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EX-10.1 - EXHIBIT 10.1 - Highpower International, Inc.v393443_ex10-1.htm
EXCEL - IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT - Highpower International, Inc.Financial_Report.xls
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - Highpower International, Inc.v393443_ex32-1.htm
EX-10.1(B) - EXHIBIT 10.1(B) - Highpower International, Inc.v393443_ex10-1b.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - Highpower International, Inc.v393443_ex31-1.htm
EX-10.3 - EXHIBIT 10.3 - Highpower International, Inc.v393443_ex10-3.htm
EX-10.1(D) - EXHIBIT 10.1(D) - Highpower International, Inc.v393443_ex10-1d.htm
EX-10.2 - EXHIBIT 10.2 - Highpower International, Inc.v393443_ex10-2.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - Highpower International, Inc.v393443_ex31-2.htm
EX-10.1(C) - EXHIBIT 10.1(C) - Highpower International, Inc.v393443_ex10-1c.htm
EX-10.4 - EXHIBIT 10.4 - Highpower International, Inc.v393443_ex10-4.htm
EX-10.1(A) - EXHIBIT 10.1(A) - Highpower International, Inc.v393443_ex10-1a.htm

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

x   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For The Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2014
 
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 NO.:  001-34098

 

HIGHPOWER INTERNATIONAL, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   20-4062622

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

 

Building A1, 68 Xinxia Street, Pinghu, Longgang,

Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518111, People’s Republic of China

(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)(ZIP CODE)

 

(86) 755-89686238

 (COMPANY’S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days Yes x     No ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes x     No ¨

 

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 definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer  ¨ Accelerated filer  ¨
   
Non-accelerated filer  ¨ Smaller reporting company   x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨     No x

 

The registrant had 15,052,158 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, outstanding as of November 12, 2014.

 

 

 

 
 

 

HIGHPOWER INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 FORM 10-Q

 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED September 30, 2014

 INDEX

 

  Page
Part I Financial Information  
         
  Item 1.   Consolidated  Financial Statements  
           
      (a) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2014 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2013 3
           
      (b) Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited) 5
           
      (c) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited) 6
           
      (d) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) 7
           
  Item 2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 31
         
  Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 38
         
  Item 4.   Controls and Procedures 38
         
Part II Other Information  
         
  Item 1.   Legal Proceedings 38
         
  Item 1A.   Risk Factors 38
         
  Item 2.   Unregistered Sale of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 39
         
  Item 3.   Default Upon Senior Securities 39
         
  Item 4.   Mine Safety Disclosures 39
         
  Item 5.   Other Information 39
         
  Item 6.   Exhibits 42
         
Signatures       43

 

2
 

 

Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements

 

HIGHPOWER INTERNATIONAL, INC.AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Stated in US Dollars except Number of Shares)

 

 

    September 30,     December 31,  
    2014     2013  
    (Unaudited)        
    $     $  
ASSETS          
Current Assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents   11,802,804    7,973,459 
Restricted cash   15,467,638    28,586,121 
Accounts receivable, net   38,107,418    33,961,014 
Notes receivable   2,460,187    1,014,891 
Prepayments   4,482,975    4,969,743 
Other receivables   715,550    1,063,656 
Inventories   20,567,199    19,739,360 
           
Total Current Assets   93,603,771    97,308,244 
           
Property, plant and equipment, net   49,383,533    48,548,203 
Land use right, net   4,312,435    4,421,415 
Intangible asset, net   612,500    650,000 
Deferred tax assets   1,626,446    802,225 
Foreign currency derivatives assets   -    63,289 
           
TOTAL ASSETS   149,538,685    151,793,376 
           
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY          
           
LIABILITIES          
Current Liabilities:          
Foreign currency derivatives liabilities   4,976    - 
Accounts payable   50,067,002    40,026,698 
Deferred income   1,635,959    675,521 
Short-term loan   15,817,971    36,142,105 
Notes payable   27,002,824    25,271,256 
Other payables and accrued liabilities   6,819,899    7,801,431 
Income taxes payable   2,046,929    1,279,658 
Current portion of long-term loan   1,951,442    1,967,536 
           
Total Current Liabilities   105,347,002    113,164,205 
           
Warrant Liability   2,385,739    - 
Long-term loan   2,439,302    3,935,071 
           
TOTAL LIABILITIES   110,172,043    117,099,276 
           
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES   -    - 

 

 

 

3
 

 

HIGHPOWER INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED)

(Stated in US Dollars except Number of Shares)

 

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
   2014   2013 
   (Unaudited)     
   $   $ 
EQUITY          
Stockholders’ equity          
Preferred stock          
(Par value: $0.0001, Authorized: 10,000,000 shares, Issued and outstanding: none)   -    - 
           
Common stock          
(Par value: $0.0001, Authorized: 100,000,000 shares, 15,052,158 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2014 and 13,978,106 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013)   1,505    1,398 
Additional paid-in capital   10,403,566    6,011,305 
Statutory and other reserves   3,142,411    3,142,411 
Retained earnings   19,142,391    18,390,875 
Accumulated other comprehensive income   5,517,730    5,848,859 
           
Total equity for the Company’s stockholders   38,207,603    33,394,848 
           
Non-controlling interest   1,159,039    1,299,252 
           
TOTAL EQUITY   39,366,642    34,694,100 
           
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY   149,538,685    151,793,376 

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

 

4
 

 

HIGHPOWER INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Stated in US Dollars except Number of Shares)

 

 

   Three months ended
September 30,
   Nine months ended
September 30,
 
   2014   2013   2014   2013 
   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited) 
   $   $   $   $ 
                 
Net sales   44,474,560    38,852,978    111,769,510    94,429,966 
Cost of sales   (35,069,440)   (31,609,991)   (88,703,954)   (76,689,340)
Gross profit   9,405,120    7,242,987    23,065,556    17,740,626 
                     
Research and development expenses   (2,056,045)   (1,531,477)   (5,844,962)   (3,984,942)
Selling and distribution expenses   (1,697,674)   (1,598,397)   (4,822,560)   (4,386,375)
General and administrative expenses, including stock-based compensation   (3,295,262)   (2,957,467)   (10,178,838)   (8,375,713)
Foreign currency transaction gain (loss)   (15,369)   (154,453)   334,326    (374,410)
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments   59,785    45,033    (56,349)   267,316 
Total operating expenses   (7,004,565)   (6,196,761)   (20,568,383)   (16,854,124)
                     
Income from operations   2,400,555    1,046,226    2,497,173    886,502 
                     
Loss on change of fair value of warrant liability   (1,286,335)   -    (1,211,787)   - 
Other income   590,117    479,288    1,493,491    976,673 
Interest expenses   (458,534)   (444,706)   (1,528,077)   (1,146,118)
Income before taxes   1,245,803    1,080,808    1,250,800    717,057 
                     
Income taxes expenses   (439,659)   (372,023)   (628,872)   (579,352)
Net income   806,144    708,785    621,928    137,705 
                     
Less: net loss attributable to non-controlling interest   (68,023)   (33,443)   (129,588)   (104,932)
Net income attributable to the Company   874,167    742,228    751,516    242,637 
                     
Comprehensive income                    
Net income   806,144    708,785    621,928    137,705 
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)   19,368    232,201    (341,754)   531,143 
Comprehensive income   825,512    940,986    280,174    668,848 
                     
Less: comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling
    interest
   (67,486)   (25,145)   (140,213)   (90,620)
Comprehensive income attributable to the Company   892,998    966,131    420,387    759,468 
                     
Earnings per share of common stock attributable to the
    Company
                    
- Basic   0.06    0.05    0.05    0.02 
- Diluted   0.06    0.05    0.05    0.02 
                     
Weighted average number of common stock outstanding                    
- Basic   15,052,158    13,657,930    14,632,491    13,607,474 
- Diluted   15,590,142    13,657,930    15,045,776    13,607,474 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

 

5
 

 

HIGHPOWER INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Stated in US Dollars)

 

 

   Nine months ended September 30, 
   2014   2013 
   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited) 
   $   $ 
Cash flows from operating activities          
Net income   621,928    137,705 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:          
Depreciation and amortization   3,161,384    1,832,596 
Allowance for doubtful accounts   103    (3,643)
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment   346,866    108,652 
Loss on derivative instruments   67,748    117,966 
Deferred income tax   (830,413)   (76,813)
Share based payment   1,064,969    159,352 
Loss on change of fair value of warrant liability   1,211,787    - 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:          
Accounts receivable   (4,404,612)   (7,918,758)
Notes receivable   (1,453,621)   (1,048,133)
Prepayments   448,249    (2,191,905)
Other receivable   339,411    (9,515)
Inventories   (989,237)   (188,974)
Accounts payable   10,701,057    7,255,970 
Deferred income   1,635,985    - 
Other payables and accrued liabilities   (920,591)   2,251,556 
Income taxes payable   777,753    37,821 
Net cash flows provided by operating activities   11,778,766    463,877 
           
Cash flows from investing activities          
Acquisition of plant and equipment   (5,864,112)   (11,905,424)
Net cash flows used in investing activities   (5,864,112)   (11,905,424)
           
Cash flows from financing activities          
Proceeds from short-term bank loans   15,821,648    30,408,328 
Repayment of short-term bank loans   (35,934,559)   (15,748,524)
Repayment of long-term bank loans   (1,463,605)   (1,449,322)
Proceeds from notes payable   34,246,949    32,308,322 
Repayment of notes payable   (32,308,636)   (32,097,470)
Proceeds from issuance of capital stock, net   4,633,164    - 
Change in restricted cash   12,900,973    (2,540,084)
Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities   (2,104,066)   10,881,250 
Effect of foreign currency translation on cash and cash equivalents   18,757    367,544 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   3,829,345    (192,753)
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period   7,973,459    6,627,334 
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period   11,802,804    6,434,581 
           
Supplemental disclosures for cash flow information:          
Cash paid for:          
Income taxes   681,533    618,344 
Interest expenses   1,489,796    1,146,118 
Non-cash transactions          
Accounts payable for construction in progress   648,385    1,408,336 
Offset of deferred income and property, plant and equipment   669,995    - 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

 

6
 

 

HIGHPOWER INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Stated in US Dollars)

 

 

1.Organization and basis of presentation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of Highpower International, Inc. (“Highpower”) and its subsidiaries, Hong Kong Highpower Technology Company Limited (“HKHTC”), Shenzhen Highpower Technology Company Limited (“SZ Highpower”), Highpower Energy Technology (Huizhou) Company Limited (“HZ Highpower”), Springpower Technology (Shenzhen) Company Limited (“SZ Springpower”), Ganzhou Highpower Technology Company Limited (“GZ Highpower”), Icon Energy System Company Limited (“ICON”) and Huizhou Highpower Technology Company Limited ("HZ HTC"). Highpower and its subsidiaries are collectively referred to as the “Company”.

 

Highpower was incorporated in the State of Delaware on January 3, 2006. HKHTC was incorporated in Hong Kong on July 4, 2003. All other subsidiaries are incorporated in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”).

 

On May 15, 2013, GZ Highpower increased its paid-in capital from RMB15,000,000 ($2,381,293) to RMB30,000,000 ($4,807,847). SZ Highpower holds 60% of the equity interest of GZ Highpower, and four founding management members of GZ Highpower hold the remaining 40%.

 

In April 2014, the Company and certain institutional investors entered into a securities purchase agreement, pursuant to which the Company sold 1,000,000 shares of common stock and warrants exercisable for 500,000 shares of common stock in a registered direct offering at a price of $5.05 per fixed combination for aggregate proceeds of $5.05 million. The shares and warrants were sold in multiples of a fixed combination consisting of (i) one share of common stock and (ii) one immediately exercisable warrant to purchase 0.50 shares of common stock. The net proceeds from the offering was $4,633,164, after deducting fees due the placement agent and offering expenses.

