UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

  annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016

or

 

  Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the transition period from  __________________________________ to _________________________________

 

Commission File Number: 001-37776

 

 

SHINECO, INC.
(Exact name of issuer as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   52-2175898
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or   (I.R.S.  employer identification number)
organization)    
     
2 nd Floor, Wanyuan Business Center    
10 N. Hongda Road    
Daxing District, Beijing    
People’s Republic of China    
    100176
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (+86) 10-87227366

 

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

 

Title of each class   Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, $0.001 par value   NASDAQ Capital Market

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.   Yes        No 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.   Yes        No 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

  Large Accelerated Filer  Accelerated Filer 
  Non-accelerated filer     Smaller reporting company  

 

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

 

The aggregate market value of the voting stock of the registrant held by non-affiliates on December 31, 2015, the last business day of the registrant's second fiscal quarter, was approximately $50.1 million, based on the number of outstanding Shares held by non-affiliates on that date multiplied by the $4.50 offering price of our common stock. Until our initial public offering there was no public market for the shares of our common stock

 

As of September 27, 2016, the registrant had 21,034,072 shares of common stock outstanding.

 

 

 

   

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TO ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

FOR YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2015

 

Part I  
Item 1. Business. 1
Item 1a. Risk Factors 26
Item 1b. Unresolved Staff Comments 26
Item 2. Properties 26
Item 3. Legal Proceedings 29
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 29
Part II    
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchase of Equity Securities 29
Item 6. Selected Financial Data 31
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations 31
Item 7a. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 41
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 41
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 41
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures 41
Item 9b. Other Information 44
Part III    
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 44
Item 11. Executive Compensation 49
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters 50
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions 51
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services 53
Part IV    
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules 53

 

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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This annual report on Form 10-K (the “Report”) and other reports (collectively the “Filings”) filed by the registrant from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) contain or may contain forward looking statements and information that are based upon beliefs of, and information currently available to, the registrant’s management as well as estimates and assumptions made by the registrant’s management. When used in the filings the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “future,” “intend,” “plan” or the negative of these terms and similar expressions as they relate to the registrant or the registrant’s management identify forward looking statements. Such statements reflect the current view of the registrant with respect to future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors (including the risks contained in the section of this Report entitled “Risk Factors”) relating to the registrant’s industry, the registrant’s operations and results of operations and any businesses that may be acquired by the registrant. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ significantly from those anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, intended or planned.

 

Although the registrant believes that the expectations reflected in the forward looking statements are reasonable, the registrant cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States, the registrant does not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements to conform these statements to actual results. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the registrant’s financial statements and the related notes thereto included in this Report.

 

In this Report, the terms “we,” “us,” “our company,” “our” and “Shineco” refer to Shineco, Inc. (“TYHT” when referring solely to our Delaware company), including its consolidated subsidiaries and variable interest entities (“VIEs”), unless the context otherwise requires;

 

  ii  

 

   

Part I

 

ITEM 1. Business.

 

General Overview

 

We are a Delaware holding company that uses our subsidiaries’ and variable interest entities’ vertically- and horizontally-integrated production, distribution and sales channels to provide health and well-being focused plant-based products. Our products are only sold domestically in China. We utilize modern engineering technologies and biotechnologies to produce, among other products, Chinese herbal medicines, organic agricultural produce and specialized textiles. Our health and well-being focused plant-based products business is divided into three major segments:

 

1. Processing and distributing traditional Chinese herbal medicine products as well as other pharmaceutical products. The companies of this segment, Ankang Longevity Group, operate 66 cooperative retail pharmacies throughout Ankang, a city in southern Shaanxi province, China, through which we sell directly to individual customers traditional Chinese medicinal products produced by us as well as by third parties. Ankang Longevity Group also owns a factory specializing in decoction, which is the process by which solid materials are heated or boiled in order to extract liquids, and distributes decoction products to wholesalers and pharmaceutical companies around China. This segment accounted for approximately 40% of our revenues for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016.

 

2. Planting, processing and distributing green and organic agricultural produce as well as growing and cultivating yew trees ( taxus media ). We currently cultivate and sell yew mainly to large group and corporate customers, but do not currently process yew into Chinese or Western medicines. This segment is conducted through the Company’s variable interest entities: the Zhisheng Group, which comprises the following Chinese companies participating in our yew tree business: Shineco Zhisheng (Beijing) Bio-Technology Co. (“Zhisheng Bio-Tech”), Yantai Zhisheng International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd (“Zhisheng Freight”), Yantai Zhisheng International Trade Co., Ltd (“Zhisheng Trade”), Yantai Mouping District Zhisheng Agricultural Produce Cooperative (“Zhisheng Agricultural”), and Qingdao Zhihesheng Agricultural Produce Services, Ltd (“Qingdao Zhihesheng”). This segment accounted for approximately 48% of our revenues for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016.

 

3. Developing and distributing specialized fabrics, textiles and other byproducts derived from an indigenous Chinese plant Apocynum Venetum , grown in the Xinjiang region of China, and known in Chinese as “Luobuma” or “bluish dogbane”. Our Luobuma products are specialized textile and health supplement products designed to incorporate traditional Eastern medicines with modern scientific methods. These products are predicated on centuries-old traditions of Eastern herbal remedies derived from the Luobuma raw material. This segment is channeled through the Company’s directly-owned subsidiary, Beijing Tenet-Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd. (“Tenet-Jove”). This segment accounted for approximately 12% of our revenues for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016.

 

We primarily market our health and wellbeing-focused products in China. At present, we do not sell any of our products in the United States or Canada. China’s domestic pharmaceutical and healthcare product market is fast-growing but, in our opinion, underdeveloped. We believe China’s healthcare sector has the capacity to develop even further. According to China’s National Health and Family Planning Commission, China’s healthcare spending in 2013 was only 5.5% of GDP, which is far below healthcare spending of developed countries. According to the World Bank, healthcare spending for 2012 for the United States, United Kingdom, France and Germany was 17.9%, 9.4%, 11.7% and 11.3%, respectively. According to a 2015 report by Deloitte, healthcare expenditures in China are projected to grow at an average rate of 11.8% annually from 2014-2018, reaching $892 billion by 2018. From pharmaceuticals to medical products to general consumer health, China remains among the world’s most attractive markets, and by far the fastest-growing of all the large emerging ones. This growth is being driven by China’s aging population, increased incidence of chronic diseases, and a material increase in investment from both domestic and foreign corporations. The growth also reflects the Chinese government’s focus on healthcare as both a social priority (as witnessed in its late 2000s healthcare reforms) and a strategic priority (as witnessed in the 12 th five-year plan’s stated focus on growing the biomedical industry in the future).

 

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History and Corporate Structure

 

Shineco, Inc. was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware on August 20, 1997 as Supcor, Inc. From 1997 to 2004, the Company’s only activities were organizational ones, directed at developing its business plan and raising initial capital. On December 30, 2004, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of Tenet-Jove, a company operating in the fabrics and textile business organized under the laws of the People’s Republic of China on December 15, 2003, in exchange for shares of Shineco’s common stock. At that point, the sole operating business of Tenet-Jove then became that of the Company. On June 9, 2005, we changed our name to Shineco, Inc.

 

Currently, Tenet-Jove, through a series of contractual relationships, effectively controls and manages:

 

  Ankang Longevity Pharmaceutical (Group) Co., Ltd. (“Ankang Longevity Group”), which owns a controlling interest in the following Chinese companies participating in our traditional Chinese medicine business: Ankang Longevity Pharmaceutical (Group) Traditional Chinese Medicine Decoction Pieces Co., Ltd. (“Ankang Longevity Decoction Pieces”), Ankang Longevity Pharmaceutical Group Chain Co., Ltd. (“Ankang Longevity Chain”), and Ankang Longevity Pharmaceutical Group Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd. (“Ankang Longevity Industry”); and

 

  Zhisheng Group, which comprises the following Chinese companies participating in our yew tree business: Shineco Zhisheng (Beijing) Bio-Technology Co., Yantai Zhisheng International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd, Yantai Zhisheng International Trade Co., Ltd, Yantai Mouping District Zhisheng Agricultural Produce Cooperative, and Qingdao Zhihesheng Agricultural Produce Services, Ltd.

 

The Company is also a majority shareholder of Tianjin Tenet Huatai Technological Development Co., Ltd. (“Tianjin Tenet Huatai”), and it owns 49% of Shaanxi Pharmacy Holding Group Ankang Longevity Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Shaanxi Pharmacy Sunsimiao Drugstores Ankang Chain Co., Ltd. through a joint venture with Shaanxi Pharmaceutical Group Pai’ang Medicine Co. Ltd., a Chinese state-owned pharmaceutical enterprise.

  

Contractual Arrangements with Hongli Group and its Owners

 

We conduct our business through a combination of contractual arrangements with PRC operating companies and equity ownership of PRC subsidiaries. In some cases we have chosen to use contractual relationships because direct investment by foreign-owned companies like our Delaware company is prohibited or restricted. In other cases we have elected to do so in spite of being permitted to own such operating company directly. Where we operate our business through such contractual relationships, we are subject to risks related to such operation. See “Risk Factors— We rely on contractual arrangements with our variable interest entities in China for our business operations, which may not be as effective in providing operational control or enabling us to derive economic benefits as through ownership of controlling equity interests.”

 

The principal regulation governing foreign ownership of businesses in the PRC is the Foreign Investment Industrial Guidance Catalogue, effective as of April 10, 2015 (the “Catalogue”). The Catalogue classifies various industries into three categories: encouraged, restricted and prohibited. Shineco is engaged in business in industries where direct foreign investment is expressly prohibited: the preparation of traditional Chinese medicines in small pieces ready for decoction.

 

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Due, in part, to the regulations on foreign ownership of PRC businesses, neither we nor our subsidiaries own any equity interest in Ankang Longevity Group or the Zhisheng Group. The foregoing companies are referred to herein as the “Controlled Companies.” Instead, we control and receive the economic benefits of the Controlled Companies’ business operations through a series of contractual arrangements. Tenet-Jove, each of the Controlled Companies and its shareholders have entered into a series of contractual arrangements, also known as VIE Agreements. The VIE agreements are designed to provide Tenet-Jove with the power, rights and obligations equivalent in all material respects to those it would possess as the sole equity holder of each Controlled Company, including absolute control rights and the rights to the assets, property and revenue of each Controlled Company. Based on a legal opinion issued by Dentons LLP to Tenet-Jove, the VIE agreements constitute valid and binding obligations of the parties to such agreements and are enforceable and valid in accordance with the laws of the PRC.

 

Each of the types of VIE Agreements is described below and consist of, for each of Ankang Longevity Group and the Zhisheng Group, (a) exclusive business cooperation agreements, (b) timely reporting agreements, (c) equity interest pledge agreements, (d) exclusive option agreements, and (e) powers of attorney. As an overview, these agreements taken together are designed to allow our Company to manage the operations of each of the Controlled Companies and to receive all of the net income of such Controlled Companies in return therefor. To secure our interest in the Controlled Companies, the equity interest pledges and option agreements and the powers of attorney are designed to allow us to step in and convert our contractual interest into an equity interest in the event we determine that doing so is warranted. Finally, the timely reporting agreement is designed to ensure that we have timely access to the financial and other information from the Controlled Companies that we require in order to prepare regulatory and other filings.

 

The following is a summary of the common contractual arrangements that provide us with effective control of our VIEs and that enable us to receive substantially all of the economic benefits from their operations.

 

Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreements

 

Pursuant to substantially identical Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreements between each Controlled Company and Tenet-Jove, Tenet-Jove provides such Controlled Company with technical support, consulting services and other management services relating to its day-to-day business operations and management, on an exclusive basis, utilizing its advantages in technology, human resources, and information. Additionally, each Controlled Company has granted an irrevocable and exclusive option to Tenet-Jove to purchase from such Controlled Company, any or all of its assets, to the extent permitted under applicable PRC law. Tenet-Jove may exercise, at its sole discretion, the option to purchase from each Controlled Company any or all of such Controlled Company’s assets at the lowest purchase price permitted by PRC law. Should Tenet-Jove exercise such option, the parties shall enter into a separate asset transfer or similar agreement. Tenet-Jove shall own all intellectual property rights that are developed during the course of each Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement. For services rendered to each Controlled Company by Tenet-Jove under the agreement to which such Controlled Company is a party, Tenet-Jove is entitled to collect a service fee calculated based on the time of services rendered multiplied by the corresponding rate, which is approximately equal to the net income of such Controlled Company.

 

Each Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement shall remain in effect for ten years until it is extended or terminated by Tenet-Jove (which may be done unilaterally). Such agreements may only be terminated by the Controlled Companies upon gross negligence or fraud by Tenet-Jove. Tenet-Jove entered into an Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement with Zhisheng Bio-Tech, Ankang Longevity Group, and Qingdao Zhihesheng on February 24, 2014, December 31, 2008, and May 24, 2012, respectively, and with each of Zhisheng Freight, Zhisheng Trade, and Zhisheng Agricultural on June 16, 2011.

 

Tenet-Jove is currently managing each Controlled Company pursuant to the terms of an Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement. Pursuant to each such agreement, Tenet-Jove has absolute authority relating to the management of each Controlled Company, including but not limited to decisions with regard to expenses, salary raises and bonuses, hiring, firing and other operational functions. Although the Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreements do not prohibit related party transactions, the audit committee of Shineco will be required to review and approve in advance any related party transactions, including transactions involving Tenet-Jove or any Controlled Company.

 

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Timely Reporting Agreements

 

To ensure each Controlled Company promptly provides all of the information that Tenet-Jove and the Company need to file various reports with the SEC and other applicable regulatory authorities, a Timely Reporting Agreement was entered between each Controlled Company and Shineco on July 3, 2014.

 

Under the Timely Reporting Agreements, each Controlled Company agrees that it is obligated to make its officers and directors available to Shineco and promptly provide all information required by Shineco so that Shineco can file all necessary SEC and other regulatory reports as required.

 

Equity Interest Pledge Agreements

 

Under the Equity Interest Pledge Agreements among each Controlled Company (other than Zhisheng Agricultural, which is a cooperative and thus has no equity interests that can be pledged), the shareholders of each such Controlled Company and Tenet-Jove, the shareholders pledged all of their equity interests in each such Controlled Company to Tenet-Jove to guarantee the performance of such Controlled Company’s obligations under the respective Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement. Under the terms of each agreement, in the event that the Controlled Company or its shareholders breach their respective contractual obligations under the Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement to which they are a party, Tenet-Jove, as pledgee, will be entitled to certain rights, including, but not limited to, the right to collect dividends generated by the pledged equity interests. Each Controlled Company’s shareholders also agreed that upon occurrence of any event of default, as set forth in the applicable Equity Interest Pledge Agreement, Tenet-Jove is entitled to dispose of the pledged equity interest in accordance with applicable PRC laws. Each Controlled Company’s shareholders further agree not to dispose of the pledged equity interests or take any actions that would prejudice Tenet-Jove’s interest in the applicable Controlled Company.

 

Each Equity Interest Pledge Agreement shall be effective until all payments due under the related Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement have been paid by the Controlled Company party thereto. Tenet-Jove shall cancel or terminate an Equity Interest Pledge Agreement upon a Controlled Company’s full payment of fees payable under its applicable Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement.

 

Exclusive Option Agreements

 

Under the Exclusive Option Agreements, shareholders of each of the Controlled Companies (other than Zhisheng Agricultural, which is a cooperative and thus has no equity holders) irrevocably granted Tenet-Jove (or its designee) an exclusive option to purchase, to the extent permitted under PRC law, once or at multiple times, at any time, part or all of their equity interests in each Controlled Company. The option price is equal to the capital paid in by the applicable Controlled Company shareholders subject to any appraisal or restrictions required by applicable PRC laws and regulations. The option purchase price shall increase in case the applicable Controlled Company shareholders make additional capital contributions to such Controlled Company.

 

Each agreement remains effective for a term of ten years and may be unilaterally renewed at Tenet-Jove’s election.

 

Powers of Attorney

 

Under the Powers of Attorney, the shareholders of each Controlled Company authorize Tenet-Jove to act on their behalf as their exclusive agent and attorney with respect to all rights as shareholders of the respective Controlled Companies, including but not limited to: (a) attending shareholders’ meetings; (b) exercising all the shareholder’s rights, including voting, that shareholders are entitled to under the laws of China and the Articles of Association, including but not limited to the sale or transfer or pledge or disposition of shares in part or in whole; and (c) designating and appointing on behalf of shareholders the legal representative, the executive director, supervisor, the chief executive officer and other senior management members of the respective Controlled Companies.

 

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Guarantee Agreement

 

As noted above, Zhisheng Agricultural is a cooperative and has no equity interests to pledge and no equity holders to grant options. Thus, in order to secure the obligations of Zhisheng Agricultural to pay certain service fees owing to Tenet-Jove under the Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement to which it is a party, it has entered into a Guarantee Agreement among Zhisheng Agricultural, Tenet-Jove, and Wang Qiwei, a member of the Zhisheng Agricultural cooperative dated June 16, 2011. Pursuant to the terms of the Guarantee Agreement, Wang Qiwei has agreed to guarantee the payment of service fees under the Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement should Zhisheng Agricultural breach its obligation to do so.

 

Our Current Corporate Structure

 

Shineco, Inc. was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware on August 20, 1997 as Supcor, Inc. On December 30, 2004, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of Tenet-Jove, a company organized under the laws of the People’s Republic of China on December 15, 2003, in exchange for restricted shares of Shineco’s common stock, and the sole operating business of Shineco then became that of its subsidiary, Tenet-Jove.

 

Tenet-Jove, through a series of contractual relationships, effectively controls and manages the Zhisheng Group, comprising Zhisheng Bio-Tech, Zhisheng Freight, Zhisheng Trade, Zhisheng Agricultural, and Qingdao Zhihesheng, and Ankang Longevity Group, which substantially owns Ankang Longevity Decoction Pieces, Ankang Longevity Chain, and Ankang Longevity Industry. The Company is a majority shareholder of Tianjin Tenet Huatai.

 

The Company also owns 49% of Shaanxi Pharmacy Holding Group, Ankang Longevity Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Shaanxi Pharmacy Sunsimiao Drugstores Ankang Chain Co., Ltd. through a joint venture with Shaanxi Pharmaceutical Group Pai’ang Medicine Co. Ltd., a Chinese state-owned pharmaceutical enterprise.

 

Our current corporate structure is as follows:

 

 

Our Products and Operations

 

Our health and well-being focused plant-based products business is divided into three major segments:

 

  1. Processing and distributing traditional Chinese herbal medicine products as well as other pharmaceutical products. This segment is conducted by the Company’s VIE, Ankang Longevity Group.

 

  2. Planting, processing and distributing green and organic agricultural produce as well as growing and cultivating yew trees ( taxus media ). This segment is conducted through the Company’s VIEs, the Zhisheng Group.

 

  3. Developing and distributing specialized fabrics, textiles and other byproducts derived from an indigenous Chinese plant Apocynum Venetum , known in Chinese as “Luobuma” or “bluish dogbane”. This segment is channeled through the Company’s directly-owned subsidiary, Tenet-Jove.

 

The details of each business segment are described as follows:

 

Ankang Longevity Group

 

The companies of this segment, Ankang Longevity Group, operates 66 cooperative retail pharmacies throughout Ankang, a city in southern Shaanxi province, PRC, through which we sell directly to individual customers traditional Chinese medicinal products produced by us as well as by third parties. This group also processes more than 600 kinds of Chinese medicinal herbal products such as medicines for bone and joint pain, arthritis, respiratory infections and insomnia, and distribute such products through an established Chinese domestic sales and distribution network, including more than twenty pharmaceutical companies and more than fifty hospitals throughout China. Ankang Longevity Group has recently established a joint venture with a large state-owned domestic pharmacy chain group, Shaanxi Pharmaceutical Group Pai’ang Medicine Co. Ltd. (“Shaanxi Pharmaceutical Group”). As part of the joint venture, Ankang Longevity Group contributed 13 retail pharmacies— operating as Sunsimiao Pharmacies— to the joint venture while retaining 66 retail pharmacies whereby Ankang Longevity Group acts as a franchisor. We also provide evaluation and diagnostic services by on-site doctors at pharmacies to support and drive our Chinese medicine product sales. The operations of this segment are focused in the northwest region of Mainland China, particularly Shaanxi province. This segment accounts for approximately 40% of our revenues.

 

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Ankang Longevity Group has built a scalable decocting-free Chinese herbal medicine manufacturing facility that passed the Good Manufacturing Practice (“GMP”) certification in 2009 and was recognized as a Key Agricultural Industrialization Companies by the Shaanxi Provincial Government. The facility covers an area of over 4,000 square meters and is equipped with an advanced toxic herbal medicine treatment production line and herbal medicine testing instruments.

 

Ankang Longevity Group has recently acquired land use rights to use 8,200 acres of selenium-rich farmland and woodland in Ziyang County, China to grow our Chinese medicine and other plant products.

 

Zhisheng Group

 

The Company’s other VIEs, the Zhisheng Group, which includes Zhisheng Bio-Tech, Zhisheng Freight, Zhisheng Trade, Zhisheng Agricultural and Qingdao Zhihesheng, engage in the business of organic agricultural products, principally yew trees, as well as providing logistics services for all of the agricultural products we produce. Since 2013, this segment is focusing its efforts on the growing and cultivation of yew trees ( taxus media ), small evergreen trees that can be used for the production of anti-cancer medication as well as ornamental bonsai trees, which are known to have the effect of purifying indoor air quality. We currently cultivate and sell yew but do not currently process yew into Chinese or Western medicines. The entities composing the Zhisheng Group are currently focusing on researching, developing and cultivating organic produce, yew ecological products and other native plants. The operations of this segment are focused in the East region of Mainland China, principally Shandong Province, and in Beijing where we have newly developed over 100 acres of modern greenhouses for cultivating yew and other plants. This segment accounts for approximately 47% of our revenues.

 

Tenet-Jove

 

Through Tenet-Jove, the Company develops and distributes specialized textiles and health supplements derived from a native Chinese plant Apocynum venetum , grown in the Xinjiang region of China and known in Chinese as “Luobuma” or “bluish dogbane” and referred to herein as Luobuma. This plant has traditionally been used in China both internally and externally for centuries to treat high blood pressure, depression, dizziness, pain, insomnia, and other common ailments. The stems of Luobuma serve as raw material for fiber used in textile production, and the leaves serve as raw material for pharmaceutical drugs. This segment accounts for approximately 12% of our revenues.

 

The companies of this segment, Tenet-Jove and Tianjin Tenet Huatai, specialize in Luobuma sourcing and developing Luobuma byproducts. With rich experience and broad channels in the Chinese domestic market, we believe that we are one of the leaders in Luobuma textile sales in China. This segment’s operations are focused in the north region of Mainland China, mostly carried out in Xinjiang and Tianjin. We are presently in preliminary negotiations to build a new facility in Hefei, Anhui Province, China to exploit our steam explosion Luobuma fiber production technology. Our Luobuma products are specialized textile and health supplement products designed to incorporate traditional Eastern medicines with modern scientific methods. These products are predicated on centuries-old traditions of Eastern herbal remedies derived from the Luobuma raw material.

 

In addition to developing textile products, we expect to use our high-pressure steam degumming process to extract other Luobuma byproducts we intend to commercialize and distribute: flavonoids, xylooligosaccharides (XOS), edible pectin, fiberboard, and organic fertilizer. The traditional method of degumming Luobuma only produces Luobuma fiber, whereas our high-pressure steam degumming process produces these five additional Luobuma byproducts. Flavonoids are organic compounds widely distributed in plants, and flavonoid-rich Luobuma extract can be used in the manufacture of many pharmaceuticals. Xylooligosaccharides, or XOS, is a sugar that can be used as a food additive that provides various health benefits like lowering glucose levels. Pectin is a thickener and stabilizer used in food, beverages and cosmetics, as well as a gelling agent for jellies. Fiberboard is a type of engineered wood alternative that is made out of Luobuma fibers; it is used widely for furniture manufacturing and packaging.

 

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Product Descriptions

 

Traditional Chinese Medicines

 

Our Ankang Longevity Group develops and manufactures hundreds of Chinese medicinal herbal products and decoction pieces such as medicines for bone and joint pain, arthritis, respiratory infections, insomnia, as well as many other common ailments. We distribute such products through an established Chinese domestic sales and distribution network, including through more than twenty pharmaceutical wholesale companies and more than fifty hospitals throughout China, as well as through our own and cooperative retail pharmacies. In addition to distributing Chinese medicinal herbal products, we also distribute many popular Western medicines we purchase from outside parties through our wholesale and retail channels so that we can offer a good variety of products to meet customer demands. In the second quarter of 2013, this group entered the Pharmaceutical retailing industry through a joint venture with another large domestic pharmacy chain group, Shaanxi Pharmaceutical Group. Ankang’s main products include the following traditional Chinese medicines:

 

Polygonum cuspidatum or Japanese knotweed, which is ingested to treat colds, digestive diseases, hepatitis and Cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation);

 

Salvia mint, which is ingested to improve microcirculation;

 

Tianma, which is ingested to treat Rheumatoid arthritis;

 

Eucommia, which is ingested for bone and join pain;

 

Radix, which is ingested to treat respiratory infections;

 

Schisandra shrub, which is ingested to treat insomnia; and

 

Berberis shrub, which is used as a raw material for antibiotics.

