insurance policy

(c)

To submit auditor’s report to the Commission within three months after the year-end closing date.




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These restrictions and other laws with which we must comply are subject to change.  Any change in these laws may cause our cost of doing business to increase or cause a change in the demand for our services.  


ALCO’s subsidiary, ALCO Insurance, must comply with the minimum requirements specified by the MAS under Section 35Y of the Insurance Act Chapter 142.  The minimum requirements specified by the rules include:


(a)

To maintain paid up share capital of an amount not less than Singapore dollar $300,000

(e)

To maintain a professional indemnity insurance policy in accordance with the minimum requirements specified by the MAS under Section 35Y of the Insurance Act

(b)

To maintain net asset value at all times not less than 50% of the minimum paid up share capital

(c)

To maintain client accounts in accordance with the requirements specified by the MAS under Regulation 7 of the Insurance (Intermediaries) Regulations


These restrictions and other laws with which we must comply are subject to change.  Any change in these laws may cause our cost of doing business to increase or cause a change in the demand for our services.  


CUSTOMERS AND MARKETING


While members of the senior management regularly appear at industry-targeted functions and speak at seminars organized for the shipping industry, ALCO believes that the best marketing channel is by word-of-mouth and clients’ referrals based on quality of service and results in providing a solution to difficult claims.  The very close-knit nature of the Chinese shipping community places ALCO in a good position.  This strategy has so far proven to be effective.


ALCO had a customer retention rate of approximately 77% in 2013. We anticipate that we will maintain this retention rate in the future because we have been able to maintain this rate for the last three years.  In 2013, ALCO had over 280 customers, and its customers were mainly from China.  ALCO obtains new clients through the channels of existing clients or sub-brokers.


COMPETITION


ALCO’s major competitors are large US insurance brokers such as Aon, Marsh and Willis, who provide a wide range of insurances and are not focused on marine insurance.  These competitors are much larger than ALCO and have access to significantly more financial resources than ALCO.  However, these competitors are international companies who focus on many different types of insurance.  We believe that ALCO is one of the few insurance providers that specializes in the marine insurance business.    


Competition for business is intense in all of ALCO’s business lines and in every insurance market, and other providers of global risk management services have substantially greater market shares than ALCO does.  Competition on premium rates has also exacerbated the pressures caused by a continuing reduction in demand in some classes of business.  Additional competitive pressures arise from the entry of new market participants, such as banks, accounting firms and insurance carriers themselves, offering risk management or transfer services.


EMPLOYEES


At the time of this report, ALCO had 72 employees, including 50 in operations and 22 in supporting and administrative functions.  All employees are full time.

REPORTS TO SECURITY HOLDERS


ALCO is subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and, accordingly, files reports, information statements or other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, annual reports on Form 10-K, reports of current events on Form 8-K, and proxy or information statements with respect to shareholder meetings.  Although ALCO may not be obligated to deliver an annual report to its shareholders, we will voluntarily provide electronic or paper copies of the Company’s filings free of charge upon request.  The public may read and copy any materials ALCO files with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20549.  The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC



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at 1-800-SEC-0330.  The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.  The address is http://www.sec.gov.  


ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS


N/A


ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS


N/A


ITEM 2. PROPERTIES


ALCO rents its facilities from third parties.  As of December 31, 2013, ALCO leased approximately 13,846 square feet of office space for its operations.  Its current leased properties are:


Location

Size

Description

 

 

 

Wanchai, Hong Kong

6,350 sq. ft

Headquarters

 

 

 

Shanghai, China

3,251 sq. ft

Offices

Fuzhou, China

1,243 sq. ft

Office

District 01, Singapore

2,024 sq. ft

Office

Dalian, China

978 sq. ft

Office


The Hong Kong office was leased from a third party since March 2010.  Starting from December 2007, additional flats at the existing building of the Hong Kong Office were leased from third parties for office expansion.  As the Company is continuing growth and the existing properties are no longer to meet the Company’s need, the Hong Kong Office moved to a new property in March 2012. The new property is located in Wanchai, Hong Kong with 6,350 sq. ft and is leased from a third party.  The leases for the old office located in Central were not renewed.


The Shanghai offices have been leased from a third party since December 2007. For expansion purpose, another flat in the same building is leased from another third party starting in December 2010.  


The Fuzhou office is leased from a third party starting from October 2010.


The Singapore office is leased from a third party starting from December 2012.


The Dalian office is leased from a third party starting from January 2013.


ALCO’s current total monthly rental payment for the facilities mentioned as above is approximately US$42,997. We intend to renew these leases upon their expiration.


ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS


ALCO’s subsidiary, ALC, is subject to a legal proceeding that has not been resolved and that has arisen in the ordinary course of business.  On September 16, 2012, a shipowner named Eastshine Limited filed a civil claim against five parties, including ALC, in the Qingdao Maritime Court (“QMC”), in China, claiming losses suffered of CNY 9.9 million (approximately US$1.6 million) due to the allegedly wrongful arrest of a vessel named Tongli Yantai.  Although ALC had no direct relationship with the Plaintiff in the business for the vessel, ALC was the insurance broker of one of the parties named in the legal proceeding,



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and assisted in resolving the vessel arresting matter.  As a result, the Plaintiff has included ALC as one of the defendants in the legal action.


In the opinion of management, there is not a reasonable possibility the Company may have incurred a material loss, or a material loss in excess of a recorded accrual, with respect to loss contingencies.  In addition, because the claims asserted in the legal proceeding are covered by an insurance policy up with a policy limit of HK$75 million (approximately US$9.6 million) any one claim and in the aggregate, ALC’s liability to the claim above is limited to HK$150,000 (approximately US$19,230) and this amount is fully provided in the book of 2012.  However, the outcome of this legal proceeding brought against the Company is subject to significant uncertainty.  Therefore, although management considers the likelihood of such as outcome to be remote, if the legal proceeding was resolved against the Company in a reporting period for amounts in excess of management’s expectations, the Company’s consolidated financial statements for that reporting period could be materially adversely affected.


Other than the legal proceeding mentioned as above, ALCO is not a party to any pending legal proceedings, and no such proceedings are known to be contemplated. None of ALCO’s directors, officers or affiliates, and no owner of record or owner of more than five percent (5%) of its securities, or any associate of any such directors, officer or security holder is a party adverse to ALCO or has a material interest adverse to it in reference to pending litigation.


ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES


N/A

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES


Our shares are approved for trading on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol ALCQ, but there has been no trading activity in the shares and no trading market has been established.  There is no assurance as to when, or whether, an active trading market in our shares will be established.


None of ALCO’s common equities are subject to any outstanding options, warrants to purchase, or securities convertible into, common stock.  ALCO filed a registration statement on Form SB-2 to register a total of 500,000 shares for resale on behalf of certain selling shareholders.  The registration statement was declared effective on November 13, 2006. Other than the 500,000 shares registered for resale on behalf of certain selling shareholders,  there are no common equities of ALCO that are being, or have been proposed to be, publicly offered by ALCO, the offering of which could have a material effect on the market price of its common stock.


As of December 31, 2013, ALCO had 10,336,000 shares of common stock issued and outstanding.  The shares are held by 37 stockholders of record.  


On June 1, 2010, the Company issued 198,000 shares of restricted stock to certain key employees and directors of the Company under the 2010 Restricted Share Stock Compensation Plan.  The plan was approved by the board of directors on June 1, 2010.  The restricted shares were issued subject to certain terms and conditions such as that the shares may not be transferred during the applicable restriction period and that the shares will be forfeited if the employment is terminated by the holder or the Company. The shares were issued in reliance upon an exemption from registration provided by Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933.  The shares were issued at a strike price of approximately $1.57, which was equal to the fair value of the Company’s stock on June 1, 2010, the date of grant.  Therefore, the aggregate value of these shares as of the date of issuance was $310,860, of which $85,303 (6,000 shares with fair value of $9,420 were subsequently forfeited) and $37,615 was recognized as stock-based compensation expense in salaries and compensation expenses during the year ended December 31, 2012 and the year ended December 31, 2013 respectively.  No balance will be recognized as stock-based compensation expenses in the coming year because it is fully amortized in 2013.


On June 1, 2011, the Company issued 25,500 shares of restricted stock to certain key employees of the Company.  The award was made pursuant to the 2010 Restricted Share Stock Compensation Plan mentioned as above.  The plan was approved



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by the board of directors on June 1, 2011.  The shares were issued at a strike price of $2.79, which was equal to the fair value of the Company’s stock on June 1, 2011, the date of grant.  Therefore, the aggregate value of these shares as of the date of issuance was $71,145, of which -$1,744 (13,500 shares with fair value of 37,665 were subsequently forfeited) and -$8,835 (6,000 shares with fair value of 16,740 were subsequently forfeited) were recognized as stock-based compensation expense in salaries and compensation expenses during the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2013 respectively.  No balance will be recognized as stock-based compensation expenses in the coming year because the balance of shares was forfeited in 2013.


On June 1, 2012, the board of directors approved and the Company granted an award of 13,500 shares of restricted stock to a key employee of the Company.  The award was made pursuant to the 2010 Restricted Share Stock Compensation Plan mentioned as above.  The shares were issued at a strike price of $1.65, which was equal to the fair value of the Company’s stock on June 1, 2012, the date of grant.  Therefore, the aggregate value of these shares as of the date of issuance was $22,275, of which $4,331 and $7,425 was recognized as stock-based compensation expense in salaries and compensation expenses during the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2013 respectively.  The balance will be recognized as stock-based compensation expenses in the coming years.


ALCO has never declared any cash dividends on its common stock and does not anticipate declaring dividends in the foreseeable future.


ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA


N/A


ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

PLAN OF OPERATIONS


There were three major tasks in the management’s plan of operations for 2013. The first was enhancing the marketing function, the second was streamline the policies and procedures of Singapore subsidiary, and the third was tightening control measures to monitor and reduce operating expenses.  After reviewing the operation performance of last year, management believes that each of the tasks was successfully completed.  


For purposes of enhancing the company’s marketing function, we set up a new liaison office in Dalian and hired a new marketing representative.  In addition, we arranged several marketing activities with our business partners to promote the Company to new clients and to strengthen our relationship with our existing clients.  We believe the enhancements were successful because we acquired 66 new clients during 2013.  In addition, our client retention rate increased by 5 points during the year, to approximately 77%.  Regarding streamlining the policies and procedures of our Singapore subsidiary, we conducted an internal review and established a control manual for financial management, which we believe will help to increase work efficiency.  Management believes its efforts to tighten control measures in order to monitor and reduce operating expenses, were successful because some operating expenses decreased during the year.  For example, travel expenses at the group level decreased 11% in 2013 when compared to 2012.  Other general and administrative expenses for Hong Kong office decreased approximately 4% in 2013 as compared to 2012.