 

The subsidiaries of the Company and their principal activities are described as follows:

 

Name of company   Place and date
incorporation
  Attributable equity
interest held
  Principal activities
Hong Kong Highpower Technology Co., Ltd
("HKHTC")
  Hong Kong
July 4, 2003
  100%   Investment holding
Shenzhen Highpower Technology Co., Ltd
("SZ Highpower")
  PRC
October 8, 2002
  100%   Manufacturing & marketing of batteries
Highpower Energy Technology (Huizhou) Co., Ltd
("HZ Highpower")
  PRC
January 29, 2008
  100%   Inactive
Springpower Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd
("SZ Springpower")
  PRC
June 4, 2008
  100%   Research & manufacturing of batteries
Ganzhou Highpower Technology Co., Ltd
("GZ Highpower")
  PRC
September 21, 2010
  60%   Processing, marketing and research of battery materials
Icon Energy System Co., Ltd.
("ICON")
  PRC
February 23, 2011
  100%   Research and production of advanced battery packs and systems
Huizhou Highpower Technology Co., Ltd
("HZ HTC")
  PRC
March 8, 2012
  100%   Manufacturing & marketing of batteries

 

 

7
HIGHPOWER INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Stated in US Dollars)

 

2.Summary of significant accounting policies

 

Basis of presentation

 

The accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013, which has been derived from audited financial statements, and the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2014 and for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Certain information and disclosures, which are normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP), have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although we believe that the disclosures made are adequate to provide for fair presentation. The interim financial information should be read in conjunction with the Financial Statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, previously filed with the SEC.

 

In the opinion of management, all adjustments (which include normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present a fair statement of the Company’s consolidated financial position as of September 30, 2014, its consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, as applicable, have been made. The interim results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full fiscal year or any future periods.

 

Consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Non-controlling interests represent the equity interest in the GZ Highpower that is not attributable to the Company.

 

Use of estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include revenues; the allowance for doubtful receivables; recoverability of the carrying amount of inventory; fair values of financial instruments; and the assessment of deferred tax assets or liabilities. These estimates are often based on complex judgments and assumptions that management believes to be reasonable but are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

 

Concentrations of credit risk

 

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally of accounts receivable. The Company extends credit based on an evaluation of the customer’s financial condition, generally without requiring collateral or other security. In order to minimize the credit risk, the management of the Company has delegated a team responsible for determining credit limits, credit approvals and other monitoring procedures to ensure that follow-up action is taken to recover overdue debts. Further, the Company reviews the recoverable amount of each individual trade debt at each balance sheet date to ensure that adequate impairment losses are made for irrecoverable amounts. In this regard, the management of the Company considers that the Company’s credit risk is significantly reduced.

 

8
HIGHPOWER INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Stated in US Dollars)

  

2.Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

 

No customer accounted for 10% or more of total sales during nine months ended September 30, 2014. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, there was one customer, Energizer Holdings, Inc., that accounted for 11.3% of total net sales.

 

No supplier accounted for 10% or more of total purchase amount during nine months ended September 30, 2014, and one major supplier accounted for 15.0% of total purchase amount during nine months ended September 30, 2013.

 

None of the Company’s customers accounted for 10% or more of the accounts receivable as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents include all cash, deposits in banks and other liquid investments with initial maturities of three months or less.

 

Restricted cash

 

Restricted cash include time deposits and cash security for bank acceptance bills.

 

Accounts receivable

 

Accounts receivable are stated at the original amount less an allowance for doubtful receivables, if any, based on a review of all outstanding amounts at period end. An allowance is also made when there is objective evidence that the Company will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables. Bad debts are written off when identified. The Company extends unsecured credit to customers in the normal course of business and believes all accounts receivable in excess of the allowances for doubtful receivables to be fully collectible. The Company does not accrue interest on trade accounts receivable.

 

Notes receivable

 

Notes receivable represent banks’ acceptances that have been arranged with third-party financial institutions by certain customers to settle their purchases from us. These banks’ acceptances are non-interest bearing and are collectible within six months.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories are stated at lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the weighted average method. Inventory includes raw materials, packing materials, consumables, work in progress and finished goods. The variable production overhead is allocated to each unit of production on the basis of the actual use of the production facilities. The allocation of fixed production overhead to the costs of conversion is based on the normal capacity of the production facilities.

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Cost represents the purchase price of the asset and other costs incurred to bring the asset into its existing use. Maintenance, repairs and betterments, including replacement of minor items, are charged to expense; major additions to physical properties are capitalized.

 

9
HIGHPOWER INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Stated in US Dollars)

 

2.Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is provided using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives at the following annual rates:

 

Buildings  2.5% - 10%
Furniture, fixtures and office equipment  20%
Leasehold improvement  20 - 50%
Machinery and equipment  10%
Motor vehicles  20%

 

Upon sale or disposal, the applicable amounts of asset cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and the net amount less proceeds from disposal is charged or credited to income.

 

Construction in progress represents capital expenditures for direct costs of construction or acquisition and design fees incurred, and the interest expense directly related to the construction. Capitalization of these costs ceases and the construction in progress is transferred to the appropriate category of property, plant and equipment when substantially all the activities necessary to prepare the assets for their intended use are completed. Construction in progress is not depreciated.

 

Land use rights, net

 

Land use rights represent payments for the rights to use certain parcels of land for a certain period of time in the PRC. Land use rights are carried at cost and charged to expense on a straight-line basis over the period the rights are granted. 

 

Intangible assets

 

Intangible assets represent a royalty-bearing, non-exclusive license to use certain patents owned by Ovonic Battery Company, Inc. (“Ovonic”), an unrelated party, to manufacture rechargeable nickel metal hydride batteries for portable consumer applications (“Consumer Batteries”) in the PRC, and a royalty-bearing, non-exclusive worldwide license to use certain patents owned by Ovonic to manufacture, sell and distribute Consumer Batteries. The value of the licenses was established based on historic acquisition costs.

 

An exclusive proprietary technology contributed by the four founding management members of GZ Highpower in exchange for the paid-in capital of GZ Highpower is recorded at the four management members’ historical cost basis of nil.

 

Intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives, and are reviewed annually for impairment, or more frequently, if indications of possible impairment exist.

 

Government grants

 

Government grants are recognized when received and all the conditions for their receipt have been met.

 

Specifically, government grants whose primary condition is that the Company should purchase, construct or otherwise acquire non-current assets is recognized on the consolidated balance sheet as deferred income and deducted in calculating the carrying amount of the related asset. The revenue from such grants is recognized in profit or loss over the life of the related depreciable asset as a reduction of depreciation expense. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company recorded deferred income of $1,635,959 and $657,521, respectively, for the government grants to purchase non-current assets.

 

Government grants as compensation for expenses or losses already incurred or for the purpose of giving immediate financial support to the Company with no future related benefit are recognized as other income in the period in which they become receivable. In the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, approximately $292,197 and $345,718 of government grants were recognized as other income, respectively.

 

10
HIGHPOWER INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Stated in US Dollars)

 

2.Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

 

Revenue recognition

 

The Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the sales price is fixed or determinable, delivery of the product has occurred, title and risk of loss have transferred to the customers and collectability of the receivable is reasonably assured. The majority of domestic sales contracts transfer title and risk of loss to customers upon receipt. The majority of oversea sales contracts transfer title and risk of loss to customers when goods were delivered to the carriers. Revenue is presented net of any sales tax and value added tax.

 

The Company does not have arrangements for returns from customers and does not have any future obligations directly or indirectly related to product resale by customers. The Company has no incentive programs.

 

Cost of sales

 

Cost of revenues consists primarily of material costs, employee compensation, depreciation and related expenses, which are directly attributable to the production of products. Write-down of inventories to lower of cost or market is also recorded in cost of revenues.

 

Shipping and handling

 

Shipping and handling expenses are recorded as selling expenses when occurred. Shipping and handling expenses relating to sales were $663,069 and $582,907, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.

 

Research and development

 

Research and development expenses include expenses directly attributable to the conduct of research and development programs, including the expenses of salaries, employee benefits, materials, supplies, and maintenance of research equipment. All expenditures associated with research and development are expensed as incurred.

 

Advertising

 

Advertising, which generally represents the cost of promotions to create or stimulate a positive image of the Company or a desire to buy the Company’s products and services, is expensed as incurred. No significant advertising expense was recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.

 

Share-based compensation

 

The Company recognizes compensation expense associated with the issuance of equity instruments to employees for their services. The fair value of the equity instruments is estimated on the date of grant and is expensed in the financial statements over the vesting period. The input assumptions used in determining fair value are the expected life, expected volatility, risk-free rate and the dividend yield.

 

Share-based compensation associated with the issuance of equity instruments to nonemployees is measured with the fair value of the equity instrument issued or committed to be issued, as this is more reliable than the fair value of the services received. The fair value is measured at the date that the commitment for performance by the counterparty has been reached or the counterparty's performance is complete.

 

Income taxes

 

The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences in future years of differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each period end based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

 

11
HIGHPOWER INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Stated in US Dollars)

 

2.Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

 

Uncertain tax positions

 

The Company accounts for uncertainty in income taxes using a two-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. The Company classifies the liability for unrecognized tax benefits as current to the extent that the Company anticipates payment (or receipt) of cash within one year. Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are recognized and recorded as necessary in the provision for income taxes. There were no uncertain tax positions as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

 

Comprehensive income

 

Recognized revenue, expenses, gains and losses are included in net income or loss. Although certain changes in assets and liabilities are reported as separate components of the equity section of the consolidated balance sheet, such items, along with net income, are components of comprehensive income or loss. The components of other comprehensive income or loss are consisted solely of foreign currency translation adjustments, net of the income tax effect.

 

Foreign currency translation and transactions

 

Highpower’s functional currency is the United States dollar ("US$"). HKHTC's functional currency is the Hong Kong dollar ("HK$"). The functional currency of the Company’s subsidiaries in the PRC is the Renminbi ("RMB").

 

Most of the Company’s oversea sales are priced and settled with US$. At the date a foreign currency transaction is recognized, each asset, liability, revenue, expense, gain, or loss arising from the transaction is measured initially in the functional currency of the recording entity by use of the exchange rate in effect at that date. The increase or decrease in expected functional currency cash flows upon settlement of a transaction resulting from a change in exchange rates between the functional currency and the currency in which the transaction is denominated is recognized as foreign currency transaction gain or loss that is included in determining net income for the period in which the exchange rate changes. At each balance sheet date, recorded balances that are denominated in a foreign currency are adjusted to reflect the current exchange rate.

 

The Company’s reporting currency is US$. Assets and liabilities of HKHTC and the PRC subsidiaries are translated at the current exchange rate at the balance sheet dates, revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates during the reporting periods, and equity accounts are translated at historical rates. Translation adjustments are reported in other comprehensive income.

 

Segment Reporting

 

The Company uses the “management approach” in determining reportable operating segments. The management approach considers the internal organization and reporting used by the Company's chief operating decision maker for making operating decisions and assessing performance as the source for determining the Company's reportable segments. The Company’s reportable segments are based on products, geography, legal structure, management structure, or any other manner in which management disaggregates a company. Therefore the Company categorizes its business into three reportable segments, namely (i) Ni-MH Batteries; (ii) Lithium Batteries; and (iii) New Materials.

 

Fair value of financial instruments

 

The carrying values of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, trade and other receivables, deposits, trade and other payables, and bank borrowings, approximate their fair values due to the short-term maturity of such instruments.

 

The Company defines fair value as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required or permitted to be recorded at fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and it considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability.

 

12
HIGHPOWER INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Stated in US Dollars)

  

2.Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

 

The Company establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires maximizing the use of observable inputs and minimizing the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. A financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

 

The Company measures fair value using three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

 

-Level 1 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

-Level 2 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets with insufficient volume or infrequent transactions (less active markets); or model-derived valuations in which significant inputs are observable or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data.