 

Yew Trees

 

Currently, through our Zhisheng Group VIEs, we sell ornamental yew trees and yew cuttings to third parties. We also rent ornamental yew trees to companies who desire the environmental benefits of natural plants in their workplaces. Until recently we were primarily engaged in the production, distribution and sale of agricultural products, including the planting and processing of organic fruits and vegetables, such as tomato, eggplants, string beans, peppers as well as certain popular fruits in China like blueberries and wine grapes, but those operations have been temporarily scaled back due to stiff competition and a change of our internal policy in favor of the expansion of our yew tree business.

 

As our inventories of young yew trees mature, our long-term goals are particularly focused on the extraction of paclitaxel or taxol, which is derived from certain species of yew trees including those we grow. Taxol, a broad-spectrum mitotic inhibitor used in cancer chemotherapy, can be extracted from mature yew trees. As a mitotic inhibitor, taxol adheres to rapidly dividing cancerous cells during mitosis (cell division) and interferes with the division process. It may suppress tumor growth through regulating microtubule stabilization, inducing apoptosis and adjusting immunologic mechanism. Taxol is also used for the prevention of restenosis, which is the narrowing of blood vessels. In the treatment of certain soft tissue cancers, such as breast cancer, taxol is given for early stage and metastatic breast cancer after combination anthracycline and cytoxan therapy and is also given as treatment to shrink a tumor before surgery. It can also be used together with a drug called Cisplatin to treat advanced ovarian cancer and non-small cell lung cancer, or “NSCLC.” The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved taxol as the primary and secondary treatment for NSCLC. There are other generally accepted protocols for the use of taxol as a cancer drug alone or in combination with other drugs depending upon the diagnosis, staging and type of cancer, as well as a patient’s medical history, tolerances and allergies, among other relevant factors. Taxol is usually sold to large pharmaceutical companies to be used in their products, which can be used to treat patients with lung, ovarian, breast, head and neck cancer, and advanced forms of Kaposi’s sarcoma.

 

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We believe that in three to five years at the earliest, the yew trees we are cultivating at present will begin to mature to a point where taxol extraction could be possible. We intend to invest in extraction equipment and facilities, as well as to increase planting and growing of yew trees, upon the successful launch of our initial public offering.

 

Tenet-Jove Textiles

 

Our company’s scientists and other Chinese researchers have brought modern scientific methods to the study of Luobuma, and have determined that Luobuma fibers have an increased tendency to radiate light at the “far infrared” end of the light spectrum, with wavelengths measuring between 8-15 microns (referred to as “FIR”). Based on Chinese scientific studies some believe that Luobuma’s FIR-radiating qualities exert a positive effect on various functions of the human body, including cellular metabolism. For this reason, we have marketed and sold these products utilizing such technology. These products are popular with Chinese customers seeking the perceived benefits of traditional Chinese medicine.

 

For example, according to a report by the College of Science of Tianjin University, tests conducted by the PRC’s National Institute of Metrology have reported that the radiance rate of far infrared light from Luobuma fiber is 84%, 2 to 4 times higher than that from cotton and other natural fibers. The same tests found that the FIR radiance rate from our proprietary bio-ceramic powder reaches 91%. Healthful benefits have been observed at radiance rate levels above 70%. Based on these observations about FIR radiance, we have developed textiles that our customers can wear and from which we believe they can receive those health benefits commonly associated with Chinese herbal remedies.

 

Tenet-Jove first commercially developed the natural FIR-radiant properties of the Luobuma plant in 1997. We refer to this natural Luobuma fiber as a “Second Generation” FIR textile. The “First Generation” of FIR-radiant textiles initially became popular in China around 1989, when manufacturers learned to add 3% of a FIR-radiant inorganic material to synthetic fibers comparable to nylon or polyester. This “First Generation” FIR material employs a relatively low level of technology and has relatively few perceived or measurable health benefits. The “Second Generation” FIR textiles we have developed are softer, smoother and more breathable natural fibers that are not as prone to static electricity as the low technology “First Generation” FIR-radiant textiles.

 

Our Luobuma fabrics have been a success in the Chinese domestic market and have also received numerous awards. The technology applied to our Luobuma-based FIR Therapeutic Clothing and Textile Products has received a “Special Golden Award” from the China National Intellectual Property Bureau at China’s National Patent and Brand Expo. Our products under the brand name of “Tenethealth®” have also been honored with the title of “Consumer’s Favorite Products” by the Chinese Consumer Association.

 

The fibers of natural Luobuma FIR materials can contain up to 32 medicinal compounds, many of which are familiar to practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine. In addition, our processes for manufacturing Luobuma textiles produce a fabric that is smooth, air-permeable, and soft. By combining a product that is familiar to Chinese consumers seeking the benefits of traditional Chinese medicine with quality and comfort, we believe we are well positioned in the Chinese textile market.

 

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Tenet-Jove Product Development

 

We have developed what we term a “Third Generation” of FIR textiles under a contract with the Institute of Process Engineering at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, one of the leading scientific institutions in China. Our research and development has focused on adding nanotechnology enhancements to our Luobuma textile products, in which we use small-scale nanotechnology to embed or impregnate our Luobuma-fiber textiles with other FIR-radiant materials, bio-ceramic materials, or other Chinese herbal remedies. Using these nanotechnology methods, we have developed and marketed health-promoting textile goods that are impregnated with FIR-radiant materials or other Chinese herbal remedies, which are then absorbed through the wearer’s skin. We believe these “Third Generation” FIR textiles will better combine the health benefits of Luobuma with an even softer, more natural cotton-like fabric that will be popular with Chinese consumers.

 

The Company presently produces approximately one hundred “Third Generation” FIR textile products. These textile products include:

 

Far Infrared bedding sets (including various pillows, comforters, and sheets);

 

Far Infrared underwear, T-shirts, and socks;

 

Far Infrared knee and shin pads, waist supports and other protective clothing; and

 

Far Infrared body wraps or protectors (for the ankle, elbow, wrist, and knee).

 

All our textile products are made of Luobuma-based fibers and are impregnated with bio-ceramic powder, which contains various minerals such as halloysite. Both the fiber and the bio-ceramic powder are developed with the Company’s patented, proprietary techniques.

 

Manufacturing and Production Facilities

 

We have formed strategic alliances with several certified knitting and clothing manufacturers throughout China in order to produce our Luobuma products. We assign them limited manufacturing jobs and require certain conditions, including protecting our proprietary techniques and meeting our rigid quality standards. We are in preliminary negotiations to build a new facility in Hefei, Anhui Province, China to exploit our steam explosion Luobuma fiber production technology.

 

In 2013, we began large-scale operations in newly leased, energy efficient greenhouses aggregating 50,000 square meters in Beijing and have temporarily scaled back our operations in our former greenhouses located in Shandong Province. At this time, we rent our greenhouses in Shandong Province to local farmers. Our new greenhouse facilities are used primarily for the cultivation of yew trees and other decorative plants and trees. These state-of-the-art facilities allow us to better regulate light, temperate, humidity and other conditions within the greenhouse as well as to significantly increase the number of plants that can be housed in a particular greenhouse footprint. To a lesser degree, we expect these new greenhouses will reduce our manual labor costs associated with our greenhouse operations by approximately 25%. Rather than competing on price, which has become increasingly difficult in the Chinese market, we expect that technological and productivity advances from our new greenhouses will improve our competitive position within our agricultural segment, but there can be no guarantee that we will experience such advances, or if we do, that such advances would improve our competitive position.

 

Ankang Longevity Group has an approximately 4,000 square meter production factory and an approximately 2,000 square meter production facility in Minxing Village, Wuli Town, Hanbin District, Ankang City used for production of decoction pieces.

 

Our Research and Development

 

Our Research and Development Center for our products in Tianjin is owned by our subsidiary, Tenet-Jove. The center is managed by senior research fellows, who specialize in different but related scientific fields, such as biochemistry, electrical engineering, textile engineering, medical and clinical studies, and pharmaceuticals. We are engaged in research and development of new products under cooperation with universities and research institutions, including the Process Engineering Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Forestry, East China Textile University, Tianjin University, Tianjin Research Institute of Knitting. In addition, we have partnered with five textile mills to testing spin and weaving of Luobuma fiber. Since inception, we have spent more than $800,000 on Luobuma research and development and $300,000 on Chinese medicinal product research and development.

 

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Our Strategy for Research and Development

 

To keep our products proprietary and patented;

 

To focus on our core existing product lines: Chinese herbal medicines and pharmaceutical sales, yew cultivation, Luobuma-based products, and FIR technology;

 

To commit to further development of our Luobuma byproducts, houpu magnolia products, and selenium-enriched herbs and plants; and

 

To build strategic alliances with universities and scientific institutions, which will allow us exposure to advanced technologies, excellent researchers and scientists and we believe will lower the costs and timing of the development of new products.

 

Tenet-Jove specializes in developing Luobuma products and combining FIR technology with natural herbal medicines. We estimate that there are large supplies of Luobuma in China, especially Xinjiang Province. In China, Luobuma can grow as high as 3.6 meters. In the first year after planting, Luobuma can be harvested once during that year; thereafter, it can be harvested twice per year before or at the beginning of the flowering period in June and a second time around September. Currently, we believe China’s Luobuma supplies are largely undeveloped. The Company’s future success will depend on improving its techniques to industrialize Luobuma by developing new Luobuma-derived products such as improved Luobuma functional fiber and various Luobuma nutritional supplements, which can be marketed and distributed through the Company’s Ankang Longevity business segment.

 

High-Pressure Steam Degumming Process

 

We currently produce an extensive line of Luobuma-based textile products; we have an exclusive patent on a Luobuma fiber yarn spinning method. Large-scale production of Luobuma fiber products is generally difficult due to the limited yield of Luobuma fiber and the high cost of obtaining that fiber. The current mainstream technology used to produce Luobuma fiber mainly uses chemical agents to remove gum from Luobuma, which destroys Luobuma fiber and causes lower Luobuma fiber production and pollution and makes it very difficult to extract other valuable by-products. A central technical challenge is how to quickly and efficiently remove the gum and sap from the Luobuma plants so that only the natural fiber remains.

 

To solve this technical challenge, in August 2006 we signed a technology development contract with the Institute of Process Engineering at the Chinese Academy of Science, one of China’s leading scientific institutes. Pursuant to our contract, we and the Institute of Process Engineering worked together to develop a high-pressure steam degumming process for the mass production of Luobuma fiber, as well as its byproducts, which we completed in 2008. A literal translation of the project name is “The Stream Steam Explosion Project.” Essentially, the project will develop a modern material engineering method for quickly blasting a large amount of high-pressure steam into a large container filled with raw Luobuma plants. The steam will remove the gum and sap and leave the fiber for use in textile production. The gum and sap and other Luobuma byproducts will be washed out with the steam and collected in a separate place for other uses.

 

If we can successfully implement our high-pressure steam degumming process, we expect that our annual yield of Luobuma fiber can rise by over one hundredfold— from less than 200 tons to approximately 27,000 tons per year, and the cost of extracting the fiber will be reduced by approximately 50%. For example, the older method of production might require 150 laborers to produce one ton of Luobuma fiber in one day, whereas our high-pressure steam degumming process can utilize just 30 laborers to produce 15 tons of Luobuma fiber in one day. During the process, a certain amount of steam will be used, but unlike the traditional method of degumming, our high-pressure steam degumming process discharges no hazardous byproducts of any kind, because the fiber will be collected in one place, and the liquefied gum and sap and other material will be collected in another place to further separate flavonoids, xylooligosaccharides (XOS), and edible pectin through biological reverse osmosis membrane. The remaining material could be used to produce fiberboard and organic fertilizer, leaving no hazardous discharge or waste. We expect that this technique will be relatively simple and convenient for us to operate with our advanced technology. Luobuma fiber produced by this technique is more like cotton and more spinnable than before.

 

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Ziyang Planting Base

 

Ankang Longevity Group has established long-term cooperative relationships with Shaanxi Chinese Medicine Research Institution, Shaanxi Normal University School of Life Science, and Shaanxi Chinese Medicine Association. Ankang Longevity Group has also entered into an agreement with the local government in Ziyang County for the use of an approximately 8,200 acre selenium-rich parcel of farmland and woodland for the cultivation of herbs and plants used in traditional Chinese medicine. Ankang Longevity Group has one of the largest Chinese medicine planting bases in China. The soil in Ankang City, especially in Ziyang County, which is located in Ziyang District of Ankang City, contains large quantities of selenium. Because the selenium content of raw plants is largely dependent on location and soil conditions, which can vary widely, the tea, traditional Chinese medicines and raw materials produced and cultivated in Ankang contain great amounts of selenium, which is a beneficial nutrient in foods and an important raw material for medicines. The innovative value of this project is the extraction and development of useful byproducts of medicinal houpu magnolia and eucommia. In China, traditionally only the barks of such trees have been used for medicinal purposes, and the remainder of the trees are treated as waste. We hope to utilize this parcel of farmland in Ziyang to extract valuable materials from the magnolia and eucommia we are cultivating while processing any waste into environmentally-friendly building materials, such as fiberboard.

 

Intellectual Property

 

Trademarks

 

We market our products under our brand name of “Tenethealth®” and “Tenet Bojian TM .” Our subsidiary, Tenet-Jove, currently owns eight trademarks in China covering various categories of the company’s products. Other than “Sunsimiao,” which is trademarked by our joint venture with Shaanxi Pharmaceutical Group Pai’ang Medicine Co. Ltd, none of our other segments have trademarks.

 

Patents

 

Our core technology and its derivative applications for our Luobuma business are covered by the Company’s nine patents filed in China. Our patents relate to methods of extracting and processing the Luobuma fiber itself, as well as our formulations of the active medicinal constituents of the Luobuma plant.

 

Presently the Company holds a patent in the People’s Republic of China for Luobuma fiber yarn preparation and an application method (patent number: 201110429362.9). The Company also obtained the patents listed below in the People’s Republic of China, which patents have been suspended due to unintentional late payment of annual dues as of the date of this filing. The Company is working with the State Intellectual Property Office of the PRC and is in the process of reinstating such patents.

 

Luobuma fiber blending method (patent number: ZL 941120295)

 

Luobuma four-season mat (patent number: ZL 2004 2 0029462.8)

 

Far-infrared ceramic material (patent number: ZL 981261701)

 

Luobuma cotton terry blanket (patent number: ZL 2004 2 0029465.1)

 

40* fine Luobuma cloth (patent number: ZL 023381736)

 

Luobuma far-infrared healthcare socks with mineral Chinese medicine (patent number: ZL 2004 2 0029463.2)

 

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Luobuma cushion with magnetic therapy (patent number: ZL 2004 2 0028883.9)

 

Heart-protecting card (patent number: ZL 2004 2 0028885.8)

 

Distribution Network

 

We sell our products through various distribution networks. Our traditional Chinese medicinal products and Western medicines are largely sold through either our wholesale customers or our Ankang retail pharmacies — 13 pharmacies operating as Sunsimiao Pharmacies and 66 pharmacies operated by third parties as Ankang Longevity Group Pharmacy cooperatives. Additionally, we sell decoction pieces on the Anhui Bozhou Chinese medicine transaction market, to medical materials company, such as Qianhe Pharmaceutical Industry Co. and to Chinese patent medicine factories, such as Wanxi Pharmaceutical Factory.

 

Our Luobuma product distribution networks consists of four distributors who distributed our products to a total of approximately 21 outlets, including flagship stores, retail stores and sales counters. These distributors sell our products throughout mainland China. They all carried our proprietary brand name and “Tenethealth®” trademark. We also sell our Luobuma textile products online through third party e-commerce websites, such as Taobao, Tmall and 360buy. Our yew trees and agricultural products are primarily sold through our sales personnel and group and institutional sales. In 2013, the Company placed its Luobuma, traditional Chinese medicine and yew products in a total of 144 retail stores and sales counters throughout China and on four e-commerce websites.

 

Our sales and distribution strategy for our products focuses on expanding our distribution network of retail stores and sales counters into all major provinces and cities of China. We also plan to use our current distribution network to introduce our newly developed products into target markets more efficiently and effectively.

 

All of these certified outlets operate independently, but they prominently display our trade names “Tenethealth®” and “Tenet Bojian TM .” These independent retailers sell our products as well as other products.

 

The location and number of retail stores and sales counters selling our products, including all sales outlets (both those connected with our major distributors (i.e., our most frequently used distributors) and other independent sellers) are listed below:

 

Location   Number of
Major Distributors
  Number of
Sales Outlets
Liaoning   1   1
Jilin   1   1
Shandong   2   16
Jiangsu   2   6
Anhui   2   4
Shaanxi   5   94
Xinjiang   1   2
Sichuan   1   5
Guangdong   1   3
Tianjin   1   2
Beijing   1   4
Chongqing   1   3
Hubei   1   3
TOTALS   20   144

 

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Sales and Marketing

 

We market Luobuma to consumers primarily by highlighting its unique characteristics— the material is soft like cotton, breathable like hemp and is smooth to the touch like silk, and its FIR-radiating qualities are believed by some to exert a positive effect on various functions of the human body. Very few other companies in China are involved with Luobuma fiber production, so we are chiefly able to market our products against products of natural and man-made fibers that do not have the perceived advantages of Luobuma. The small number of companies that are involved in Luobuma fiber production are still using the traditional, outdated methods of producing Luobuma. We are the only company using advanced technologies. Tenet-Jove’s overall marketing strategy includes:

 

Brand marketing strategy, primarily through media publicity, product- and market-oriented strategy;

 

Distinguishing Luobuma as a high-end, technologically advanced native Chinese product; and

 

Online advertising, which includes online advertisements appearing on the sites where we sell our products, as well as social media advertising, including Wechat, and direct e-mail solicitations.

 

Ankang Longevity Group’s overall marketing strategy of its traditional Chinese medicine products focuses on promoting the Ankang district’s place in traditional Chinese medicine history and its geographic location. First, Ankang City is located in the Han River area between Qinling Mountain and Ba Mountain. Because of its geographic location and favorable climate, it is the principal production location of the ancient Qin medicine, which dates from the Qin dynasty, the first imperial dynasty of China. This area contains more than 1,200 types of herbs and plants used in traditional Chinese medicine and is home to 176 of the 282 types of herbal medicine set forth in The Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China (PPRC), compiled by the Pharmacopoeia Commission of the Ministry of Health of the PRC. The PPRC is the PRC’s official compendium of drugs, covering traditional Chinese and western medicines. Second, the soil in Ankang City, especially in Ziyang County, which is located in Ziyang District of Ankang City, contains large quantities of selenium. Because the selenium content of food is largely dependent on location and soil conditions, which can vary widely, the tea, traditional Chinese medicines and raw materials produced and cultivated in Ankang contain great amounts of selenium, which is a beneficial nutrient in foods and an important raw material for medicines. Ankang Longevity Group has entered into an agreement with the local government in Ziyang County for the use of an approximately 8,200 acre selenium-rich parcel of farmland and woodlands for the cultivation of herbs and plants — principally houpu magnolia and eucommia — used in traditional Chinese medicine. Selenium has also attracted attention because of its antioxidant properties; antioxidants protect cells from damage.

 

Ankang Longevity emphasizes the following marketing strategies:

 

A focus on the excellent quality of its selenium Chinese herbal medicines;

 

Establishment of a long-term supply relationships with pharmaceutical companies and hospitals nationwide; and

 

Developing its Chinese herbal medicine wholesale market and e-commerce platform.

 

Finally, the Zhisheng Group emphasizes the following marketing strategies:

 

Focusing on the advanced growing conditions provided by our modern greenhouse operations and the potential pharmaceutical byproducts of yew, especially paclitaxel or taxol; and

 

Brand marketing to focus on our yew’s brand positioning.

 

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In October 2012, the Company, through its VIEs, Zhisheng Freight and Zhisheng Agricultural, entered into an agreement with an unrelated third party, Zhejiang Zhen’Ai Network Warehousing Services Co., Ltd. (“Zhen’Ai Network”), to invest RMB 14.5 million (Approximately $2.4 million) into the Tiancang Systematic Warehousing Project (“Tiancang Project”) operated by Zhen’Ai Network in exchange for a 60% equity interest in this project upon completion. The Tiancang Project is an online platform aiming to provide comprehensive warehousing and logistic solutions for various companies’ e-commerce needs. The Company expects to increase its distribution channels through this platform as well as to benefit from boosting its own revenue by providing synergetic logistic and warehousing services using its existing facilities and a service team in the Eastern port city of Qingdao.

 

Currently, the Company’s sales are generated through the following five major channels:

 

1. Retail stores and sales counters.  We mainly sell our Luobuma related products through sales counters and medicine through our pharmacy chain stores.

 

2. Sales to group or institutional customers.  We mainly sell our organic agricultural products and yew trees to group or corporate customers.

 

3. Seminars and conferences.  Because a majority of new consumers need to learn about our new products before buying them, it becomes very important and effective for us to organize or sponsor seminars and events to present healthcare knowledge while introducing and selling our products to new users.

 

4. Wholesale.  We mainly sell our decocting-free Chinese herbal medicines to large Chinese medicine resellers and pharmaceutical companies.

 

5. E-commerce.  We mainly sell the Luobuma related products through Tmall and Taobao to underdeveloped regions in China, Taiwan and Macau. We are currently one of only three certified online sellers of Luobuma textile products on China’s largest online sales platform, Tmall run by Alibaba. Selling through the Internet has become increasingly important to our sales in undeveloped regions and developed cities.

 

The Market

 

We primarily market our health and wellbeing-focused products in China. At present, we do not sell any of our products in the United States or Canada. On the demand side, we believe that the following four forces drive market growth in all three of our business segments:

 

1. The rapid growth of China’s economy, which has produced one of the largest groups of middle-class families in the world, with the largest collective purchasing power in the world. The Brookings Institution estimates that by 2030, over 70 percent of China’s population could be middle class, consuming approximately $10 trillion in goods and services.

 

2. The increase of China’s aging population. The China Census Bureau predicts that the majority of the China “baby boom” population (representing 40% of China’s total population) will be 65 or older by 2020, which represents over 500 million potential consumers of our pharmaceutical and healthcare products, the majority of which are sold to older customers.

 

3. Chinese people’s increasing attention and awareness to healthy and active lifestyles, especially in urban areas.

 

4. Chinese healthcare reforms. Due in part to national healthcare reforms in China, IMS Health has predicted that by 2015 China will surpass Japan to become the second largest pharmaceutical market in the world.

 

We believe China’s healthcare sector has the capacity to grow in the coming years. According to China’s National Health and Family Planning Commission, China’s healthcare spending in 2013 was only 5.5% of GDP, which is far below healthcare spending of other developed countries. According to the World Bank, healthcare spending for 2012 for the United States, United Kingdom, France and Germany was 17.9%, 9.4%, 11.7% and 11.3%, respectively. Deloitte has projected that China’s healthcare spending could grow to nearly $900 billion by 2018. From pharmaceuticals to medical products to general consumer health, China remains among the world’s most attractive markets, and by far the fastest-growing of all the large emerging ones. This growth is being driven by China’s aging population, increased incidence of chronic diseases, and a material increase in investment from both domestic and foreign corporations.

 

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China’s healthcare market is being shaped by positive economic and demographic trends, further healthcare reform efforts, and the policies set forth in the government’s 12 th five-year plan. We believe that improvements in infrastructure, the broadening of insurance coverage, and government encouragement and support for innovation will have positive implications for us and other healthcare companies.

 

Strong growth in the Chinese healthcare sector has been fueled by favorable demographic trends, continued urbanization throughout China, the overall Chinese economy’s expansion, and income growth (which encourages a greater awareness of and access to healthcare among Chinese consumers). It also reflects the Chinese government’s focus on healthcare as both a social priority (as witnessed in its late 2000s healthcare reforms) and a strategic priority (as witnessed in the 12 th five-year plan’s stated focus on growing the Chinese biomedical industry). According to a 2015 report by Deloitte, healthcare expenditures in China are projected to grow at an average rate of 11.8% annually from 2014 to 2018, reaching approximately $892 billion by 2018. From pharmaceuticals to medical devices to traditional Chinese medicine, almost every health sector has benefited.

 

A 2012 McKinsey & Co. report notes that China’s ten largest multinational pharmaceutical companies now have an aggregate total sales force numbering more than 25,000, even as many have downsized their sales forces in the United States and Europe. China has recently overtaken the United States in the total number of pharmaceutical medical sales reps employed by multinational corporations.

 

Competition

 

We compete with other top-tier pharmaceutical and healthcare companies in China. Many of them are more established than we are and have significantly greater financial, technical, marketing and other resources than we presently possess. Some of our competitors have greater name recognition and a larger customer base. Those competitors may be able to respond more quickly to new or changing opportunities and customer requirements and may be able to undertake more extensive promotional activities, offer more attractive terms to customers, and adopt more aggressive pricing policies. Some of our competitors have also developed similar products that compete with ours.