Management believes that the 2014 fiscal year will still be a difficult year because the shipping market hasn’t fully recovered yet.  Therefore, the Company plans to continue to tighten control measures in order to monitor and reduce operating expenses.  In addition, because of market conditions, we will further enhance our credit controls to improve the average collection period for outstanding receivables.  For our Singapore subsidiary, we plan to appoint an independence consultant to carry out an audit review.  The main objective of this audit is to ensure the control measures we established are implemented and working efficiently.  Further, because we have received substantial positive feedback on the marketing activities we initiated in 2013, we will continue to organize similar activities with our business partners in 2014.  In addition, we will put more effort into acquiring new clients.



- 11 -



We believe the plans mentioned above will help to turn the Company back into profitability.  However, implementation of the plans will depend on the market situation, associated risk factors and our internal resources.  There is no assurance that we will be able to implement these plans within the foreseeable future.  


We do not have any material off-balance sheet arrangements.



RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Year ended December 31, 2013 compared with 2012


Revenue:


Revenue for 2013 was $5,783,414 as compared to $6,006,543 for 2012. The decrease of $223,129 or approximately 4%, was mainly due to decreases of commission income from existing clients and from website advertising income, which were partially offset with an increase of consulting and enrollment fee income.  


Commission income is based on a percentage of the premiums paid by the insured, and decreased by $219,874 or 4% when compared to last year. The decrease mainly came from ALC and CAC and was mainly due to the fact that average commission earned per client decreased 10% even though the number of clients increased 1%.  The main reason for the decrease in average commissions earned per client was that insurance premiums slightly dropped by approximately 1% and commission percentage decreased by approximately 0.5 points during the year. In 2013, total commission income contributed by ALC, CAC, SHB and ALCO Insurance was 79%, 8%, 7% and 6% respectively.  


Consulting income for 2013 increased to $55,800 from $53,582 in 2012.  The increase of $2,218 or 4% was because demand for consulting services increased.  In addition, enrollment fees for 2013 were $9,888 as compared to $6,611 for 2012. The increase was mainly due to the increases of customer’s demand and enrollment.  In addition, website advertising for 2013 was $5,250, the decrease was due to the decreases of customers’ demand.


Loss before tax and noncontrolling interest:


Loss before tax and noncontrolling interest for 2013 was $11,821 compared to income before tax and noncontrolling interest $728,675 for 2012. The decrease of $740,496, or approximately 102%, was mainly due to the combination of a decrease of revenue together with  an increase in operating expenses during the year.  The reasons for the decrease in revenue are discussed above, while the reasons for the increases of operating expense are discussed in the section below.  Other income increased to $107,253 in 2013 from $43,245 in 2012.  The increase was mainly due to the receipt of increased commissions from business referral and other business services we provided to clients.  The increase in other income was also partially the result of a government grant received by ALCO Insurance.


Interest income increased 20% in 2013 as compared to 2012 primarily because of the interest receivable earned from the loan receivable.  Another reason is that the appreciation of Chinese Yuan (“CNY”) gave rise to higher interest income from the cash which is deposited in CNY currency.  Investment income increased 22% in 2013 as compared to 2012 mainly as a result of an increase in dividend income received from publicly traded equity securities owned by the Company.  


Operating expenses:


Total operating expenses were $5,902,488 for 2013, as compared to $5,321,113 for 2012.  The increase of $581,375 or 11% was mainly due to increases in salaries, rents, bad debt expenses, and other general and administrative expenses, which were partially offset by a decrease in travel, and depreciation and amortization during the year. The reasons for the changes in the major items are as follows:


·

Salaries – increased by $404,802 or 13% from $3,014,156 in 2012 to $3,418,958 in 2013.  Approximately 35% of the increase of the salary expenses came from ALCO Insurance.  The remaining 65% increase was mainly due to increases in pay rates and headcounts during the year of 2013.  In addition, pursuant to the Restricted Share Stock Compensation Plans, $36,205 was recognized as stock-based compensation expense in salaries during the year ended December 31, 2013.  The amount of stock based compensation decreased $51,686, or approximately 59%, as



- 12 -



compared to 2012 because certain restricted shares were forfeited by employees who resigned and amortization for the plan which was implemented in 2010 was completed during the year.

·

Travel expenses – decreased by $48,684 or 11% from $442,447 in 2012 to $393,763 in 2013. The decrease was mainly because of the effort of expense control during the year.

·

Rents – increased by $66,701 or 10% from $639,096 in 2012 to $705,797 in 2013.  The increase was mainly due to the fact that new office spaces were rented for the Singapore office and the Dalian office.

·

Bad debt (recovery) expenses – increased by $111,782 or 2144% from ($5,213) in 2013 to $106,569 in 2012.  The increase was mainly because the provision of doubtful debts increased during the year.  In addition, there was an adjustment of over-provision for prior years in 2012.

·

Depreciation and amortization – decreased by $27,666 or 17% from $162,872 in 2012 to $135,206 in 2013.  Because the Hong Kong Office was moved to a new location in March 2012, beginning in November 2011, we amortized the net book value of the leasehold improvement of the old location over its reduced remaining life.  Consequently, additional depreciation was charged in 2012.  During the year of 2013, depreciation for fixed assets was $100,999, a decrease of $37,120, or 27%, from $138,119 in 2012, which was caused by the reason stated as above.  Regarding the amortization charged for intangible asset, it was $34,207 for the year of 2013, an increase of $9,454 or 38% as compared to 2012.  The increase is primary due to the additional charge produced from ALCO Insurance’s intangible asset acquired in 2011.

·

Other general & administrative expenses – increased $74,440 or 7% for 2013 as compared to last year.  Approximately 90% of the increase came from ALCO Insurance.  The additional 10% increase was primarily related to a liaison office that was set up in Dalian and general price inflation for the liaison offices in China, which was partially offset by a decrease in Hong Kong Office.  The decrease was mainly because of the effort of expense control during the year.



LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES


Cash flow


For 2013, cash provided by operating activities totaled $435,045 compared to $401,079 for 2012.  The receipt of funds was primarily due to net loss for the year plus increases in commission receivable, enrollment fee receivable, deposit and prepayment, fiduciary asset, other receivable, accounts payable, claims payable, other payable, which were partially offset by decreases in tax receivable, and accrued expenses.


Net loss after adjustments of non-cash activities for 2013 decreased by $622,159, or 78% as compared to 2012.  The changes in operating assets and liabilities for 2013 increased $656,125 or 167% as compared to 2012.  As a result, net cash provided by operating activities for 2013 increased by $33,966 or approximately 8% as compared to last year.  


For the year of 2013 and 2012, cash used in investing activities amounted to $3,224,873 and $455,503, respectively.  For 2013, the fund was mainly used for purchase of fixed assets including a real property located in Holly Mount, London, United Kingdom, and a loan made to a third party.  For 2012, the fund was primarily used for the purchase of Alco Insurance and purchase of fixed assets including the furniture & fixtures for the new office and the upgraded phone system.  


In 2013, cash used in financing activities totaled $15,595.  It consists of capital injection of $132,044 from minority shareholders of ALCO Insurance, and borrowings of $52,166 on related party debt.  The cash inflow was offset by the dividend payment of $147,179 to minority shareholders of CAC, and principal payments of $52,626 on related party debt.


Assets and liabilities


As of December 31, 2013, the Company’s balance sheet reflects total current assets of $10,481,334, which decreased by $1,683,334 or 14% as compared to $12,164,668 as of December 31, 2012.  Total current liabilities as of December 31, 2013 were $2,509,486, which increased by $548,498 or 28% as compared to $1,960,988 as of December 31, 2012.  The decrease of total current assets was mainly due to decreases of cash and cash equivalents, commission receivable and tax receivable which were partially offset by increases of enrollment fee receivable, fiduciary asset, and loan receivable.  The increase of total current liabilities was mainly due to increases of trade accounts payable, claims payable and other payable, partially offset by decreases of accrued expenses, due to directors and deferred revenue.  



- 13 -




As of December 31, 2013, commission receivable was $142,739 as compared to $207,094 in 2012, while trade accounts payable and other payable were $2,090,472 and $159,451 respectively, as compared to December 31, 2012 balances of $1,577,668 and $131,363.  Each of these changes was due to the timing of commissions received from customers and making payments to insurers at the year end.  In addition, because the commission income decreased, commission receivable as at December 31, 2013 decreased by $64,355 or 31% as compared to December 31, 2012 balance.  In addition, because certain payment advances made on behalf of customers were paid, other receivable increased by $146,883 or 167% as compared to the year end of 2012.  Furthermore, because certain fund received on behalf of customers had been received, the other payable increased $28,088 or 21% as compared to the year end of 2012.  In addition, certain claim proceeds were received on behalf of customers but had not been paid yet, the claim payable increased by $50,424 or 123% as compared to 2012.


As at December 31, 2013, loan receivable was $3,012,000, which increased by $1,100,000 or 58% as compared to last year.  The increase was due to the Company had provided a loan to a client.  Tax receivable as at December 31, 2013 was $88,153, which decreased by $97,165 or 52% as compared to last year.  The decrease is in relation to the provision of income tax for 2013.


Accrued expenses were $166,511 as at December 31, 2013, reduced by $41,108 or approximately 20% from $207,619 as at December 31, 2012.  The reduction was mainly due to repayment of the accrued expenses which were provided for the year of 2012, and certain operating expenses, which were lower than last year, were accrued in 2013.  As of December 31, 2013, there was $667 of deferred revenue included in the liabilities.  This item is in relation to the income received in advance for the website advertising.  In addition, the Company provided a deferred tax asset of $13,948 as at December 31, 2013.  Such asset is primarily attributable to the taxable loss carrying over and different methods used in the calculation of depreciation of property, plant and equipment for financial reporting purpose and for income tax purpose.  


Because the interest rate is maintained at a very low level in the recent years, since 2008, the Company has purchased publicly traded equity securities with high dividend yields for long term investment purpose. As of December 31, 2013, the market value of the equity securities was $413,328, which represents an increase of $31,218 or approximately 8% as compared to the market value of $382,110 for the last year.  The increase was mainly due to the change of fair values between December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, and the addition of equity securities which were acquired during the year.