 

-Level 3 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

 

Warrant Liabilities

 

For warrants that are not indexed to the Company’s stock, the Company records the fair value of the issued warrants as a liability at each balance sheet date and records changes in the estimated fair value as a non-cash gain or loss in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss. The fair values of these warrants have been determined using the Black-Scholes pricing model. The Black-Scholes pricing model provides for assumptions regarding volatility, call and put features and risk-free interest rates within the total period to maturity. These values are subject to a significant degree of judgment on the part of the Company.

 

Derivatives

 

From time to time the Company may utilize foreign currency forward contracts to reduce the impact of foreign currency exchange rate risk. Management considered that the foreign currency forwards did not meet the criteria for designated hedging instruments and hedged transactions to qualify for cash flow hedge or fair value hedge accounting. The currency forwards therefore are accounted for as derivatives, with fair value changes reported as gain (loss) of derivative instruments in the income statement.

  

Earnings per share

 

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing income attributable to holders of common shares by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common shares were exercised or converted into common shares. Potential dilutive securities are excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS in loss periods as their effect would be anti-dilutive.

 

Recently issued accounting pronouncements

 

As of November 12, 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2013-01 up to ASU No. 2014-16, which are not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

 

13
HIGHPOWER INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Stated in US Dollars)

 

3.Restricted cash

 

As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, restricted cash consisted of the following:

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
   2014   2013 
   (Unaudited)     
   $   $ 
Securities for bank acceptance bill   13,113,711    14,132,921 
Time deposits   2,353,927    14,453,200 
    15,467,638    28,586,121 

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company repaid a series of short-term borrowings which resulted in a decrease in time deposits as of September 30, 2014.

 

4.Accounts receivable, net

 

As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, accounts receivable consisted of the following:

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
   2014   2013 
   (Unaudited)     
   $   $ 
Accounts receivable   40,604,434    36,467,233 
Less: allowance for doubtful debts   2,497,016    2,506,219 
    38,107,418    33,961,014 

 

The Company recorded bad debt expense of $103 during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, and the Company reversed bad debt expenses of $3,643 during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

 

The Company wrote off accounts receivable of $2,948 and $1,713, respectively, in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.

 

5.Prepayments

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
   2014   2013 
   (Unaudited)     
   $   $ 
Purchase deposits paid   2,303,820    2,876,267 
Value-added tax prepayment   1,094,804    1,032,619 
Deferred share-based compensation   -    131,812 
Rental deposit   265,543    209,095 
Deferred insurance fee   72,752    53,297 
Advances to staff for operations   138,425    48,499 
Other deposits and prepayments   607,631    618,154 
    4,482,975    4,969,743 

 

Other deposits and prepayments represent deferred expenses and prepayments to services providers.

 

14
HIGHPOWER INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Stated in US Dollars)

 

6.Other receivables

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
   2014   2013 
   (Unaudited)     
   $   $ 
Deposit for land use right   514,361    518,603 
Others   201,189    545,053 
    715,550    1,063,656 

 

7.Inventories

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
   2014   2013 
   (Unaudited)     
   $   $ 
Raw materials   4,799,204    4,281,232 
Work in progress   2,516,244    2,047,627 
Finished goods   12,864,660    13,087,995 
Packing materials   25,647    20,591 
Consumables   361,444    301,915 
    20,567,199    19,739,360 

 

Where there is evidence that the utility of inventories, in their disposal in the ordinary course of business, will be less than cost, whether due to physical deterioration, obsolescence, changes in price levels, or other causes, the inventories are written down to fair value. $747,340 and $138,213 was written down for inventories in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

8.Property, plant and equipment, net

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
   2014   2013 
   (Unaudited)     
   $   $ 
Cost          
Construction in progress   2,583,000    6,681,652 
Furniture, fixtures and office equipment   3,691,244    3,282,818 
Leasehold improvement   2,044,879    940,089 
Machinery and equipment   26,119,952    24,600,773 
Motor vehicles   1,339,782    1,430,611 
Building   25,541,312    21,521,416 
    61,320,169    58,457,359 
Less: accumulated depreciation   11,936,636    9,909,156 
    49,383,533    48,548,203 

 

The Company recorded depreciation expenses of $3,051,069 and $1,722,992 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, and $1,071,176 and $621,589 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company deducted deferred income related to government grants of $669,995 and $nil, respectively, in calculating the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment.

 

The buildings comprising the Huizhou facilities were pledged as collateral for bank loans as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The carrying amount of the building was $10,595,293 and $10,867,411 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

 

15
HIGHPOWER INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Stated in US Dollars)

 

9.Land use rights, net

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
   2014   2013 
   (Unaudited)     
   $   $ 
Cost          
Land located in Huizhou   3,491,953    3,520,752 
Land located in Ganzhou   1,362,280    1,373,515 
    4,854,233    4,894,267 
Accumulated amortization   (541,798)   (472,852)
Net   4,312,435    4,421,415 

 

As of September 30, 2014, land use rights of the Company included certain parcels of land located in Huizhou City, Guangdong Province, PRC and Ganzhou City, Jiangxi Province, PRC. Land use rights for land in Huizhou City with an area of approximately 126,605 square meters and in Ganzhou City with an area of approximately 58,669 square meters will expire on May 23, 2057 and January 4, 2062, respectively.

 

Land use rights are being amortized annually using the straight-line method over a contract term of 50 years. Estimated amortization for the coming years is as follows:

 

   $ 
Remaining 2014   24,222 
2015   97,087 
2016   97,087 
2017   97,087 
2018   97,087 
2019   97,087 
2020 and thereafter   3,802,778 
    4,312,435 

 

The Company recorded amortization expenses of $72,815 and $72,104 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $24,222 and $24,214 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

The land use right for land located in Huizhou City was pledged as collateral for bank loans as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

 

16
HIGHPOWER INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Stated in US Dollars)

 

10.Intangible asset

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
   2014   2013 
   (Unaudited)     
   $   $ 
Cost          
Consumer battery license fee   1,000,000    1,000,000 
           
Accumulated amortization   (387,500)   (350,000)
Net   612,500    650,000 

 

The Company is amortizing the $1,000,000 cost of the Consumer Battery License Agreement with Ovonic over a period of 20 years on the straight line basis over the estimated useful life of the underlying technology, which is based on the Company’s assessment of existing battery technology, current trends in the battery business, potential developments and improvements, and the Company’s current business plan.

 

As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had an exclusive proprietary technology with historical cost of zero but still in use. The exclusive proprietary technology was contributed by four founding management members of GZ Highpower in exchange for the paid-in capital of GZ Highpower. The historical cost basis was recorded at $nil at the four management members’ historical cost basis.

 

Amortization expenses included in selling and distribution expenses were $37,500 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, and $12,500 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.

 

11.Other payables and accrued liabilities

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
   2014   2013 
   (Unaudited)     
   $   $ 
Accrued expenses   4,100,994    3,877,095 
Royalty payable   577,721    582,486 
VAT payable   588,864    1,406,086 
Sales deposits received   1,216,310    1,574,258 
Other payables   336,010    361,506 
    6,819,899    7,801,431 

 

17
HIGHPOWER INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Stated in US Dollars)

 

12.Taxation

 

The Company and its subsidiaries file tax returns separately.

 

1) VAT

 

Pursuant to the Provisional Regulation of the PRC on VAT and the related implementing rules, all entities and individuals ("taxpayers") that are engaged in the sale of products in the PRC are generally required to pay VAT at a rate of 17% of the gross sales proceeds received, less any deductible VAT already paid or borne by the taxpayers. Further, when exporting goods, the exporter is entitled to a portion of or all the refund of VAT that it has already paid or incurred. The Company’s PRC subsidiaries are subject to VAT at 17% of their revenues.

 

2) Income tax

 

United States

 

Highpower was incorporated in Delaware and is subject to U.S. federal income tax with a system of graduated tax rates ranging from 15% to 35%. As Highpower does not conduct any business in the U.S. or Delaware, it is not subject to U.S. or Delaware state corporate income tax. No deferred U.S. taxes are recorded since all accumulated profits in the PRC will be permanently reinvested in the PRC.

 

Hong Kong

 

HKHTC, which is incorporated in Hong Kong, is subject to a corporate income tax rate of 16.5%.

 

PRC

 

In accordance with the relevant tax laws and regulations of the PRC, a company registered in the PRC is subject to income taxes within the PRC at the applicable tax rate on taxable income.

 

SZ Highpower has obtained the approval and is qualified as a High-Tech Enterprise ("NHTE") status by the Shenzhen Tax Bureau according to the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law. It is eligible to enjoy a preferential tax rate of 15% from 2011 to 2013. SZ Highpower has reapplied for High-Tech Enterprise status in the second quarter of 2014. If SZ Highpower fails to obtain the approval in 2014, SZ Highpower will be subject to income tax at a rate of 25% starting with calendar year 2014.

 

SZ Springpower received High-Tech Enterprise ("NHTE") status in 2013, which is valid for 3 calendar years. As a result, SZ Springpower is entitled to a preferential enterprise income tax rate of 15% from 2013 to 2015. SZ Springpower will reapply for High-Tech Enterprise status in 2016. If SZ Springpower fails to obtain the approval in 2016, SZ Springpower will be subject to income tax at a rate of 25% starting with calendar year 2016.

 

All the other PRC subsidiaries are not entitled to any tax holiday. They were subject to income tax at a rate of 25% for calendar years 2014 and 2013.

 

18
HIGHPOWER INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Stated in US Dollars)

 

12.Taxation (continued)

 

The components of the provision for income taxes expenses are:

 

   Three months ended
September 30,
   Nine months ended
September 30,
 
   2014   2013   2014   2013 
   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited) 
   $   $   $   $ 
Current   720,932    311,110    1,459,285    656,165 
Deferred   (281,273)   60,913    (830,413)   (76,813)
Total   439,659    372,023    628,872    579,352 

 

The reconciliation of income tax expense computed at the statutory tax rate applicable to the Company to income tax expense is as follows:

 

   Three months ended
September 30,
   Nine months ended
September 30,
 
   2014   2013   2014   2013 
   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited) 
   $   $   $   $ 
Income before tax   1,245,803    1,080,808    1,250,800    717,057 
                     
Provision for income taxes at applicable income
      tax rate
   154,019    271,265    73,150    168,845 
Effect of preferential tax rate   (332,606)   (32,272)   (546,529)   11,698 
R&D expenses eligible for super deduction   74    -    (71,531)   - 
Non-deductible expenses   43,591    22,092    124,082    65,791 
Change in valuation allowance   574,581    110,938    1,049,700    333,018 
Effective enterprise income tax   439,659    372,023    628,872    579,352 

 

3) Deferred tax assets

 

Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities reflect the tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purpose and the tax bases used for income tax purpose. The following represents the tax effect of each major type of temporary difference.

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
   2014   2013 
   (Unaudited)     
   $   $ 
Tax loss carry-forward   4,080,648    2,601,823 
Allowance for doubtful receivables   111,109    112,446 
Allowance for inventory obsolescence   191,410    46,441 
Fair value change of currency forwards   746    (9,493)
Difference for sales cut-off   47,068    46,824 
Deferred income   245,394    168,880 
Property, plant and equipment subsidized
      by government grant
   164,358    - 
Total gross deferred tax assets   4,840,733    2,966,921 
Valuation allowance   (3,214,287)   (2,164,696)
Total net deferred tax assets   1,626,446    802,225 

 

19
HIGHPOWER INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Stated in US Dollars)

 

13.Notes payable

 

Notes payable are presented to certain suppliers as a payment against the outstanding trade payables. These notes payable are bank guarantee promissory notes which are non-interest bearing and generally mature within nine months. The outstanding bank guarantee promissory notes are secured by restricted cash deposited in banks. Outstanding notes payable were $27,002,824 and $25,271,256 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

 

14.Short-term loans

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
   2014   2013 
   (Unaudited)     
   $   $ 
Short- term bank loans guaranteed and repayable within one year   15,817,971    36,142,105 

 

As of September 30, 2014, the above bank borrowings were for working capital and capital expenditure purposes and were secured by personal guarantees executed by certain directors of the Company, a land use right with a carrying amount of $3,020,539, the building with a carrying amount of $10,595,293.