 

Our most prominent competitors in China’s textile products market are primarily large-scale textile companies, such as Luolai Home Textile Co., Fuanna Bedding and Furnishing Co., Ltd., Violet Home Textile Co., and Shuixing Home Textile Co., Ltd, as well as Bauerfeind Sports and Albert Medical, makers of protective clothing products similar to our protective clothing products. Our most prominent competitors in our pharmaceutical sales market include Ankang City Zhenning Chinese Medicine Decoction Pieces Co. Ltd. and Zhenping County Chinese Medicine Decoction Pieces Co. Ltd. Our most prominent competitors in China’s agricultural market are Beijing Jinfu Yinong Agricultural Technology Group Co., Ltd. for vegetables and other produce and Shenyang Xincheng Garden Engineering Co., Ltd. for yew trees. In the pharmaceutical sales market, we believe that our competitive position is strong because Shaanxi Pharmacy Holding in which Ankang Longevity Group has a 49% ownership stake, is a participant in the Ankang municipal government’s “Three Unities of Medicine” program, which is designed to facilitate the purchase, sale and delivery of pharmaceuticals. The “Three Unities of Medicine” program refers to “unified procurement price, unified selling price, and unified logistics”. This project is promoted by the Shaanxi Government to regulate the price of medicines in the local market. Under the program, the Shaanxi Pharmacy Holding joint venture directly sells medicines to local institutional purchasers, like hospitals; these institutional purchasers are only permitted to purchase pharmaceuticals from selected preferred providers. After a bidding process, Shaanxi Pharmacy Holding, along with other two companies, were selected by the Ankang municipal government as preferred providers under the program. However, Shaanxi Pharmacy Holding is entitled to cover all counties and districts of Ankang City, and the other two providers only cover portions of Ankang City. This program is valid until 2020, and the participants are subject to an ongoing review of their qualifications by the local pharmaceutical supervision authority every three years till 2020.

 

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Ankang Longevity Group

 

Ankang Longevity Group competes within its traditional Chinese medicinal products and Western medicine wholesale and retail business primarily against Ankang City Zhenning Chinese Medicine Decoction Pieces Co. Ltd. and Zhenping County Chinese Medicine Decoction Pieces Co. Ltd., which conduct their wholesale pharmaceuticals business in the Ankang area, but Ankang Longevity Group has greater revenues than any of its competitors; its two main competitors’ output value and sales combined are just one-third of Ankang Longevity Group’s. The Ankang Longevity Group has formed a new pharmaceutical company and chain of drug stores with two entities wholly owned by the state-owned Shaanxi Pharmaceutical Group that has resulted in a favorable market position in the Ankang area.

 

Numerous competitors nationwide, including Ankang City Zhenning Chinese Medicine Decoction Pieces Co. Ltd. and Zhenping County Chinese Medicine Decoction Pieces Co. Ltd., participate in the sale of Chinese medicinal herbs and Chinese medicine decoction pieces; among them are some high-profile and large-scale companies along with some companies that have huge production and storage capacity to influence the market price. Because we believe we can control the natural resources for producing selenium Chinese herbal medicines, the Group is especially focusing on those products in order to gain market share.

 

Zhisheng Group

 

There are dozens of companies planting and cultivating yew trees in China, some of which are large-scale companies. Shenyang Xincheng Garden Engineering Co., Ltd. is a large agricultural competitor whose main product is yew. Their nurseries have the most mature yew in northeast China, and the average age of their yew trees is more than eleven years old. Another competitor, Chongqing Jiangjin District Mansheng Agricultural Development Co., Ltd., has the biggest nursery for young plants in Southwest China. And Jingyin City Hengtu Town Green Industry Yew Base specializes in cultivating, planting, gardening, and technological development of yew. They were the first company to introduce taxus media yew trees in China.

 

Tenet-Jove

 

There are few viable competitors producing advanced technology textile products with health benefits like our Luobuma textile products. Principally, our competitors are those that market and sell traditional textile products, such as Luolai Home Textile Co., Fuanna Bedding and Furnishing Co., Ltd., Violet Home Textile Co., and Shuixing Home Textile Co., Ltd, as well as those companies that market and sell protective clothing, like Bauerfeind Sports and Albert Medical. Luobuma is native to China, thus our ability to source raw materials locally greatly enhances our competitive position in the Chinese market for high quality textile products with perceived health benefits.

 

 

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Employees

 

As of September 1, 2016, we employed a total of 389 full-time and no part-time employees in the following functions.

 

    Number of Employees  
Department   Sept. 1, 2016     June 30, 2016     June 30, 2014     June 30, 2013  
Senior Management     28       28       28       28  
Human Resource & Administration     23       23       23       22  
Finance     34       34       34       32  
Research & Development     16       15       15       15  
Production & Procurement     144       144       142       140  
Sales & Marketing     148       148       144       140  
Total     389       388       386       377  

 

Our employees are not represented by a labor organization or covered by a collective bargaining agreement. We have not experienced any work stoppages.

 

The Company plans to hire additional employees as required. Its management and employees enjoy both compensation and welfare benefits pursuant to Chinese laws. We are required under PRC law to make contributions to employee benefit plans at specified percentages of our after-tax profit. In addition, we are required by PRC law to cover employees in China with various types of social insurance. In 2016, 2015 and 2014, we contributed approximately $128,763, $124,452 and $108,512, respectively, to employee social insurance. The effect on our liquidity by the payments for these contributions is immaterial. We believe that we are in material compliance with the relevant PRC employment laws.

 

Relevant PRC Regulations

 

Laws and Regulations in China Regarding Agriculture and Pharmaceutical Products and Distribution

 

Laws regulating pharmaceutical and healthcare products and agriculture cover a broad array of subjects. We must comply with numerous additional provincial and local laws relating to matters such as safe working conditions, manufacturing practices, environmental protection and fire hazard control. We believe we are in compliance with these laws and regulations in all material respects. We may be required to incur significant costs to comply with these laws and regulations. Unanticipated changes in existing regulatory requirements or adoption of new requirements could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

  17  

 

   

Pharmaceutical Administration Law of The People’s Republic of China and its detailed implementation provisions

 

According to Pharmaceutical Administration Law of The People’s Republic of China effective on December 1, 2001, a Pharmaceutical Trade License is required in order to sell pharmaceutical products and a Pharmaceutical Manufacture License shall be obtained to manufacture pharmaceutical products. Our license currently expires in April 2019. The regulations indicate the specific procedure to obtain and maintain other licenses, packaging, price control, advertising and relevant penalty.

 

Notice on Supervision of Manufacture of Chinese Medicine in Pieces

 

According to Notice on Supervision of Manufacture of Chinese medicine in Pieces on February 1, 2008 and effective on June 1, 2008, companies processing raw Chinese medicine shall be a GMP certified company. Our GMP license currently expires on April 17, 2019.

 

Standards of Preparation for Chinese Medicine in Pieces

 

Shaanxi province has issued standards of preparation for Chinese Medicine in Pieces, which became effective on July 1, 2011. Our company is required to follow the procedures designated in the standards during the process of preparing the pieces of herbs.

 

Food Safety Law of the People’s Republic of China

 

The Food Safety Law of the People’s Republic of China as adopted at the 7 th Session of the Standing Committee of the 11 th National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China and effective on June 1, 2009, governs the food safety in food production and business operation activities. Pursuant to the Food Safety Law of the People’s Republic of China, food producers must establish an internal inspection and record system for raw materials and pre-delivery products, and food distributors must also establish internal systems to record and inspect food products procured from suppliers. In addition, any food additives that are not in the approved government catalog must not be used and no food products can be sold inspection-free.

 

Regulations on the Implementation of the Food Safety Law of the People’s Republic of China

 

The Regulations on the Implementation of the Food Safety Law of the People’s Republic of China as adopted at the 73 rd Standing Committee Meeting of the State Council on July 8, 2009 and effective on July 20, 2009, are promulgated in accordance with the Food Safety Law of the People’s Republic of China. The Regulations require that the local People’s Government at or above the county level shall perform the responsibility specified in the Food Safety Law of the People’s Republic of China, improve the ability for supervision and administration of food safety, ensure supervision and administration of food safety; establish and improve the coordination mechanism between food safety regulatory authorities, integrate and improve the food safety information network, and realize the sharing of food safety and food inspection information and other technical resources.

 

Law of the People’s Republic of China on Quality and Safety of Agricultural Products

 

The Law of the People’s Republic of China on Quality and Safety of Agricultural Products was adopted at the 21 st Meeting of the Standing Committee of the Tenth National People’s Congress on April 29, 2006. This Law was enacted in order to ensure the quality and safety of agricultural products, maintain the health of the general public, and promote the development agriculture and rural economy. Pursuant to this Law, agricultural products distribution enterprises shall establish a sound system of inspection and acceptance for their purchases. In addition, agricultural products that fail to pass the inspection based on the quality and safety standards of agricultural products cannot be marketed.

 

  18  

 

   

Regulation on Product Advertisements and Promotion

 

Article 5 of the Provisions for Health Food Management provides that foods claimed to have health function shall be approved by the Chinese Ministry of Health. The developer or manufacturer shall submit an application to the provincial level health administrative departments where such developer or manufacturer is located. After preliminary examination and approval by Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Health may issue a health food license to the qualified health food. Under Article 21, the label and package insert of health foods shall conform to national standards and requirements and indicate, among other things, its function and suitable users; dosage and administration; storage methods; and active ingredients.

 

When promoting health foods, the advertisement of health food shall conform to the other regulations. Article 19 of The Advertisement Law of People’s Republic of China provides that “an advertisement for foods, alcoholic drinks or cosmetics must meet requirements for public health, and shall not employ medical jargon or terms liable to confuse them with pharmaceuticals.” In Interim Provisions on Health Food Advertisements Review , Article 4 provides that prior to advertising health foods, developers or manufacturers should first submit an application to the food and drug administration departments on the provincial, autonomous, municipal level under the Central Government. Article 8 provides that publicizing of health functions, active ingredients, content, suitable users, dosage in health food advertisements shall be subject to prior review of the package insert ratified by the food and drug administration departments in the State Council and cannot be changed without permission. Certain content may not appear in health food advertisements, including: a guarantee of its functions; exaggerated claims; jargon, mysterious terms and technical content; promises such as “safe” or “no side effects”; or comprehensive assessment information such as efficiency, cure rate, ranking and awards.

 

Laws and Regulations Regarding Promotion and Advertisement of Health Textiles

 

In The Model Code of Health Textiles , “health textiles” refer to textiles without toxic side effects that have far infrared functions, magnetic functions and/or antibacterial effects, and which aim at regulating the body, but not healing illnesses. The Code requires that the effect of health textiles cannot be exaggerated in any form of advertising.

 

In addition, the promotion of health textiles should comply with The Advertisement Law of People’s Republic of China . Where there are statements in an advertisement on the performance, place of origin, usage, quality, price, producer or manufacturer, or on the items, forms, quality, price and promise of service, such statements shall be clear and explicit.

 

Regulation on Product Liability

 

Manufacturers and vendors of defective products in the PRC may incur liability for losses and injuries caused by such products. Under the General Principles of the Civil Laws of the PRC, which became effective on January 1, 1987 and were amended on August 27, 2009, manufacturers or retailers of defective products that cause property damage or physical injury to any person will be subject to civil liability.

 

In 1993, the General Principles of the PRC Civil Law were supplemented by the Product Quality Law of the PRC (as amended in 2000 and 2009) and the Law of the PRC on the Protection of the Rights and Interests of Consumers (as amended in 2009), which were enacted to protect the legitimate rights and interests of end-users and consumers and to strengthen the supervision and control of the quality of products. If our products are defective and cause any personal injuries or damage to assets, our customers have the right to claim compensation from us.

 

The PRC Tort Law was promulgated on December 26, 2009 and became effective from July 1, 2010. Under this law, a patient who suffers injury from a defective product can claim damages from either the hospital or medical institution or the manufacturer of the defective product. If our pharmaceutical products injure a patient, for example, and if the patient claims damages from the medical institution, the medical institution is entitled to claim repayment from us. Pursuant to the PRC Tort Law, where a personal injury is caused by a tort, the tortfeasor shall compensate the victim for the reasonable costs and expenses for treatment and rehabilitation, as well as death compensation and funeral costs and expenses if it causes the death of the victim. There is no cap on monetary damages the plaintiffs may seek under the PRC Tort Law.

 

  19  

 

   

Regulation of Work Safety

 

On June 29, 2002, the Work Safety Law of the PRC was adopted by the Standing Committee of the 9 th National People’s Congress and came into effect on November 1, 2002, as amended on August 27, 2009. The Work Safety Law provides general work safety requirements for entities engaging in manufacturing and business activities within the PRC. Additionally, Regulation on Work Safety Licenses, as adopted by the State Council on January 7, 2004 and effective on January 13, 2004, requires enterprises engaging in the manufacture of dangerous chemicals to obtain a work safety license with a term of three years. If a work safety license needs to be extended, the enterprise must go through extension procedures with authorities three months prior to its expiration. In addition, on May 17, 2004, the Measures for Implementation of Work Safety Licenses of Dangerous Chemicals Production was promulgated as implementing measures to the Regulation on Work Safety Licenses which provides that entities producing dangerous chemicals are required to obtain work safety licenses pursuant to specific requirements. Without work safety licenses, no entity may engage in the formal manufacture of dangerous chemicals.

 

The Regulations on the Safety Administration of Dangerous Chemicals was promulgated by the State Council on January 26, 2002, and effective as of March 15, 2002. It sets forth general requirements for manufacturing and the storage of dangerous chemicals in China. The Regulations on the Safety Administration of Dangerous Chemicals requires that companies manufacturing dangerous chemicals establish and strengthen their internal regulations and rules on safety control and fulfill the national standards and other relevant provisions of the State. In addition, according to the Regulations on the Safety Administration of Dangerous Chemicals, companies that manufacture, store, transport or use dangerous chemicals shall be required to obtain corresponding approvals or licenses with the State Administration of Work Safety and its local branches and other proper authorities. Companies that manufacture or store dangerous chemicals without approval or registration with the proper authorities can be shut down, ordered to stop manufacturing or ordered to destroy the dangerous chemicals. Such companies can also be subject to fines. If criminal law is violated, the persons chiefly liable, along with other personnel directly responsible for such impropriety, shall be subject to relevant criminal liability.

 

Regulation of Foreign Currency Exchange

 

Foreign currency exchange in the PRC is governed by a series of regulations, including the Foreign Currency Administrative Rules (1996), as amended, and the Administrative Regulations Regarding Settlement, Sale and Payment of Foreign Exchange (1996), as amended. Under these regulations, the Renminbi is freely convertible for trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions, but not for direct investment, loans or investments in securities outside the PRC without the prior approval of China’s State Administration of Foreign Exchange. Pursuant to the Administrative Regulations Regarding Settlement, Sale and Payment of Foreign Exchange (1996), Foreign Investment Entities may purchase foreign exchange without the approval of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange for trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions by providing commercial documents evidencing these transactions. They may also retain foreign exchange, subject to a cap approved by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, to satisfy foreign exchange liabilities or to pay dividends. However, the relevant Chinese government authorities may limit or eliminate the ability of foreign investment entities to purchase and retain foreign currencies in the future. In addition, foreign exchange transactions for direct investment, loan and investment in securities outside the PRC are still subject to limitations and require approvals from the State Administration of Foreign Exchange.

 

China has allowed for a more market-based exchange rate to influence the valuation of the Renmenbi versus global currencies, and supported devaluation consistently over the seven months prior to the date of this prospectus. To the extent any of our future revenues are denominated in Renmenbi or other currencies other than the United States dollar, we would be subject to increased risks relating to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results since operating results are reported in United States dollars and significant changes in the exchange rate could materially impact our reported earnings.

 

  20  

 

   

Regulation of Foreign Exchange in Certain Onshore and Offshore Transactions

 

In October 2005, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange issued the Notice on Issues Relating to the Administration of Foreign Exchange in Fund-raising and Return Investment Activities of Domestic Residents Conducted via Offshore Special Purpose Companies, or the State Administration of Foreign Exchange Notice 75, which became effective as of November 1, 2005, and was further supplemented by three implementation notices issued by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on November 24, 2005, May 29, 2007 and May 20, 2011, respectively. On July 4 th , 2014, SAFE amended it as Circular 37 (i.e., SAFE Circular on Issues Relating to the Administration of Foreign Exchange in Offshore Investment and Financing and Round-trip Investment Activities of Domestic Residents Conducted via Offshore Special Purpose Companies issued by SAFE on July 4, 2014). The State Administration of Foreign Exchange Circular states that PRC residents, whether natural or legal persons, must register with the relevant local State Administration of Foreign Exchange branch prior to establishing or taking control of an offshore entity established for the purpose of overseas equity financing involving onshore assets or equity interests held by them. The term “PRC legal person residents” as used in the State Administration of Foreign Exchange Circular 37 refers to those entities with legal person status or other economic organizations established within the territory of the PRC. The term “PRC natural person residents” as used in the State Administration of Foreign Exchange Circular 37 includes all PRC citizens and all other natural persons, including foreigners, who habitually reside in the PRC for economic benefit.

 

PRC residents are required to complete amended registrations with the local State Administration of Foreign Exchange branch upon: (i) injection of equity interests or assets of an onshore enterprise to the offshore entity, or (ii) subsequent overseas equity financing by such offshore entity. PRC residents are also required to complete amended registrations or filing with the local State Administration of Foreign Exchange branch within 30 days of any material change in the his shareholding or capital of the offshore entity, such as changes in share capital, share transfers and long-term equity or debt investments and merger and split activities.

 

Regulation on Dividend Distributions

 

Our PRC subsidiaries are wholly foreign-owned and joint venture enterprises under the PRC law. The principal regulations governing the distribution of dividends paid by wholly foreign-owned enterprises include:

 

Corporate Law (1993), as amended in 2005 and 2013;

 

The Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise Law (1986), as amended in 2000;

 

The Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise Law Implementation Regulations (1990), as amended in 2001; and

 

The Enterprise Income Tax Law (2007) and its Implementation Regulations (2007).

 

Under these regulations, wholly foreign-owned and joint venture enterprises in China may pay dividends only out of their accumulated profits, if any, as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. In addition, an enterprise in China is required to set aside at least 10% of its after-tax profit based on PRC accounting standards each year to its general reserves until its cumulative total reserve funds reaches 50% of its registered capital. The board of directors of a wholly foreign-owned enterprise has the discretion to allocate a portion of its after-tax profits to its employee welfare and bonus funds. These reserve funds, however, may not be distributed as cash dividends.

 

On March 16, 2007, the National People’s Congress enacted the Enterprise Income Tax Law, and on December 6, 2007, the State Council issued the Implementation Regulations on the Enterprise Income Tax Law, both of which became effective on January 1, 2008. Under this law and its implementation regulations, dividends payable by a foreign-invested enterprise in the PRC to its foreign investor who is a non-resident enterprise will be subject to a 10% withholding tax, unless any such foreign investor’s jurisdiction of incorporation has a tax treaty with the PRC that provides for a lower withholding tax rate.

 

  21  

 

   

M&A Rules and Regulation on Overseas Listings

 

On August 8, 2006, six PRC regulatory agencies, the Ministry of Commerce, the State Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, the State Administration for Taxation, the State Administration for Industry and Commerce, the China Securities Regulatory Commission (“CSRC”) and the SAFE, jointly adopted the Regulation on Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, or the M&A Rules, which became effective on September 8, 2006. The M&A Rules purport, among other things, to require that offshore SPVs that are controlled by PRC companies or individuals and that have been formed for overseas listing purposes through acquisitions of PRC domestic interests held by such PRC companies or individuals, obtain the approval of the CSRC prior to publicly listing their securities on an overseas stock exchange. On September 21, 2006, the CSRC published a notice on its official website specifying documents and materials required to be submitted to it by SPVs seeking CSRC approval of their overseas listings.

 

While the application of the M&A Rules remains unclear, our PRC counsel have advised us that, based on their understanding of the current PRC laws and regulations as well as the notice announced on September 21, 2006:

 

  the CSRC currently has not issued any definitive rule or interpretation concerning whether offerings such as our initial public offering are subject to the CSRC approval procedures under the M&A Rules;

  

despite the lack of any definitive rule or interpretation from CSRC, the main purpose of the M&A rule is for national security and national industrial policy and so far none of the Chinese companies that have completed their public listing in the U.S. have obtained such approval; and

 

our Delaware company is not controlled by a Chinese citizen. Accordingly, although the purpose of Delaware incorporation is for overseas listing, the M&A rule should not apply to us.

 

Our PRC counsel also advises us, however, that there is still uncertainty as to how the M&A Rules will be interpreted and implemented. If the CSRC or other PRC regulatory agencies, subsequently determine that CSRC approval was required for our initial public offering, we may need to apply for remedial approval from the CSRC and we may be subject to penalties and administrative sanctions administered by these regulatory agencies. These regulatory agencies may impose fines and penalties on our operations in the PRC, limit our operating privileges in the PRC, delay or restrict the repatriation of the proceeds from our initial public offering into the PRC, or take other actions that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, reputation and prospects, as well as the trading price of our common stock.

 

In addition, if the CSRC later requires that we obtain its approval for our initial public offering, we may be unable to obtain a waiver of the CSRC approval requirements, if and when procedures are established to obtain such a waiver. Any uncertainties or negative publicity regarding the CSRC approval requirements could have a material adverse effect on the trading price of our common stock.

 

Restriction on Foreign Ownership

 

The Foreign Investment Industrial Catalogue jointly issued by the Ministry of Commerce for the People’s Republic of China and the National Development and Reform Commission in 2011 classified various industries/business into three different categories: (i) encouraged for foreign investment; (ii) restricted to foreign investment; and (iii) prohibited from foreign investment. For any industry/business not covered by any of these three categories, they will be deemed industries/business permitted to have foreign investment. Except for those expressly provided restrictions, encouraged and permitted industries/business are usually 100% open to foreign investment and ownership. With regard to those industries/business restricted to or prohibited from foreign investment, there is always a limitation on foreign investment and ownership. The decoction business conducted by Ankang Longevity Group falls under the industry categories that are prohibited from foreign investment and thus is subject to limitation on foreign investment and ownership. None of the other business activities conducted by us fall under industry categories that are restricted to, or prohibited from foreign investment.

 

  22  

 

   

Regulations on Offshore Parent Holding Companies’ Direct Investment in and Loans to Their PRC Subsidiaries

 

An offshore company may invest equity in a PRC company, which will become the PRC subsidiary of the offshore holding company after investment. Such equity investment is subject to a series of laws and regulations generally applicable to any foreign-invested enterprise in China, which include the Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprise Law, the Sino-foreign Equity Joint Venture Enterprise Law, the Sino-foreign Contractual Joint Venture Enterprise Law, all as amended from time to time, and their respective implementing rules; the Tentative Provisions on the Foreign Exchange Registration Administration of Foreign-Invested Enterprise; and the Notice on Certain Matters Relating to the Change of Registered Capital of Foreign-Invested Enterprises.

 

Under the aforesaid laws and regulations, the increase of the registered capital of a foreign-invested enterprise is subject to the prior approval by the original approval authority of its establishment. In addition, the increase of registered capital and total investment amount shall both be registered with the State Administration for Industry and Commerce (“SAIC”) and SAFE.

 

Shareholder loans made by offshore parent holding companies to their PRC subsidiaries are regarded as foreign debts in China for regulatory purposes, which debts are subject to a number of PRC laws and regulations, including the PRC Foreign Exchange Administration Regulations, the Interim Measures on Administration on Foreign Debts, the Tentative Provisions on the Statistics Monitoring of Foreign Debts and its implementation rules, and the Administration Rules on the Settlement, Sale and Payment of Foreign Exchange.

 

Under these regulations, the shareholder loans made by offshore parent holding companies to their PRC subsidiaries shall be registered with SAFE. Furthermore, the total amount of foreign debts that can be incurred by such PRC subsidiaries, including any shareholder loans, shall not exceed the difference between the total investment amount and the registered capital amount of the PRC subsidiaries, both of which are subject to governmental approval.

 

Regulations on Trademarks

 

Trademarks are protected by the PRC Trademark Law adopted in 1982, as subsequently amended, as well as the Implementation Regulations of the PRC Trademark Law adopted by the State Council in 2002 and 2013. The Trademark Office under the SAIC handles trademark registrations. Trademarks can be registered for a term of ten years and can be extended for another ten years if requested upon expiration of the first or any renewed ten-year term. The PRC Trademark Law has adopted a “first-to-file” principle with respect to trademark registration. Where a trademark for which a registration application has been made is identical or similar to another trademark which has already been registered or been subject to a preliminary examination and approval for use on the same type of or similar commodities or services, the application for such trademark registration may be rejected. Any person applying for the registration of a trademark may not prejudice the existing right first obtained by others, nor may any person register in advance a trademark that has already been used by another party and has already gained a “sufficient degree of reputation” through such other party’s use. Trademark license agreements must be filed with the Trademark Office or its regional offices.