As at December 31, 2013, property, plant and equipment were $2,248,611 as compared to $224,685 as at December 31, 2012.  The increase of $2,023,926 or approximately 901% was mainly due to the newly acquired property.  In April 2013, the Company purchased a real property located in Holly Mount, London, United Kingdom.  The property is an 83 square meter house for which the gross purchase price is GBP1.25 million (approximately US$1.91 million), exclusive of closing costs.  The acquisition was completed in July 2013.


Due to the fact that the Company acquired a subsidiary in 2012, certain assets such as customer list and goodwill were recognized in the same year.  As of December 31, 2013, the carrying value of customer lists was $20,855 and the carrying value of goodwill was $301,498.


The Company has bank and cash equivalents of approximately $5,183,870 as at December 31, 2013.  The Company has sufficient funds to satisfy its financial commitments and working capital requirements for the next twelve months.  As of December 31, 2013, the Company had $0 of commitments for capital expenditures and off-balance sheet arrangements. The company has lease commitments of $822,160.



CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES


Estimates and Assumptions


In preparing financial statements that conform to generally accepted accounting principles, management makes estimates and assumptions that may affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities.  Actual results could differ from these estimates.  Particularly, the areas requiring the use of management estimates relate to the valuation of accounts receivable and payable, equipment, accrued liabilities, and the useful lives for amortization and depreciation.




- 14 -



Consolidation policy


The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all its majority-owned subsidiaries and other entity which require consolidation.  Inter-company transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.


In accordance with ASC 810, the Company consolidates variable interest entities (VIE’s) for which it is the primary beneficiary.  The company has evaluated the provisions of ASC 810 and determined that it applies to its interest in China.


VIE’s are generally entities that lack sufficient equity to operate without additional subordinated financial support from other parties or are entities whose equity holders do not have adequate decision making authority.  The primary beneficiary of a VIE is the party that (a) has the power to direct the activities of a VIE that significantly impacts its economic performance and (b) has the obligation to absorb the losses or the rights to receive the benefits that could be significant to the VIE.


According to the requirements of ASC 810, we have evaluated our relationships with SHB.  We have concluded that SHB is a VIE, and the Company is the primary beneficiary of the VIE.  Accordingly, we adopted the provisions of ASC 810 and consolidated SHB into our financial statements commencing in the fiscal year of 2010.

             

Earnings per Share


The Earnings per share is determined by dividing the net earnings by the weighted average number of outstanding shares during that period.  


Currency


ALCO’s main subsidiaries, ALC, CAC and ESA use the Hong Kong dollar as its currency.  The exchange rate for HK$ to US dollars has varied by very little during the period between 2002 and 2013.  Thus, the consistent exchange rate used has been 7.80 HK$ per each US dollar.  Since there have been no greater fluctuations in the exchange rate, there is no gain or loss from foreign currency translation and no resulting other comprehensive income or loss.  There were no material gains or losses recognized as a result of translating foreign currencies to the U.S. or Hong Kong dollar.  No assurance can be given as to the future value of foreign currency and how fluctuations in such value could affect ALCO’s earnings.  


The balance sheets of ALC, CAC and ESA were translated at year-end exchange rates.  Income and expenses were translated at exchange rates in effect during the year, substantially the same as the year-end rates.


The functional currency of SHB and ALM Shanghai is the Chinese Yuan (“CNY”) while ALCO Insurance is the Singapore Dollar (“SGD”).  The financial statements of SHB, ALM Shanghai and ALCO Insurance are translated into United States dollars in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification TM (ASC) No. 830, " Foreign Currency Matters”, using year-end rates of exchange for assets and liabilities, and average rates of exchange for the year for revenues, costs, and expenses and historical rates for the equity. Translation adjustments resulting from the process of translating the local currency financial statements into U.S. dollars are included in determining comprehensive income.  At December 31, 2013, the cumulative translation adjustment of $64,434 was classified as an item of other comprehensive income in the shareholders’ equity section of the consolidated balance sheet.  For the year ended December 31, 2013, accumulated other comprehensive income was $169,177.


The exchange rates used to translate amounts in CNY and SGD into U.S. Dollars for the purposes of preparing the consolidated financial statements were as follows:  


Balance sheet items, as of year-end date:

 US$0.16260:CNY1 and US$0.78355:SGD1


Amounts included in the statements of operations, statements of changes in shareholders’ equity and statements of cash flows for the year: US$0.16059:CNY1 and US$0.79328:SGD1


Revenue Recognition


Commission revenue is recognized as of the effective date of the insurance policy or the date the customer is billed, whichever is later.  At that date, the earnings process has been completed, and the Company can reliably estimate the impact of



- 15 -



policy cancellations based upon historical cancellation experience adjusted by known circumstances.  The Company keeps a policy cancellation reserve fund to use if policies are cancelled.  Subsequent commission adjustments are recognized upon notification from the insurance companies.  Fee income is recognized as services are rendered.


Income Taxes


Income tax expense is based on reported income before income taxes.  Deferred income taxes reflect the effect of temporary differences between assets and liabilities that are recognized for financial reporting purposes and the amounts that are recognized for income tax purposes.  In accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification TM (ASC) No. 740, " Income Taxes”, these deferred taxes are measured by applying currently enacted tax laws.  


ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS

N/A


ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA



- 16 -









ALCO, INC.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AT DECEMBER 31, 2013




INDEX


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012

19

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012

21

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012

22

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012

24

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

26











- 17 -



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors

ALCO, Inc.

Hong Kong


We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of ALCO, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”)  as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the years then ended.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatements.  The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting.  Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.  Accordingly, we express no such opinion.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of ALCO, Inc. and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

/s/ MALONEBAILEY, LLP

www.malone-bailey.com

Houston, Texas

March 31, 2014



- 18 -



ALCO, INC

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012


ASSETS

 

December 31, 2013

 

December 31, 2012

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

5,183,870

$

7,988,861

Short-term investment

 

109,785

 

113,014

Commissions receivable, net

 

142,739

 

207,094

Enrollment fee receivable

 

8,593

 

7,669

Fiduciary asset

 

1,936,194

 

1,750,712

Loan receivable

 

3,012,000

 

1,912,000

Tax receivable

 

88,153

 

185,318

Total current assets

 

10,481,334

 

12,164,668

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

2,248,611

 

224,685

Goodwill

 

301,498

 

288,171

Intangible asset

 

20,855

 

55,720

 

 

 

 

 

Other non-current assets:

 

 

 

 

Deposits and prepayment

 

240,430

 

240,050

Marketable securities

 

413,328

 

382,110

Other receivable

 

234,768

 

87,885

Deferred tax assets

 

13,948

 

-

Total other non-current assets

 

902,474

 

710,045

 

 

 

 

 

Total Assets

$

13,954,772

$

13,443,289

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

Trade accounts payable

$

2,090,472

$

1,577,668

Claim payable

 

91,397

 

40,973

Other payable

 

159,451

 

131,363

Accrued expenses

 

166,511

 

207,619

Due to directors

 

988

 

1,448

Deferred revenue

 

667

 

1,917

Total Current Liabilities

$

2,509,486

$

1,960,988

Non-current Liabilities

 

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities

$

-

$

19,270

Total  Non-current Liabilities

$

-

$

19,270

 

 

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

$

2,509,486

$

1,980,258


COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

 

 

 


STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

ALCO, Inc. shareholders' equity:

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, par value $0.01, 5,000,000 shares authorized;

 

 

 

 

no shares issued and outstanding

$

                        -

$

                        -

Common stock, par value $0.001, 50,000,000 shares authorized;

 

 

 

 

10,336,000 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013 and  10,342,000 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2012

 

10,336

 

10,342

Additional paid-in capital

 

342,758

 

306,547

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

169,177

 

147,361

Retained earnings

 

10,593,963

 

10,797,202

Total ALCO, Inc. shareholders' equity

 

11,116,234

 

11,261,452



- 19 -






Noncontrolling interest

 

329,052

 

201,579

Total equity

 

11,445,286

 

11,463,031

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

$

13,954,772

$

13,443,289

 

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



- 20 -



ALCO, INC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012


 

 

Year ended December 31,

Revenues

 

2013

 

2012

Commission income

$

5,712,476

$

5,932,350

Consulting income

 

55,800

 

53,582

Website advertising

 

5,250

 

14,000

Enrollment fee income

 

9,888

 

6,611

Total revenues

 

5,783,414

 

6,006,543

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Expenses

 

 

 

 

Salaries

$

3,418,958

$

3,014,156

Travel expenses

 

393,763

 

442,447

Rents

 

705,797

 

639,096

Bad debt expenses / (recovery)

 

106,569

 

(5,213)

Depreciation and amortization

 

135,206

 

162,872

Other general and administrative

 

1,142,195

 

1,067,755

Total operating expenses

 

5,902,488

 

5,321,113

 

 

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Operations

$

(119,074)

$

685,430

 

 

 

 

 

Other Income (Expense)

 

 

 

 

Interest income

$

5,128

$

4,259

Investment income

 

17,770

 

14,520

Other revenues

 

84,355

 

30,329

Loss on disposal of fixed assets

 

-

 

(5,863)

Total other income

 

107,253

 

43,245

 

 

 

 

 

Income (Loss) Before Provision for Income Taxes

 

(11,821)

 

728,675

Provision for income taxes

 

43,102

 

190,609

Net Income (Loss)

 

(54,923)

 

538,066

Less: Net income attributable to the non-controlling interest

 

(148,316)

 

(139,651)

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to ALCO, Inc.

$

(203,239)

$

398,415

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive Income (Loss):

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

(54,923)

 

538,066

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

 

 

 

Marketable securities

 

13,377

 

102,552

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

2,731

 

7,430

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

$

(38,815)

$

648,048

Less: comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest

 

(142,608)

 

(139,651)

Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to ALCO. Inc.