 

The loans as of September 30, 2014 were primarily obtained from three banks with interest rates ranging from 1.0% to 7.5% per annum. The interest expenses were $1,240,334 and $741,153 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $370,775 and $321,965 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

15.Lines of credit

 

The Company entered into various credit contracts and revolving lines of credit, which were used for short-term loans and bank acceptance bills. The following tables summarize the unused lines of credit as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

 

   September 30, 2014 (Unaudited)
Lender  Starting date  Maturity date  Line of credit   Unused line of credit 
         $   $ 
Bank of China  3/10/2014  3/10/2015   12,603,060    285,381 
Bank of China  7/23/2014  7/23/2015   3,949,346    67,247 
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China  7/26/2012  7/25/2015   6,504,805    5,041,224 
The Shanghai Cmmercial&saving  8/19/2014  11/19/2014   4,500,000    4,500,000 
China Minsheng Banking Corp.,Ltd  5/22/2014  5/21/2015   3,252,403    3,252,403 
China Citic  Bank  6/25/2014  6/25/2015   8,014,850    6,104,063 
Total         38,824,464    19,250,318 

 

20
HIGHPOWER INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Stated in US Dollars)

 

15.Lines of credit (continued)

 

   December 31, 2013
Lender  Starting date  Maturity date  Line of credit   Unused line of credit 
         $   $ 
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China  7/26/2012  7/25/2015(ii)   6,558,452    1,803,574 
China Citic Bank  3/29/2013  3/29/2014(ii)   7,378,259    5,738,646 
Bank of China  1/25/2013  1/25/2014(i)   3,689,129    247,582 
Bank of China  1/10/2013  1/10/2014(ii)   12,707,001    1,674,876 
China Everbright Bank  5/30/2013  5/29/2014(i)   8,438,433    1,382,194 
China Everbright Bank  9/4/2013  9/3/2014(i)   1,147,729    - 
Industrial Bank Co., Ltd  7/24/2013  7/24/2014(i)   8,198,065    6,558,452 
Jiang Su Bank Co., Ltd  6/21/2013  6/20/2014(i)   4,918,839    - 
Ping An Bank  11/12/2013  9/17/2014(i)   11,477,291    7,564,027 
Shanghai Commercial & Saving Bank  8/29/2013  8/29/2014(i)   3,000,000    1,250,000 
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China(Macau) Ltd  7/29/2013  1/29/2014(i)   7,093,296    3,084,294 
Total         74,606,494    29,303,645 

 

(i) The lines of credit from these banks are terminated at maturity dates.

(ii) The lines of credit from these banks are rolled over after maturity dates.

 

The lines of credits from Bank of China, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, China Everbright Bank, Jiang Su Bank, Industrial Bank Co. Ltd, Ping An Bank Co., Ltd and China Citic Bank are guaranteed by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Dang Yu Pan.

 

Certain of the agreements governing the Company’s loans include standard affirmative and negative covenants, including restrictions on granting additional pledges on the Company’s property and incurring additional debt and obligations to provide advance notice of major corporate actions, and other covenants including: that the borrower may not serve as a guarantor for more than double its net assets; that the borrower is restricted in certain circumstances from using the loans in connection with related party transactions or other transactions with affiliates; that the borrower must provide monthly reports to certain lenders describing the actual use of loans; that the borrower may need to obtain approval to engage in major corporate transactions; and that the borrower may need to obtain approval to increase overseas investments, guarantee additional debt or incur additional debt by an amount which exceeds 20% of its total net assets should the lender determine that such action would have a material impact on the ability of the borrower to repay the loan. The covenants in these loan agreements could prohibit the Company from incurring any additional debt without consent from its lenders. The Company believes it would be able to obtain consents from the lenders in the event it needed to do so. The agreements governing the Company’s loans may also include covenants that, in certain circumstances, may require the Company’s PRC operating subsidiaries to give notice to, or obtain consent from, certain of their lenders prior to making a distribution of net profit, as well as covenants restricting the ability of the Company’s PRC operating subsidiaries from extending loans. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company was in compliance with all material covenants in its loan agreements.

 

21
HIGHPOWER INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Stated in US Dollars)

 

16.Long-term loans

 

   September 30, 2014   December 31, 2013 
   (Unaudited)     
   $   $ 
Long term loans from Bank of China   4,390,744    5,902,607 
Less: current portion of long-term borrowings   1,951,442    1,967,536 
Long-term bank loans, net of current portion   2,439,302    3,935,071 

 

On January 13, 2012, the Company borrowed $8,127,042 (RMB50 million) from the Bank of China, which is guaranteed by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Dang Yu Pan. It is a five-year long-term loan, with an annual interest rate of 7.04%, which was equal to 110% of the benchmark-lending rate of the People’s Bank of China (“PBOC”) as of September 30, 2014. Interest expenses are to be paid quarterly.

 

The interest expenses were $287,743 and $404,965 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $87,759 and $122,741 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

The principal is to be repaid quarterly from September 30, 2012. 2% of the principal was repaid on each of September 30, 2012 and December 30, 2012, respectively. Thereafter 6% of the principal is to be repaid every quarter after December 31, 2012 until the maturity date. The repayment schedule of the principal is summarized as in below table:

 

   $ 
Remaining 2014   487,860 
2015   1,951,442 
2016   1,951,442 
    4,390,744 

 

17.Share-based Compensation

 

2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan

 

The 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the "2008 Plan") was approved by the Company’s Board of Directors on October 29, 2008 to be effective at such date, subject to approval of the Company’s stockholders, which occurred on December 11, 2008. The 2008 Plan has a ten year term. The 2008 Plan reserves two million shares of common stock for issuance, subject to adjustment in the event of a recapitalization in accordance with the terms of the 2008 Plan.

 

The 2008 Plan authorizes the issuance of awards including stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), restricted stock, unrestricted stock, stock appreciation rights (SARs) and other equity and/or cash performance incentive awards to employees, directors, and consultants of the Company. Subject to certain restrictions, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors has broad discretion to establish the terms and conditions for awards under the 2008 Plan, including the number of shares, vesting conditions and the required service or performance criteria. Options and SARs may have a contractual term of up to ten years and generally vest over three to five years with an exercise price equal to the fair market value on the date of grant. Incentive stock options (ISOs) granted must have an exercise price equal to or greater than the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Repricing of stock options and SARs is permitted without stockholder approval. If a particular award agreement so provides, certain change in control transactions may cause such awards granted under the 2008 Plan to vest at an accelerated rate, unless the awards are continued or substituted for in connection with the transaction As of September 30, 2014, approximately 661,204 shares of common stock remained available for issuance pursuant to awards granted under the 2008 Plan.

22
HIGHPOWER INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Stated in US Dollars)

 

17.Share-based Compensation (continued)

 

Options Granted to Employees

 

   Number of Shares   Weighted Average Exercise Price   Remaining
Contractual
Term in Years
 
       $     
Outstanding, January 1, 2013   665,000    2.81    8.35 
                
Granted   540,000    2.63    - 
Exercised   -    -    - 
Forfeited   (100,000)   1.15    - 
Canceled   -    -    - 
Outstanding, December 31, 2013   1,105,000    2.87    8.51 
Exercisable, December 31, 2013   380,000    3.14    7.19 
Vested and expected to vest, December 31, 2013   940,022    2.90    8.33 

 

 

   Number of Shares   Weighted Average Exercise Price   Remaining Contractual
Term in Years
 
       $     
Outstanding, January 1, 2014   1,105,000    2.87    8.51 
                
Granted   -    -    - 
Exercised   (160,000)   2.69    - 
Forfeited   (29,204)   2.63    - 
Canceled   -    -    - 
Outstanding, September 30, 2014   915,796    2.91    7.23 
Exercisable, September 30, 2014   265,000    3.45    3.96 
Vested and expected to vest, September 30, 2014   837,760    2.93    7.08 

 

The aggregate intrinsic value of options vested and expected to vest as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was approximately $4.6 million and $nil, respectively. Intrinsic value is calculated as the amount by which the current market value of a share of common stock exceeds the exercise price multiplied by the number of option shares.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company did not grant any new options to employees. One employee exercised his options to purchase 160,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. As a result, the Company issued 74,052 shares of common stock to this employee by net share settlement. Two employees had resigned and their options to purchase a total of 29,204 shares of the Company’s common stock were forfeited.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, no options was granted, exercised or forfeited.

 

The estimated fair value of share-based compensation to employees is recognized as a charge against income on a ratable basis over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period of the award.

 

23
HIGHPOWER INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Stated in US Dollars)

 

17.Share-based Compensation (continued)

 

Restricted Stock Awards Granted to Employees

 

During the year ended December 31, 2013 the Company granted 246,000 shares of restricted stock to members of the Board of Directors as Restricted Stock Awards (“RSA”) under 2008 Plan. The RSAs granted in 2013 had the following vesting periods; 30% immediately upon grant, 30% vest on first anniversary of the grant date, and 40% vest on the second anniversary of grant date. The RSAs are governed by agreements between the Company and recipients of the awards. Terms of the agreements are determined by the Compensation Committee. There were no RSAs granted to employees during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.

 

The following table summarizes the restricted stock awards activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2014:

 

   Number of Shares   Weighted Average Exercise Price   Remaining Contractual
Term in Years
 
       $     
Outstanding, January 1, 2014   172,200    2.81    1.77 
                
Granted   -    -    - 
Exercised   -    -    - 
Forfeited   -    -    - 
Outstanding, September 30, 2014   172,200    2.81    1.02 
Expected to vest, September 30, 2014   137,601    2.81    1.02 

 

Share-based Compensation to Nonemployees

 

On July 15, 2013, the Company entered into an agreement with a consulting firm. In return for the consulting firm’s financial advisory service in the coming two years, the Company issued an aggregate of 150,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to the consulting firm on August 15, 2013. The shares were fully vested upon issuance and the fair value of the shares was $171,000 which was based on the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on August 15, 2013. The share-based compensation was being amortized over the consulting service period. In the second quarter of 2014, the service agreement was terminated. Therefore, the remaining unamortized balance, approximately $131,812, was recognized as share-based compensation expense during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

 

The Company also agreed to issue another 150,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to the consulting firm after a specific financing target is completed. As the financing target was not achieved before the termination of the service agreement in the second quarter of 2014, such 150,000 shares of common stock was not issued to the consulting firm.

 

Also, in connection with this consulting agreement, on January 17, 2014 the Company issued five year warrants to purchase 200,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. The shares were fully vested upon issuance and the aggregate fair value of the warrants was approximately $390,000, which was calculated using the Black-Scholes pricing model, with the following weighted-average assumptions:

 

   Nine months Ended
September 30,
 
   2014   2013 
Expected volatility   83.6%   NA 
Risk-free interest rate   1.64%   NA 
Expected term from grant date (in years)   5.0    NA 
Dividend rate   -    NA 
Fair value   1.95    NA 

 

 

24
HIGHPOWER INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Stated in US Dollars)

 

17.Share-based Compensation (continued)

   

Expected Term

 

The expected term of the warrants issued during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, represents the remaining contractual term of the warrants.

 

Expected Volatility

 

The expected volatility used for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 is based upon the Company’s own trading history.

 

Risk-Free Interest Rate

 

The risk-free interest rate assumption is based on U.S. Treasury instruments with a term consistent with the remaining contractual term of the warrants issued during the first quarter of 2014.

 

Dividend Yield

 

The Company has never declared or paid any cash dividends and does not plan to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future, and therefore, used an expected dividend yield of zero in the valuation model.