 

Regulations on Patents

 

The PRC Patent Law provides for patentable inventions, utility models and designs, which must meet three conditions: novelty, inventiveness and practical applicability. The State Intellectual Property Office is responsible for examining and approving patent applications. A patent is valid for a term of twenty years in the case of an invention and a term of ten years in the case of utility models and designs. Presently the company has obtained a patent in the People’s Republic of China for Luobuma fiber yarn preparation and an application method (patent number: 201110429362.9), which patent is a critical patent used for our high-pressure steam degumming process project. The company also obtained the patents listed below in the People’s Republic of China, which patents have been suspended due to unintentional late payment of annual dues. The company is in the process of reinstating such suspended patents.

 

  23  

 

  

Luobuma fiber blending method (patent number: ZL 941120295)

 

Luobuma four-season mat (patent number: ZL 2004 2 0029462.8)

 

Far-infrared ceramic material (patent number: ZL 981261701)

 

Luobuma cotton terry blanket (patent number: ZL 2004 2 0029465.1)

 

40* fine Luobuma cloth (patent number: ZL 023381736)

 

Luobuma far-infrared healthcare socks with mineral Chinese medicine (patent number: ZL 2004 2 0029463.2)
Luobuma cushion with magnetic therapy (patent number: ZL 2004 2 0028883.9)

 

Heart-protecting card (patent number: ZL 2004 2 0028885.8)

 

PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law and Individual Income Tax Law

 

Under the Enterprise Income Tax Law or EIT Law, enterprises are classified as resident enterprises and non-resident enterprises. PRC resident enterprises typically pay an enterprise income tax at the rate of 25%. An enterprise established outside of the PRC with its “de facto management bodies” located within the PRC is considered a “resident enterprise,” meaning that it can be treated in a manner similar to a PRC domestic enterprise for enterprise income tax purposes. The implementation rules of the EIT Law define “de facto management body” as a managing body that in practice exercises “substantial and overall management and control over the production and operations, personnel, accounting, and properties” of the enterprise.

 

The SAT Circular 82 issued by the SAT in April 2009 provides certain specific criteria for determining whether the “de facto management body” of a PRC-controlled offshore incorporated enterprise is located in China. Pursuant to the SAT Circular 82, a PRC-controlled offshore incorporated enterprise has its “de facto management body” in China only if all of the following conditions are met: (a) the senior management and core management departments in charge of its daily operations function have their presence mainly in the PRC; (b) its financial and human resources decisions are subject to determination or approval by persons or bodies in the PRC; (c) its major assets, accounting books, company seals, and minutes and files of its board and shareholders’ meetings are located or kept in the PRC; and (d) more than half of the enterprise’s directors or senior management with voting rights habitually reside in the PRC. The SAT Bulletin 45, in effect from September 2011, provides more guidance on the implementation of the SAT Circular 82 and provides for procedures and administration details on determining resident status and administration on post-determination matters. Although the SAT Circular 82 and the SAT Bulletin 45 only apply to offshore enterprises controlled by PRC enterprises or PRC enterprise groups, not those controlled by PRC individuals or foreign individuals, the determining criteria set forth there may reflect the SAT’s general position on how the “de facto management body” test should be applied in determining the tax resident status of offshore enterprises, regardless of whether they are controlled by PRC enterprises or PRC enterprise groups or by PRC or foreign individuals.

 

Due to the lack of applicable legal precedents, it remains unclear how the PRC tax authorities will determine the PRC tax resident treatment of a foreign company controlled by individuals. We may be classified as a PRC “resident enterprise” for PRC enterprise income tax purposes. Such classification would likely result in unfavorable tax consequences to us and our non-PRC shareholders, and would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and the value of your investment.

 

  24  

 

   

PRC Value Added Tax

 

Pursuant to the Provisional Regulation of China on Value Added Tax, all entities and individuals that are engaged in the businesses of sales of goods, provision of repair and placement services and importation of goods into China are generally subject to a VAT at a rate of 17% (with the exception of certain goods which are subject to a rate of 13%) of the gross sales proceeds received, less any VAT already paid or borne by the taxpayer on the goods or services purchased by it and utilized in the production of goods or provisions of services that have generated the gross sales proceeds.

 

PRC Business Tax

 

Companies in China are generally subject to business tax and related surcharges by various local tax authorities at rates ranging from 3% to 20% on revenue generated from providing services and revenue generated from the transfer of intangibles.

 

Beginning May 1, 2016, all business tax was changed to the form of value added tax in China, and there is no longer business tax imposed in China.

 

Employment Laws

 

In accordance with the PRC National Labor Law and the PRC Labor Contract Law, employers must execute written labor contracts with full-time employees in order to establish an employment relationship. All employers must compensate their employees equal to at least the local minimum wage standards. All employers are required to establish a system for labor safety and sanitation, strictly abide by state rules and standards and provide employees with appropriate workplace safety training. In addition, employers in China are obliged to pay contributions to the social insurance plan and the housing fund plan for employees.

 

We have not entered into employment agreements with any of our executive officers. We have contributed to the basic and minimum social insurance plan. While we believe we have made adequate provision of such outstanding amounts of contributions to such plans in our audited financial statements, any failure to make sufficient payments to such plans would be in violation of applicable PRC laws and regulations and, if we are found to be in violation of such laws and regulations, we could be required to make up the contributions for such plans as well as to pay late fees and fines.

 

Regulations on Environmental Protection

 

According to the Prevention and Control of Water Pollution Law, China adopted a licensing system for pollutant discharge. Companies directly or indirectly responsible for discharge of industrial waste water or medical sewage to waters shall be required to obtain a pollutant discharge license. All companies are prohibited from discharging wastewater and sewage to waters without or in violation of the terms of the pollutant discharge license.

 

The Regulations on the Administration of Construction Projects Environmental Protection governs construction projects and the impact such projects will have on the environment. Pursuant to the Regulations on the Administration of Construction Projects Environmental Protection, the governing body is responsible for supervising the implementation of a three tiered system that includes (i) reviewing and approving a construction project, (ii) overseeing the construction project and (iii) to inspect the finished construction project and ensure that all harmful pollutants are disposed of correctly. Manufacturing companies are required to apply for inspection with environment protection authorities upon completion of a construction project.

 

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Item 1a. Risk Factors

 

The Company is not required to provide the information required by this Item because the Company is a smaller reporting company. 

 

Item 1b. Unresolved Staff Comments

 

The Company is not required to provide the information required by this Item because the Company is a smaller reporting company.

 

Item 2. Properties

 

According to the Chinese laws and regulations regarding land usage rights, land in urban districts is owned by the State, while land in the rural areas and suburban areas, except otherwise provided for by the State, is collectively owned by individuals designated as resident farmers by the State. Also, in accordance with the legal principle that land ownership is separate from the right to the use of the land, the State assigns land usage rights to land users for a certain number of years’ period in return for the payment of fees. The maximum term with respect to the assigned land usage right is 50 years for industrial purposes and 40 years for commercial purposes.

 

Because the period of land usage is quite long, can be renewed, enables its users to transfer, lease, or mortgage the land usage right, or use it for other economic activities, and the lawful rights and interests are protected by the laws of the State, in common practice, we consider or refer to the right of land usage below for certain properties as an asset “owned” by the company. None of our properties are encumbered by debt, and we are not aware of any environmental concerns or limitations on the use of our properties for the purposes we currently use them or intend to use them in the future. Following is a list of our properties, all of which we lease or for which we have land use rights:

 

Property

 

Address

 

Rental Term

 

Space

Office leased to an unrelated third party— Beijing Tenet-Jove Technological Development Co.   Room B-3106, Jianwai SOHO, 39 East Middle Third Ring Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing   Company-owned   280 square meters
       
Office—owned by an unrelated third party   Eastern area of 2nd Floor, Wanyuan Business Center, 10 N Hongda Road, Daxing District, Beijing   2 years (March 1, 2016 - February 28, 2018)   943 square meters
       
Office and Warehouse— Subsidiary-Tianjin Tenet Huatai Technological Development Co., Ltd.  

3 Zhendong Road, Xuzhuang Village

Tianjin

 

1 year

(September 17, 2016 -

September 16, 2017)

  1,800 square meters
       
Branch office—Xuzhou Branch, Beijing Tenet-Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd. (Office)  

Room 412, Ximatai Commercial Building (N), One Xiangwang Road,

Yunlong District,

Xuzhou City

Jiangsu Province

 

1 year

(March 1, 2016-
February 28, 2017)

  119 square meters
             
Branch office—Xuzhou Branch, Beijing Tenet-Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd (Show room)  

Room 402, Ximatai Commercial Building (N), One Xiangwang Road,

Yunlong District,

Xuzhou City

Jiangsu Province 

 

1 year

(March 1, 2016-

March 1, 2017)

 

51 square meters

 

 

 

  26  

 

 

 

Sales outlet—Xuzhou Branch, Beijing Tenet-Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd. (Warehouse)

 

 

Room 13-101, Jinpeng Community

Fengming Road,

Quanshan District,

Xuzhou City

Jiangsu Province

 

1 year

(November 11, 2015 -
November 11, 2016)

 

  150 square meters

 

Office— Qingdao Zhihesheng Agricultural Produce Services Co., Ltd (General office); Yantai Zhisheng International Trade Co., Ltd.   766-43 Wangsha Road, Chengyang District, Qingdao City   5 years
(March 1,2014-
February 28, 2019)
  234.16 square meters
             
Office— Qingdao Zhihesheng Agricultural Produce Services Co., Ltd (General office); Yantai Zhisheng International Trade Co., Ltd.   766-43 Wangsha Road, Chengyang District, Qingdao City   5 years
(March 1,2014-
February 28, 2019)
  234.16 square meters
             
Office— Qingdao Zhihesheng Agricultural Produce Services Co., Ltd. (Farmland)   Qingfeng Community,
Xifu Town
Chengyang District, Qingdao City
  8 years
(October 1, 2013 -
September 30, 2018)
  282,141 square meters
             
Office— Yantai Zhisheng International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd   Room 23A01, Yihe International Building A, Hongkong Central Road, Qingdao City   1 year
(February 1, 2016 -
January 31, 2017)
  102 square meters
             
Factory— Yantai Mouping District Zhisheng Agricultural Produce Cooperative   Gaoling Village, Muping District, Yantai City   30 years
(April 27, 2011 -
April 26, 2041)
  13,333 square meters
             
Office— Ankang Longevity Pharmaceutical (Group) Co., Ltd.   31 Daqiao Road, Hanbin District, Ankang City   1 year
(June 20, 2016 –
June 20, 2017)
  1,300 square meters
             
Warehouse— Ankang Longevity Pharmaceutical Group Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd. (Medicine Logistics Warehouse)
(Construction of medicine logistics and warehouse project)
  Chenjiagou Village, New City Office, Hanbin District, Ankang City   Company-owned   5,530 square meters
             
Office— Ankang Longevity Pharmaceutical Group Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd.   Second floor, 31 Daqiao Road, Hanbin District, Ankang City   1 year
(June 20, 2016 -
June 20, 2017)
  400 square meters

 

 

  27  

 

 

Office— Ankang Longevity Pharmaceutical Group Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd.

 

 

Second floor, 31 Daqiao Road, Hanbin District, Ankang City

 

 

1 year

(June 20, 2016 -

June 20, 2017)

  400 square meters
       
Dormitory— Ankang Longevity Pharmaceutical Group Chain Co. Ltd. (Land) (General)   15 East Xing’an Road, Ankang City   Company-owned   2,750 square meters
       
Office— Ankang Longevity Pharmaceutical Group Chain Co. Ltd. (Land) (Commercial land)   36 Shidi Street, Ankang City   Company-owned   1,543 square meters
       
Office— Ankang Longevity Pharmaceutical Group Chain Co. Ltd.  

31 Daqiao Road, Hanbin District, Ankang City

 

 

1 year

(June 20, 2016 -

June 20, 2017)

  500 square meters
       
Office— Ankang Longevity Pharmaceutical (Group) Traditional Chinese Medicine Decoction Pieces Co., Ltd. (Offices) (Land)   Minxing Village, Wuli Town, Hanbin District, Ankang City   Company-owned   1,733 square meters
       
Production facility— Ankang Longevity Pharmaceutical (Group) Traditional Chinese Medicine Decoction Pieces Co., Ltd. (Industrial use) (Land)   Minxing Village, Wuli Town, Hanbin District, Ankang City   Company-owned   33,545 square meters
       
Office— Ankang Longevity Pharmaceutical (Group) Traditional Chinese Medicine Decoction Pieces Co., Ltd. (Offices) (Buildings) (Mixed type, five-story)   Minxing Village, Wuli Town, Hanbin District, Ankang City   Company-owned   3,672 square meters
       
Production facility— Ankang Longevity Pharmaceutical (Group) Traditional Chinese Medicine Decoction Pieces Co., Ltd. (Industrial use) (Buildings) (Mixed type, one-story)   Minxing Village, Wuli Town, Hanbin District, Ankang City   Company owned   3,596 square meters
       
Production facility— Qingdao Zhihesheng Agricultural Produce Services Co., Ltd., Yantai Mouping District Zhisheng Agricultural Produce Cooperative (Agricultural use)   Mafang Town, Pinggu District, Beijing  

18 years
(August 31, 2012-

August 31, 2030)

  26,666 square meters
       
Production facility— Qingdao Zhihesheng Agricultural Produce Services Co., Ltd., Yantai Mouping District Zhisheng Agricultural Produce Cooperative (Agricultural use)   South of Bridge, Jixiang Temple, Xiangnaixi Village, Cuigezhuang, Chaoyang District, Beijing  

12 years
(August 1, 2012-

July 31, 2024)

  73,333 square meters

 

  28  

 

  

  Item 3. Legal Proceedings

 

We know of no material, existing or pending legal proceedings against us, nor are we involved as a plaintiff in any material proceeding or pending litigation. There are no proceedings in which any of our directors, officers or affiliates, or any registered or beneficial stockholder, is an adverse party or has a material interest adverse to our company.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

 

The information required by Item 4 is not applicable to us, as we have no mining operations in the United States.

 

Part II

 

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchase of Equity Securities

 

Market Information

 

On September 27, 2016, we completed an initial public offering of 1,713,190 shares of common stocks at a $4.50 offering price. Our common stocks started trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol of TYHT on September 28, 2016. As such, the high and low common stock sales prices per share is not available as of the day of this report.

 

Holders

 

As of September 27, 2016, there were 304 registered holders of record of our common stock. 

 

IPO Proceeds

 

Our registration statement on Form S-1 was declared effective on May 13, 2016. After several post-effective amendments, the registration statement was declared effective on September 20, 2016. We completed our initial public offering on September 27, 2016. Since the effective date of the registration statement, we have not used any proceeds with respect to our initial public offering.

 

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Dividends

 

We anticipate that we will retain any earnings to support operations and to finance the growth and development of our business. Therefore, we do not expect to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Any future determination relating to our dividend policy will be made at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on a number of factors, including future earnings, capital requirements, financial conditions and future prospects and other factors the Board of Directors may deem relevant. Furthermore, our ability to pay dividends is limited by the Delaware General Corporation Law, which provides that a corporation may only pay dividends out of existing “surplus,” which is defined as the amount by which a corporation’s net assets exceeds its stated capital.

 

During the current fiscal year and the two most recent completed fiscal years, we did not declare or pay any cash dividends on our shares of common stock, and we do not expect to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future. If we determine to pay dividends on any of our common stock in the future, as a holding company, we will be dependent principally on receipt of funds from our operating subsidiaries. Current PRC regulations permit our PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends to Shineco only out of their accumulated profits, if any, determined in accordance with Chinese accounting standards and regulations. In addition, each of our subsidiaries in China is required to set aside at least 10% of its after-tax profits each year, if any, to fund a statutory reserve until such reserve reaches 50% of its registered capital. Each of such entity in China is also required to further set aside a portion of its after-tax profits to fund the employee welfare fund, although the amount to be set aside, if any, is determined at the discretion of its board of directors. Although the statutory reserves can be used, among other ways, to increase the registered capital and eliminate future losses in excess of retained earnings of the respective companies, the reserve funds are not distributable as cash dividends except in the event of liquidation.

 

In addition, pursuant to the EIT Law and its implementation rules, dividends generated after January 1, 2008 and distributed to us by our PRC subsidiaries are subject to withholding tax at a rate of 10% unless otherwise exempted or reduced according to treaties or arrangements between the PRC central government and governments of other countries or regions where the non-PRC-resident enterprises are incorporated.

 

Under existing PRC foreign exchange regulations, payments of current account items, including profit distributions, interest payments and trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions, can be made in foreign currencies without prior approval of SAFE, by complying with certain procedural requirements. Specifically, under the existing exchange restrictions, without prior approval of SAFE, cash generated from the operations in China may be used to pay dividends to our company.

 

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

 

We approved a stock incentive plan prior to our initial public offering. We intend to file a registration statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act as soon as practicable after the closing of our initial public offering to register up to 2,103,407 of our shares of common stock subject to outstanding stock options or reserved for issuance under a stock incentive plan, such amount being equal to ten percent (10%) of the number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding after the closing of the offering. This registration will permit the resale of these shares of common stock by nonaffiliates in the public market without restriction under the Securities Act, upon the completion of the lock-up period described below. Shares of common stock registered pursuant to the Form S-8 held by affiliates will be subject to Rule 144 volume limitations. As of the date of this report, we have not issued any options to purchase our shares of common stock.

 

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

 

On August 15, 2013, the Company effected a 5.5 for 1 stock split on all outstanding common stock.

 

On October 15, 2013, the Company issued convertible notes to a group of individuals and one institution in China in exchange for cash. The total amount of notes issued and outstanding was RMB 32,430,000 (approximately $5.1 million). The notes matured on June 30, 2014 and were convertible, in whole or in part, into shares of common stock at the option of the holders, at any time prior to the maturity date.

 

  30  

 

  

On June 29, 2014, all of the holders of the convertible notes chose to convert their notes, including any accrued interest on the notes, into shares of the Company’s common stock at the stipulated conversion price. The Company issued a total of 9,640,000 shares of common stock to the holders of the convertible notes for the principal and accrued interest.

 

On June 30, 2014, the Company effected a 1 for 4 reverse split of all of its outstanding common stock.

 

The above transactions were not registered under the Securities Act in reliance on an exemption from registration set forth in Section 4(a)(2) thereof, Regulation D and Regulation S promulgated hereunder as a transaction by the Registrant not involving any public offering, the purchasers met the “accredited investor” criteria and had adequate information about the Registrant as required by the rules and regulations promulgated under the Securities Act, and the transaction occurred outside the United States and no directed selling efforts were made in the United States. These securities may not be offered or sold in the United States in the absence of an effective registration statement, or exemption from the registration requirements under the Securities Act.

 

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

 

The Company is not required to provide the information required by this Item because the Company is a smaller reporting company.

 

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations

 

The following discussion and analysis of the results of our operations and financial condition for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements, and the notes to those consolidated financial statements that are included elsewhere in this Report. All monetary figures are presented in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

The statements in this discussion that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements.” The words “may,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “could,” “estimate,” “continue,” the negative forms thereof, or similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements are identified by those words or expressions. Forward-looking statements by their nature involve substantial risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond our control. Actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements depending on a variety of important factors, including, but not limited to, weather, local, regional, national and global coke and coal price fluctuations, levels of coal and coke production in the region, the demand for raw materials such as iron and steel which require coke to produce, availability of financing and interest rates, competition, changes in, or failure to comply with, government regulations, costs, uncertainties and other effects of legal and other administrative proceedings, and other risks and uncertainties. We are not undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise.

 

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Business Overview

 

Shineco was incorporated in the State of Delaware on August 20, 1997. On December 30, 2004, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of Tenet-Jove, a PRC company, in exchange for our restricted shares of common stock. Consequently, Tenet-Jove became our 100% owned subsidiary and its operating business became that of the Company. Tenet-Jove was incorporated on December 16, 2003 under the laws of China and was officially granted the status of a Wholly Foreign-Owned Entity (“WFOE”) by Chinese authorities on July 14, 2006. This transaction was accounted for as a recapitalization. Tenet-Jove owns a 90% interest of Tianjin Tenet Huatai Technological Development Co., Ltd. (“Tenet Huatai”). On June 9, 2005, we changed our name to Shineco, Inc.

 

On December 31, 2008, June 11, 2011 and May 24, 2012, respectively, Tenet-Jove entered into a series of contractual agreements with the owner of Ankang Longevity Pharmaceutical (Group) Co., Ltd. (“Ankang Longevity Group”), each of Yantai Zhisheng International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd (“Zhisheng Freight”), Yantai Zhisheng International Trade Co., Ltd (“Zhisheng Trade”), Yantai Mouping District Zhisheng Agricultural Produce Cooperative (“Zhisheng Agricultural”) and Qingdao Zhihesheng Agricultural Produce Services., Ltd (“Qingdao Zhihesheng”). On February 24, 2014, Tenet-Jove also subsequently entered into the same series of contractual agreements with ShinecoZhisheng (Beijing) Bio-Technology Co., Ltd (“Zhisheng Bio-Tech”), which is a new company incorporated in 2014. Zhisheng Bio-Tech, Zhisheng Freight, Zhisheng Trade, Zhisheng Agricultural, and Qingdao Zhihesheng are collectively referred to herein as “Zhisheng Group.” These agreements include an Executive Business Cooperation Agreement; Timely Reporting Agreement; Equity Interest Pledge Agreement and Executive Option Agreement.

 

Pursuant to these agreements, Tenet-Jove has the exclusive right to provide to Zhisheng Group and Ankang Longevity Group consulting services related to business operation and management. All these contractual agreements obligate Tenet-Jove to absorb a majority of the risk of loss from Zhisheng Group and Ankang Longevity Group’s activities and entitle Tenet-Jove to receive a majority of their residual returns. In essence, Tenet-Jove has gained effective control over Zhisheng Group and Ankang Longevity Group. Based on these contractual arrangements, we believe that Zhisheng Group and Ankang Longevity should be considered as Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”) under the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810 “Consolidation”. Accordingly, the accounts of these entities are consolidated with those of Tenet-Jove. We carry out all of our business in China through our PRC subsidiaries, our VIEs and their subsidiaries. Currently, we operate three main business segments: (i) Tenet-Jove is engaged in manufacturing and selling of Luobuma and related products, also known in Chinese as “Luobuma”, including therapeutic clothing and textile products made from Luobuma; (ii) Zhisheng Group is engaged in the business of planting, processing and distributing of green agricultural produce as well as providing domestic and international logistic services for agricultural products (“Agricultural Products”); (iii) Ankang Longevity develops and manufactures traditional Chinese herbal medicinal products as well as other retail pharmaceutical products. These different business activities and products can potentially be integrated and benefit from one and other.

 

  32  

 

 

 

 

Factors Affecting Financial Performance

 

We believe that the following factors will affect our financial performance:

 

Increasing demand for our products - The increasing demand for our Luobuma therapeutic products, our Chinese herbal medicinal products and our agricultural products, will have a positive impact on our financial position. We plan to develop new products and expand our distribution network as well as to grow our business through possible mergers and acquisitions of similar or synergetic businesses, all aimed at increasing awareness of our brand, developing customer loyalty, meeting customer demands in various markets and providing solid foundations for our continuous growth. We do not currently have any agreements, undertakings or understandings to acquire any such entity.

 

Expansion of our sources of supply, production capacity and sales network- To meet the increasing demand for our products, we need to expand our sources of supply and production capacity. We plan to make capital improvements in our existing production facilities, which would improve both their efficiency and capacity. In the short-run, we intend to increase our investment in our reliable supply network, personnel training, information technology applications and logistic system upgrades. We also participate in two non-equity investment opportunities through a VIE, both of which are expect to provide us with new network and platforms.

 

Maintaining effective control of our costs and expenses - Successful cost control depends upon our ability to obtain and maintain adequate material supplies as required by our operations at competitive prices. We will focus on improving our long-term cost control strategies including establishing long-term alliances with certain suppliers to ensure adequate supply is maintained. We will carry forward the economies of scale and advantages from our nationwide distribution network and diversified offerings. Moreover, we will step up our efforts in higher value added products of Luobuma by using an exclusive and patented technology, to optimize quality management, procurement processes and cost control, and give full play to the strong production capacity and trustworthy sales teams to maximize our profit and bring better long-term return for our shareholders.

 

Economic and Political Risks

 

Our operations are conducted primarily in the PRC. Accordingly, our business, financial conditions and results may be influenced by the political, economic and legal environment in the PRC, and by the general state of the PRC economy.