 

(181,423)

 

508,397

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and Fully Diluted (Loss) Earnings per Share

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to ALCO, Inc

 

 

 

 

common shareholders

$

(0.02)

$

0.04

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding

 

10,336,016

 

10,342,525

 

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



- 21 -



ALCO, INC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012


 

 

 

Year ended December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

Operating Activities

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(54,923)

$

538,066

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash:

 

 

 

 

 

Bad debt (recovery) expense

 

 

106,569

 

(5,213)

Depreciation expense

 

 

100,999

 

138,119

Amortization expense

 

 

34,207

 

24,753

Stock-based compensation

 

 

36,205

 

87,890

Loss on disposal of fixed assets

 

 

-

 

5,863

Deferred income taxes

 

 

(33,218)

 

19,270

Stock dividend received

 

 

(17,770)

 

(14,520)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

(Increase)/Decrease in commission receivable

 

 

(40,257)

 

195,141

(Increase)/Decrease in enrollment fee receivable

 

 

(924)

 

(289)

(Increase)/Decrease in deposit and prepayment

 

 

(2,053)

 

(6,213)

(Increase)/Decrease in fiduciary asset

 

 

(191,359)

 

(516,156)

(Increase)/Decrease in income tax receivable

 

 

97,252

 

(159,551)

(Increase)/Decrease in other receivable

 

 

(146,895)

 

37,047

Increase/(Decrease) in accounts payable

 

 

510,483

 

471,204

Increase/(Decrease) in claims payable

 

 

50,424

 

20,229

Increase/(Decrease) in other payable

 

 

27,984

 

(532,683)

Increase/(Decrease) in accrued expenses

 

 

(40,429)

 

98,122

Increase/(Decrease) in deferred revenue

 

 

1,250

 

-

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

435,045

 

401,079

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term investment

 

 

(539)

 

(111,329)

Loan made to third parties

 

 

(1,100,000)

 

                    -

Cash paid for acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash received

 

 

                     -

 

(170,937)

Cash paid for purchase of fixed assets

 

 

(2,124,334)

 

(173,332)

Sale proceed from disposal of fixed assets

 

 

                     -

 

95

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(3,224,873)

 

(455,503)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

Dividend paid to minority shareholders

 

 

(147,179)

 

(125,640)

Capital injection from minority interest shareholder

 

 

132,044

 

                    -

Borrowings on related party debt

 

 

52,166

 

10,307

Principal payments on related party debt

 

 

(52,626)

 

(50,043)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

 

(15,595)

 

(165,376)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Decrease) / increase in cash

 

 

(2,805,423)

 

(219,800)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

 

432

 

4,704

Cash at beginning of the year

 

 

7,988,861

 

8,203,957

Cash at end of the year

 

$

5,183,870

$

7,988,861

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid / (received) during year for:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

$

-

$

-

Income taxes paid

 

$

54,063

$

342,369



- 22 -






 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-Cash Transactions

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted shares (forfeited) / issued

 

$

(6)

$

(6)

Purchase price allocation adjustment

 

$

                   -

 

                   -

Change in fair value for Available-for-sales securities

 

$

13,377

$

102,552

 

 

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



- 23 -



ALCO, INC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ALCO, Inc Shareholders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

Additional Paid-in Capital

 

 

Retained Earnings

 

Total Stockholders' Equity

 

Non-controlling Interest

 

Total      Equity

 

Shares

 

Par Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, January 1, 2012

10,348,000

$

10,348

$

218,651

$

37,379

$

10,398,787

$

10,665,165

$

124,303

$

10,789,468

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted Shares issued to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Stock issued

13,500

 

14

 

(14)

 

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

  Stock forfeited

(19,500)

 

(20)

 

20

 

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

Stock-based compensation

 

 

 

 

87,890

 

 

 

 

 

87,890

 

 

 

87,890

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gain on market security

 

 

 

 

 

 

102,552

 

 

 

102,552

 

 

 

102,552

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,430

 

 

 

7,430

 

 

 

7,430

Acquisition of non-controlling interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

63,265

 

63,265

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

398,415

 

398,415

 

139,651

 

538,066

Dividend paid

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(125,640) 

 

(125,640) 

Balance, December 31, 2012

10,342,000

 

10,342

 

306,547

 

147,361

 

10,797,202

 

11,261,452

 

201,579

 

11,463,031

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted Shares issued to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Stock issued

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Stock forfeited

(6,000)

 

(6)

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

Stock based compensation

 

 

 

 

36,205

 

 

 

 

 

36,205

 

 

 

36,205

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gain on marketable securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

13,377

 

 

 

13,377

 

 

 

13,377

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,439

 

 

 

8,439

 

(5,708)

 

2,731

Capital injection from non-controlling interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

132,044

 

132,044

Net income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(203,239)

 

(203,239)

 

148,316

 

(54,923)

Dividend paid

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(147,179)

 

(147,179)



- 24 -






 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2013

10,336,000

$

10,336

$

342,758

$

169,177

$

10,593,963

$

11,116,234

$

329,052

$

11,445,286

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



- 25 -



ALCO, INC.


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2013


Note 1 – Organization and Operations


Description of Business


ALCO, Inc. (“ALCO,” “we,” “us,” the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Nevada on June 7, 1999 as Seahorse, Inc. and changed its name to Lotus Capital Corp. (“Lotus”) on September 20, 2004.  The Company changed its name to ALCO, Inc. on February 13, 2006.


The Company is principally engaged in the marine insurance brokerage business in the Asia Pacific region, through its wholly owned subsidiary, AL Marine Holdings (BVI), Ltd., a British Virgin Islands corporation ("AL Marine").


AL Marine is the 100% owner of Andrew Liu and Co., Ltd., a corporation principally engaged in the business of marine insurance brokerage in Asia.  AL Marine owns 60% of Chang An Consultants Ltd., a joint venture with China Changjiang National Shipping Corporation (“CSC Group”) that serves as a vehicle for the provision of marine insurance brokerage and other marine business services by AL Marine.  AL Marine owns 85% of EdushipAsia Ltd.  In 2005 and 2004, EdushipAsia Ltd was appointed as an exclusive agent by the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (UK) (“ICS”) to set up ICS’s first distant learning centre in Shanghai, PRC.  AL Marine owns 100% of AL Marine Holdings (Hong Kong) Limited (“ALM HK”), a corporation principally engaged in the investment holding.  ALM HK owns 100% of AL Marine Consulting Services (Shanghai) Ltd (“ALM Shanghai”), a corporation principally engaged in the investment holding.  ALM Shanghai, through an agency arrangement, owns 100% of Shanghai Heshili Broker Co. Limited (“SHB”), a corporation principally engaged in the business of general insurance brokerage in China.  AL Marine owns 82% of Kim Insurance Brokers Pte Ltd, a corporation principally engaged in the business of general insurance brokerage in Singapore. On March 27, 2013, the Company changed the name of Kim Insurance Brokers Pte Limited to ALCO Insurance Brokers Pte Limited (“ALCO Insurance”).


ALCO, Inc. and AL Marine are hereafter referred to as the Company.


Under the current Chinese regulations, there are restrictions on the percentage interest foreign or foreign-invested companies may have in Chinese companies providing insurance brokerage services in China.  In addition, the operation by foreign or foreign-invested companies of insurance brokerage business in China is subject to government approval.  In order to comply with these restrictions and other Chinese rules and regulations, ALM Shanghai entered into an exclusive agreement with SHB.  Under the agreement, the Company provides all management and administration services and financial support to SHB for its operations.  SHB is prohibited from entering into any exclusive agreement without the Company’s prior approval.


SHB is 100% beneficially owned by a Chinese party.  An agency agreement is entered into between the Chinese party and ALM Shanghai.  Under this agreement, the Chinese party is holding the shares of SHB on behalf of ALM Shanghai.  The company does not have any direct ownership interest in SHB.


As a result of our contractual arrangements with SHB above, we bear the risks of, and enjoy the rewards associated with, and therefore are the primary beneficiary of our investments in SHB, and we have begun to consolidate its results of operations in our consolidated financial statements commencing in the fiscal year 2010.



Control by Principal Stockholders


The directors, executive officers, their affiliates and related parties own, beneficially and in the aggregate, the majority of the voting power of the outstanding share capital of the Company.  Accordingly, directors, executive officers and their affiliates, if



- 26 -



they voted their shares uniformly, would have the ability to control the approval of most corporate actions, including approving significant expenses, increasing the authorized capital stock and the dissolution, merger or sale of the Company's assets.


Reclassification


Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.



Note 2 – Significant Accounting Policies


Economic and Political Risks


The Company faces a number of risks and challenges since its assets are located in Hong Kong, a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China ("PRC"), and its revenues are derived from its operations therein.  The PRC is a developing country with an early stage market economic system, overshadowed by the state.  Its political and economic systems are very different from the more developed countries and are in a state of change.  The PRC also faces many social, economic and political challenges that may produce major shocks and instabilities and even crises, in both its domestic arena and in its relationships with other countries, including the United States.  Such shocks, instabilities and crises may in turn significantly and negatively affect the Company's performance.


Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation


The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all its majority-owned subsidiaries and other entity which require consolidation.  Inter-company transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.


In accordance with ASC 810, the Company consolidates variable interest entities (“VIEs”) for which it is the primary beneficiary.  The company has evaluated the provisions of ASC 810 and determined that it applies to its interest in China.


VIEs are generally entities that lack sufficient equity to operate without additional subordinated financial support from other parties or are entities whose equity holders do not have adequate decision making authority.  The primary beneficiary of a VIE is the party that (a) has the power to direct the activities of a VIE that significantly impacts its economic performance and (b) has the obligation to absorb the losses or the rights to receive the benefits that could be significant to the VIE.


According to the requirements of ASC 810, we have evaluated our relationships with SHB.  We have concluded that SHB is a VIE, and the Company is the primary beneficiary of the VIE.  Accordingly, we adopted the provisions of ASC 810 and consolidated SHB into our financial statements commencing in the fiscal year of 2010.


The company’s VIE consolidated net assets were US$845,122 at December 31, 2013.


The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with US GAAP and the instructions to Form 10-K and Regulation S-K.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (which include normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows at December 31, 2013 and 2012 for all periods presented have been made.


Certain accounting principles, which are stipulated by US GAAP, are not applicable in the HKAS.  The difference between HKAS accounts of the Company and its US GAAP financial statements is immaterial.


The Company maintains its books and accounting records in Hong Kong dollar ("HK$"), which is determined as the functional currency.  Assets and liabilities of the Company are translated at the prevailing exchange rate at each year end.  Contributed capital accounts are translated using the historical rate of exchange when capital is injected.  Income statement accounts are translated at the average rate of exchange during the year.  Translation adjustments arising from the use of different exchange rates



- 27 -



from period to period are included in the cumulative translation adjustment account in shareholders' equity.  Gain and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in operations.


Concentration of Credit Risk


Financial instruments which subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of accounts receivable and cash.  Exposure to losses on receivables is dependent on each customer's financial condition.  The Company controls its exposure to credit risk through a process of credit approvals, credit limits and monitoring procedures, establishing allowances for anticipated losses.