 

Forfeitures

 

The Company estimates forfeitures at the time of grant and revises the estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from what was estimated. The forfeiture rate is applied to stock options and restricted stock awards. The Company uses historical data to estimate pre-vesting forfeitures and records stock-based compensation expense only for those awards that are expected to vest. All stock-based payment awards are amortized on a ratable basis over the requisite service periods of the awards, which are generally the vesting periods. The Company records stock-based compensation expense only for those awards that are expected to vest.

 

The fair value of the warrants are being amortized over the remaining consulting service period. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, approximately $154,291 was recognized as stock-based compensation expense and approximately $235,496 remains capitalized on the balance sheet as of March 31, 2014, which will be amortized to expense over the next five quarters. In the second quarter of 2014, the service agreement was terminated. Therefore, the remaining unamortized balance, approximately $235,000, was recognized as share-based compensation expense during the three months ended June 30, 2014.

 

Total Share-based Compensation Expenses

 

As of September 30, 2014 the gross amount of unrecognized share-based compensation expense relating to unvested share-based awards held by employees was approximately $1.1 million, which the Company anticipates recognizing as a charge against income over a weighted average period of 1.80 years.

 

In connection with the grant of stock options, restricted stock awards and warrants to employees and nonemployees, the Company recorded stock-based compensation charges of $543,369 and $521,599, respectively, for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014 and stock-based compensation charges of $141,037 and $18,315, respectively, for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013. The Company recorded stock-based compensation charges of $148,725 and $nil, respectively, for the three-month period ended September 30, 2014 and stock-based compensation charges of $46,830 and $17,812, respectively, for the three-month period ended September 30, 2013.

 

25
HIGHPOWER INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Stated in US Dollars)

 

18.Earnings per share

 

Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period increased to include the number of additional shares of common stock outstanding that would have been outstanding if the potentially dilutive securities had been issued. Potentially dilutive securities include outstanding stock options, restricted shares. The dilutive effect of potential dilutive securities is reflected in diluted earnings per common share by application of the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, an increase in the fair market value of the Company’s common stock can result in a greater dilutive effect from potentially dilutive securities. The Company excludes potential common stock in the diluted EPS computation in periods of losses from continuing operations, as their effect would be anti-dilutive.

 

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, and the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.

 

   Three months ended
September 30,
   Nine months ended
September 30,
 
   2014   2013   2014   2013 
   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited) 
   $   $   $   $ 
Numerator:                    
Net income attributable to the Company   874,167    742,228    751,516    242,637 
                     
Denominator:                    
Weighted-average shares outstanding                    
- Basic   15,052,158    13,657,930    14,632,491    13,607,474 
- Diluted   15,590,142    13,657,930    15,045,776    13,607,474 
                     
Earnings per common share                    
- Basic   0,06    0.05    0.05    0.02 
- Diluted   0.06    0.05    0.05    0.02 

 

Diluted earnings per share takes into account the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised and converted into common stock.

 

There were 565,000 options and warrants outstanding as of September 30, 2013, which were not included in the computation of diluted EPS for the periods ended September 30, 2013 because of their excise price would be above average market value.

 

915,796 shares of stock options and 200,000 shares of warrants with a total dilutive effect of 525,716 shares were included in the computation of diluted EPS for the three months ended September 30, 2014. There were 540,001 options and warrants outstanding as of September 30, 2014, which were not included in the computation of diluted EPS for the periods ended September 30, 2014 because of their excise price would be above average market value.

 

26
HIGHPOWER INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Stated in US Dollars)

 

19.Securities Offering Transaction

 

In April 2014, the Company and certain institutional investors entered into a securities purchase agreement, pursuant to which the Company sold 1,000,000 shares of common stock and warrants exercisable for 500,000 shares of common stock in a registered direct offering at a price of $5.05 per fixed combination for aggregate proceeds of $5.05 million. The shares and warrants were sold in multiples of a fixed combination consisting of (i) one share of common stock and (ii) one immediately exercisable warrant to purchase 0.50 shares of common stock. The net proceeds from the offering was $4,633,164, after deducting fees due the placement agent and offering expenses.

 

The warrants have an initial exercise price of $6.33 per share and are exercisable until April 17, 2017. The exercise price of the warrants, and in some cases the number of shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants, will be subject to appropriate adjustment in relation to certain events. In addition, if the Company issues shares in the future at a price below $6.33 per share, the exercise price of the warrants will be reduced to such lower price. No adjustment will be made to the number of shares purchasable in such event.

 

The warrants were classified as a liability. The aggregate fair value of the warrant liability at issuance dates was $1,173,952. The residual balance of $3,459,212 was allocated to common shares issued.

 

The fair values of the warrants as of April 17, 2014 were calculated using the Black-Scholes pricing model with the following assumptions:

 

   April 17, 2014 
   2014   2013 
Expected volatility   85.76%   NA 
Risk-free interest rate   0.9%   NA 
Expected term (in years)   3.0    NA 
Dividend rate   -    NA 
Fair value  $2.3    NA 

 

The fair value of the investor warrant liability will be re-measured at each period and recorded as a gain or loss on fair value of warrant liability. As of September 30, 2014, the fair value of warrant liability was $2,385,739 and the Company recognized a loss of $1,286,335 on the change of fair value of warrant liability.

 

The fair values of the warrants as of September 30, 2014 were calculated using the Black-Scholes pricing model with the following assumptions:

 

   Nine months Ended
September 30,
 
   2014   2013 
Expected volatility   93.79%   NA 
Risk-free interest rate   0.8%   NA 
Expected term (in years)   2.6    NA 
Dividend rate   -    NA 
Fair value  $4.8    NA 

 

In conjunction with the securities offering transaction, the Company issued three year warrants to investment bankers to purchase 40,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at $6.33 per share. The aggregate fair value of the warrants was $94,982, which was recognized as a share-based compensation and resulted in an increase of additional paid-in capital. As such compensation was offering cost, it resulted in a reduction in additional paid-in capital. Hence, such transaction has no net impact on the Company’s financial position as of September 30, 2014.

27
HIGHPOWER INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Stated in US Dollars)

 

20.Defined contribution plan

 

Full-time employees of the Company in the PRC participate in a government mandated defined contribution plan, pursuant to which certain pension benefits, medical care, employee housing fund and other welfare benefits are provided to employees. Chinese labor regulations require that the PRC operating subsidiaries of the Company make contributions to the government for these benefits based on certain percentages of the employees’ salaries. Except for pension benefits, medical care, employee housing fund and other welfare benefits mentioned above, the Company has no legal obligation for the benefits beyond the contributions made.

 

The total amounts for such employee benefits, which were expensed as incurred, were $1,128,544 and $1,257,546 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $424,841 and $434,486 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

21.Non-controlling interest

 

GZ Highpower is the Company’s majority-owned subsidiary which is consolidated in the Company’s financial statements with a non-controlling interest recognized. GZ Highpower is engaged in processing, marketing and research of battery materials. The Company holds 60% interest of GZ Highpower as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

 

On May 15, 2013, GZ Highpower increased its paid-in capital from RMB15,000,000 ($2,381,293) to RMB30,000,000 ($4,807,847). SZ Highpower contributed to the increased paid-in capital with cash of RMB 9,000,000 ($1,456,193), while the non-controlling shareholders contributed with an exclusive proprietary technology with fair value of 6,000,000 ($970,795). The exclusive proprietary technology, however, was recorded at the four management members’ historical cost basis of nil. Therefore, an increase of $582,477, which was the 40% of the RMB 9,000,000 ($1,456,193), was recorded in non-controlling interest.

 

As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, non-controlling interest related to GZ Highpower in the consolidated balance sheet was $1,159,039 and $1,299,252, respectively.

 

Non-controlling interest related to GZ Highpower in the consolidated statements of operations was loss of $129,588 and $104,932 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $68,023 and $33,443 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.

 

22.Commitments and contingencies

 

Operating leases commitments

 

The Company leases factory and office premises under various non-cancelable operating lease agreements that expire at various dates through years 2014 to 2017, with options to renew the leases. All leases are on a fixed repayment basis. None of the leases includes contingent rentals. Minimum future commitments under these agreements as of September 30, 2014 are as follows:

 

   $ 
Remaining 2014   401,347 
2015   1,480,887 
2016   1,338,853 
2017   333,989 
    3,555,076 

 

Rent expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were $1,183,430 and $992,054, respectively, and for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, rent expenses were $391,109 and $361,672, respectively.

 

Capital commitments and contingency

 

The Company had contracted capital commitments of $nil and $990,031 for the construction of the Ganzhou plant as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

 

 

28
HIGHPOWER INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Stated in US Dollars)

 

23.Segment information

 

The reportable segments are components of the Company that offer different products and are separately managed, with separate financial information available that is separately evaluated regularly by the Company’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), the Chief Executive Officer, in determining the performance of the business. The Company categorizes its business into three reportable segments, namely (i) Ni-MH Batteries; (ii) Lithium Batteries; and (iii) New Materials.

 

The CODM evaluates performance based on each reporting segment’s net sales, cost of sales, gross profit and total assets. Net sales, cost of sales, gross profit and total assets by segments is set out as follows:

 

   Three months ended
September 30,
   Nine months ended
September 30,
 
   2014   2013   2014   2013 
   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited) 
   $   $   $   $ 
Net sales                    
Ni-MH Batteries   22,468,264    23,278,902    57,109,202    56,195,672 
Lithium Batteries   21,069,435    14,960,966    51,971,642    36,541,465 
New Materials   936,861    613,110    2,688,666    1,692,829 
Total   44,474,560    38,852,978    111,769,510    94,429,966 
                     
Cost of Sales                    
Ni-MH Batteries   17,843,761    19,220,485    45,357,950    45,491,987 
Lithium Batteries   16,355,265    11,859,111    40,935,690    29,664,911 
New Materials   870,414    530,395    2,410,314    1,532,442 
Total   35,069,440    31,609,991    88,703,954    76,689,340 
                     
                     
Gross Profit                    
Ni-MH Batteries   4,624,503    4,058,417    11,751,252    10,703,685 
Lithium Batteries   4,714,170    3,101,855    11,035,952    6,876,554 
New Materials   66,447    82,715    278,352    160,387 
Total   9,405,120    7,242,987    23,065,556    17,740,626 

 

     
   September 30,2014   December 31,2013 
   (Unaudited)     
   $   $ 
Total Assets          
Ni-MH Batteries   52,909,634    66,960,366 
Lithium Batteries   87,904,413    76,357,912 
New Materials   8,724,638    8,475,098 
Total   149,538,685    151,793,376 
           

 

29
HIGHPOWER INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Stated in US Dollars)

 

23.Segment information (continued)

 

All long-lived assets of the Company are located in the PRC. Geographic information about the sales and accounts receivable based on the location of the Company’s customers is set out as follows:

 

   Three months ended
September 30,
   Nine months ended
September 30,
 
   2014   2013   2014   2013 
   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited) 
   $   $   $   $ 
Net sales                    
China (including Hong Kong)   27,698,729    25,308,214    72,064,966    52,936,205 
Asia, others   3,979,662    3,975,389    8,304,209    11,084,009 
Europe   10,465,002    6,999,347    23,908,064    22,466,996 
North America   2,128,707    2,406,305    6,725,849    7,181,805 
South America   116,227    90,849    317,928    382,215 
Africa   43,872    28,877    281,016    248,275 
Others   42,361    43,997    167,478    130,461 
    44,474,560    38,852,978    111,769,510    94,429,966 

 

 

   September 30, 2014   December 31, 2013 
   (Unaudited)     
   $   $ 
Accounts receivable          
China (including Hong Kong)   26,077,073    24,554,617 
Asia, others   2,564,187    3,278,001 
Europe   8,610,537    5,191,444 
North America   776,601    863,156 
South America   38,465    50,691 
Africa   22,500    25 
Others   18,055    23,080 
    38,107,418    33,961,014 

 

 

 

30
 

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The following discussion relates to the financial condition and results of operations of Highpower International, Inc. (the “Company”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Hong Kong Highpower Technology Company Limited (“HKHTC”), HKHTC’s wholly-owned subsidiaries Shenzhen Highpower Technology Company Limited (“SZ Highpower”), Icon Energy System Company Limited (“ICON”) and Highpower Energy Technology (Huizhou) Company limited (“HZ Highpower”), which has not yet commenced operations; SZ Highpower’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Huizhou Highpower Technology Company Limited (“HZ HTC”) and its 60%-owned subsidiary Ganzhou Highpower Technology Company Limited (“GZ Highpower”); and SZ Highpower’s and HKHTC’s jointly owned subsidiary, Springpower Technology (Shenzhen) Company Limited (“SZ Springpower”).