 

Our operations in the PRC are subject to special considerations and significant risks not typically associated with companies in North America and Western Europe. These include risks with, among others, the political, economic and legal environment and foreign currency exchange. Our Company’s results may be adversely affected by changes in the political and social conditions in the PRC, and by changes in governmental policies with respect to laws and regulations, anti-inflationary measures, currency conversions, remittances abroad, and rates and methods of taxation, among other things.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures in the financial statements. Critical accounting policies are those accounting policies that may be material due to the levels of subjectivity and judgment necessary to account for highly uncertain matters or the susceptibility of such matters to change, and that have a material impact on financial condition or operating performance. While we base our estimates and judgments on our experience and on various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We believe the following critical accounting policies used in the preparation of our financial statements require significant judgments and estimates. For additional information relating to these and other accounting policies, see Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in our annual report.

 

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Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities

 

In accordance with accounting standards regarding consolidation of VIEs, VIEs are generally entities that lack sufficient equity to finance their activities without additional financial support from other parties or whose equity holders lack adequate decision-making ability. All VIEs with which the Company is involved must be evaluated to determine the primary beneficiary of the risks and rewards of the VIE. The primary beneficiary is required to consolidate the VIE for financial reporting purposes.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements as well as the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates required to be made by management include, but are not limited to, useful lives of property, plant, and equipment, intangible assets, the recoverability of long-lived assets and the valuation of accounts receivable, deferred tax assets, accrued expenses and taxes payable and inventories. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories, which are stated at the lower of cost or current market value, consisting of raw materials, work-in-progress, finished goods related to the Company’s products. Cost is determined using the first in first out (“FIFO”) method. Market is the lower of replacement cost or net realizable value. Agricultural products that the Company farms are recorded at cost, which includes direct costs such as seed selection, fertilizer, labor cost and contract fee that are spent in growing agricultural products on the leased farmland, and indirect costs which include amortization of prepayment of farmland lease fee and farmland development cost. All the costs are accumulated until the time of harvest and then allocated to harvested crops costs when they are sold. The Company periodically evaluates its inventory and records inventory reserve for certain inventories that may not be saleable.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

The Company recognizes revenue from sales of Luobuma products, Chinese medicinal herbal products and agricultural products, as well as providing logistic service and other processing service to external customers. The Company recognizes revenue when all of the following have occurred: (i) there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement with a customer, (ii) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, (iii) the sales price is fixed or determinable, and (iv) the Company’s collection of such fees is reasonable assured. These criteria, as related to the Company’s revenue, are considered to have been met as follows:

 

Sales of products: the Company recognizes revenue on sale of products when the goods are delivered and title to the goods passes to the customer provided that there are no uncertainties regarding customer acceptance; persuasive evidence of the an arrangement exists; the sales price is fixed or determinable; and collectability is deemed probable.

 

Revenue from the Rendering of Services: Revenue from international freight forwarding, domestic air and overland freight forwarding services are recognized upon performance of services as stipulated in the underlying contract or when commodities are being released from the customer’s warehouse.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The Company adopted the provisions of ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.” ASC 820 clarifies the definition of fair value, prescribes methods for measuring fair value, and establishes a fair value hierarchy to classify the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:

 

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

 

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Level 2 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are inputs other than quoted prices 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.

 

The carrying value of accounts receivable, other current assets and prepaid expenses, short term loans, other payables and accrued expenses approximate their fair values because of the short-term nature of these instruments.

 

Equity Investment

 

An investment in which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence, but does not have a controlling interest, is accounted for using the equity method. Significant influence is generally considered to exist when the Company has an ownership interest in the voting stock between 20% and 50%, and other factors, such as representation on the Board of Directors, voting rights and the impact of commercial arrangements, are considered in determining whether the equity method of accounting is appropriate.

 

Results of Operations for the Years Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015

 

Overview

 

The following table summarizes our results of operations for the years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015:

 

    Years End June 30,     Variance  
    2016     2015     Amount     %  
Revenue   $ 35,206,852     $ 32,630,502     $ 2,576,350       7.90 %
Cost of revenue     24,122,279       22,282,995       1,839,284       8.25 %
Gross profit     11,084,573       10,347,507       737,066       7.12 %
General and administrative expense     1,988,101       2,160,666       (172,565 )     (7.99 )%
Selling and distribution expense     1,755,264       1,684,423       70,841       4.21 %
Income from operations     7,341,208       6,502,418       838,790       12.90 %
Income from equity method investments     1,796,527       1,788,288       8,239       0.46 %
Other income     197,390       231,908       (34,518 )     (14.88 )%
Interest income     135,404       42,502       92,902       218.58 %
Income before income tax provision     9,470,529       8,565,116       905,413       10.57 %
Provision for income taxes     1,177,707       1,124,716       52,991       4.71 %
Net income   $ 8,292,822     $ 7,440,400     $ 852,422       11.46 %
Comprehensive income   $ 4,301,466     $ 7,746,808     $ (3,445,342 )     (44.47 )%

 

Revenue

 

Currently, we have three types of revenue streams deriving from our three major business segments: First, developing, manufacturing and distributing specialized fabrics, textiles and other by-products derived from an indigenous Chinese plant Apocynum Venetum, known in Chinese as “Luobuma” or “Bluish Dogbane.” This segment is channeled through our directly owned subsidiary, Tenet-Jove. Second, processing and distributing traditional Chinese herbal medicine products as well as other pharmaceutical products. This segment is conducted by our Ankang Longevity Group VIEs. And third, planting, processing and distributing green and organic agricultural produce as well as growing and cultivation of yew trees. This segment is conducted through our VIEs, the Zhisheng Group.

 

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The following table sets forth the breakdown of our revenue for the years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively:

 

    Years Ended June 30,     Variance  
    2016     %     2015     %     Amount     %  
Sales of Luobuma products   $ 4,387,060       12.46 %   $ 3,530,807       10.82 %   $ 856,253       24.25 %
Sales of Chinese medicinal herbal products     14,031,955       39.86 %     13,858,949       42.47 %     173,006       1.25 %
Sales of other agricultural products     16,787,837       47.68 %     15,240,746       46.71 %     1,547,091       10.15 %
Total Amount   $ 35,206,852       100.00 %   $ 32,630,502       100.00 %   $ 2,576,350       7.90 %

 

For the years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, revenue from sales of Luobuma products was $4,387,060 and $3,530,807, respectively, which represented an increase of $856,253 or 24.25%. The increase of revenue from this segment was primarily due to increased sales volume of our health awareness related products. The sales volume increase was mainly due to the increase in our number of customers.

 

For the years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, revenue from sales of Chinese medicinal herbal products was $14,031,955 and $13,858,949, respectively, representing a slight increase of $173,006 or 1.25%. The increase was primarily due to the fact that we fulfilled more sales orders from customers for the year ended June 30, 2016 than the same period in 2015.

 

For the years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, revenue from other agricultural products was $16,787,837 and $15,240,746, respectively, representing an increase of $1,547,091 or 10.15%. The increase was mainly attributable to the increase in sales price of yew trees.

 

Cost of Revenue

 

The following table sets forth the breakdown of our cost of revenue for the years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively:

 

    Years Ended June 30,     Variance  
    2016     %     2015     %     Amount     %  
Sales of Luobuma products   $ 1,974,182       8.18 %   $ 1,349,520       6.06 %   $ 624,662       46.29 %
Sales of Chinese medicinal herbal products     10,990,162       45.56 %     10,982,826       49.29 %     7,336       0.07 %
Sales of other agricultural products     11,072,897       45.91 %     9,872,387       44.30 %     1,200,510       12.16 %
Business and sales related tax     85,038       0.35 %     78,262       0.35 %     6,776       8.66 %
Total Amount   $ 24,122,279       100.00 %   $ 22,282,995       100.00 %   $ 1,839,284       8.25 %

 

For the years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, cost of revenue from sales of our Luobuma products were $1,974,182 and $1,349,520, respectively, representing an increase of $624,662 or 46.29%. The percentage of the increase in cost of revenue was higher than the increase in sales during this period, primarily due to the higher raw material and labor costs we incurred for the year ended June 30, 2016 as compared to the corresponding period in 2015.

 

For the years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, cost of revenue from sales of Chinese medicinal herbal products were $10,990,162 and $10,982,826, respectively, representing an increase of $7,336 or 0.07 %. The percentage of the increase in costs was proportional to the percentage of the increase in sales due to the stable gross margin of our Chinese medicine herbal products.

 

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For the years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, cost of revenue from sales of other agricultural products was $11,072,897 and $9,872,387, respectively, representing an increase of $1,200,510 or 12.16%. The percentage of the increase in costs was proportional to the percentage of the increase in sales due to the stable gross margin of those products.

 

Gross Profit

 

The following table sets forth the breakdown of our gross profit for the years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively:  

 

    Years Ended June 30,     Variance  
    2016     %     2015     %     Amount     %  
Sales of Luobuma products   $ 2,392,167       21.58 %   $ 2,168,663       20.96 %   $ 223,504       10.31 %
Sales of Chinese medicinal herbal products     2,977,466       26.86 %     2,810,499       27.16 %     166,967       5.94 %
Sales of other agricultural products     5,714,940       51.56 %     5,368,345       51.88 %     346,595       6.46 %
Total Amount   $ 11,084,573       100.00 %   $ 10,347,507       100.00 %   $ 737,066       7.12 %

 

Gross profit from Luobuma product sales increased by $223,504 and gross profit contribution percentage increased by 10.31% for the year ended June 30, 2016 as compared to the same period of 2015. The increase in gross profit was primarily because an increase in sales volume resulting from the sale of health products and sales expansion from our self-operated online E-commerce platform on Alibaba and JD.com. We expect a higher profit in this segment in the future with increasing sales through the online sales platform, and with new technology aiming to lower the costs of our products. The continual increase in the contribution percentage of Luobuma products is mainly because many of the Luobuma products are relatively new products to the market and the market is still gradually accepting these products and its benefits.

 

Gross profit from sales of Chinese herbal products had an increase of $166,967 for the year ended June 30, 2016 as compared to the same period of 2015, primarily due to the slightly increased sales orders. The gross profit contribution percentage increased by 5.94% for the year ended June 30, 2016 as compared to the same period of 2015, which an increase was mainly due to the relatively steady market of these Chinese herbal products and the increase in sales of our other products.

 

Gross profit from sales of other agricultural products increased by $346,595 for the year ended June 30, 2016 as compared to the same period of 2015. The increase was primarily a result of the combination of increased sales volume and higher selling prices as compared to the same period of 2015. The gross profit contribution percentage for the year ended June 30, 2016 was kept stable as compared to the same period of 2015.

 

Expenses

 

The following table sets forth the breakdown of our operating expenses for the years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively:

 

    Years Ended June 30,     Variance  
    2016     %     2015     %     Amount     %  
General and administrative expenses   $ 1,988,101       53.11 %   $ 2,160,666       56.19 %   $ (172,565 )     (7.99 )%
Selling and distribution expense     1,755,264       46.89 %     1,684,423       43.81 %     70,841       4.21 %
Total Amount   $ 3,743,365       100.00 %   $ 3,845,089       100.00 %   $ (101,724 )     (2.65 )%

 

General and Administrative Expenses

 

For the year ended June 30, 2016, our general and administrative expenses were $1,988,101, representing a decrease of $172,565 or 7.99%, as compared to the same period of 2015. The decrease was primarily attributable to of the gain on disposal of the investment in OU’Feng in the amount of RMB 1.5 million (approximately $0.23 million) resulting from collection of RMB 3.0 million (approximately $0.45 million) from Nanjing Kangtianyi and Tianjin Ou’Feng as return of the investments during the year ended June 30, 2016.

 

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Selling and Distribution Expense

 

For the year ended June 30, 2016, our selling and distribution expenses were $1,755,264, representing an increase of $70,841 or 4.21%, as compared to the same period of 2015. The increase was primarily due to increased salary expense since more staff recruited and increased sales promotion on online platforms such as Alibaba and JD.com.

 

Income from Equity Method Investments

 

On September 27, 2012, Ankang Longevity Group entered into two equity investment agreements with a third party, Shaanxi Pharmaceutical Group Pai’ang Medicine Co. Ltd. (“Shaanxi Pharmaceutical Group”), a Chinese state-owned pharmaceutical enterprise, to invest a total of RMB 6.8 million (approximately $1.0 million) to form a joint venture pharmacy retail company called Shaanxi Pharmaceutical Sunsimiao Drugstores Ankang Retail Chain Co., Ltd. (“Sunsimiao Drugstores”), and a joint venture pharmaceutical wholesale distribution company named Shaanxi Pharmaceutical Holding Group Longevity Pharmacy Co., Ltd. (“Shaanxi Longevity Pharmacy”). Ankang Longevity Group obtained a 49% equity interest in each of these two new joint venture companies. We recorded net income of $532,320 and $599,118 from these equity method investments for the years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The decrease in net income was primarily due to the lower net profit in the two joint ventures in the current period.

 

In September 2013, Ankang Longevity Group entered into a supplemental agreement with Shaanxi Pharmaceutical Group. According to the supplemental agreement, the new joint venture companies established by Shaanxi Pharmaceutical and Ankang Longevity Group are required to purchase certain raw materials and drug products exclusively from Shaanxi Pharmaceutical Group. In return, Shaanxi Pharmaceutical Group has agreed to compensate Ankang Longevity Group with a preferred distribution equal to 7% of the total purchases made from Shaanxi Pharmaceutical Group. For the year ended June 30, 2016, total income of $1,124,258 was recognized by Ankang Longevity Group from this supplemental agreement, compared to $1,124,010 in the same period in 2015.

 

On October 21, 2013, the Company, through its controlled subsidiaries, Zhisheng Freight and Zhisheng Agricultural, entered into an agreement with an unrelated third party, Zhejiang Zhen’Ai Network Warehousing Services Co., Ltd. (“Zhen’Ai Network”), and invested RMB 14.5 million (approximately $2.2 million) into Tiancang Systematic Warehousing project (“Tiancang Project”) operated by Zhen’Ai Network. Tiancang Project is an online platform established to provide comprehensive warehousing and logistic solutions to companies involved in E-commerce. The Company is entitled to a profit sharing of 29% of Tiancang Project’s after-tax net income annually, less 30% statutory reserve and 10% employee welfare fund. When the amount of the accumulated statutory reserve reaches 30% of the total investment for the Tiancang Project, no additional appropriation of the statutory reserve is required. The Tiancang Project is currently up and running. For the year ended June 30, 2016, Zhisheng Freight received investment income distribution of $139,949 from Zhen’Ai Network.

 

Interest Income, net

 

For the year ended June 30, 2016, our net interest income was $135,404 as compared to interest income of $42,502 in the same period of 2015. The increase in net interest income was attributable to the lower average short term loan outstanding as compared to the corresponding period in 2015.

 

Provision for Income Taxes

 

For the years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company’s provision for income taxes increased by $52,991 or 4.71% from $1,124,716 for the year ended June 30, 2015 to $1,177,707 for the year ended June 30, 2016. The increase in the Company’s provision for income taxes was primarily due to increased taxable income of Ankang Longevity Group for the period indicated.

 

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Net Income

 

Our net income increased by $852,422 or 11.46% for the year ended June 30, 2016 as compared to the same period of 2015. The increase in our net income was primarily a result of the increase in gross profit and the decrease in general and administrative expense.

 

Comprehensive Income

 

The foreign currency translation gain or loss resulting from translation of the financial statements expressed in RMB to US$ is reported in other comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Our comprehensive income decreased by $3,399,548 to $4,194,247 for the year ended June 30, 2016 from $7,593,795 for the year ended June 30, 2015 due to the Renminbi’s significant weakening against the U.S. dollar during the such period.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

We currently finance our business operations primarily through cash provided by operating activities and bank loans. Our current cash primarily consists of cash on hand, which is unrestricted as to withdrawal and use and is deposited with banks in China.

 

As of June 30, 2016 and 2015, we possessed cash of $22,009,374 and $6,056,105, respectively. Management believes that our current cash, cash flows provided by operating activities, and access to loans will be sufficient to meet our working capital needs for at least the next 12 months. We intend to continue to carefully execute our growth plans and manage market risk.

 

Treasury Policies

 

We have established treasury policies with the objectives of achieving effective control of treasury operations and of lowering cost of funds. Therefore, funding for all operations and foreign exchange exposure have been centrally reviewed and monitored from the top level. To manage our exposure to fluctuations in exchange rates and interest rates on specific transactions and foreign currency borrowings, currency structured instruments and other appropriate financial instruments will be used to hedge material exposure, if any.

 

Our policy precludes us from entering into any derivative contracts purely for speculative activities. Through our treasury policies, we aim to:

 

(a) Minimize interest risk

 

This is accomplished by loan re-financing and negotiation. We will continue to closely monitor the total loan portfolio and compare the loan margin spread under our existing agreements against the current borrowing interest rates under different currencies and new offers from banks.

 

(b) Minimize currency risk

 

In view of the current volatile currency market, we will closely monitor the foreign currency borrowings at company level. As of June 30, 2016 and 2015, we do not engage in any foreign currency borrowings or loan contracts.

 

Working Capital

 

The following table provides the information about our working capital at June 30, 2016 and 2015:

 

    June 30, 2016     June 30, 2015  
             
Current Assets   $ 35,529,801     $ 28,255,871  
Current Liabilities     6,538,024       5,922,826  
Working Capital   $ 28,991,777     $ 22,333,045  

 

The working capital increased by $6,658,732 or 29.82% from June 30, 2015 to June 30, 2016, primarily as a result of an increase in cash due to better operating results during the year ended June 30, 2016. We believe that we currently have sufficient working capital to run our business.

 

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As of June 30, 2016 and 2015, other major components of our working capital included inventory and accounts receivable. Our inventory balance decreased by 44.50% from $8,302,297 as of June 30, 2015 to $4,608,179 as of June 30, 2016, which was mainly due to the decreased work in process of yew trees. The average inventory turnover days of finished goods in our industry ranges from 40 days to 60 days. Our inventory turnover days for raw materials and finished goods were around the industry average, because we tried to manage and control our inventory stockpile.

 

The accounts receivable, including accounts receivable from unconsolidated entities, as of June 30, 2016 were $5,552,242, a decrease of approximately 23.82% from $7,288,042 as of June 30 2015, mainly due to an increase of profit distribution received from Shaanxi Pharmaceutical Group of Ankang Longevity Medicine. The turnover days of trade receivables were 65.6 days for the year ended June 30, 2016, compared to 54.5 days in the corresponding period last period. The average turnover days of accounts receivable in our industry is approximately 40 days. As of June 30, 2016, about 96.50% of our outstanding account receivables were aged within 90 days, which was in compliance with our credit terms.

 

Capital Commitments and Contingencies

 

Capital commitments refer to the allocation of funds for a possible liability in the near future arising out of capital expenditures. Contingency refers to a condition that arises from past transactions or events, the outcome of which will be confirmed only by the occurrence or non-occurrence of uncertain futures events.

 

As of June 30, 2016 and 2015 we had no material capital commitment or contingent liabilities.

 

Cash Flows

 

The following table provides detailed information about our net cash flows for the years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015.

 

    For the years ended June 30,  
    2016     2015  
             
Net cash provided by operating activities   $ 13,290,365     $ 2,646,789  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities     3,952,681       (1,230,987 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     (255,922 )     1,527,350  
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash     (1,033,855 )     23,108  
Net increase in cash     15,953,269       2,966,260  
Cash, beginning of period     6,056,105       3,089,845  
Cash, end of period   $ 22,009,374     $ 6,056,105  

 

Operating Activities

 

Net cash provided by operating activities during fiscal 2016 was approximately $13.3 million, consisting of net income of $8.3 million, net reduction in noncash adjustments of $0.7 million and net changes in our operating assets and liabilities, which mainly included repayments from advances to suppliers of $1.2 million, reduction in inventory of $2.8 million, an increase of $1 million from other payables, net of payments to related parties of $0.6 million. Net cash provided by operating activities during fiscal 2015 was approximately $2.6 million, consisting of net income of $7.4 million, net reduction in noncash adjustments of $0.6 million and net changes in our operating assets and liabilities, which mainly included additional accounts receivable, inventory and prepaid leases of $3.5 million and $2.8 million and $1.1 respectively, net of repayments from advances to suppliers of $1.9 million and collections from related parties of $1.1 million.

 

Investing Activities

 

For the year ended June 30, 2016, net cash provided by investing activities amounted to $3,952,681 as compared to net cash used in investing activities of $1,230,987 for the same period of 2015. The increases in net cash provided by investing activities were primarily because $2,428,894 investment income received from Shaanxi Pharmaceutical Group Pai’ang Medicine Co. Ltd and $1,366,787 proceeds from loans to related parties for the year ended June 30, 2016.

 

Financing Activities

 

For the year ended June 30, 2016, net cash used in financing activities amounted to $255,922, as opposed to net cash provided by financing activities of $1,527,350 for the same period of 2015. The decrease of $1,783,272 in net cash provided by financing activities was primarily due to net repayments of short-term bank loans of $3,526,423, offset by an increase in proceeds received from short term bank loans in the amount of $3,148,077 for the year ended June 30, 2016.

 

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Item 7a. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

The Company is not required to provide the information required by this Item because the Company is a smaller reporting company.

 

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

The consolidated financial statements are included in Part III, Item 15 (a) (1) and (2) of this Report.

 

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 

None.

 

Item 9A. Controls and ProcedureS

 

(a) Evaluation of Controls and Procedures

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that material information required to be disclosed by us in the reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and that the information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on our review, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective at the reasonable assurance level as of the end of the period covered by this report due to following material weaknesses:

 

·        The Company does not have U.S. GAAP full-time qualified personnel in the accounting department to monitor the recording of the daily transactions;

 

·        Lack of segregation of duties for accounting personnel who prepared and reviewed the journal entries.

 

In order to address the above material weaknesses, our management plans to take the following steps:

 

·        Recruiting sufficient qualified professionals with appropriate levels of knowledge of U.S. GAAP and experience to assist in reviewing and resolving accounting issues in routine or complex transactions. To mitigate the reporting risks, we engaged an outside professional consulting firm to supplement our efforts to improve our internal control over financial reporting;

 

·        Improving the communication between management, board of directors and the Chief Financial Officer; and

 

·        Obtaining proper approval for other significant and non-routine transactions from the Board of Directors.

 

The Company believes the foregoing measures will remediate the identified material weaknesses in future periods. The Company is committed to monitoring the effectiveness of these measures and making any changes that are necessary and appropriate.

 

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(b) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting during our fourth fiscal quarter of 2016. Because of its inherent limitations, a system of internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance and may not prevent or detect misstatements. Further, because of changes in conditions, effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting may vary over time. Our system contains self-monitoring mechanisms, and actions are taken to correct deficiencies as they are identified.

 

(c) Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) for the Company. These controls are designed and implemented under the supervision of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer to provide reasonable assurance to the management and our Board of Directors regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of our financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

 

1. Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;

 

2.

Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded properly to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorization of our management and directors; and

 

3. Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisitions, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Because of the inherent limitations of internal control, there is a risk that material misstatements may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by internal control over financial reporting. However, these inherent limitations are known features of the financial reporting process. Therefore, it is possible to design into the process safeguards to reduce, though not eliminate, this risk.

 

As of June 30, 2016, management assessed the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting established in Internal Control—2013 Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) and SEC guidance on conducting such assessments. Based on such evaluation, management identified deficiencies that were determined to be material weaknesses.

 

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A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Because of the following material weaknesses, management concluded that our internal controls over financial reporting were ineffective as of June 30, 2016:

 

  1. We did not have sufficient skilled accounting personnel that are either qualified as Certified Public Accountants in the United States or that have received education from U.S. institutions or other educational programs that would provide adequate relevant education relating to U.S. GAAP. Our Chief Financial Officer and Controller have limited experience with U.S. GAAP and are not U.S. Certified Public Accountants. Furthermore, our operating subsidiaries are based in China and are therefore required to comply with PRC GAAP, rather than U.S. GAAP. Thus, the accounting skills and understanding necessary to fulfill the requirements of U.S. GAAP-based reporting, including the preparation of consolidated financial statements, remain inadequate and thus constitute a material weakness.
     
  2.

Lack of segregation of duties for accounting personnel who prepared and reviewed the journal entries.

     
  3. In addition, since we only completed the design of our internal controls and assessments for all of our financial reporting cycles in March 2012, we are not yet able to declare our controls as effective over a sufficient period of time in order to demonstrate the operating effectiveness of our controls as of June 30, 2016. Therefore, we have determined that such lack of time to evaluate the design and operating effectiveness of our controls is also a material weakness.

  

In an effort to remedy the foregoing material weaknesses in the future, we intend to do the following:

 

  · Develop a comprehensive training and development plan for our finance, accounting and internal audit personnel, including our Chief Financial Officer and Controller, in the principles and rules of U.S. GAAP, SEC reporting requirements and the application thereof;
     
  · Design and implement a program to provide ongoing company-wide training regarding our internal controls, with particular emphasis on our finance and accounting staff;
     
  · Implement an internal review process over financial reporting to review all recent accounting pronouncements and to verify that any accounting treatment identified in such report has been fully implemented and confirmed by our third-party consultant, and to continue to improve our ongoing review and supervision of our internal control over financial reporting; and
     
  · Hire a full-time employee who possesses the requisite U.S. GAAP experience and education.