Use of Estimates


The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results, when ultimately realized could differ from those estimates.


Significant Estimates


Several areas require significant management estimates relating to uncertainties for which it is reasonably possible that there will be a material change in the near term.  The more significant areas requiring the use of management estimates relate to the valuation of accounts receivable and payable, equipment, accrued liabilities, and the useful lives for amortization and depreciation.


Revenue Recognition


Commission revenue is recognized as of the effective date of the insurance policy or the date the customer is billed, whichever is later.  At that date, the earnings process has been completed and the Company can reliably estimate the impact of policy cancellations based upon historical cancellation experience adjusted by known circumstances.  The policy cancellation reserve is periodically evaluated and adjusted as necessary.  Subsequent commission adjustments are recognized upon notification from the insurance companies.  Commission revenues are reported net of commissions paid to sub-brokers.  Fee income is recognized as services are rendered.


Cash and Cash Equivalents


The Company invests idle cash primarily in money market accounts, certificates of deposit and short-term commercial paper.  Money market funds and all highly liquid debt instruments with an original maturity of three months or less are considered cash equivalents.


Short-term Investment


Short-term investment includes fixed deposit with maturity of one year with financial institution.


Commissions and Other Receivables


Commissions and other receivables are recognized and carried at original invoice amount less an allowance for any uncollectible amounts.  An estimate for doubtful accounts is made when collection of the full amount becomes questionable.


We made allowance for doubtful accounts based on a review of all outstanding amounts on a monthly basis.  We analyze the aging of receivable balances, historical bad debts, customer concentrations, customer credit-worthiness, current economic trends and changes in our customer payment terms.  Significant changes in customer concentration or payment terms, deterioration of customer credit-worthiness or weakening in economics trends could have a significant impact on the collectability of receivables



- 28 -



and the allowance.  If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances will be made.


Allowances are applied to commissions and other receivables where events or changes in circumstance indicate that the balances may not be collectible.  The identification of doubtful debts requires the use of judgment and estimates as mentioned above.  Where the expectation on or the actual recoverability of commissions and other receivables is different from the original estimate, such difference will impact the carrying value of commissions and other receivables and doubtful debts expenses in the periods in which such estimate is changed or the receivable are collected.


Property, Plant and Equipment


Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.  The estimated useful live of our property is 20 years.  Land is not depreciated.  The cost of repairs and maintenance is expensed as incurred; major replacements and improvements are capitalized.  When assets are retired or disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gains or losses are included in the income statement in the year of disposition.


The annual percentages applied on depreciation are:


Motor vehicles

20%

Furniture and fixtures

15%

Office equipment

15%

Leasehold improvements

20%

Property

5%

Land

0%


Marketable Securities


 

All marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale securities. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value with resulting unrealized gains and losses, reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Long-term marketable securities have remaining maturities at the balance sheet date of one year or greater.


Accounts Payable and Claims Payable


In its capacity as an insurance agent or broker, the Company collects premiums from customers and, after deducting its commissions, remits the premiums to the respective insurers; the Company also collects claims or refunds from insurers on behalf of customers.  Unremitted insurance premiums and claims are held in a fiduciary capacity.  The obligation to remit premiums is recorded as accounts payable and the obligation to remit claims and refunds is recorded as claims payable on the balance sheet.


Pension Costs


Mandatory contributions are made to the Hong Kong's Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF), based on a percentage of the employees' basic salaries.  The cost of these payments are charged to the profit and loss accounts as they become payable in accordance with the rule of the MPF Scheme.  The employer contributions vest fully with the employees when contributed into the MPF Scheme.


Income Taxes


Income tax expense is based on reported income before income taxes.  Deferred income taxes reflect the effect of temporary differences between assets and liabilities that are recognized for financial reporting purposes and the amounts that are recognized for income tax purposes.  In accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification TM No. 740, “Income Taxes”, these deferred taxes are measured by applying currently enacted tax laws.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the



- 29 -



enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income (losses) in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be realized or settled.  


Fair Value of Measurements


The Company adopted Statement of ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” effective January 1, 2008.  The provisions of ASC 820 are to be applied prospectively.


ASC 820 clarifies that fair value is an estimate of the exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants (i.e., the exit price at the measurement date).  Under ASC 820, fair value measurements are not adjusted for transaction cost.  ASC 820 provides for use of a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels:


Level 1:

Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities


Level 2:

Input other than quoted market prices that are observable, either directly or indirectly, and reasonably available.  Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability and are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company.


Level 3:

Unobservable inputs.  Unobservable inputs reflect the assumptions that the Company develops based on available information about what market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability.


An asset or liability’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  Availability of observable inputs can vary and is affected by a variety of factors.  The Company uses judgment in determining fair value of assets and liabilities and Level 3 assets and liabilities involve greater judgment than Level 1 and Level 2 assets or liabilities.


Valuation of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

The Company records the excess of purchase price over the fair value of the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired as goodwill.  Current authoritative guidance requires goodwill to be tested for impairment annually as well as when an event or change in circumstance indicates impairment may have occurred.  Goodwill is tested for impairment by comparing the fair value of the Company’s individual reporting units to their carrying amount to determine if there is potential goodwill impairment.  If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the implied fair value of the goodwill of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value.


Long-lived assets, including fixed assets and intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.  In reviewing for impairment, the carrying value of such assets is compared to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition.  If such cash flows are not sufficient to support the asset’s recorded value, an impairment charge is recognized to reduce the carrying value of the long-lived asset to its estimated fair value.  The determination of future cash flows, as well as the estimated fair value of long-lived assets, involves significant estimates on the part of management.  In order to estimate the fair value of a long-lived asset, the Company may engage a third-party to assist with the valuation.  If there is a material change in economic conditions or other circumstances influencing the estimate of future cash flows or fair value, the Company could be required to recognize impairment charges in the future.


The Company adopted ASU 2011-08 "Intangibles-Goodwill and Other", which amends the guidance in ASC 350-20 on testing for goodwill impairment. The revised guidance allows entities testing for goodwill impairment to have the option of performing a qualitative assessment before calculating the fair value of the reporting unit. In the qualitative assessment, the Company followed the steps specified in ASC 350-20-35-3C to evaluate the fair values of goodwill and considered all known events and circumstances that might trigger an impairment of goodwill.  The assessment indicated no impairment of goodwill. Through the



- 30 -



review completed in 2013, the Company concluded that there were no events or circumstances that triggered impairment, and there was no expectation that a reporting unit or a significant portion of a reporting unit would be sold or otherwise disposed of in the following year.  


Related Party Transactions


The Company rented an quarter in Hong Kong from a company owned by directors of the Company, and an quarter in Shanghai from a director of the Company.


Foreign Currency and Other Comprehensive Income


The accompanying financial statements are presented in United States (US) dollars.  The functional currency of ALC, CAC and ESA is the Hong Kong dollar (HK$).  The financial statements are translated into US dollars from HK$ at year-end exchange rates for assets and liabilities, and weighted average exchange rates for revenues and expenses.  Capital accounts are translated at their historical exchange rates when the capital transactions occurred.


The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (“HKMA”), Hong Kong's central bank, maintains a Linked Exchange Rate System since 1983.  The HKMA operates Convertibility Undertakings on both the strong side and the weak side of the Linked Rate of US$1: HK$7.8.  In fact, the exchange rate for HK$ to US dollars has varied by only 100ths during 2013 and 2012.  Thus, the consistent exchange rate used has been 7.80 HK$ per each US dollar.  Since there have been no greater fluctuations in the exchange rate, there is no gain or loss from foreign currency translation and no resulting other comprehensive income or loss.


Foreign currency transactions are those that required settlement in a currency other than HK$.  Gain or loss from foreign currency transactions, or exchange loss, are recognized in income in the period they occur.


The functional currency of SHB and ALM Shanghai is the Chinese Yuan (“CNY”).  The financial statements of SHB and ALM Shanghai are translated into United States dollars in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification TM (ASC) No. 830, " Foreign Currency Matters”, using year-end rates of exchange for assets and liabilities, and average rates of exchange for the period for revenues, costs, and expenses and historical rates for the equity.  Translation adjustments resulting from the process of translating the local currency financial statements into U.S. dollars are included in determining comprehensive income.

 

The exchange rates used to translate amounts in CNY into U.S. Dollars for the purposes of preparing the consolidated financial statements were as follows:  


Balance sheet items, as of year-end date:

 US$0.16260:CNY1


Amounts included in the statements of operations, statements of changes in shareholders’ equity and statements of cash flows for the year: US$0.16059:CNY1


The functional currency of ALCO Insurance is the Singapore Dollar (“SGD”).  The financial statements of ALCO Insurance are translated into United States dollars in accordance with ASC 830, "Foreign Currency Matters”, using year-end rates of exchange for assets and liabilities, and average rates of exchange for the period for revenues, costs, and expenses and historical rates for the equity.  Translation adjustments resulting from the process of translating the local currency financial statements into U.S. dollars are included in determining comprehensive income.

 

The exchange rates used to translate amounts in SGD into U.S. Dollars for the purposes of preparing the consolidated financial statements were as follows:  


Balance sheet items, as of year-end date:

 US$0.78355:SGD1




- 31 -



Amounts included in the statements of operations, statements of changes in shareholders’ equity and statements of cash flows for the year: US$0.79328:SGD1


Earnings Per Share


Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted earnings per share is computed similar to basic earnings per share except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if the potential common shares had been issued and if the additional common shares were dilutive.  There were no dilutive shares for the year ended December 31, 2013.


Legal and Other Contingencies


As discussed in Part I, Item 3 of this Form 10-K under the heading “Legal Proceedings”, and in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Note 16, “Commitments and Contingencies”, ALCO’s subsidiary, ALC, is subject to a legal proceeding that has not been resolved and that has arisen in the ordinary course of business.  The Company records a liability when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount is reasonably estimable.  There is significant judgment required in both the probability determination and as to whether an exposure can be reasonably estimated.  


In the opinion of management, there is not a reasonable possibility the Company may have incurred a material loss, or a material loss in excess of a recorded accrual, with respect to loss contingencies for legal and other contingencies.  However, the outcome of this legal proceeding brought against the Company is subject to significant uncertainty.  Therefore, although management considers the likelihood of such as outcome to be remote, if the legal proceeding is resolved against the Company in a reporting period for amounts in excess of management’s expectations, the Company’s consolidated financial statements for that reporting period could be materially adversely affected.