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our unaudited consolidated financial statements and the related notes that are included in this Quarterly Report and the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 (the “Annual Report”).

 

This report contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements other than historical facts contained in this report, including statements regarding our future financial position, results of operations, cash flows, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “projects,” “predicts,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “will,” “may,” “might,” and similar expressions, or the negative of such expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect management’s current views with respect to future events and financial performance and involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, economic downturn and uncertainty in Asia and Europe adversely affecting demand for our products; fluctuations in the cost of raw materials; our dependence on, or inability to attract additional, major customers for a significant portion of our net sales; our ability to increase manufacturing capabilities to satisfy orders from new customers; our ability to maintain increased margins; changes in the laws of the PRC that affect our operations; the devaluation of the U.S. Dollar relative to the Renminbi; our dependence on the growth in demand for portable electronic devices and the success of manufacturers of the end applications that use our battery products; our responsiveness to competitive market conditions; our ability to successfully manufacture our products in the time frame and amounts expected; the market acceptance of our battery products, including our lithium products; our ability to successfully develop products for and penetrate the electric transportation market; our ability to continue R&D development to keep up with technological changes; our exposure to product liability, safety, and defect claims; rising labor costs, volatile metal prices, and inflation; changes in foreign, political, social, business and economic conditions that affect our production capabilities or demand for our products; and various other matters, many of which are beyond our control. Actual results may vary materially and adversely from those anticipated, believed, estimated or otherwise indicated should one or more of these risks or uncertainties occur or if any of the risks or uncertainties described elsewhere in this report or in the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report occur. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this filing are qualified by these cautionary statements and there can be no assurance of the actual results or developments.

 

Overview

 

Highpower was incorporated in the state of Delaware on January 3, 2006 and was originally organized as a “blank check” shell company to investigate and acquire a target company or business seeking the perceived advantages of being a publicly held corporation. On November 2, 2007, we closed a share exchange transaction, pursuant to which we (i) became the 100% parent of HKHTC and its wholly-owned subsidiary, SZ Highpower, (ii) assumed the operations of HKHTC and its subsidiary and (iii) changed our name to Hong Kong Highpower Technology, Inc. We subsequently changed our name to Highpower International, Inc. in October 2010.

 

HKHTC was incorporated in Hong Kong in 2003 under the Companies Ordinance of Hong Kong. HKHTC formed HZ Highpower and SZ Springpower in 2008. HZ Highpower has not yet commenced business operations as of August 12, 2014. On October 8, 2013, SZ Springpower further increased its registered capital to $15,000,000. SZ Highpower holds 69.97% of the equity interest of SZ Springpower, and HKHTC holds the remaining 30.03%. In February 2011, HKHTC formed another wholly-owned subsidiary, Icon Energy System Company Limited, a company organized under the laws of the PRC, which commenced operations in July 2011.

 

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SZ Highpower was founded in 2001 in the PRC. SZ Highpower formed GZ Highpower in September 2010. As of September 30, 2014, the paid-in capital of GZ Highpower was RMB30,000,000 ($4,807,847). SZ Highpower holds 60% of the equity interest of GZ Highpower, and the four founding management members of GZ Highpower hold the remaining 40%. SZ Highpower formed HZ HTC in March 2012, which engages in the manufacture of batteries.

 

Through SZ Highpower, we manufacture Nickel Metal Hydride (“Ni-MH”) batteries for both consumer and industrial applications. We have developed significant expertise in Ni-MH battery technology and large-scale manufacturing that enables us to improve the quality of our battery products, reduce costs, and keep pace with evolving industry standards. In 2008, we commenced manufacturing two lines of Lithium-Ion (“Li-ion”) and Lithium polymer rechargeable batteries through SZ Springpower for higher-end, high-performance applications, such as laptops, digital cameras and wireless communication products. Our automated machinery allows us to process key aspects of the manufacturing process to ensure high uniformity and precision, while leaving the non-key aspects of the manufacturing process to manual labor.

 

We employ a broad network of sales staff in China and Hong Kong, which target key customers by arranging in-person sales presentations and providing post-sale services. The sales staff works with our customers to better address customers’ needs.

 

Critical Accounting Policies, Estimates and Assumptions

 

The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) defines critical accounting policies as those that are, in management's view, most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and those that require significant judgments and estimates.

 

The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, as well as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our financial statements. We base our estimates on historical experience, actuarial valuations and various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Some of those judgments can be subjective and complex and, consequently, actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. While for any given estimate or assumption made by our management there may be other estimates or assumptions that are reasonable, we believe that, given the current facts and circumstances, it is unlikely that applying any such other reasonable estimate or assumption would materially impact the financial statements. The accounting principles we utilized in preparing our consolidated financial statements conform in all material respects to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include, but are not limited to, revenues; the allowance for doubtful receivables; recoverability of the carrying amount of inventory; fair values of financial instruments; and the assessment of deferred tax assets or liabilities. These estimates are often based on complex judgments and assumptions that management believes to be reasonable but are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

 

Accounts Receivable. Accounts receivable are stated at original amount less allowance made for doubtful receivables, if any, based on a review of all outstanding amounts at the period end. An allowance is also made when there is objective evidence that the Company will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of receivables. Bad debts are written off when identified. The Company extends unsecured credit to customers in the normal course of business and believes all accounts receivable in excess of the allowances for doubtful receivables to be fully collectible. The Company does not accrue interest on trade accounts receivable.

 

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Revenue Recognition. The Company recognizes revenue when all of the following criteria exist: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (2) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered; (3) price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and (4) collectability is reasonably assured.

 

The Company does not have arrangements for returns from customers and does not have any future obligations directly or indirectly related to product resale by the customer. We have no incentive programs.

 

Inventories. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Costs are determined on a weighted-average method. Inventory includes raw materials, packing materials, work-in-process, consumables and finished goods. The variable production overhead is allocated to each unit of production on the basis of the actual use of the production facilities. The allocation of fixed production overhead to the costs of conversion is based on the normal capacity of the production facilities.

 

Income Taxes. The Company recognizes deferred assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the consequences in future years of differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each period end based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

 

Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions. Highpower International’s functional currency is the United States dollar (“US$”). HKHTC’s functional currency is the Hong Kong dollar (“HK$”). The functional currency of the Company’s subsidiaries in the PRC is the Renminbi (“RMB”).

 

At the date a foreign currency transaction is recognized, each asset, liability, revenue, expense, gain, or loss arising from the transaction is measured initially in the functional currency of the recording entity by use of the exchange rate in effect at that date. The increase or decrease in expected functional currency cash flows upon settlement of a transaction resulting from a change in exchange rates between the functional currency and the currency in which the transaction is denominated is recognized as foreign currency transaction gain or loss that is included in determining net income for the period in which the exchange rate changes. At each balance sheet date, recorded balances that are denominated in a foreign currency are adjusted to reflect the current exchange rate.

 

The Company’s reporting currency is the US$. Assets and liabilities of HKHTC and the PRC subsidiaries are translated at the current exchange rate at the balance sheet dates, revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates during the reporting periods, and equity accounts are translated at historical rates. Translation adjustments are reported in other comprehensive income.

 

Results of Operations

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013

 

Net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2014 were $44.5 million compared to $38.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013, an increase of $5.6 million, or 14.5%. The increase was due to a $6.1 million increase in net sales of our lithium batteries (resulting from a 41.8% increase in the volume of batteries sold which was partly offset a 0.7% decrease in the average selling price of such batteries) and a $323,751 increase in revenue from our new material business, which was partly offset by a $810,638 decrease in net sales of our Ni-MH batteries (resulting from a 9.1% increase in the number of Ni-MH battery units sold which was partly offset a 11.5% decrease in the average selling price of such batteries),The increase in the number of Ni-MH battery units sold in the three months ended September 30, 2014 was primarily attributable to increased orders from our new customers and the increase in the volume of lithium batteries sold in the three months ended September 30, 2014 was primarily attributable growth in global demand for mobile and portable products, and electrical vehicles.

 

Cost of sales mainly consists of nickel, cobalt, lithium derived materials, labor, and overhead. Costs of sales were $35.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014, as compared to $31.6 million for the comparable period in 2013. As a percentage of net sales, cost of sales decreased to 78.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to 81.4% for the comparable period in 2013. This decrease was attributable to decrease of unit cost of Ni-MH batteries.

 

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Gross profit for the three months ended September 30, 2014 was $9.4 million, or 21.1% of net sales, compared to $7.2 million, or 18.6% of net sales for the comparable period in 2013. Management considers gross profit margin a key performance indicator in managing our business. Gross profit margins are usually a factor of cost of sales, product mix and demand for product. This increase was attributable to decrease of unit cost of Ni-MH batteries.

 

To cope with pressure on our gross margins we control production costs by preparing budgets for each department and comparing actual costs with our budgeted figures monthly and quarterly. Additionally, we have reorganized the Company’s production structure and have focused more attention on employee training to enhance efficiency. We also intend to expand our market share by investing in greater promotion of our products in regions such as the U.S., Russia, Europe and India, and by expanding our sales team with more experienced sales personnel. We have also begun production capacity expansion for our lithium batteries business to take advantage of the strong demand for such products globally.

 

Research and development expenses were approximately $2.1 million, or 4.6% of net sales, for the three months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to approximately $1.5 million, or 3.9% of net sales, for the comparable period in 2013, an increase of 34.3%. The increase was due to the expansion of our workforce to expand our research and development in lithium batteries, particularly in the area of new product development for the electrical vehicles and energy storage sectors.

 

Selling and distribution expenses were $1.7 million, or 3.8% of net sales, for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $1.6 million, or 4.1% of net sales, for the comparable period in 2013, an increase of 6.2%. Selling and distribution expenses increased due to the expansion of our sales force and marketing activities, participation in industry trade shows, and international travel to promote and sell our products globally.

  

General and administrative expenses were $3.3 million, or 7.4% of net sales, for the three months ended September 30, 2014, compared to $3.0 million, or 7.6% of net sales, for the comparable period in 2013. The primary reason for the increase was due to the expansion of our workforce at our Huizhou facility, Included in this amount was non-cash share-based compensation expense of $148,725, up from $64,642 in the third quarter of 2013.

 

We experienced a loss of $15,369 and $154,453 on the exchange rate difference between the U.S. Dollar and the RMB for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The loss in exchange rate difference was due to the appreciation of the RMB relative to the U.S. Dollar over the respective periods.

 

We experienced a gain on derivative instruments of $59,785 in the three months ended September 30, 2014, which included a loss of $3,414 on settled currency forwards and a gain of $63,199 on unsettled currency forwards, as compared to a gain of $45,033 for the comparable period in 2013, which included a gain of $39,025 on settled currency forwards and a gain of $6,008 on unsettled currency forwards.

 

Interest expenses were $458,534 for the three months ended September 30, 2014, as compared to approximately $444,706 for the comparable period in 2013. The fluctuation was due to a $13,828 increase in interest expense related to an increase in bank borrowing and interest rate.

 

Other income, which consists of bank interest income, government grants and sundry income, was approximately $590,117 for the three months ended September 30, 2014, as compared to approximately $479,288 for the comparable period in 2013, an increase of $110,829. The increase was due to an increase in government grants and bank interest income.