 

Despite the material weaknesses and deficiencies reported above, our management believes that our consolidated financial statements included in this report fairly present in all material respects our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented and that this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report.

 

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

 

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Item 9b. Other Information

  

None.

 

P art III

 

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

 

Executive Officers and Directors

 

The following table sets forth our executive officers and directors, their ages and the positions held by them:

 

Name   Age   Role   Since
             
Yuying Zhang   63   Chair of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and  Director    2011 
             
Sam Wang   30   Chief Financial Officer and Director    2015*
             
Jiping Chen   66   Director    2011 
             
Ying (Teresa) Zhang   37   Director (Independent)    2014 
             
Yajun Shi   38   Director (Independent)    2014 
             
Leiger Yongmin Yang   39   Director (Independent)    2015 
             
Hua Yang   45   Director (Independent)    2016 

 

  * Mr. Sam Wang has been our CFO since 2015 and director since 2016.

 

Yuying Zhang , age 63, has been Chairman of Shineco since 2011 and is the Chairman and CEO of the Company. He was the principal founder of Tenet-Jove, which was established in 1995 with his research and development of Luobuma functional fiber healthcare products. He has been the Chairman and CEO of Tenet-Jove since December 2003; under his leadership, the company has worked with more than 20 research institutions and enterprises and has obtained numerous national invention and new product patent rights for Luobuma product development. From April 2014, he has been the Chairman of the Board of Beijing Huiyin Ansheng Asset Management Co., Ltd., which is a related party to Shineco. He also serves as a director in Tianjin Tenet Huatai Technological Development Co., Ltd. since 2003. From 1995 until December 2003, he served as general manager of Tianjin Balas Technological Development Co., Ltd. Prior to starting Tenet-Jove in 1995, he was the deputy director at the Army Institute of Integrative Medicine. From 1991 to 1994, he was the Executive Director and Deputy General Manager at Shan Haidan Pharmaceutical Group, where he was responsible for strategic development planning and marketing. Mr. Zhang is a senior economist with a degree from China Central Radio and Television University in China. Mr. Zhang has been chosen as director because his knowledge and extensive experience in research and development and management.

 

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Sam Wang , age 31, became our Chief Financial Officer in February 2015 and Director since 2016. Mr. Wang has worked for Shineco, Inc. since 2011 where he served as Financial Controller until his appointment as our Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Wang has been the supervisory director of Shineco Zhisheng (Beijing) Bio-Technology Co., Ltd. since 2014. He serves as the General Manager of Qingdao Yinghuanhai International Logistics Co., Ltd. since 2012. Prior to joining Shineco, he worked for Citibank in Shenzhen from 2008 till 2011, where he served as Manager of Corporate Finance. Mr. Wang obtained a Masters in Commerce with a concentration in applied finance from The University of Queensland in 2010. In 2008, he received a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Griffith University in Australia. Mr. Wang has been chosen as a director because he has profound knowledge of our industry and he is experienced with our financial matters.

 

Jiping Chen , age 66, has been a director for Shineco since 2011. Mr. Chen has served as Chairman, General Manager and Legal Representative of Ankang Longevity Group since 2006. From 1985 to 1992, Mr. Chen worked at Ankang Longevity Group where he a marketing manager. He has also served as a supervisor of Ankang Longevity Pharmaceutical (Group) Traditional Chinese Medicine Management Co., Ltd. since 2015. Since 2014, he has been Executive Director of Ankang Longevity Pharmaceutical (Group) Ziyang Longevity Traditional Chinese Medicine Materials Planting Co., Ltd. Since 2011 he has served as a supervisor of Ankang Longevity Real Estate Development Co., Ltd. He has also served as the Chairman of Board and General Manager of Ankang Longevity Pharmaceutical Group Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd. since 2008. During 2008 to 2014, he served as a director of Ankang Longevity Pharmaceutical Group Breeding and Planting Co., Ltd. Since 2004, he has been the legal representative and Chairman of Board of Ankang Longevity Pharmaceutical (Group) Traditional Chinese Medicine Decoction Pieces Co., Ltd. He serves as legal representative and General Manager of Ankang Longevity Pharmaceutical Group Chain Co., Ltd. since 2003. Since 2002, Mr. Chen has been the Chairman of Board and General Manager of Ankang Longevity Pharmaceutical Group Purchasing Station Co., Ltd. From February 1975 to September 1985, Mr. Chen worked at the Ankang Area Public Bus Company where he served as company staff. From February 1973 to January 1975, he worked for Ankang County. Mr. Chen completed his three-year college education in Chinese Traditional Medicine major in Shannxi College of Chinese Traditional Medicine in 1997. Mr. Chen has been chosen as director because of his experience in the traditional Chinese medicine business and his familiarity with Ankang Longevity Group’s operations.

 

Ying (Teresa) Zhang , age 37, has been a director for Shineco since October 2014. From 2014 to July 2016, she served as the director in Beijing Huiyin Ansheng Assets Management Co., Ltd., which is a related party to Shineco. Since October 2010, Ms. Zhang has served as a director for Mixbox Co. Ltd., an international chain store management company. From January 2010 through December 2010 she served as the chief financial officer and a director of Cleantech Solutions International, Inc., a U.S. public company (NASDAQ: CLNT) that manufactures wind power equipment in China. Ms. Zhang has served as a director in Shiqiao (Tianjin) Investment Consulting Co., Ltd. since 2009. Ms. Zhang was chosen to serve as a member of the board of directors because of her experience with U.S. GAAP, as well as her extensive prior work experience and educational background in the accounting field. Ms. Zhang was previously an auditing manager at GC Alliance HK CPA in Beijing from July 2005 until January 2010, where she provided auditing services to China-based companies. From January 2003 through June 2005, Ms. Zhang served as a liaison officer for the Australian-Chinese Friendship Business Association, a trade organization, and from July 2000 to September 2002 she was an auditor at Ernst & Young in Beijing. None of these companies that Ms. Zhang worked with is related to or affiliated with us. Ms. Zhang is a certified practicing accountant in Australia. She received a bachelor degree in international accounting from Renmin University in China in 1996 and a master’s degree in accounting from Macquarie University in Australia in 2005.

 

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Yajun Shi , age 38, has been a director for Shineco since October 2014. He is an associate professor and supervisor of postgraduate education at Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, is currently the vice president of the College of Pharmacy of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, and is the director of instrument center and committee member of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Chinese Drugs Pharmaceutics Association. Mr. Shi graduated from Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine in June 1999, and has been engaging in new medicine development successively in The Fourth Military Medical University, the Pharmaceutical Research Institute and Shaanxi Tiansen Medicine Development Company. In July 2003, Mr. Shi received Master’s Degree from the College of Pharmacy of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine. In June 2012, Mr. Shi received Doctor of Medicine degree (M.D.) from Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine where he specialized in traditional Chinese medicine preparation. Mr. Shi’s major research efforts are focused on traditional Chinese medicine and health products, focusing on the basic study and application of a Chinese medicine nasal drug application system, the study of traditional Chinese medicine powder characterization, and the modification and the adaptability, as well as the research and development of, healthy foods. Mr. Shi has published more than 40 academic papers, and compiled and published six professional books. Mr. Shi was chosen as a director because of his extensive knowledge and research of traditional Chinese medicines.

 

Leiger Yongmin Yang , age 39, has been a director for Shineco since January 2015. He has served as a director in Beijing Lanzhong Time Internet Science and Technology Co., Ltd. since 2014. Mr. Yang founded in 2012 China Offshore Financial Group (COFG), a professional offshore financial services provider, focused on financial services for private equity and venture capital firms, outbound and inbound investments, international trading, family trusts, and tax planning. Prior to founding COFG, Yang served as the General Manager of Offshore Incorporations Limited Group & Vistra Group (OV Group) beginning in 2010. The OV Group focuses on the formation and maintenance of offshore companies, fund formation and fund administration, immigration and trust services. Mr. Yang has also worked as Chief Editor of the Chinese Asian Venture Capital Journal since 2006, where he is responsible for content of the weekly Chinese Asian Venture Capital Journal. From 2003 to 2011, he was the director of Zhiyuan Rongtong Investment Management Consulting (Beijing) Co., Ltd. Mr. Yang has spent the major part of his career in the private equity and venture capital sectors. Yang holds a Bachelor of Journalism degree from Jilin University in China. He was chosen as a director because of his hands-on experience in the private equity and venture capital sectors and his strong network with leading venture capital and private equity firms, law firms, accounting firms and banks in China.

 

Hua Yang , age 45, has been a director for Shineco since 2016. Ms. Yang has been a Partner and attorney in Grandall Law Firm in Beijing since March 2007. From 2006 to 2011, she served as a director of Beijing Shichen International Consulting Co., Ltd. Her practice area covers Corporation Law, foreign investments, international litigations and arbitrations. She provides services in the industries including civil aviation, agriculture biotechnology and nuclear power. From 2001 to 2007, Ms. Yang was a lawyer in Beijing Weiheng Law Firm. She was also a visiting attorney for Canada Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP and Pothier Delisle Law Office during 2002 to 2003. Before that, she was the Legal Manager of Weihai International Trust and Investment Corporation during 1995 to 1999. Ms. Yang received her degree of Master of Laws in Indiana University in 2006. She also graduated from Renmin University of China with a degree of Master of Laws in 2001. She obtained a Bachelor’s degree of Laws from Northwest University of Political Science and Law in 1995 in China. We have chosen Ms. Yang to serve as a director because of the perspective she brings to legal matters in China and her rich experience in Corporate Law and foreign investments.

 

Board of Directors and Board Committees

 

Our board of directors currently consists of seven directors, four of whom — Ying (Teresa) Zhang, Yajun Shi, Leiger Yongmin Yang and Hua Yang — are independent, as such term is defined by The NASDAQ Capital Market. We expect that all current directors will continue to serve after our initial public offering.

 

A director may vote in respect of any contract or transaction in which he is interested, provided, however that the nature of the interest of any director in any such contract or transaction shall be disclosed by him at or prior to its consideration and any vote on that matter. A general notice or disclosure to the directors or otherwise contained in the minutes of a meeting or a written resolution of the directors or any committee thereof of the nature of a director’s interest shall be sufficient disclosure and after such general notice it shall not be necessary to give special notice relating to any particular transaction. A director may be counted for a quorum upon a motion in respect of any contract or arrangement which he shall make with our company, or in which he is so interested and may vote on such motion.

 

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Mr. Yuying Zhang currently holds both the positions of Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Board. These two positions have not been consolidated into one position; Mr. Zhang simply holds both positions at this time. We do not have a lead independent director because of the foregoing reason and also because we believe our independent directors are encouraged to freely voice their opinions on a relatively small company board. We believe this leadership structure is appropriate because we are a smaller reporting company in the process of listing on a public exchange; as such we deem it appropriate to be able to benefit from the guidance of Mr. Zhang as both our principal executive officer and Chair of the Board. Our Board of Directors plays a significant role in our risk oversight. The Board of Directors makes all relevant Company decisions. As a smaller reporting company with a small board of directors, we believe it is appropriate to have the involvement and input of all of our directors in risk oversight matters.

 

Board Committees

 

We have established three standing committees under the board: the audit committee, the compensation committee and the nominating committee. Each committee has three members, and each member is independent, as such term is defined by The Nasdaq Capital Market. The audit committee is responsible for overseeing the accounting and financial reporting processes of our company and audits of the financial statements of our company, including the appointment, compensation and oversight of the work of our independent auditors. The compensation committee of the board of directors reviews and makes recommendations to the board regarding our compensation policies for our officers and all forms of compensation, and also administers our incentive compensation plans and equity-based plans (but our board retains the authority to interpret those plans). The nominating committee of the board of directors is responsible for the assessment of the performance of the board, considering and making recommendations to the board with respect to the nominations or elections of directors and other governance issues. The nominating committee considers diversity of opinion and experience when nominating directors.

 

The members of the audit committee, the compensation committee and the nominating committee are set forth below. All such members qualify as independent under the rules of The Nasdaq Capital Market.

 

Director   Audit
Committee
    Compensation
Committee
    Nominating
Committee
 
Ying Zhang     (1)(2)(3)       (1)       (1)  
                         
Hua Yang     (1)               (1)(2)  
                         
Yongmin Yang     (1)       (1)          
                         
Yajun Shi             (1)(2)       (1)  

  

(1) Committee member

 

(2) Committee chair

 

(3) Audit committee financial expert

 

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Limitation on Liability and Other Indemnification Matters

 

Section 102 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended (“DGCL”) allows a corporation to eliminate or limit the personal liability of directors to a corporation or its shareholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except where the director breached his duty of loyalty, failed to act in good faith, engaged in intentional misconduct or knowingly violated a law, authorized the payment of a dividend or approved a stock repurchase or redemption in violation of Delaware corporate law or engaged in a transaction from which the director obtained an improper personal benefit. In accordance with Delaware law, our Certificate of Incorporation provides that no director shall be personally liable to us or any of our shareholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for the foregoing exceptions set forth in Section 102 of the DGCL.

 

Section 145 of the DGCL provides, among other things, that a corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the corporation’s request as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with the action, suit or proceeding. The power to indemnify applies if (i) such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful or, (ii) to the extent that such person is a present or former director or officer of a corporation, such person is successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding. The power to indemnify applies to actions brought by or in the right of the corporation as well, but only to the extent of defense expenses (including attorneys’ fees but excluding amounts paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred and not to any satisfaction of judgment or settlement of the claim itself, and with the further limitation that in such actions no indemnification shall be made in the event such person is adjusted to be liable to the corporation, unless a court determines that in light of all the circumstances indemnification should apply.

 

Section 174 of the DGCL provides, among other things, that a director who willfully and negligently approves of an unlawful payment of dividends or an unlawful stock purchase or redemption may be held liable for such actions to the full amount of the dividend unlawfully paid or the purchase or redemption of the corporation’s stock, with interest from the time such liability accrued. A director who was either absent when the unlawful actions were approved or dissented at the time may avoid liability by causing his or her dissent to such actions to be entered on the books containing the minutes of the meetings of the board of directors at the time the action occurred or immediately after the absent director receives notice of the unlawful acts.

 

Our Bylaws provide that we will indemnify, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, any person made or threatened to be made a party to any action by reason of the fact that the person is or was our director or officer, or serves or served as a director or officer of any other enterprise at our request. Expenses incurred by a director or officer in defending against such legal proceedings are payable before the final disposition of the action, provided that the director or officer undertakes to repay us if it is later determined that he or she is not entitled to indemnification.

 

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling us pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that, in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

 

We do not maintain policies of insurance under which coverage is provided (a) to our directors and officers against loss rising from claims made by reason of breach of duty or other wrongful act, and (b) to us with respect to payments which we may make to such officers and directors pursuant to the above indemnification provision or otherwise as a matter of law for a privately held company. We will consider modifying our coverage to address public company specific exposures in connection with the completion of our initial public offering.

 

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Director Compensation

 

Historically, we have not paid our directors. Upon completion of our initial public offering, we plan to pay our independent directors an annual cash retainer of $10,000. We may also provide stock, option or other equity-based incentives to our directors for their service. We also plan to reimburse our directors for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in connection with their services provided in such capacity.

 

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act

 

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors, executive officers and persons who own more than 10% of our common stock to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership of our common stock with the SEC. Directors, executive officers and persons who own more than 10% of our common stock are required by SEC regulations to furnish to the Company copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.

 

To our knowledge, based solely upon review of the copies of such reports received or written representations from the reporting persons, we believe that during our fiscal year ended June 30, 2016, our directors, executive officers and persons who owned more than 10% of our common stock complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements except for Ms. Hua Yang. Ms. Hua Yang did not timely file a Form 3 after she was appointed as an independent director of the Company on June 21, 2016. However, the Company disclosed Ms. Hua Yang’s appointment as an independent director in the Company’s 8-K dated June 23, 2016. Ms. Hua Yang completed her Form 3 filing on September 28, 2016.

 

Code of Ethics

 

We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. We will provide a copy of our code of ethics to any person who requests a copy in writing to the Secretary of the Company, including the e-mail address or facsimile number of the requesting party. Any written requests should be mailed to us at Shineco, Inc., 2nd Floor, Wanyuan Business Center, 10 N. Hongda Road, Daxing District, Beijing, People’s Republic of China.

 

Item 11. Executive Compensation

 

The following table shows the annual compensation paid by us for the years ended June 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013 to Yuying Zhang, our principal executive officer. No executive officers of our company have annual compensation exceeding $100,000.

 

Summary Compensation Table – Named Executive Officer

 

Name and principal position   Year   Salary (1)     Bonus     All Other
Compensation
 (2)
    Total  
Yuying Zhang,   2016   $ 38,709.00     $ -     $ 14,567.00     $ 53,276.00  
principal executive officer   2015   $ 39,012.00     $ -     $ 14,973.51     $ 53,985.51  
    2014   $ 38,745.00     $ -     $ 13,076.54     $ 51,821.54  

   

(1) Salaries were paid in RMB.
(2) Mr. Zhang receives monthly payments for rent for his personal home and parking.

 

Employment Agreements

 

Generally

 

Under Chinese law, we may only terminate employment agreements without cause and without penalty by providing notice of non-renewal one month prior to the date on which the employment agreement is scheduled to expire. If we fail to provide this notice or if we wish to terminate an employment agreement in the absence of cause, then we are obligated to pay the employee one month’s salary for each year we have employed the employee. We are, however, permitted to terminate an employee for cause without penalty to our company, where the employee has committed a crime or the employee’s actions or inactions have resulted in a material adverse effect to us. At this time, we have no employment agreements with any of our executive officers.  

 

  49  

 

  

Outstanding Equity Awards

 

There was no equity awards granted to our officers or directors in the year ended June 30, 2016.

 

Retirement Plans

 

We currently have no plans that provide for the payment of retirement benefits, or benefits that will be paid primarily following retirement, including but not limited to tax-qualified defined benefit plans, supplemental executive retirement plans, tax-qualified defined contribution plans and nonqualified defined contribution plans.

   

Potential Payments upon Termination or Change-in-Control

 

We currently have no contract, agreement, plan or arrangement, whether written or unwritten, that provides for payments to a named executive officer at, following, or in connection with any termination, including without limitation resignation, severance, retirement or a constructive termination of a named executive officer, or a change in control of the Company or a change in the named executive officer’s responsibilities, with respect to each named executive officer.

 

Director Compensation

 

Historically, we have not paid our directors. Upon completion of our initial public offering, we plan to pay our independent directors an annual cash retainer of $10,000. We may also provide stock, option or other equity-based incentives to our directors for their service. We also plan to reimburse our directors for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in connection with their services provided in such capacity.

  

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

 

The following table sets forth information, as of September 27, 2016, regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock by any person known to us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding common stock, by directors and certain executive officers, and by all of our directors and executive officers as a group. Unless otherwise noted, our officers and directors utilize the following address for correspondence purposes: 2 nd Floor, Wanyuan Business Center, 10 N Hongda Road, Daxing District, Beijing, 100176 100022, People’s Republic of China.

 

Name and Address  

Title of
Class

  Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership
    Percent (%) of
Class
 
Yuying Zhang   common     1,143,140 (1)     5.435 %
Sai (Sam) Wang   common     749,645       3.564 %
Jiping Chen   common     2,194,115       10.431 %
Ying (Teresa) Zhang   common     -       -  
Leiger Yongmin Yang   common     -       -  
Hua Yang   common     -       -  
Yajun Shi   common     -       -  
                     
All Officers and Directors as a Group (7 total)   common     4,086,900       19.43 %
                     
5% Shareholders Not Mentioned Above:                    
Xiaoyan Chen   common     1,088,067       5.173 %
Qiwei Wang   common     1,109,908       5.277 %

 

 

(1) Includes 878,018 shares owned by Min Zhao, the wife of Yuying Zhang. By virtue of this relationship, each of Ms. Zhao and Mr. Zhang may be deemed to share beneficial ownership of the shares of our company held by each of them. Mr. Zhang disclaims beneficial ownership of these shares.

 

  50  

 

  

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

 

Receivables from Related Parties

 

As of September 1, 2016, the Company temporarily advanced a total of $1,608,027 to (i) Shanxi Pharmacy Holding Group Longevity Pharmacy Co., Ltd., which is owned by one of our shareholders, (ii) XinyangYifangyuan Garden Technology Co., Ltd., which is owned by one of our shareholders, (iii) Qi Qiuchi, one of our shareholders, (iv) Yang Bin, one of our shareholders, (v) Shaanxi Pharmaceutical Group Pai’ang Medicine Co. Ltd., which owns 51% of two of our equity investments, (vi) Zhang Xin, one of our shareholders, (vii) Chang Song, one of our shareholders, (viii) Qiwei Wang, one of our shareholders, and (ix) Tian Shuangpeng, one of our shareholders. All the advances were short-term loans for the requirements of the related parties and were made interest-free.

 

As of June 30, 2016, the Company temporarily advanced a total of $1,671,435 to (i) Shanxi Pharmacy Holding Group Longevity Pharmacy Co., Ltd., which is owned by one of our shareholders, (ii) XinyangYifangyuan Garden Technology Co., Ltd., which is owned by one of our shareholders, (iii) Qi Qiuchi, one of our shareholders, (iv) Yang Bin, one of our shareholders, (v) Shaanxi Pharmaceutical Group Pai’ang Medicine Co. Ltd., which owns 51% ownership of two of our equity investments, (vi) Zhang Xin, one of our shareholders, (vii) Chang Song, one of our shareholders, (viii) Qiwei Wang, one of our shareholders, and (ix) Tian Shuangpeng, one of our shareholders. All the advances were short-term loans for the requirements of the related parties and were made interest-free.

 

As of June 30, 2015, the Company temporarily advanced a total of $2,623,169 to (i) Shanxi Pharmacy Holding Group Longevity Pharmacy Co., Ltd., which is owned by one of our shareholders, (ii) XinyangYifangyuan Garden Technology Co., Ltd., which is owned by one of our shareholders, (iii) Qi Qiuchi, one of our shareholders, (iv) Yang Bin, one of our shareholders, (v) KuerLe Tenet-Jove Business & Trading Co., Ltd., which is owned by a family member of our Chief Executive Officer and director, Yuying Zhang, (vi) Shaanxi Pharmaceutical Group Pai’ang Medicine Co. Ltd., which owns 51% ownership of two of our equity investments, (vii) Zhang Xin, one of our shareholders, (viii) Chang Song, one of our shareholders, (ix) HuiyinAnsheng, which is partially owned by one of our shareholders, (x) Qiwei Wang, one of our shareholders, and (xi) Yuying Zhang, our Chief Executive Officer and director. As of date of this prospectus, all outstanding amounts due from those related parties have been collected. All the advances were short-term loans for the requirements of the related parties and were made interest-free, and the balances were settled in cash.

 

As of June 30, 2014, the Company temporarily advanced a total of $2,690,273 to (i) XinyangYifangyuan Garden Technology Co., Ltd., which is owned by one of our shareholders (ii)Yang Bin, one of our shareholders, (iii) KuerLe Tenet-Jove Business & Trading Co., Ltd., which is owned by a family member of our Chief Executive Officer and director, Yuying Zhang, (iv) Zhang Xin, one of our shareholders, (v) HuiyinAnsheng, which is partially owned by one of our shareholders, (vi) Qiwei Wang, one of our shareholders, (vii) Longevity Pharmaceutical Group Real Estate Co., Ltd., which is owned by our director Jiping Chen, (viii) Li Qiang, one of our shareholders, (ix) Beijing Juxing Cultural Communication Center, which is owned by one of our shareholders, (x) Beijing Juxingzuo Advertising Co., Ltd., which is owned by one of our shareholders, (xi) Song Dandan, one of our shareholders, and (xii) Zhao Min, one of our shareholders. As of date of this prospectus, all outstanding amounts due from those related parties have been collected. All the advances were short-term loans for the requirements of the related parties and were made interest-free, and the balances were settled in cash.

 

The detailed amounts due from related parties consist of the following:

 

    Sept. 1, 2016     June 30,
2016
    June 30,
2015
    June 30,
2014
 
                         
Shanxi Pharmacy Holding Group Longevity Pharmacy Co., Ltd.   $ -       -     $ 1,158,764     $ -  
XinyangYifangyuan Garden Technology Co., Ltd.     481,786       500,784       593,413       507,813  
Qi Qiuchi     1,448       1,505       171,885       -  
Yang Bin     144,794       150,504       163,700       422,500  
KuerLe Tenet-Jove Business & Trading Co., Ltd.                     163,700       162,500  
Shaanxi Pharmaceutical Group Pai’ang Medicine Co. Ltd.     789,593       820,728       144,830       -  
Zhang Xin     89,772       93,312       101,494       100,750  
Chang Song     81,809       85,035       64,662       -  
HuiyinAnsheng                     48,092       61,451  
Wang Qiwei     7,965       8,279       9,005       361,827  
Zhang Yuying     -       -       3,624       -  
Longevity Pharmaceutical Group Real Estate Co., Ltd.     -       -       -       827,303  
Li Qiang     -       -       -       81,250  
Beijing Juxing Cultural Communication Center     -       -       -       68,250  
Beijing Juxingzuo Advertising Co., Ltd.     -       -       -       68,058  
Song Dandan     -       -       -       18,688  
Zhao Min     -       -       -         9,883  
Tian Shuangpeng     10,860       11,288       -         -    
Total   $ 1,608,027     $ 1,671,435     $ 2,623,169     $ 2,690,273  

 

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We have a policy under which we are prohibited from making or renewing any personal loan to our executive officers or directors in accordance with Section 13(k) of the Exchange Act. The related party transactions with Yuying Zhang, our Chief Executive Officer and director, described in this section occurred prior to adoption of this policy, and as such, these transactions were not subject to such prohibition. As of date of this report, all outstanding amounts due from any loans to executive officers or directors have been collected in full.