Recent Accounting Pronouncements


In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-05, “Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830)—Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity”. These amendments provide guidance on releasing Cumulative Translation Adjustments when a reporting entity (parent) ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business within a foreign entity. In addition, these amendments provide guidance on the release of CTA in partial sales of equity method investments and in step acquisitions. For public entities, the amendments are effective on a prospective basis for fiscal years and interim reporting periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The amendments should be applied prospectively to derecognition events occurring after the effective date. Prior periods should not be adjusted. The Company does not expect the adoption to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.


In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists”. These amendments provide that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion thereof, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, except to the extent that a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date to settle any additional income taxes that would result from disallowance of a tax position, or the tax law does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, then the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented as a liability. For public entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The Company does not expect the adoption to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.


Other accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by FASB that do not require adoption until a future date are not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements upon adoption.




- 32 -




Note 3 – Cash

 

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

Cash consist of the following:

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

 

 

Cash in hand

$

22,653

$

10,575

Cash in bank - Saving & Checking

 

 

 

 

China Construction Bank (Asia) (formerly known as Bank of America (Asia))

 

3,763,362

 

6,779,370

United Overseas Bank

 

568,362

 

443,588

Bank of China

 

225,199

 

182,131

Sun Hung Kei Financial

 

284

 

98

Bank of Shanghai

 

597,407

 

566,456

Industrial and Commercial Bank of China

 

189

 

232

Cash in bank – Fixed deposit

 

6,414

 

6,411

 

$

5,183,870

$

7,988,861


The Company established a bank guarantee of HK$45,000 (approximately US$5,770) credit line with the China Construction Bank (Asia).  The interest rate and charges are subject to change from time to time.  The bank guarantee credit line is pledged of $6,410 fixed deposit included in Cash in bank – Fixed deposit as shown above.  On December 31, 2013, a bank guarantee of $5,540.81 was provided and the detail is described in “Note 16 – Commitments and Contingencies” as below.


Cash balances are held principally at one financial institution and are not insured.  The Company believes it mitigates its risk by investing in or through major financial institutions.  Recoverability is dependent upon the performance of the institution.  Although the cash balances are not insured, however, starting in September 2006, cash balances (except accounts with overdraft facilities) are protected by the Deposit Protection Scheme which is maintaining by the Hong Kong Deposit Protection Board, an independent statutory body established under the Deposit Protection Scheme Ordinance (Cap. 581).


Under the scheme, compensation up to a limit of HK$100,000 (US$12,821) per depositor would be paid from the scheme to depositor if the bank with which the depositor holds his/her eligible deposits fails.  On October 14, 2008, the Hong Kong Government announced that they would use the Exchange Fund to guarantee the repayment of all customer deposits held in authorized institutions in Hong Kong, following the principles of the Deposit Protection Scheme.  This action began on October 14, 2008 and expired at the end of 2010.  Following the enactment of the Deposit Protection Scheme (Amendment) Ordinance 2010 in June 2010, the protection limit of the Deposit Protection Scheme is increased from HK$100,000 per depositor to HK$500,000 (approximately US$64,103) per depositor with effect from January 1, 2011.



Note 4 – Commissions Receivable

 

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

Commissions receivable consist of the following:

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

 

 

Commissions receivable

$

336,299

$

300,646

Less: allowance for doubtful accounts

 

(193,560)

 

(93,552)

 

$

142,739

$

207,094



Note 5 – Fiduciary Assets


Fiduciary assets are cash balances held by a bank, mainly consisting of premiums collected from customers and payable to insurers, and claims received from insurers and payable to policyholders.




- 33 -



When the Company receives a premium from a customer, it debits the lump sum amount into one bank account and establishes a schedule to keep track of the amount of premium payable to the insurer.  At the monthly closing, the Company reclassifies the amount of premium payable to insurers as fiduciary assets.  Also, when the Company receives a claim on behalf of a policyholder, it debits fiduciary assets and credits claims payable and other payables, if necessary.  The fiduciary asset had a balance of $1,936,194 and $1,750,712 at December 31, 2013 and 2012 respectively.



Note 6 – Property, Plant and Equipment

 

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

Property, Plant and Equipment consists of the following:

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

 

 

Furniture and fixtures

$

47,610

$

39,118

Office equipment

 

230,271

 

193,475

Leasehold improvements

 

92,823

 

42,265

Motor Vehicle

 

92,689

 

91,161

Land

 

810,938

 

-

Buildings

 

1,216,407

 

-

 

 

2,490,738

 

366,019

Less: Accumulated depreciation

 

(242,127)

 

(141,334)

 

$

2,248,611

$

224,685


Depreciation expense for 2013 and 2012 was $100,999 and $138,119 respectively.  Loss on disposal of fixed assets for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $0 and $5,863 respectively.



Note 7 – Acquisition


On October 1, 2012 (“the acquisition date”), the Company acquired 82% equity interest of Kim Insurance Brokers Pte Ltd (“KIM”) for a cash consideration of $367,820. The results of KIM’s operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements since that date.  In accordance with the acquisition method of accounting, the company initially allocated the consideration to the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets, based on their estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition.  Goodwill is recognized and measured as the excess of the total consideration transferred plus the fair value of non-controlling interest of KIM at the acquisition date over the fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired. The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date.


Property, plant and equipment   

$

8,837

Intangible asset   

 

36,945

Goodwill

 

79,611

Cash in banks

 

196,883

Fiduciary assets

 

158,937

Accounts receivable

 

360,482

Other receivable, prepayment and deposit

 

21,753

Current liabilities

 

(432,363)

Non-controlling interest

 

(63,265)

Total purchase price

$

367,820


The fair value of the 18% non-controlling interest in KIM is estimated to be $63,265 at the acquisition date. Intangible asset is in relation to the acquired customer list with a useful life of 3 years.  The fair value of goodwill will be under the company’s annual goodwill impairment testing staring in next year.  The acquired goodwill is not deductible for income tax purposes.




- 34 -



Note 8 – Fair Value of Marketable Securities Investment and Investment Income


The following are the Company’s investments owned and securities sold short by level within the fair value hierarchy at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:


Assets

 

Fair value

 

Fair value Hierarchy

 

 

December 31, 2013

 

December 31, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stocks

$

413,328

$

382,110

 

Level 1

Short-term investment

$

109,785

$

113,014

 

Level 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Unrealized gain of $13,377 and $102,552 for the investments were recognized in the other comprehensive income for 2013 and 2012, respectively.  All these gain and loss are related to the investments listed in the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.


 

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

Investment Income

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

 

 

Dividend from the publicly traded equity securities

$

17,770

$

14,520



Note 9 – Loan Receivable


On August 4, 2011, the Company subsidiary Andrew Liu & Company Limited (“ALC”) entered into a loan agreement with its clients, Jian Mao International Shipping Co Ltd (“JMISCL”) and Jian Xing Intl Shipping Co Ltd (“JXISCL”).  Under the loan agreement, ALC will make available to JMISCL and JXISCL an on demand loan facility in the principal amount of up to US$3,000,000.  The loan is interest free and secured by the claim proceeds under a claim filed by JMISCL and JXISCL under the terms an existing Hull & Machinery insurance policy insuring a vessel owned and managed by JMISCL and JXISCL respectively. The loan is payable upon demand at any time following settlement of the claim if the claim proceeds are not adequate to cover the loan in full, and in any event is due and payable in full on or before August 4, 2012.  


On August 4, 2012 and 2013, ALC entered into a loan extension agreement with JMISCL and JXISCL, respectively.  Under the two extension agreements, the payable due date is extended to August 4, 2014.  All terms and conditions of the loan agreement remain unchanged.


On December 27, 2013, ALC entered into a loan agreement with its client, Zhenghe Shipping S.A. (“ZSSA”).  Under the loan agreement, ALC will make available to ZSSA an on demand loan facility in the principal amount of up to US$1,100,000.  The loan bears interest at the rate of 5.25% per annum and is unsecured.  The loan term is two months and is payable in full at any time upon demand.


As of December 2013 and 2012, the outstanding balance of the loan is as follows:

 

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

 

 

Loan amount

$

1,912,000

$

1,912,000

Addition

 

1,100,000

 

-

Less: Repayment

 

-

 

-

Balance

$

3,012,000

$

1,912,000





- 35 -



Note 10 – Due to Directors

 

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

Due to directors consists of the following:

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

 

 

Andrew Liu Fu Kang

$

283

$

743

John Liu Shou Kang

 

705

 

705

 

$

988

$

1,448


Due to director represents loans payable that are unsecured, non-interest bearing and have no fixed terms of repayment, therefore, deemed payable on demand.



Note 11 – Stock-based Compensation


2010 restricted stock plan


On June 1, 2010, the board of directors approved and the Company granted an award of 198,000 shares of restricted stock to certain key employees and directors of the Company. The award was made pursuant to the 2010 Restricted Share Stock Compensation Plan as approved by the Company’s Board of Directors. Under the plan, a maximum of 500,000 common shares may be delivered in satisfaction of awards. Key employees and directors are eligible to participate in the plan. Each grant of restricted shares under the Plan is subject to certain terms and conditions such as the shares cannot be transferred during the restriction period and the shares will be forfeited if the employment is terminated by the holder or the Company. Restricted stocks are granted at a strike price that is equal to the fair value of the Company’s stock on the date of grant.


The aggregate value of this award was $310,860, as determined by multiplying the number of shares by the fair value of the Company’s stock on June 1, 2010, the date of grant. The fair value is based on discounted free cash flow analyses, which involve management’s best estimate of future revenue, operation expenses, investing activities, and financing activities. In the valuation, the free cash flow is projected for five years and is determined by using the Company’s historical figures such as revenue and operation expenses which are compounded annually with 5% growth rate. Free cash flow occurring beyond the five-year projection period is assumed to be in perpetuity and determined by using the Perpetuity Growth Model in which the project net cash flow is divided by the risk-free rate. The sums of the five-year free cash flow together with the perpetual free cash flow are then discounted by the risk free rate. As a result, the fair value of the Company’s stock on the date of the grant award is $1.57 per share. When determining the risk-free rate, Hong Kong unsecured long term loan rate, 7.25%, in effect at the time of grant is used in the calculation.