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2014, we recorded provision for income tax expenses of $439,659 as compared to income tax expense of $372,023 for the comparable period in 2013. The increase was due to the increase in net income during the three months ended September 30, 2014.

 

Net income attributable to the Company (excluding net loss attributable to non-controlling interest) for the three months ended September 30, 2014 was $874,167, compared to net income attributable to the Company (excluding net loss attributable to non-controlling interest) of $742,228 for the comparable period in 2013.

 

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Nine months Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013

 

Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 were $111.8 million compared to $94.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, an increase of $17.4 million, or 18.4%. The increase was due to a $15.4 million increase in net sales of our lithium batteries (resulting from a 32.4% increase in the volume of batteries sold and an 7.4% increase in the average selling price of such batteries) and a $913,530 increase in net sales of our Ni-MH batteries (resulting from a 11.3% increase in the number of Ni-MH battery units sold which was partly offset a 8.7% decrease in the average selling price of such batteries), and a $995,837 increase in revenue from our new material business. The increase in the number of Ni-MH battery units sold in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was primarily attributable to increased orders from our new customers and the increase in the volume of lithium batteries sold in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was primarily attributable growth in global demand for mobile and portable products, and electrical vehicles.

 

Cost of sales mainly consists of nickel, cobalt, lithium derived materials, labor, and overhead. Costs of sales were $88.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, as compared to $76.7 million for the comparable period in 2013. As a percentage of net sales, cost of sales decreased to 79.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to 81.2% for the comparable period in 2013. This decrease was attributable to decrease of unit cost of Ni-MH batteries.

 

Gross profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $23.1 million, or 20.6% of net sales, compared to $17.7 million, or 18.8% of net sales for the comparable period in 2013. Management considers gross profit margin a key performance indicator in managing our business. Gross profit margins are usually a factor of cost of sales, product mix and demand for product. This increase was attributable to decrease of unit cost of Ni-MH batteries.

 

To cope with pressure on our gross margins we control production costs by preparing budgets for each department and comparing actual costs with our budgeted figures monthly and quarterly. Additionally, we have reorganized the Company’s production structure and have focused more attention on employee training to enhance efficiency. We also intend to expand our market share by investing in greater promotion of our products in regions such as the U.S., Russia, Europe and India, and by expanding our sales team with more experienced sales personnel. We have also begun production capacity expansion for our lithium batteries business to take advantage of the strong demand for such products globally.

 

Research and development expenses were approximately $5.8 million, or 5.2% of net sales, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to approximately $4.0 million, or 4.2% of net sales, for the comparable period in 2013, an increase of 46.7%. The increase was due to the expansion of our workforce to expand our research and development in lithium batteries, particularly in the area of new product development for the electrical vehicles and energy storage sectors.

 

Selling and distribution expenses were $4.8 million, or 4.3% of net sales, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $4.4 million, or 4.6% of net sales, for the comparable period in 2013, an increase of 9.9%. Selling and distribution expenses increased due to the expansion of our sales force and marketing activities, participation in industry trade shows, and international travel to promote and sell our products globally.

 

General and administrative expenses were $10.2 million, or 9.1% of net sales, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, compared to $8.4 million, or 8.9% of net sales, for the comparable period in 2013. The primary reason for the increase was due to the expansion of our workforce at our Huizhou facility, Included in this amount was non-cash share-based compensation expense of $ 1.1 million, up from $159,352 in the first three quarters of 2013.

 

We experienced a gain of $334,326 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and a loss of $374,410 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 on the exchange rate difference between the U.S. Dollar and the RMB. The gain in exchange rate difference was due to the depreciation of the RMB relative to the U.S. Dollar over the respective periods.

 

We experienced a loss on derivative instruments of $56,349 in the nine months ended September 30, 2014, which included a gain of $11,400 on settled currency forwards and a loss of $67,749 on unsettled currency forwards, as compared to a gain of $267,316 for the comparable period in 2013, which included a gain of $384,508 on settled currency forwards and a loss of $117,192 on unsettled currency forwards.

 

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Interest expenses were $1,528,077 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, as compared to $1,146,118 for the comparable period in 2013. The fluctuation was due to a $381,959 increase in interest expense related to an increase in bank borrowing and interest rate.

 

Other income, which consists of bank interest income, government grants and sundry income, was approximately $1,493,491 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, as compared to approximately $976,673 for the comparable period in 2013, an increase of $516,818. The increase was due to an increase in government grants and bank interest income.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we recorded provision for income tax expense of $628,872 as compared to $579,352 for the comparable period in 2013. 

 

Net income attributable to the Company (excluding net loss attributable to non-controlling interest) for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $751,516, compared to net income attributable to the Company (excluding net loss attributable to non-controlling interest) of $242,637 for the comparable period in 2013.

 

Foreign Currency and Exchange Risk

 

Though the reporting currency is the US$, the Company maintains its financial records in the functional currency of Renminbi (“RMB”). Substantially all of our operations are conducted in the PRC and we pay the majority of our expenses in RMB. Approximately 60% of our sales are made in U.S. Dollars. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the exchange rate of the RMB to the U.S. Dollar devaluated 0.8% from the level at the end of December 31, 2013. Future appreciation of the RMB against the U.S. Dollar would increase our costs when translated into U.S. Dollars and could adversely affect our margins unless we make sufficient offsetting sales. Conversion of RMB into foreign currencies is regulated by the People’s Bank of China through a unified floating exchange rate system. Although the PRC government has stated its intention to support the value of the RMB, there can be no assurance that such exchange rate will not continue to appreciate significantly against the U.S. Dollar. Exchange rate fluctuations may also affect the value, in U.S. Dollar terms, of our net assets. In addition, the RMB is not freely convertible into foreign currency and all foreign exchange transactions must take place through authorized institutions. Due to the volatility of the US Dollar to our functional currency the Company put into place a hedging program to attempt to protect it from significant changes to the US Dollar which affects the value of its US dollar receivables and sales. As of September 30, 2014, the Company had a series of currency forwards totaling a notional amount of $1.0 million expiring on October. The terms of these derivative contracts are generally for 24 months or less. Changes in the fair value of these derivative contracts are recorded in earnings to offset the impact of loss on derivative instruments. The net loss of $56,349 are included in “loss of derivative instruments” for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and the net gain of $267,316 attributable to these activities are included in “gain of derivative instruments” for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

We had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $11.8 million as of September 30, 2014, as compared to $8.0 million as of December 31, 2013. Our funds are kept in financial institutions located in the PRC, which do not provide insurance for amounts on deposit. Moreover, we are subject to the regulations of the PRC which restrict the transfer of cash from the PRC, except under certain specific circumstances. Accordingly, such funds may not be readily available to us to satisfy obligations incurred outside the PRC.

 

To provide liquidity and flexibility in funding our operations, we borrowed amounts under bank facilities and other external sources of financing. As of September 30, 2014, we had in place general banking facilities with five financial institutions aggregating $38.8 million. The maturity of these facilities is generally within one year. The facilities are subject to regular review and approval. Certain of these banking facilities are guaranteed by our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Dang Yu Pan, and contain customary affirmative and negative covenants for secured credit facilities of this type. Interest rates are generally based on the banks’ reference lending rates. No significant commitment fees are required to be paid for the banking facilities. As of September 30, 2014, we had utilized approximately $19.5 million under such general credit facilities and had available unused credit facilities of $19.3 million.

 

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On April 17, 2014, we issued 1,000,000 shares of common stock and warrants exercisable for 500,000 shares of common stock in a registered direct offering at a price of $5.05 per fixed combination. The net proceeds from the offering was $4.6 million, after deducting fees due the placement agent and offering expenses.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $11.8 million, as compared to $463,877 for the comparable period in 2013. The net cash increase of $11.3 million provided by operating activities is primarily attributable to, among other items, a decrease of $2.6 million in cash outflow from prepayment, a decrease of $3.4 million in outflow from accounts payable, an increase of $3.5 million in cash inflow from accounts receivable which was significantly offset by a increase of $3.2 million in cash outflow from other payables and accrued liabilities, and a decrease of $800,263 in cash inflow from inventories.

 

Net cash used in investing activities was $5.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $11.9 million for the comparable period in 2013. The net decrease of $6.0 million of cash used in investing activities was primarily attributable to a decrease in cash outflow from acquisition of plant and equipment for our strategic change.

 

Net cash used in financing activities was $2.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, as compared to $10.9 million provided by financing activities for the comparable period in 2013. The net decrease of $13.0 million in net cash used in financing activities was primarily attributable to a decrease of $14.6 million in proceeds from short-term bank loans, an increase of $20.2 million in repayment of short-term bank loans, which was partly offset by a increase of $15.4 million in restricted cash, an increase of $4.6 million in proceeds from issuance of capital stock, net.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, our inventory turnover was 5.9 times and 6.0 times, respectively. The average days outstanding of our accounts receivable at September 30, 2014 was 87 days, as compared to 84 days at September 30, 2013. Inventory turnover and average days outstanding are key operating measures that management relies on to monitor our business. In the next 12 months, we expect to expand our research, development and manufacturing of lithium-based batteries and anticipate additional capital expenditures.

 

We are required to contribute a portion of our employees’ total salaries to the Chinese government’s social insurance funds, including medical insurance, unemployment insurance and job injuries insurance, and a housing assistance fund, in accordance with relevant regulations. Total contributions to the funds were approximately $424,841 and $434,486 in the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $1,128,544 and $1,257,546 in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. We expect the amount of our contribution to the government’s social insurance funds to increase in the future as we expand our workforce and operations.

 

Based upon our present plans, we believe that cash on hand, cash flow from operations and funds available under our bank facilities will be sufficient to meet our capital needs for the next 12 months. However, our ability to maintain sufficient liquidity depends partially on our ability to achieve anticipated levels of revenue, while continuing to control costs. If we did not have sufficient available cash, we would have to seek additional debt or equity financing through other external sources, which may not be available on acceptable terms, or at all. Failure to maintain financing arrangements on acceptable terms would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

The use of working capital is primarily for the maintenance of our accounts receivable and inventory. We provide our major customers with payment terms ranging from 10 to 90 days. Additionally, our production lead time is approximately 30 to 40 days, from the inspection of incoming materials, to production, testing and packaging. We need to keep a large supply of raw materials, work-in-process and finished goods inventory on hand to ensure timely delivery of our products to customers. We use two methods to support our working capital needs: (i) paying our suppliers under payment terms ranging from 60 to 150 days; and (ii) using short-term bank loans. Upon receiving payment for our accounts receivable, we pay our short-term loans. Our working capital management practices are designed to ensure that we maintain sufficient working capital.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

The FASB issued ASU No. 2013-01 up to ASU 2014-16 which are not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

 

 

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

Not required for a smaller reporting company.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We maintain “disclosure controls and procedures”, which are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer, or CEO, and Chief Financial Officer, or CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Based on an evaluation carried out as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our CEO and CFO, who have concluded that, our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) were effective as of September 30, 2014.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Based on the evaluation of our management as required by paragraph (d) of Rule 13a-15 of the Exchange Act, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our quarter ended September 30, 2014 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Part II. Other Information

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

None.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

Any investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. Investors should carefully consider the risks described herein and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the SEC on March 31, 2014 and all of the information contained in our public filings before deciding whether to purchase our common stock. There have been no material revisions to the “Risk Factors” as set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

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Item 2. Unregistered Sale of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

 None.

 

Item 3. Default Upon Senior Securities

 

None.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures. 

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 5. Other Information

 

Working Capital Loan Contract Between SZ Highpower and Bank of China, Buji Sub-branch

 

On July 14, 2014, SZ Highpower entered into a working capital loan contract with Bank of China, Buji Sub-branch providing for an aggregate loan of RMB20,000,000 (US$3,252,403) to be used by SZ Highpower to purchase raw materials. The term of the loan is 12 months from the first withdrawal date. SZ Highpower must withdraw the loan on or before July 30, 2014, after which time the bank may cancel all or part of the facility. The interest rate will float and adjust every 6 months. Upon the first withdraw and during the first floating period, the interest rate will equal the one year benchmark lending rate promulgated by the People’s Bank of China, plus 25%. The loan is guaranteed by SZ Springpower and our Chief Executive Officer, Dang Yu Pan.