 

Payables to Related Parties

 

As of September 1, 2016, June 30, 2016, June 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company has related party payables of $235,624, $244,915, $137,508 and $0, respectively, mainly due to Wu Yang who lend funds for the Company’s operations. Wu Yang is the wife of Yin Weixing, one of the directors of the Company. The payables are unsecured, non-interest bearing and due on demand.

 

The detailed amount due to related parties consists of the following:

 

    Sept. 1, 2016     June 30,
2016
    June 30,
2015
    June 30,
2014
 
Wu Yang   $ 92,741       96,398     $ 137,508     $ -  
Huiyin Ansheng     860       894       -       -  
Wang Sai     116,269       120,854       -       -  
Zhang Yuying     25,753       26,769                  
Total   $ 235,624       244,915     $ 137,508     $ -  

  

Sales and Purchases From Related Parties

 

For the period from July 1, 2016 to September 1, 2016, the Company recorded sales to related parties of $1,058,795, and no purchases from related parties. For the year ended June 30, 2016, the Company recorded sales to related parties of $3,014,198 and no purchases from related parties. For the year ended June 30, 2015, the Company recorded sales to related parties of $3,176,386 and no purchases from related parties. For the year ended June 30, 2014, the Company recorded sales to related parties of $2,708,502 and no purchases from related parties. All sales to related parties were sales of traditional Chinese herbal products to one of our affiliates, Shaanxi Pharmacy Holding Group Ankang Longevity Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., an entity partially owned by the Company through a joint venture with Shaanxi Pharmaceutical Group Pai’ang Medicine Co. Ltd., a Chinese state-owned pharmaceutical enterprise.

 

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Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services

 

The following table shows the fees that were billed for audit and other services provided by Friedman LLP, our independent accountant, during the following fiscal years:

 

    Fiscal Year Ended
June 30,
 
    2016     2015  
Audit Fees (1)   $ 300,000   $ 290,000
Audit-related Fees (2)     -       -  
Tax Fees (3)     -       -  
All Other Fees (4)     -       -  
Total   $ 300,000     $ 290,000  

  

(1) Audit Fees – This category includes the audit of our annual financial statements, review of financial statements included in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and services that are normally provided by independent auditors in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or the engagement for fiscal years. This category also includes advice on audit and accounting matters that arose during, or as a result of, the audit or the review of interim financial statements.

 

(2) Audit-Related Fees – This category consists of assurance and related services by our independent auditor that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements and are not reported above under "Audit Fees." The services for the fees disclosed under this category include consultation regarding our correspondence with the SEC.

 

(3) Tax Fees – This category consists of professional services rendered by our independent auditors for tax compliance and tax advice. The services for the fees disclosed under this category include tax return preparation and technical tax advice.

 

(4) All Other Fees – This category consists of fees for other miscellaneous items such as travel and out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures of the Audit Committee

 

Our Audit Committee approves the engagement of our independent auditors and is also required to pre-approve all audit and non-audit expenses.  Prior to engaging its accountants to perform particular services, our Audit Committee obtains an estimate for the service to be performed.  All of the services described above were approved by the Audit Committee in accordance with its procedure.

 

Part IV

 

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

(1) Financial Statements

 

The following consolidated financial statements for the years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 are included in Part II, Item 8 of this Report:

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income

 

  53  

 

  

Consolidated Statements of Equity

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(2) Financial Statement Schedules

 

Schedules are omitted because the required information is not present or is not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule or because the information required is given in the consolidated financial statements or the notes thereto.

 

(3) Exhibits

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

The following documents are filed herewith:

 

Number   Exhibit
3.1†   Certificate of Incorporation of Shineco, Inc. (1)
3.2†   Amended and Restated Bylaws of Shineco, Inc.(1)
4.1†   Specimen Common Stock Share Certificate(1)
10.1†   Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement between Beijing Tenet-Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd. and Shineco Zhisheng (Beijing) Bio-Technology Co., Ltd. dated February 24, 2014. (1)
10.2†   Timely Reporting Agreement between Shineco Inc. and Shineco Zhisheng (Beijing) Bio-Technology Co., Ltd. dated July 3, 2014. (1)
10.3†   Equity Interest Pledge Agreement among Beijing Tenet Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd., Wang Qiwei, Wang Sai, Yin Weixing, Liu Yu, Zhou Qi, Yang Chunhong, and Shineco Zhisheng (Beijing) Bio-Technology Co., Ltd. dated February 24, 2014. (1)
10.4†   Exclusive Option Agreement among Beijing Tenet Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd., Wang Qiwei, Wang Sai, Yin Weixing, Liu Yu, Zhou Qi, Yang Chunhong (Shareholders from Shineco Zhisheng (Beijing) Bio-Technology Co., Ltd.), and Shineco Zhisheng (Beijing) Bio-Technology Co., Ltd. dated February 24, 2014. (1)
10.5†   Power of Attorney by and between Yang Chunhong and Beijing Tenet Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd. regarding shareholding of Shineco Zhisheng (Beijing) Bio-Technology Co., Ltd. dated February 24, 2014. (1)
10.6†   Power of Attorney by and between Yin Weixing and Beijing Tenet Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd. regarding shareholding of Shineco Zhisheng (Beijing) Bio-Technology Co., Ltd. dated February 24, 2014. (1)
10.7†   Power of Attorney by and between Liu Yu and Beijing Tenet Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd. regarding shareholding of Shineco Zhisheng (Beijing) Bio-Technology Co., Ltd. dated February 24, 2014. (1)
10.8†   Power of Attorney by and between Wang Qiwei and Beijing Tenet Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd. regarding shareholding of Shineco Zhisheng (Beijing) Bio-Technology Co., Ltd. dated February 24, 2014. (1)
10.9†   Power of Attorney by and between Wang Sai and Beijing Tenet-Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd. regarding shareholding of Shineco Zhisheng (Beijing) Bio-Technology Co., Ltd. dated February 24, 2014. (1)
10.10†   Power of Attorney by and between Zhou Qi and Beijing Tenet-Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd. regarding shareholding of Shineco Zhisheng (Beijing) Bio-Technology Co., Ltd. dated February 24, 2014. (1)
10.11†   Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement between Beijing Tenet-Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd. and Yantai Zhisheng International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd. dated June 16, 2011. (1)
10.12†   Timely Reporting Agreement between Shineco Inc. and Yantai Zhisheng International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd. dated July 3, 2014. (1)
10.13†   Equity Interest Pledge Agreement among Beijing Tenet-Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd., Wang Qiwei, Wang Sai, Yin Weixing, Zhang Weisheng, Zhou Qi, Yang Chunhong, and Yantai Zhisheng International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd. dated June 16, 2011. (1)
10.14†   Exclusive Option Agreement among Beijing Tenet-Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd., Wang Qiwei, Wang Sai, Yin Weixing, Zhang Weisheng, Zhou Qi, Yang Chunhong, and Yantai Zhisheng International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd. dated June 16, 2011. (1)
10.15†   Power of Attorney by and between Zhou Qi and Beijing Tenet-Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd. regarding shareholding of Yantai Zhisheng International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd. dated June 16, 2011. (1)
10.16†   Power of Attorney by and between Zhang Weisheng and Beijing Tenet-Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd. regarding shareholding of Yantai Zhisheng International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd. dated June 16, 2011. (1)

 

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10.17†   Power of Attorney by and between Yang Chunhong and Beijing Tenet Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd. regarding shareholding of Yantai Zhisheng International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd. dated June 16, 2011. (1)
10.18†   Power of Attorney by and between Wang Qiwei and Beijing Tenet Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd. regarding shareholding of Yantai Zhisheng International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd. dated June 16, 2011. (1)
10.19†   Power of Attorney by and between Wang Sai and Beijing Tenet Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd. regarding shareholding of Yantai Zhisheng International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd. dated June 16, 2011. (1)
10.20†   Power of Attorney by and between Yin Weixing and Beijing Tenet Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd. regarding shareholding of Yantai Zhisheng International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd. dated June 16, 2011. (1)
10.21†   Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement between Beijing Tenet Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd. and Yantai Zhisheng International Trade Co., Ltd. dated June 16, 2011. (1)
10.22†   Timely Reporting Agreement between Shineco Inc. and Yantai Zhisheng International Trade Co., Ltd. dated July 3, 2014. (1)
10.23†   Equity Interest Pledge Agreement among Beijing Tenet Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd., Wang Qiwei, Wang Sai, Yin Weixing, Zhang Weisheng, Zhou Qi, Yang Chunhong, and Yantai Zhisheng International Trade Co., Ltd. dated June 16, 2011. (1)
10.24†   Exclusive Option Agreement among Beijing Tenet Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd., Wang Qiwei, Wang Sai, Yin Weixing, Zhang Weisheng, Zhou Qi, Yang Chunhong, and Yantai Zhisheng International Trade Co., Ltd. dated June 16, 2011. (1)
10.25†   Power of Attorney by and between Zhang Weisheng and Beijing Tenet-Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd. regarding shareholding of Yantai Zhisheng International Trade Co., Ltd. dated June 16, 2011. (1)
10.26†   Power of Attorney by and between Zhou Qi and Beijing Tenet-Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd. regarding shareholding of Yantai Zhisheng International Trade Co., Ltd. dated June 16, 2011. (1)
10.27†   Power of Attorney by and between Wang Qiwei and Beijing Tenet Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd. regarding shareholding of Yantai Zhisheng International Trade Co., Ltd. dated June 16, 2011. (1)
10.28†   Power of Attorney by and between Yin Weixing and Beijing Tenet-Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd. regarding shareholding of Yantai Zhisheng International Trade Co., Ltd. dated June 16, 2011. (1)
10.29†   Power of Attorney by and between Wang Sai and Beijing Tenet-Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd. regarding shareholding of Yantai Zhisheng International Trade Co., Ltd. dated June 16, 2011. (1)
10.30†   Power of Attorney by and between Yang Chunhong and Beijing Tenet-Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd. regarding shareholding of Yantai Zhisheng International Trade Co., Ltd. dated June 16, 2011. (1)
10.31†   Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement between Beijing Tenet-Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd. and Qingdao Zhihesheng Agricultural Produce Services, Co., Ltd. dated May 24, 2012. (1)
10.32†   Timely Reporting Agreement between Shineco Inc. and Qingdao Zhihesheng Agricultural Produce Services, Co., Ltd. dated July 3, 2014. (1)
10.33†   Equity Interest Pledge Agreement among Beijing Tenet-Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd., Wang Qiwei, Wang Sai, Yin Weixing, Zhang Weisheng, Zhou Qi, Yang Chunhong, and Qingdao Zhihesheng Agricultural Produce Services, Co., Ltd. dated May 24, 2012. (1)
10.34†   Exclusive Option Agreement among Beijing Tenet-Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd., Wang Qiwei, Wang Sai, Yin Weixing, Zhang Weisheng, Zhou Qi, Yang Chunhong, and Qingdao Zhihesheng Agricultural Produce Services, Co., Ltd. dated May 24, 2012. (1)
10.35†   Power of Attorney by and between Wang Sai and Beijing Tenet-Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd. regarding shareholding of Qingdao Zhihesheng Agricultural Produce Services Co., Ltd. dated May 24, 2012. (1)
10.36†   Power of Attorney by and between Wang Qiwei and Beijing Tenet-Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd. regarding shareholding of Qingdao Zhihesheng Agricultural Produce Services Co., Ltd. dated May 24, 2012. (1)
10.37†   Power of Attorney by and between Yin Weixing and Beijing Tenet-Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd. regarding shareholding of Qingdao Zhihesheng Agricultural Produce Services, Co., Ltd. dated May 24, 2012. (1)
10.38†   Power of Attorney by and between Zhang Weisheng and Beijing Tenet-Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd. regarding shareholding of Qingdao Zhihesheng Agricultural Produce Services, Co., Ltd. dated May 24, 2012. (1)
10.39†   Power of Attorney by and between Zhou Qi and Beijing Tenet-Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd. regarding shareholding of Qingdao Zhihesheng Agricultural Produce Services, Co., Ltd. dated May 24, 2012. (1)
10.40†   Power of Attorney by and between Yang Chunhong and Beijing Tenet-Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd. regarding shareholding of Qingdao Zhihesheng Agricultural Produce Services, Co., Ltd. dated May 24, 2012. (1)
10.41†   Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement between Beijing Tenet-Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd. and Yantai Mouping District Zhisheng Agricultural Produce Cooperative dated June 16, 2011. (1)
10.42†   Timely Reporting Agreement between Shineco Inc. and Yantai Mouping District Zhisheng Agricultural Produce Cooperative dated July 3, 2014. (1)
10.43†   Guarantee Agreement among Beijing Tenet-Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd., Wang Qiwei, and Yantai Mouping District Zhisheng Agricultural Produce Cooperative dated June 16, 2011. (1)
10.44†   Power of Attorney by and between Zhang Weisheng and Beijing Tenet-Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd. regarding shareholding of Yantai Mouping District Zhisheng Agricultural Produce Cooperative dated June 16, 2011. (1)

 

  55  

 

 

10.45†   Power of Attorney by and between Yin Weixing and Beijing Tenet-Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd. regarding shareholding of Yantai Mouping District Zhisheng Agricultural Produce Cooperative dated June 16, 2011. (1)
10.46†   Power of Attorney by and between Wang Sai and Beijing Tenet-Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd. regarding shareholding of Yantai Mouping District Zhisheng Agricultural Produce Cooperative dated June 16, 2011. (1)
10.47†   Power of Attorney by and between Wang Qiwei and Beijing Tenet-Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd. regarding shareholding of Yantai Mouping District Zhisheng Agricultural Produce Cooperative dated June 16, 2011. (1)
10.48†   Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement between Beijing Tenet-Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd. and Ankang Longevity Pharmaceutical (Group) Co., Ltd. dated December 31, 2008. (1)
10.49†   Timely Reporting Agreement between Shineco Inc. and Ankang Longevity Pharmaceutical (Group) Co., Ltd. dated July 3, 2014. (1)
10.50†   Equity Interest Pledge Agreement among Beijing Tenet-Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd., Chen Jiping, Chen Xiaoyan, and Ankang Longevity Pharmaceutical (Group) Co., Ltd. dated December 31, 2008. (1)
10.51†   Exclusive Option Agreement among Beijing Tenet-Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd., Chen Jiping, Chen Xiaoyan, and Ankang Longevity Pharmaceutical (Group) Co., Ltd. dated December 31, 2008. (1)
10.52†   Power of Attorney by and between Chen Xiaoyan and Beijing Tenet-Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd. regarding shareholding of Ankang Longevity Pharmaceutical (Group) Co., Ltd. dated December 31, 2008. (1)
10.53†   Power of Attorney by and between Chen Jiping and Beijing Tenet-Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd. regarding shareholding of Ankang Longevity Pharmaceutical (Group) Co., Ltd. dated December 31, 2008. (1)
10.54†   Summary translation of Cooperation Agreement between Shaanxi Pharmacy Sunsimiao Drugstore Chain Co., Ltd. and Ankang Longevity Pharmaceutical (Group) Co., Ltd. dated September 27, 2012. (1)
10.55†   Summary translation of Cooperation Agreement between Shaanxi Pharmacy Holding Group Xi’an Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Ankang Longevity Pharmaceutical (Group) Co., Ltd. dated September 27, 2012. (1)
10.56†   Summary translation of Loan Contract between Beijing Tenet-Jove Technological Development Co., Ltd. and Beijing Rural Commercial Bank Co., Ltd. Tiantongyuan Branch dated December 31, 2009. (1)
10.57†   Summary translation of Project Shares Purchase Contract among Yantai Zhisheng International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd., Yantai Mouping District Zhisheng Agricultural Produce Cooperative and Zhejiang Zhen’Ai Network Warehousing Services Co., Ltd. dated October 21, 2013. (1)
10.58†   Summary translation of Contractual Management/Operation Agreement between Ankang Longevity Pharmaceutical Group Chain Co., Ltd. and Qiu Haiyin dated March 1, 2013. (1)
10.59†   Summary translation of Supplementary Agreement between Ankang Longevity Pharmaceutical Group Chain Co., Ltd. and Qiu Haiyin dated February 28, 2014. (1)
10.60*   Form of Independent Director Engagement Letter
14.1*   Code of Ethics of the Company.
21.1†   List of subsidiaries of the Company. (1)
31.1*   Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) (4) of Chief Executive Officer
31.2*   Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) (4) of Chief Financial Officer  
32.1*   Certification Pursuant to Section 1350 of Title 18 of the United States Code of Chief Executive Officer
32.2*   Certification Pursuant to Section 1350 of Title 18 of the United States Code of Chief Financial Officer
99.1*   2016 Share Incentive Plan
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

 

* Filed herewith.
Previously filed.

 

(1) Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration No. 333-202803.

 

 

  56  

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

   

SHINECO, INC.

(Registrant)

 
         
  Date: September 28, 2016 By: /s/ Yuying Zhang  
      Yuying Zhang  
      Chief Executive Officer  

 

  Date: September 28, 2016 By: /s/ Sam Wang  
      Sam Wang  
      Chief Financial Officer  

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

 

Signature

 

Title

 

Date

     
/s/ Yuying Zhang    Chief Executive Officer and Director   September 28, 2016
Yuying Zhang   (Principal Executive Officer)    
     
  Chief Financial Officer and Director   September 28, 2016
Sam Wang   (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)    
     
  Director   September 28, 2016
Jiping Chen        
     
  Director   September 28, 2016
Ying Zhang        
     
  Director   September 28, 2016
Yajun Shi        
         
  Director   September 28, 2016
Leiger Yongmin Yang        
         
  Director   September 28, 2016
Hua Yang        
         
*/s/ Yuying Zhang   Attorney-in-Fact   September 28, 2016
Yuying Zhang        

    

  57  

 

 

 

SHINECO, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2016 AND 2015

 

AND

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED

 

PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

   F- 1  

 

 

SHINECO, INC.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

  Page
   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

F-3
   
Consolidated Financial Statements  
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets F-4
   
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income F-5
   
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity F-6
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows F-7
   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-8

 

   F- 2  

 

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and

Stockholders of Shineco, Inc.

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Shineco, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of June 30, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended June 30, 2016. The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

 

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

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of June 30, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended June 30, 2016, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

/s/ Friedman LLP

Friedman LLP

New York, NY

 

September 28, 2016

 

 

   F- 3  

 

 

SHINECO, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

    June 30,     June 30,  
    2016     2015  
ASSETS                
                 
CURRENT ASSETS:                
Cash   $ 22,009,374     $ 6,056,105  
Accounts receivable, net - third parties     4,464,098       4,878,378  
- unconsolidated entity     1,088,144       2,409,664  
Due from related parties     1,671,435       2,623,169  
Inventories     4,608,179       8,302,297  
Advances to suppliers, net     53,024       1,383,934  
Loans to third parties, net     560,234       1,130,139  
Other receivables, net     463,361       663,193  
Short-term deposit     100,270       87,453  
Prepaid leases - current, net     478,565       521,235  
Prepaid expenses     33,117       200,304  
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS     35,529,801       28,255,871  
                 
Property and equipment at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization     11,035,199       5,805,965  
Land use right, net of accumulated amortization     1,408,765       1,568,701  
Investments     4,766,847       11,417,953  
Long-term deposit and other noncurrent assets     120,357       135,242  
Prepaid leases-non current, net     3,860,327       4,719,320  
Deferred tax assets     327,492       229,072  
                 
TOTAL  ASSETS   $ 57,048,788     $ 52,132,124  
                 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY                
                 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:                
Short-term loans-banks   $ 2,745,945     $ 3,385,006  
Accounts payable     259,803       171,642  
Advances from customers     9,597       32,826  
Due to related parties     244,915       137,508  
Other payables and accrued expenses     1,999,622       1,119,591  
Taxes payable     1,278,142       1,076,253  
TOTAL LIABILITIES     6,538,024       5,922,826  
                 
Commitments and contingencies                
                 
EQUITY:                
Common stock; par value $0.001, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 19,320,882 issued and outstanding     19,321       19,321  
Additional paid-in capital     17,344,466       17,344,466  
Statutory reserve     3,242,139       2,924,921  
Retained earnings     30,837,399       23,017,721  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)     (1,887,929 )     2,054,720  
Total Stockholders' equity of Shineco, Inc.     49,555,396       45,361,149  
Non-controlling interest     955,368       848,149  
TOTAL EQUITY     50,510,764       46,209,298  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY   $ 57,048,788     $ 52,132,124  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

 

   F- 4  

 

 

SHINECO, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

    For the Years Ended June 30,  
    2016     2015  
             
REVENUE   $ 35,206,852     $ 32,630,502  
                 
COST OF REVENUE                
Cost of product and services     24,037,241       22,204,733  
Business and sales related tax     85,038       78,262  
                 
GROSS PROFIT     11,084,573       10,347,507  
                 
OPERATING EXPENSES                
General and administrative expenses     1,988,101       2,160,666  
Selling expenses     1,755,264       1,684,423  
Total operating expense     3,743,365       3,845,089  
                 
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS     7,341,208       6,502,418  
                 
OTHER INCOME                
Income from equity method investments     1,796,527       1,788,288  
Other income     197,390       231,908  
Interest income, net     135,404       42,502  
Total other income     2,129,321       2,062,698  
                 
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX PROVISION     9,470,529       8,565,116  
                 
PROVISIONS FOR INCOME TAXES     1,177,707       1,124,716  
                 
NET INCOME     8,292,822       7,440,400  
                 
Less: net income attributable to non-controlling interest     (155,926 )     (160,122 )
                 
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO SHINECO, INC.   $ 8,136,896     $ 7,280,278  
                 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME                
Net income     8,292,822       7,440,400  
Other comprehensive income (loss): foreign currency translation gain (loss)     (3,991,356 )     306,408  
Total comprehensive income     4,301,466       7,746,808  
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest     (107,219 )     (153,013 )
                 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO SHINECO, INC.   $ 4,194,247     $ 7,593,795  
                 
Weighted average number of shares basic and diluted     19,320,882       19,320,882  
                 
Basic and diluted earnings per common share   $ 0.42     $ 0.38  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

 

   F- 5  

 

 

SHINECO, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2016 AND 2015

 

                                  ACCUMULATED
OTHER
    NON-        
    COMMON STOCK     ADDITIONAL     STATUTORY     RETAINED     COMPREHENSIVE     CONTROLLING     TOTAL  
    SHARES     AMOUNT     PAID-IN CAPITAL     RESERVE     EARNINGS     INCOME (LOSS)     INTEREST     EQUITY  
                                                 
Balance at June 30, 2014     19,320,882     $ 19,321     $ 17,344,466     $ 2,040,382     $ 16,621,982     $ 1,741,203     $ 695,136     $ 38,462,490  
                                                                 
Net income for the year     -       -       -       -       7,280,278       -       160,122       7,440,400  
Appropriation of statutory reserve     -       -       -       884,539       (884,539 )     -       -       -  
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)     -       -       -       -       -       313,517       (7,109 )     306,408  
Balance at June 30, 2015     19,320,882     $ 19,321     $ 17,344,466     $ 2,924,921     $ 23,017,721     $ 2,054,720     $ 848,149     $ 46,209,298  
                                                                 
Net income for the year     -       -       -       -       8,136,896       -       155,926       8,292,822  
Appropriation of statutory reserve     -       -       -       317,218       (317,218 )     -       -       -  
Foreign currency translation loss     -       -       -       -       -       (3,942,649 )     (48,707 )     (3,991,356 )
Balance at June 30, 2016     19,320,882     $ 19,321     $ 17,344,466     $ 3,242,139     $ 30,837,399     $ (1,887,929 )   $ 955,368     $ 50,510,764  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

 

   F- 6  

 

 

SHINECO, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

    For the Years Ended June 30,  
    2016     2015  
             
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:                
Net income   $ 8,292,822     $ 7,440,400  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:                
Depreciation and amortization     871,099       811,135  
Provision for doubtful accounts     324,515       111,303  
Change of inventory reserve     290,515       62,447  
Deferred tax benefit     (120,765 )     (64,419 )
Income from equity method investments     (1,796,527 )     (1,788,288 )
Impairment of investment     -       244,350  
Gain on disposal of investment     (233,249 )     -  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                
Accounts receivable     (8,395 )     (3,481,607 )
Advances to suppliers     1,249,897       1,916,195  
Inventories     2,834,739       (2,809,027 )
Other receivables     172,176       (277,087 )
Prepaid expense and other assets     135,528       (43,287 )
Due from related parties     (601,940 )     1,056,256  
Long-term deposit and other noncurrent assets     -       9,298  
Prepaid leases     495,122       (1,139,092 )
Accounts payable     105,382       133,055  
Advances from customers     (21,266 )     20,281  
Other payables     1,008,132       92,962  
Taxes payable     292,580       351,914  
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES     13,290,365       2,646,789  
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:                
Acquisitions of property and equipment     (498,772 )     (101,620 )
Proceeds from withdrawal of investments     466,497       -  
Proceeds from (repayment of) loans to third parties     189,275       (224,816 )
Proceeds from (repayment of) loans to related parties     1,366,787       (969,711 )
Distribution received from investments in unconsolidated entities     2,428,894       65,160  
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES     3,952,681       (1,230,987 )
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:                
Proceeds from short-term bank loans     3,148,077       3,583,800  
Repayment of short-term bank loans     (3,526,423 )     (2,893,104 )
Proceeds from private equity     -       699,818  
Proceeds from advances from related parties     122,424       136,836  
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES     (255,922 )     1,527,350  
                 
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGE ON CASH     (1,033,855 )     23,108  
                 
NET INCREASE IN CASH     15,953,269       2,966,260  
                 
CASH - Beginning of the Year     6,056,105       3,089,845  
                 
CASH - End of Year   $ 22,009,374     $ 6,056,105  
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURES:                
Cash paid for income tax   $ 991,599     $ 913,288  
Cash paid for interest   $ 366,844     $ 223,933  
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL NON-CASH INVESTING ACTIVITY:                
Long-term investment converted to fixed assets   $ 6,219,960     $ -  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

 

   F- 7  

 

 

Shineco, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

 

NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS

 

Shineco, Inc. ("Shineco" or the “Company”) was incorporated in the State of Delaware on August 20, 1997. The Company is a holding company whose primary purpose is to develop business opportunities in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC” or “China”).