2011 restricted stock plan


On June 1, 2011, the board of directors approved and the Company granted an award of 25,500 shares of restricted stock to certain key employees of the Company.  The award was made pursuant to the 2010 Restricted Share Stock Compensation Plan mentioned as above.  The aggregate value of this award was $71,145, as determined by multiplying the number of shares by the fair value of the Company’s stock on June 1, 2011, the date of grant.  The fair value is calculated based on the same approach mentioned above and the fair value of the Company’s stock on the date of grant is $2.79 per share. When determining the risk-free rate of this award, Hong Kong unsecured long term loan rate, 7.25%, in effect at the time of grant is used in the calculation.


2012 restricted stock plan


On June 1, 2012, the board of directors approved and the Company granted an award of 13,500 shares of restricted stock to a key employee of the Company.  The award was made pursuant to the 2010 Restricted Share Stock Compensation Plan mentioned as above.  The aggregate value of this award was $22,275, as determined by multiplying the number of shares by the fair value of the Company’s stock on June 1, 2012, the date of grant.  The fair value is calculated based on the same approach mentioned above



- 36 -



and the fair value of the Company’s stock on the date of grant is $1.65 per share. When determining the risk-free rate of this award, Hong Kong unsecured long term loan rate, 8.25%, in effect at the time of grant is used in the calculation.


During the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company recognized $36,205 and $87,890 respectively, of stock-based compensation expense.



Note 12 – Related Party Transaction


The Company rents quarters for directors in Hong Kong and Shanghai from companies owned by directors of the Company.  The relevant rent expenses consist of following:


 

 

 

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

Location

 

Landlord

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shanghai Quarter

 

Andrew Liu Fu Kang

$

30,769

$

30,769

Director (Andrew) Quarter

 

First Pacific Development Ltd

 

-

 

3,333

 

 

 

$

30,769

$

34,102



Note 13 – Income Taxes


The Company's effective tax rate for 2013 and 2012 was -364.62% and 26.16%, respectively.  The provisions for income taxes for 2013 and 2012 are summarized as follows:


 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

 

 

Current tax

$

76,321

$

171,339

Deferred tax

 

(33,219)   

 

             19,270   

 

$

43,102

$

190,609


A reconciliation between the income tax computed at the U.S. statutory rate and the Company’s provision for income tax is as follows:


 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. statutory rate

 

34.00%

 

34.00%

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign income not recognized in the U.S.

 

-34.00%

 

-34.00%

Temporary differences

 

-381.12%

 

2.64%

Miscellaneous permanent differences

 

-

 

7.02%

Hong Kong income tax rate

 

          16.50%   

 

          16.50%   

Provision for income tax

 

-364.62%

 

26.16%




- 37 -




As of December 31, 2013, the significant components of the Company’s deferred tax asset and liability are as follows:


 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

 

 

Taxable loss carrying over

$

29,621

$

-

Deferred tax asset

$

29,621

$

-

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

$

15,673

$

19,270

Deferred tax liability

$

15,673

$

19,270

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred tax asset (liability), net

$

13,948

 

(19,270)



Deferred income taxes reflect the effect of temporary differences between assets and liabilities that are recognized for financial reporting purposes and the amounts that are recognized for income tax purposes.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income (losses) in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be realized or settled.  


Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes


The Company adopted the provisions of Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes on January 1, 2007.  The provisions clarify the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with the standard “Accounting for Income Taxes,” and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement process for financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  The provisions of Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.


Based on the Company’s evaluation, the Company has concluded that there are no significant uncertain tax positions requiring recognition in its financial statements.


The Company may from time to time be assessed interest or penalties by major tax jurisdictions.  In the event it receives an assessment for interest and/or penalties, it will be classified in the financial statements as tax expense.



Note 14 – Operating Leases


Future minimum lease payments for operating leases for the succeeding years consists of following:

 

 

2014

 

2015

 

2016 and thereafter

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carmel Hill, Hong Kong (Director Quarter)

$

65,385

$

-

$

-

$

65,385

Fortis Tower, Hong Kong (Hong Kong Office)

 

312,615

 

156,308

 

-

 

468,923

Union Building, Shanghai, China (Shanghai Office)

 

17,327

 

-

 

-

 

17,327

Union Building, Shanghai, China (ALM Shanghai Office)

 

26,693

 

-

 

-

 

26,693

Sino Plaza, Fuzhou (Fuzhou Office)

 

25,772

 

-

 

-

 

25,772

The Octagon, Singapore (ALCO Insurance Office)

 

104,669

 

104,669

 

8,722

 

218,060



- 38 -





 

$

552,461

$

260,977

$

8,722

$

822,160


The Company has six material operating lease commitments for its facilities.  The initial term of the lease arrangement for Director Quarter is two years beginning July 19, 2012 with a minimum lease commitment of $65,385.  


For the Hong Kong Office in Wanchai, the initial term of the lease is three years and five months beginning January 30, 2012 with a minimum lease commitment of $468,923. This lease arrangement has a 50 days rent free period from January 30, 2012 to March 19, 2012.  When the lease is ended in June 2015, the Company can renew the lease for two years (from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2017) at the prevailing market rent.


For the Shanghai Office, the initial term of the lease is one year beginning January 1, 2013 with a minimum lease commitment of $17,327.  For the Office of ALM Shanghai, the initial term of the lease is one year beginning January 1, 2013 with a minimum lease commitment of $26,693.  All the lease arrangements mentioned above have no renewal option and rent holiday.  


For the Fuzhou Office, the initial term of the lease is two years beginning August 16, 2012 with a minimum lease commitment of $25,772.  This lease arrangement has no renewal option and rent holiday.


For the Singapore Office of ALCO Insurance, the initial term of the lease is three years beginning February 1, 2013 with a minimum lease commitment of $218,060.  This lease arrangement has a 46 days rent free period from December 17, 2012 to January 31, 2013.  When the lease is ended in February 2016, the Company can renew the lease for three years (from February 1, 2016 to February 2019) at the prevailing market rent.



Note 15 – Noncontrolling Interest


On March 18, 2013, the Company’s subsidiary, Chang An Consultants Ltd., declared dividends of approximately $367,949.  The Company has paid 40% of the dividends or $147,179 to the non-controlling shareholders.


On July 25, 2013, paid up share capital of ALCO Insurance was increased from SGD304,000 (approximately US$243,419) to SGD1,230,000 (approximately US$984,887).  The increase of SGD926,000 (approximately US$741,468) was divided into 926,000 ordinary shares and allotted in according to the current shareholding percentage. The Company injected additional SGD759,320 (approximately US$609,424) into ALCO Insurance and received capital injection of SGD166,680 (approximately US$132,044) from the non-controlling shareholder.  The ownership percentage remains unchanged after the capital injection.




Note 16 – Commitments and Contingencies


The Company provided a bank guarantee of US$5,540.81 in respect of an insurance policy to a client in August 2012.  The guarantee is callable upon the client’s defaults in payment of the deferred calls and supplementary calls under the insurance policy.


ALCO’s subsidiary, ALC, is subject to a legal proceeding that has not been resolved and that has arisen in the ordinary course of business.  On September 16, 2012, a shipowner named Eastshine Limited filed a civil claim against five parties, including ALC, in the Qingdao Maritime Court (“QMC”) in China, claiming losses suffered of CNY 9.9 million (approximately US$1.6 million) due to the allegedly wrongful arrest of a vessel named Tongli Yantai.  Although ALC had no direct relationship with the Plaintiff in the business for the vessel, ALC was the insurance broker of one of the parties named in the legal proceeding, and assisted in resolving the vessel arresting matter. As a result, the Plaintiff has included ALC as one of the defendants in the legal action.  In the opinion of management, there is a remote possibility the Company may have incurred a material loss, or a material loss in excess of a recorded accrual, with respect to loss contingencies.  In addition, because the claims asserted in the legal proceeding are covered by an insurance policy with a policy limit of HK$75 million (approximately US$9.6 million) any one claim and in the



- 39 -



aggregate, ALC’s liability to the claim above is limited to HK$150,000 (approximately US$19,230) and this amount is fully reserved in the book of 2012.  However, the outcome of this legal proceeding brought against the Company is subject to significant uncertainty.  Therefore, although management considers the likelihood of such as outcome to be remote, if the legal proceeding was resolved against the Company in a reporting period for amounts in excess of management’s expectations, the Company’s consolidated financial statements for that reporting period could be materially adversely affected.


The Company's business operations are mainly conducted in the PRC and are subject to significant risks not typically associated with companies in North America and Western Europe.  These include risks associated with, among others, the political, economic and legal environments and foreign currency limitations.


The Company's results may thus be adversely affected by changes in the political and social conditions in the PRC, and by changes in governmental policies, laws, regulations, anti-inflationary measures, currency conversion and remittance limitation, and rates and methods of taxation, among other things.






- 40 -




ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE


None.


ITEM 9A(T). CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES


Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting


The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance for the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.  Because of its inherent limitations (further discussed in next paragraphs below), internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.  


The Company’s management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013.  In this assessment, the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework were used.  Based on our assessment, management believes that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013.


Inherent Limitations in Control Systems


A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.  Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs.  Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected.  These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake.  Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control.  The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.  Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.  Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.  As a result, our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures, or our internal control over financial reporting, will prevent all error and all fraud.


Evaluation of Disclosure on Controls and Procedures


The Company's management, with the participation of the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's "disclosure, controls and procedures" (as defined in the Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(3) and 15-d-15(3) as of the end of the period covered by this annual report (the "Evaluation Date").  Based upon that evaluation, the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving the



- 41 -



objectives of timely alerting them to material information required to be included in our periodic SEC reports and of ensuring that such information is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified.  Our chief executive officer and chief financial officer also concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2013 to provide reasonable assurance of the achievement of these objectives.


This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company's registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.  Management's report was not subject to attestation by the Company's registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only management's report in this annual report.



Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting


There have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) or any other factors during the quarter of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.



ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION


None


PART III


ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE


DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS


The directors and executive officers currently serving ALCO are as follows:


Name

Age

Position

Director/Officer Since

Andrew Liu Fu Kang

52

President and Chairman of the Board

2005

John Liu Shou Kang

53

Director

2005

Colman Au Kwok Wai

48

Chief Financial Officer, Secretary

2008


BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION


Mr. Andrew Liu Fu Kang, is the founder and Chairman of AL Marine and has been the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since December 9, 2005.  He is responsible for the overall management, development, and strategic planning of AL Marine.  He also oversees certain key client accounts and is frequently consulted on insurance claims of a more complex nature.  Before establishing AL Marine, he worked for Richard Hogg International Adjusters in London and Stevens Elmslie & Co. in Hong Kong for a total of 6 years handling all aspects of shipowners’ rights under the hull policy and vis-a-vis third parties, such as general average and salvage, legal defense work and arbitrations.  He was awarded an honors degree in Naval Architecture & Shipbuilding from the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, U.K, a Master’s degree in Marine Law from Cardiff



- 42 -



University, U.K and a Diploma in International Trade Law from the City of London Polytechnic.  He passed the Common Professional Exams in Law from Manchester Polytechnic.  He is a member of the Chartered Insurance Institute and the Chartered Institute of Shipbrokers.  He is the brother of John Liu Shou Kang.