 

The following constitute events of default by SZ Highpower under the loan agreement: failure to comply with repayment obligations under the affiliated specific credit line contract; failure to use borrowed funds according to the specified purposes; any statement made by SZ Highpower in the contract turns out to be untrue or in violation of any commitments in the affiliated specific credit line contract; failure to provide an additional guarantor as required by the affiliated specific credit line contract; significant business difficulties or risks, deteriorated financial losses or losses of assets, or other financial crisis; breach of covenants in other credit agreements with the bank or affiliated institutions of the bank; any guarantor breaches a contract or defaults under any agreement with the bank or affiliated institutions of the bank; termination of its business or engagement due to any wind-up, cancellation or bankruptcy issues; involvement or potential involvement in significant economic disputes, litigation, arbitration or assets seizure or confiscation, or its involvement in other judicial proceedings or administrative punishment proceedings that have affected or may affect its capacity to perform its obligations under the affiliated specific credit line contract; an abnormal change in any major individual investor or key management member of SZ Highpower or such a person or entity’s becoming subject to investigation or restriction by the judiciary, which have or may affect SZ Highpower’s performance of obligation under affiliated specific credit line contract; Bank of China’s discovery of any situation that may affect the financial position or performance capacities of SZ Highpower or a guarantor after the bank’s annual review of SZ Highpower’s financial position and performance; failure to provide the relevant documentation acceptable to Bank of China about the inflows and outflows of large-sum and abnormal capital in capital recovery account; or being in violation of other rights and obligations under the affiliated specific credit line contract.

 

Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the bank may: request SZ Highpower or any guarantor to rectify the event of default within a specified time period; reduce, temporarily suspend or permanently terminate SZ Highpower’s credit limit in whole or in part; temporarily suspend or permanently terminate in part or in whole SZ Highpower’s application for specific credit line under the agreement; announce the immediate expiration of all the credit lines granted under the affiliated specific credit line contract as well as other contracts; terminate or release the contract, terminate or release in part or in whole any of the affiliated specific credit line contract as well as the other contracts executed between SZ Highpower and the bank; request compensation from SZ Highpower on the losses thereafter caused; hold SZ Highpower’s deposit account at the bank in custody for repayment of amounts due under the contract; exercise the real rights for security; request repayment from a guarantor; or take any other procedures deemed necessary by the bank.

 

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Credit Line Contract Between SZ Springpower and Bank of China, Buji Sub-branch

 

On July 23, 2014, SZ Springpower entered into a comprehensive credit line contract with Bank of China, Buji Sub-branch, which provides for a revolving line of credit of up to RMB60,000,000 (US$9,757,208), consisting of up to RMB30,000,000 (US$4,878,604) in loans and up to RMB30,000,000 (US$4,878,604) in bank acceptances, with a term of one year. SZ Springpower may withdraw the loan in stages: 1) SZ Springpower can use the credit of up to RMB20,000,000, consisting of up to RMB10,000,000 in loans and up to RMB10,000,000 in bank acceptances, after all SZ Highpower, HZ HTC, our Chief Technology Officer, Wen Liang Li, and our Chief Executive Officer, Dang Yu Pan as a guarantee; 2) SZ Springpower can use the credit of RMB20,000,000 in loans, after secured by a land use right of GZ Highpower; 3) SZ Springpower can use the credit of RMB20,000,000 in bank acceptances, after secured by the building of GZ Highpower.

 

The following constitute events of default by SZ Springpower under the loan agreement: failure to comply with repayment obligations under the agreement or any affiliated credit lines; failure to use borrowed funds according to the specified purposes; any statement made by SZ Springpower in the agreement is untrue or in violation of any commitments in the loan agreement or affiliated loan contracts; failure to provide an additional guarantor as required by the loan agreement; significant business difficulties or risks, deteriorated financial losses or losses of assets, or other financial crisis; violation of other rights and obligations under the agreement; or breach of covenants by SZ Springpower or any guarantor in other credit agreements with the bank or affiliated institutions of the bank.

 

Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the bank may: request SZ Springpower or any guarantor to rectify the event of default within a specified time period; reduce, temporarily suspend or permanently terminate SZ Springpower’s credit limit in whole or in part; temporarily suspend or permanently terminate in part or in whole SZ Springpower’s application for specific credit line under the agreement; announce the immediate expiration of all the credit lines granted under the agreement and affiliated specific credit line contracts; terminate or release the agreement, terminate or release in part or in whole any of the affiliated specific credit line contracts as well as the other contracts executed between SZ Springpower and the bank; request compensation from SZ Springpower on the losses thereafter caused; hold SZ Springpower’s deposit account at the bank in custody for repayment of amounts due under the agreement; exercise the real rights for security; request repayment from a guarantor; or take any other procedures deemed necessary by the bank.

 

Credit Contract Between HKHTC and Shanghai Commercial & Savings Bank Ltd., Hong Kong Branch

 

On August 19, 2014, HKHTC entered into a non-revolving short-term secured loan facility with Shanghai Commercial & Savings Bank Ltd., Hong Kong Branch providing for an aggregate loan of $4,500,000. HKHTC may withdraw the loan, from time to time as needed, within three months from August 19, 2014, and shall give notice to the Bank no later than 2 business days before the drawdown date. All the outstanding liabilities under the facility shall be repaid by the final maturity date, which is 12 months after the drawdown date. The interest rate charged on the loans is at 3% per annum above 6-Month LIBOR or 1.3% p.a. above 6-Month TAIFX, whichever is higher, but in any event not to be less than the bank’s cost of funds. Interest is payable quarterly commencing three months after the drawdown date or at the due date, whichever is earlier. The loan is guaranteed by our Chief Executive Officer, Dang Yu Pan.

 

The following constitute events of default under the loan facility: HKHTC fails to pay any amounts payable under the facility on its due date; HKHTC fails to perform any of its obligations under the contract; any representation or warranty of HKHTC in the loan facility is or proves to have been untrue or inaccurate in any material respect; HKHTC’s bankruptcy; any shareholder (being a company) commits an act to go into voluntary liquidation or reconstruction or amalgamation; or the occurrence of any situation which in the bank’s opinion may materially and adversely affect HKHTC’s ability to perform its obligations under the loan facility.

 

At any time upon demand, the bank may declare the amount of the facility outstanding, accrued interest and all other sums payable immediately due and payable.

 

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Working Capital Loan Contract Between SZ Springpower and Bank of China, Buji Sub-branch

 

On August 7, 2014, SZ Springpower entered into a working capital loan contract with Bank of China, Buji Sub-branch providing for an aggregate loan of RMB10,000,000 (US$1,626,201) to be used by SZ Springpower to purchase raw materials. The term of the loan is 12 months from the first withdrawal date. SZ Springpower must withdraw the loan within 30 days from August 7, 2014, after which time the bank may cancel all or part of the facility. The interest rate will float and adjust every 6 months. Upon the first withdraw and during the first floating period, the interest rate will equal the one year benchmark lending rate promulgated by the People’s Bank of China, plus 20%. The loan is guaranteed by SZ Highpower, HZ HTC, our Chief Technology Officer, Wen Liang Li, and our Chief Executive Officer, Dang Yu Pan.

 

The following constitute events of default by SZ Springpower under the loan agreement: failure to comply with repayment obligations under the affiliated specific credit line contract; failure to use borrowed funds according to the specified purposes; any statement made by SZ Springpower in the contract turns out to be untrue or in violation of any commitments in the affiliated specific credit line contract; failure to provide an additional guarantor as required by the affiliated specific credit line contract; significant business difficulties or risks, deteriorated financial losses or losses of assets, or other financial crisis; breach of covenants in other credit agreements with the bank or affiliated institutions of the bank; any guarantor breaches a contract or defaults under any agreement with the bank or affiliated institutions of the bank; termination of its business or engagement due to any wind-up, cancellation or bankruptcy issues; involvement or potential involvement in significant economic disputes, litigation, arbitration or assets seizure or confiscation, or its involvement in other judicial proceedings or administrative punishment proceedings that have affected or may affect its capacity to perform its obligations under the affiliated specific credit line contract; an abnormal change in any major individual investor or key management member of SZ Springpower or such a person or entity’s becoming subject to investigation or restriction by the judiciary, which have or may affect SZ Springpower’s performance of obligation under affiliated specific credit line contract; Bank of China’s discovery of any situation that may affect the financial position or performance capacities of SZ Springpower or a guarantor after the bank’s annual review of SZ Springpower’s financial position and performance; failure to provide the relevant documentation acceptable to Bank of China about the inflows and outflows of large-sum and abnormal capital in capital recovery account; or being in violation of other rights and obligations under the affiliated specific credit line contract.

 

Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the bank may: request SZ Springpower or any guarantor to rectify the event of default within a specified time period; reduce, temporarily suspend or permanently terminate SZ Springpower’s credit limit in whole or in part; temporarily suspend or permanently terminate in part or in whole SZ Springpower’s application for specific credit line under the agreement; announce the immediate expiration of all the credit lines granted under the affiliated specific credit line contract as well as other contracts; terminate or release the contract, terminate or release in part or in whole any of the affiliated specific credit line contract as well as the other contracts executed between SZ Springpower and the bank; request compensation from SZ Springpower on the losses thereafter caused; hold SZ Springpower’s deposit account at the bank in custody for repayment of amounts due under the contract; exercise the real rights for security; request repayment from a guarantor; or take any other procedures deemed necessary by the bank.

 

The information set forth above is included herewith for the purpose of providing the disclosure required under Item 1.01and Item 2.03 of Form 8-K. The preceding summaries of the above-referenced loan agreements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the complete text of the agreements, which are attached hereto as Exhibits 10.1-10.4 and are incorporated by reference herein. You are urged to read the entire text of the loan agreements attached hereto.

 

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Item 6. Exhibits

 

 

Exhibit

Number

  Description of Document
     
10.1   Comprehensive Credit Line Contract dated July 23, 2014 between Springpower Technology (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd. and Bank of China, Buji Sub-branch (translated to English)
10.1(a)   Maximum Amount Guaranty Contract dated July 23, 2014 between Shenzhen Highpower Technology (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd. and Bank of China, Buji Sub-branch (translated to English)
10.1(b)   Maximum Amount Guaranty Contract dated July 23, 2014 between Huizhou Highpower Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. and Bank of China, Buji Sub-branch (translated to English)
10.1(c)   Maximum Amount Guaranty Contract dated July 23, 2014 between Dangyu Pan and Bank of China, Buji Sub-branch (translated to English)
10.1(d)   Maximum Amount Guaranty Contract dated July 23, 2014 between Wenliang Li and Bank of China, Buji Sub-branch (translated to English)
10.2   Working Capital Loan Contract dated July 14, 2014 between Shenzhen Highpower Technology Co., Ltd. and Bank of China, Buji Sub-branch (translated to English)
10.3   Working Capital Loan Contract dated August 7, 2014 between Springpower Technology (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd. and Bank of China, Buji Sub-branch (translated to English)
10.4   Banking Facility and Guaranty dated August 19, 2014 between Hong Kong Highpower Technology Company Limited and The Shanghai Commercial & Savings Bank, LTD.
31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Item 601(b)(31) of Regulation S-K, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Item 601(b)(31) of Regulation S-K, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1  ** Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer 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 Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

** This exhibit shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in any filings.

 

 

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HIGHPOWER INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

SIGNATURES

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements 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.

 

  Highpower International, Inc.
     
     
Dated: November 12, 2014    /s/ Dang Yu Pan  
  By: Dang Yu Pan
  Its: Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
(principal executive officer and duly authorized officer)
     
    /s/ Henry Sun  
  By: Henry Sun
  Its: Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial and accounting officer)

 

 

 

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