Mr. John Liu Shou Kang is a Director of AL Marine and has been a Director and Vice President of the Company since December 9, 2005.  He is responsible for the overall management of AL Marine, in particular, human resources and operational activities.  Prior to joining AL Marine in 1990, he worked in Sembawang Shipyard, Singapore for 2 years and was in charge of the supervision of all aspects of ship repairs including, design, conversion and costing.  He later worked in Sembawang Shipping Co., Singapore for another 4 years as manager in charge of operations including charter parties, litigation and Hull and P&I claims.  He was awarded an honors degree in Naval Architecture & Shipbuilding from the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, U.K and a Masters degree in International Shipping from Plymouth University, U.K.  He is the brother of Andrew Liu Fu Kang.


Mr. Colman Au Kwok Wai is the Financial Controller of AL Marine and has been the Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of the Company since January 7, 2008.  He has worked for an accounting firm and a number of listed companies and multi-national corporations in Hong Kong and China and has over 15 years' experience in internal auditing, statutory auditing and accounting.  From September 2002 to November 2004, he was the Internal Audit Manager of Huawei Technology Co., Ltd, a China based multi-national corporation specializing in development, production and sales of communication equipment and solutions for telecom carriers, where he was responsible for performing risk assessments, preparing audit plans and conducing audit reviews on the operations of Huawei in China, Hong Kong and overseas.  From November 2004 to January 2008, he was the Senior Internal Audit Manager of Esquel Enterprises Limited, a Hong Kong based multi-national corporation with production facilities in China, Hong Kong and overseas producing premium cotton shirts for high-end brand names, where he was responsible for overseeing the internal audit function of the operations of Esquel in China and Hong Kong.  He obtained a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Accounting from the Curtin University of Technology in 1999 and a Master degree in Professional Accounting from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 2002.  He is a fellow member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, a member of Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants, a certified information system auditor (“CISA”) of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association and a certified internal auditor (“CIA”) of the Institute of Internal Auditors.



COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT


Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires each of our officers and directors and each person who owns more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities to file with the SEC an initial report of ownership and subsequent reports of changes in such ownership.  Such persons are further required by SEC regulation to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms (including Forms 3, 4 and 5) that they file.  Based solely on our review of the copies of such forms received by us with respect to fiscal year 2013, or written representations from certain reporting persons, we believe all of our directors and executive officers met all applicable filing requirements.



ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION


The following table provides summary information concerning compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid to any of ALCO’s officers and directors for all services rendered to ALCO and its consolidated subsidiaries, in all capacities for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013.



- 43 -




Name and Principal Position

Year

Salary ($)

Bonus  ($)

Stock Awards ($)

Option Awards ($)

Non-equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($)

Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings

All Other Compensation ($)

Total Compensation ($)

Andrew Liu, CEO

2011

258,667

72,135

25,905 (1)

--

--

--

77,427 (2)

434,134

2012

286,801

50,545

25,905 (1)

--

--

--

95,612 (3)

458,863

2013

306,859

69,737

10,794 (1)

--

--

--

63,044 (4)

450,434

Colman Au, CFO

2011

122,269

10,513

7,065(1)

--

--

--

1,538 (5)

141,385

2012

133,723

11,354

7,065(1)

--

--

--

1,763 (5)

153,905

2013

141,369

11,923

2,944(1)

--

--

--

1,923 (5)

158,159

(1)

The figures reflect the shares of restricted stock of the Company granted under the 2010 Restricted Share Stock Compensation Plan.  The amounts represent the proportionate amount of the total fair value of restricted stock recognized by the Company as an expense in fiscal year 2010 for financial accounting purposes, disregarding for this purpose the estimate of forfeitures related to service-based vesting conditions.  The fair values of these awards and the amounts expensed in fiscal year 2011, 2012 and 2013 were determined in accordance with Statement of ASC No. 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (“ASC820”).


(2)

Includes expense reimbursement of $75,889 and Mandatory Provident Fund contributions of $1,538.


(3)

Includes expense reimbursement of $93,849 and Mandatory Provident Fund contributions of $1,763.


(4)

Includes expense reimbursement of $61,121 and Mandatory Provident Fund contributions of $1,923.


(5)

Being Mandatory Provident Fund contributions.


The Mandatory Provident Fund is a compulsory savings/retirement scheme for the residents of Hong Kong.  Most employees and employers are required to contribute monthly to schemes provided by government approved private organizations.  Contributions are based on a percentage of an employee’s salaries.  The contribution vests fully with the employee immediately upon payment into the scheme.  


Director Compensation


The following table provides summary information concerning compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid to any of our directors for all services rendered to the Company in all capacities for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.


Name

Salary/Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($)

Stock Awards ($)

Option Awards ($)

Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($)

Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings

All Other Compensation ($)

Total Compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Andrew Liu

376,596

10,794

--

--

--

63,044

450,434

John Liu

297,120

10,794

--

--

--

49,167 (1)

357,081


(1)

Includes expense reimbursement of $46,825 and Mandatory Provident Fund contributions of $1,923.



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Our subsidiary, Andrew Liu & Company, has entered into written employment agreements with Andrew Liu and John Liu.  The agreements remain in effect until terminated by either party with three (3) months notice.  The agreement sets out the duties of the officers, their compensation (as stated above), and their benefits (20 days of vacation time, health insurance, 2 days of sick time per month, etc.).  Pursuant to the agreement, the officers cannot conduct marine insurance brokering or any other business conducted by the Company in the Hong Kong area for a period of two years after the termination of the employment agreement.



ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS


The following table sets forth, as of the date of this report, the stock ownership of each executive officer of ALCO, of all the executive officers and directors of ALCO as a group, and of each person known by ALCO to be a beneficial owner of 5% or more of its Common Stock.  Except as otherwise noted, each person listed below is the sole beneficial owner of the shares and has sole investment and voting power as to such shares.  No person listed below has any options, warrant or other right to acquire additional securities of ALCO, except as may be otherwise noted.


Name

No. of shares

Percent of Class

Andrew Liu, President and Chairman (1)

Flat 3, 24/F., Blk A, Viking Garden

42 Hing Fat Street, Hong Kong

6,253,168 (2)

60.50%

John Liu, Director (1)

House No. 12, Carmel Hill, Stanley, Hong Kong

2,603,435 (3)

25.19%

Colman Au, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary (1)

25th Floor, Fortis Bank Tower, No. 77-79 Gloucester Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong

13,500 (4)

0.13%

All Officers and Directors as a group (3 in number)

8,870,103

85.82%

(1)

The person named is an officer, director, or both.

(2)

49,500 shares of restricted stock of the Company granted under the 2010 Restricted Share Stock Compensation Plan are included.

(3)

49,500 shares of restricted stock of the Company granted under the 2010 Restricted Share Stock Compensation Plan are included.

(4)

It represents 13,500 shares of restricted stock of the Company granted under the 2010 Restricted Share Stock Compensation Plan.



ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE


Other than the related transactions mentioned in the Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, no officer, director, promoter, or affiliate of ALCO has, or proposes to have, any transactions and any direct or indirect material interest in any asset proposed to be acquired by ALCO through security holdings, contracts, options, or otherwise.



ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES


Audit-Related Fees


(1) The aggregate fee billed by MaloneBailey, LLP for audit of the Company’s annual financial statements was $63,000 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 and $65,000 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012.  The aggregate fees billed by MaloneBailey, LLP for the reviews of the Company’s financial statements included in its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q during 2013 were $15,000.



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(2) MaloneBailey, LLP did not bill the Company any amounts for assurance and related services that were related to its audit or review of the Company’s financial statements during the fiscal years ending 2013.


Tax Fees


(3) The aggregate fees billed by MaloneBailey, LLP for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning were $2,500 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012.  The aggregate fees for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 with $2,500 are accrued.


All Other Fees


(4) MaloneBailey, LLP did not bill the Company for any products and services other than the foregoing during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.


Audit Committee’s Pre-approval policies and procedures


(5) ALCO, which is not yet publicly traded, does not have an audit committee.  The current board of directors functions as the audit committee.




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PART IV


ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES


The Exhibits listed below are filed as part of this Annual Report.


2.1

Agreement for Share Exchange dated November 22, 2005, by and among LOTUS CAPITAL CORP., a Nevada corporation, AL MARINE HOLDINGS LTD., a British Virgin Islands corporation, and the Shareholders of AL MARINE (herein incorporated by reference from report on Form 8-K for report dated November 22, 2005 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 9, 2005).


3.1

Articles of Incorporation (herein incorporated by reference from Registration Statement on Form 10-SB filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 6, 2005).


3.2

Bylaws (herein incorporated by reference from Registration Statement on Form 10-SB filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 6, 2005).


10.1

Exclusive representative agreement between ALC and The Strike Club (herein incorporated by reference from the Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 5, 2006).


10.2

Agreement between EduShipAsia Ltd. and the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers appointing EduShipAsia Ltd. as ICS’s exclusive agent in China (herein incorporated by reference from the Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 5, 2006).


10.3

Employment Agreement between Andrew Liu & Company, Ltd. and Andrew Liu.  (herein incorporated by reference from the Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 14, 2006)


10.4

Employment Agreement between Andrew Liu & Company, Ltd. and John Liu.  (herein incorporated by reference from the Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 14, 2006)


31.1

Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.


31.2

Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.


32.1

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.


32.2

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.


101

INS XBRL Instance Document


101

SCH XBRL Schema Document


101

CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document


101

LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document


101

PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document


101

DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document



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SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


ALCO, INC.
(Registrant)


By: /s/ Andrew Liu, CEO and Chairman

Date: March 31, 2014



Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.


By: /s/ Andrew Liu, CEO and Chairman

Date: March 31, 2014


By: /s/ John Liu, Director

Date: March 31, 2014


By: /s/ Colman Au, Chief Financial Officer

Date: March 31, 2014






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