 

On December 30, 2004, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of Beijing Tenet-Jove Technological Development Corp., Ltd. (“Tenet-Jove”), a PRC company, in exchange for restricted shares of the Company’s common stock, and the sole operating business of the Company became that of its subsidiary, Tenet-Jove. Tenet-Jove was incorporated on December 15, 2003 under the laws of China. Consequently, Tenet-Jove became a 100% owned subsidiary of Shineco and was officially granted the status of a Wholly Foreign-Owned Entity (“WFOE”) by Chinese authority on July 14, 2006. This transaction was accounted for as a recapitalization. Tenet-Jove owns 90% interest of Tianjin Tenet Huatai Technological Development Co., Ltd. (“Tenet Huatai”).

 

On December 31, 2008, June 11, 2011 and May 24, 2012, respectively, Tenet-Jove entered into a series of contractual agreements with the owners of Ankang Longevity Pharmaceutical (Group) Co., Ltd. (“Ankang Longevity Group”), each of Yantai Zhisheng International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd (“Zhisheng Freight”), Yantai Zhisheng International Trade Co., Ltd (“Zhisheng Trade”), Yantai Mouping District Zhisheng Agricultural Produce Cooperative (“Zhisheng Agricultural”)and Qingdao Zhihesheng Agricultural Produce Services., Ltd (“Qingdao Zhihesheng”). On February 24, 2014, Tenet-Jove also subsequently entered into the same series of contractual agreements with Shineco Zhisheng (Beijing) Bio-Technology Co., Ltd (“Zhisheng Bio-Tech”), which is a new company incorporated in 2014. Zhisheng Bio-Tech, Zhisheng Freight, Zhisheng Trade, Zhisheng Agricultural, and Qingdao Zhihesheng are collectively referred to herein as “Zhisheng Group”. These agreements include an Executive Business Cooperation Agreement; Timely Reporting Agreements; Equity Interest Pledge Agreement and Executive Option Agreements.

 

Pursuant to the above agreements, Tenet-Jove has the exclusive right to provide to Zhisheng Group and Ankang Longevity Group consulting services related to business operation and management. All the above contractual agreements obligate Tenet-Jove to absorb a majority of the risk of loss from Zhisheng Group and Ankang Longevity Group’s activities and entitle Tenet-Jove to receive a majority of their residual returns. In essence, Tenet-Jove has gained effective control over Zhisheng Group and Ankang Longevity Group. Therefore, the Company believes that Zhisheng Group and Ankang Longevity Group should be considered as Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”) under the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810 “Consolidation”. Accordingly, the accounts of these entities are consolidated with those of Tenet-Jove.

 

Since Shineco is effectively controlled by the majority shareholders of Zhisheng Group and Ankang Longevity Group. Shineco owns 100% equity interest of Tenet-Jove. Accordingly, Shineco, Tenet-Jove, and its VIEs, Zhisheng Group and Ankang Longevity Group are effectively controlled by the same majority shareholders. Therefore, Shineco, Tenet-Jove and its VIEs are considered under common control. The consolidation of Tenet-Jove and its VIEs into Shineco has been accounted for at historical cost and prepared on the basis as if the aforementioned exclusive contractual agreements between Tenet-Jove and its VIES had become effective as of the beginning of the first period presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

The Company, its subsidiaries, its VIEs and its VIEs’ subsidiaries (collectively the “Group”) operate three main business segments: 1) Tenet-Jove is engaged in planting, manufacturing and selling of Bluish Dogbane and related products, also known in Chinese as “Luobuma”, including therapeutic clothing and textile products made from Luobuma; 2) Zhisheng Group is engaged in the business of planting, processing and distributing of green agricultural produce as well as providing domestic and international logistic services for agricultural products (“Agricultural Products”); 3) Ankang Longevity Group develops and manufactures traditional Chinese herbal medicinal products as well as other retail pharmaceutical products. These different business activities and products can potentially be integrated and benefit from one and other.

 

   F- 8  

 

 

Shineco, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

 

NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”).

 

The consolidated financial statements of the Company reflect the principal activities of the Company, its subsidiaries, its VIEs and its VIEs’ subsidiaries. The non-controlling interest represents the minority shareholders’ interest in the Company’s majority owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated .

 

Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities

 

In accordance with accounting standards regarding consolidation of variable interest entities (“VIEs”), VIEs are generally entities that lack sufficient equity to finance their activities without additional financial support from other parties or whose equity holders lack adequate decision making ability. All VIEs with which the Company is involved must be evaluated to determine the primary beneficiary of the risks and rewards of the VIE. The primary beneficiary is required to consolidate the VIE for financial reporting purposes.

 

The carrying amount of the VIEs and their subsidiaries’ consolidated assets and liabilities are as following:

 

    June 30, 2016     June 30, 2015  
             
Current assets   $ 30,560,208     $ 21,054,168  
Plant and equipment, net     9,595,357       4,187,397  
Other noncurrent assets     10,136,632       17,559,402  
Total assets     50,292,197       42,800,967  
Total liabilities     (4,398,424 )     (4,804,296 )
Net assets   $ 45,893,773     $ 37,996,671  

 

Non-controlling Interests

 

US GAAP requires that non-controlling interests in subsidiaries and affiliates be reported in the equity section of a company’s balance sheet. In addition, the amounts attributable to the net income (loss) of those subsidiaries are reported separately in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

 

Risks and Uncertainties

 

The operations of the Company are located in the PRC. Accordingly, the Company’s business, financial condition, and results of operations may be influenced by the political, economic, and legal environments in the PRC, as well as by the general state of the PRC economy. The Company’s operations in the PRC are subject to special considerations and significant risks not typically associated with companies in North America and Western Europe. These include risks associated with, among other factors, the political, economic and legal environment and foreign currency exchange. The Company’s results may be adversely affected by changes in the political, regulatory and social conditions in the PRC, and by changes in governmental policies or interpretations with respect to laws and regulations, anti-inflationary measures, currency conversion, remittances abroad, and rates and methods of taxation, among other things. Although the Company has not experienced losses from these situations and believes that it is in compliance with existing laws and regulations, this may not be indicative of future results.

 

   F- 9  

 

 

Shineco, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

 

NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

Members of the current management team own controlling interests in the Company and are also the owners of the VIEs in the PRC.  The Company only controls the VIEs through contractual arrangements which obligate it to absorb the risk of loss and to receive the residual expected returns.  As such, the controlling shareholders of the Company and the VIEs could cancel these agreements or permit them to expire at the end of the agreement terms, as a result of which the Company would not retain control of the VIEs.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements as well as the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates required to be made by management include, but are not limited to, useful lives of property, plant, and equipment, intangible assets, the recoverability of long-lived assets and the valuation of accounts receivable, deferred tax assets, accrued expenses, taxes payable and inventories. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

The Company recognizes revenue from sales of bluish dogbane products, Chinese medicinal herbal products and agricultural products, as well as providing logistic service and other processing service to external customers. The Company recognizes revenue when all of the following have occurred: (i) there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement with a customer (ii) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered (iii) the sales price is fixed or determinable and (iv) the Company’s collection of such fees is reasonable assured. These criteria, as related to the Company’s revenue, are considered to have been met as follows:

 

Sales of products : The Company recognizes revenue on sale of products when the goods are delivered and title to the goods passes to the customer provided that there are no uncertainties regarding customer acceptance; persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; the sales price is fixed or determinable; and collectability is deemed probable.

 

Revenue from the rendering of services:  Revenue from international freight forwarding, domestic air and overland freight forwarding services are recognized upon performance of services as stipulated in the underlying contract or when commodities are being released from the customer’s warehouse; the service price is fixed or determinable; and collectability is deemed probable.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand, cash on deposits and other highly liquid investments which are unrestricted as to withdrawal or use, and which have maturities of three months or less when purchased. The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents with various financial institutions mainly in the PRC. Balances in banks in the PRC are uninsured.

 

Accounts Receivable

 

Accounts receivable are recorded at net realizable value consisting of carrying amount less an allowance for uncollectible accounts, as necessary. The Company reviews the accounts receivable on a periodic basis and makes general and specific allowance when there is doubt as to the collectability of individual balances. In evaluating the collectability of individual receivable balances, the Company considers many factors, including the age of the balance, customers’ historical payment history, their current credit-worthiness and current economic trends. As of June 30, 2016 and 2015, the allowances for doubtful accounts were $103,968 and $81,374, respectively. Accounts are written off against the allowance after efforts at collection prove unsuccessful.

 

   F- 10  

 

 

Shineco, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

 

NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

Accounts receivable-unconsolidated entity represents the amount due from Shanxi Pharmaceutical Group Pai’ang Medicine Co. Ltd. (“Shaanxi Pharmaceutical Group”), with whom the Company entered into a supplemental agreement in September 2013. According to the supplemental agreement, the joint-venture company established by Shaanxi Pharmaceutical and the Company are required to exclusively purchase certain raw materials and drug products from Shaanxi Pharmaceutical Group. In return, Shaanxi Pharmaceutical Group has agreed to compensate Ankang Longevity Group with a preferred distribution that equals to 7% of the total purchases made from Shaanxi Pharmaceutical Group. The accounts receivable mainly represents the preferred distribution due from Shaanxi Pharmaceutical Group. As of June 30, 2016 and 2015, the balance of accounts receivable – unconsolidated entity was $1,088,144 and $2,409,664, respectively.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories, which are stated at the lower of cost or current market value, consisting of raw materials, work-in-progress, finished goods related to the Company’s products. Cost is determined using the first in first out (FIFO) method. Market is the lower of replacement cost or net realizable value. Agricultural products that the Company farms are recorded at cost, which includes direct costs such as seed selection, fertilizer, labor cost and contract fee that are spent in growing agricultural products on the leased farmland, and indirect costs which include amortization of prepayment of farmland lease fee and farmland development costs. All the costs are accumulated until the time of harvest and then allocated to harvested crops costs when they are sold. The Company periodically evaluates its inventory and records inventory reserve for certain inventories that may not be saleable. As of June 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company recorded inventory reserves of $819,285 and $585,283, respectively.

 

Advances to Suppliers

 

Advances to suppliers consist of balance paid to suppliers for materials that have not been received. Advances to suppliers are reviewed periodically to determine whether their carrying value has become impaired. As of June 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company had an allowance for uncollectible advances to suppliers in the amount of $10,118 and $561, respectively.

 

Loans to Third Parties

 

Loans to third parties consist of various cash advances to unrelated companies and individuals, with whom the Company has business relationships. The loans are due within one year with no interest rate. Loans to third parties are reviewed periodically as to whether their carrying values remain realizable.

 

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Expenditures for additions, major renewal and betterments are capitalized, and expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis, less estimated residual value, over an asset’s estimated useful life, Farmland leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of lease term or remaining lease period of the underlying assets. Following are the estimated useful lives of the Company’s property and equipment:

 

    Estimated useful lives
     
Buildings   20-50 years
Machinery equipment   5-10 years
Motor vehicles   5-10 years
Office equipment   5-10 years
Farmland leasehold improvements   12-18 years

 

   F- 11  

 

 

Shineco, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

 

NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

Land Use Right

 

Under PRC law, all land in the PRC is owned by the government and cannot be sold to an individual or company. The government grants individuals and companies the rights to use parcels of land for a specified period of time. Land use rights are stated at cost less accumulated amortization. Amortization is provided over the respective useful lives, using the straight-line method. Estimated useful life is 50-years, based on the term of the land use rights.

 

Long-lived Assets

 

The Company accounts for long-lived assets under FASB Codification Topic 360 (ASC Topic 360) “Accounting for Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” and “Accounting for Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” Finite-lived assets and intangibles are also reviewed for impairment testing when circumstances require. For purposes of evaluating the recoverability of long-lived assets, when undiscounted future cash flows will not be sufficient to recover an asset’s carrying amount, the asset is written down to its fair value. The long-lived assets of the Company that are subject to evaluation consist primarily of property, plant and equipment, land use rights, investments and long-term prepaid lease. For the years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company did not recognize any impairment of its long-lived assets.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The Company adopted the provisions of ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.” ASC 820 clarifies the definition of fair value, prescribes methods for measuring fair value, and establishes a fair value hierarchy to classify the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:

 

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 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.

 

The carrying value of accounts receivable, other current assets, short term loans, other payables and accrued expenses approximate their fair values because of the short-term nature of these instruments.

 

Income Tax

 

The Company accounts for income taxes under FASB Codification Topic 740 (ASC 740). Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the results of operations in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

 

The provisions of ASC 740-10-25, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,” prescribe a more-likely-than-not threshold for consolidated financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken (or expected to be taken) in a tax return. This interpretation also provides guidance on the recognition of income tax assets and liabilities, classification of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities, accounting for interest and penalties associated with tax positions, and related disclosures. The Company does not have any uncertain tax positions at June 30, 2016 and 2015.

 

   F- 12  

 

 

Shineco, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

 

NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

The statute of limitations for the Company’s U.S. federal income tax returns and certain state income tax returns remains open for tax years 2013 and after. As of June 30, 2016, the tax years ended June 30, 2007 through June 30, 2016 for the Company’s People’s Republic of China (“PRC”) subsidiaries remain open for statutory examination by PRC tax authorities.

 

Value Added Tax

 

Sales revenue represents the invoiced value of goods, net of a Value-Added Tax (“VAT”). All of the Company’s products that are sold in the PRC are subject to a Chinese value-added tax at a rate of 17% of the gross sales price. This VAT may be offset by VAT paid by the Company on raw materials and other materials included in the cost of producing their finished product or acquiring its finished products. The Company recorded a VAT payable or VAT receivable net of payment in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

Foreign Currency Translation

 

The Company uses the United States dollar (“U.S. dollars” or “USD”) for financial reporting purposes. The Company’s subsidiaries and VIEs maintain their books and records in their functional currency of Renminbi (“RMB”), the currency of the PRC.

 

In general, for consolidation purposes, the Company translates the assets and liabilities of its subsidiaries and VIEs into U.S. dollars using the applicable exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet date, and the statements of income and cash flows are translated at average exchange rates during the reporting period. As a result, amounts related to assets and liabilities reported on the statement of cash flows will not necessarily agree with changes in the corresponding balances on the balance sheet. Equity accounts are translated at historical rates. Adjustments resulting from the translation of the financial statements of the subsidiaries and VIEs are recorded as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

 

The balance sheet amounts, with the exception of equity, at June 30, 2016 and 2015 were translated at 1 RMB to $0.1505 USD and at 1 RMB to $0.1637 USD, respectively. The average translation rates applied to income and cash flow statement amounts for the years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 were at 1 RMB to $0.1555 USD and at 1 RMB to $0.1629 USD, respectively.

 

Comprehensive Income

 

Comprehensive income consists of two components, net income and other comprehensive income. The foreign currency translation gain or loss resulting from translation of the financial statements expressed in RMB to US$ is reported in other comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

 

Equity Investment

 

An investment in which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence, but does not have a controlling interest, is accounted for using the equity method. Significant influence is generally considered to exist when the Company has an ownership interest in the voting stock between 20% and 50%, and other factors, such as representation on the Board of Directors, voting rights and the impact of commercial arrangements, are considered in determining whether the equity method of accounting is appropriate.  

 

Earnings per Share

 

The Company computes earnings per share (“EPS”) in accordance with ASC 260, “Earnings per Share” (“ASC 260”). ASC 260 requires companies with complex capital structures to present basic and diluted EPS. Basic EPS is measured as net income divided by the weighted average common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is similar to basic EPS but presents the dilutive effect on a per share basis of potential common shares (e.g., convertible securities, options and warrants) as if they had been converted at the beginning of the periods presented, or issuance date, if later. Potential common shares that have an anti-dilutive effect (i.e., those that increase income per share or decrease loss per share) are excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS. There is no anti-dilutive effect for the years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015.

 

   F- 13  

 

 

Shineco, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

 

NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

Reclassification

 

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on net income or cash flow as previously prepared.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In November 2015, the FASB has issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, which changes how deferred taxes are classified on organizations’ balance sheets. The ASU eliminates the current requirement for organizations to present deferred tax liabilities and assets as current and noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. Instead, organizations will be required to classify all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent. The amendments apply to all organizations that present a classified balance sheet. For public companies, the amendments are effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company early adopted this update as permitted and, accordingly, has presented deferred tax assets as long-term on the Company's consolidated balance sheets.

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)" ("ASU 2016-02"), to increase the transparency and comparability about leases among entities. The new guidance requires lessees to recognize a lease liability and a corresponding lease asset for virtually all lease contracts. It also requires additional disclosures about leasing arrangements. ASU 2016-02 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and requires a modified retrospective approach to adoption. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this new standard on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-07, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting. The amendments affect all entities that have an investment that becomes qualified for the equity method of accounting as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence. The amendments eliminate the requirement that when an investment qualifies for use of the equity method as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence, an investor must adjust the investment, results of operations, and retained earnings retroactively on a step-by-step basis as if the equity method had been in effect during all previous periods that the investment had been held. The amendments require that the equity method investor add the cost of acquiring the additional interest in the investee to the current basis of the investor’s previously held interest and adopt the equity method of accounting as of the date the investment becomes qualified for equity method accounting. Therefore, upon qualifying for the equity method of accounting, no retroactive adjustment of the investment is required. The amendments require that an entity that has an available-for-sale equity security that becomes qualified for the equity method of accounting recognize through earnings the unrealized holding gain or loss in accumulated other comprehensive income at the date the investment becomes qualified for use of the equity method. The amendments are effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. The amendments should be applied prospectively upon their effective date to increases in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence that result in the adoption of the equity method. Earlier application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this new standard on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In April 2016, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing. The amendments clarify the following two aspects of Topic 606: (a) identifying performance obligations; and (b) the licensing implementation guidance. The amendments do not change the core principle of the guidance in Topic 606. The effective date and transition requirements for the amendments are the same as the effective date and transition requirements in Topic 606. Public entities should apply the amendments for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods therein (i.e., January 1, 2018, for a calendar year entity). Early application for public entities is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this new standard on its consolidated financial statements.

 

   F- 14  

 

 

Shineco, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

 

NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-11, “Revenue Recognition (Topic 605) and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Rescission of SEC Guidance Because of Accounting Standards Updates 2014-09 and 2014-16 Pursuant to Staff Announcements at the March 3, 2016 EITF Meeting”, The amendments rescinds SEC paragraphs pursuant to two SEC Staff Announcements at the March 3, 2016 Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) meeting. Specifically, registrants should not rely on the following SEC Staff Observer comments upon adoption of Topic 606: 1) Revenue and Expense Recognition for Freight Services in Process, which is codified in paragraph 605-20-S99-2; 2) Accounting for Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs, which is codified in paragraph 605-45-S99-1; 3) Accounting for Consideration Given by a Vendor to a Customer (including Reseller of the Vendor's Products), which is codified in paragraph 605-50-S99-1; 4) Accounting for Gas-Balancing Arrangements (i.e., use of the "entitlements method"), which is codified in paragraph 932-10-S99-5, which is effective upon adoption of ASU 2014-09. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-12, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients". The amendments, among other things: (1) clarify the objective of the collectability criterion for applying paragraph 606-10-25-7; (2) permit an entity to exclude amounts collected from customers for all sales (and other similar) taxes from the transaction price; (3) specify that the measurement date for noncash consideration is contract inception; (4) provide a practical expedient that permits an entity to reflect the aggregate effect of all modifications that occur before the beginning of the earliest period presented when identifying the satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations, determining the transaction price, and allocating the transaction price to the satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations; (5) clarify that a completed contract for purposes of transition is a contract for which all (or substantially all) of the revenue was recognized under legacy US GAAP before the date of initial application, and (6) clarify that an entity that retrospectively applies the guidance in Topic 606 to each prior reporting period is not required to disclose the effect of the accounting change for the period of adoption. The effective date of these amendments is at the same date that Topic 606 is effective. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In August 2016, the FASB has issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, to address diversity in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The amendments provide guidance on the following eight specific cash flow issues: (1) Debt Prepayment or Debt Extinguishment Costs; (2) Settlement of Zero-Coupon Debt Instruments or Other Debt Instruments with Coupon Interest Rates That Are Insignificant in Relation to the Effective Interest Rate of the Borrowing; (3) Contingent Consideration Payments Made after a Business Combination; (4)Proceeds from the Settlement of Insurance Claims; (5) Proceeds from the Settlement of Corporate-Owned Life Insurance Policies, including Bank-Owned; (6) Life Insurance Policies; (7) Distributions Received from Equity Method Investees; (8) Beneficial Interests in Securitization Transactions; and Separately Identifiable Cash Flows and Application of the Predominance Principle. The amendments are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The amendments should be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. If it is impracticable to apply the amendments retrospectively for some of the issues, the amendments for those issues would be applied prospectively as of the earliest date practicable. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this new standard on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

 

   F- 15  

 

 

Shineco, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

 

NOTE 3- INVENTORIES

 

The inventories consist of the following:

 

    June 30, 2016     June 30, 2015  
Raw materials   $ 825,028     $ 920,973  
Work-in-process     3,230,729       6,674,890  
Finished goods     1,354,176       1,268,681  
Packing materials     17,531       23,036  
Less: inventory reserve     (819,285 )     (585,283 )
    $ 4,608,179     $ 8,302,297  

 

Work-in-process includes direct costs such as seed selection, fertilizer, labor cost and subcontractor fee that are spent in growing agricultural products on the leased farmland, and indirect costs which include amortization of prepayment of farmland lease fee and farmland development cost. All the costs are accumulated until the time of harvest and then allocated to harvested crops costs when they are sold.

 

NOTE 4- PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET

 

Property and equipment consist of the following:

 

    June 30, 2016     June 30, 2015  
Buildings   $ 10,726,872 *   $ 5,113,662  
Building improvement     52,834       57,467  
Machinery equipment     443,846       476,044  
Motor vehicles     231,434       251,726  
Construction in progress     451,512       -  
Office equipment     208,022       206,134  
Farmland leasehold improvement     3,164,943       3,442,441  
      15,279,463       9,547,474  
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization     (4,244,264 )     (3,741,509 )
Property, plant and equipment, net   $ 11,035,199     $ 5,805,965  

 

*: $6,219,960 was converted from long-term investment to building, details see Note 6.

 

Depreciation and amortization expense charged to operations were $831,057 and $766,705 for the years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

Farmland leasehold improvements consist of following:

 

    June 30, 2016     June 30, 2015  
Blueberry farmland leasehold reconstruction   $ 2,431,450     $ 2,644,636  
Yew tree planting base reconstruction     272,412       296,297  
Greenhouse renovation     461,081       501,508  
Total farmland leasehold improvement   $ 3,164,943     $ 3,442,441  

 

   F- 16  

 

 

Shineco, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

 

NOTE 5- LAND USE RIGHTS, NET

 

The Company states land use right at cost less accumulated amortization. All land in the People’s Republic of China is government owned and cannot be sold to any individual or company. However, the government grants the user a “land use right” (the “Right”) to use the land. The Company has the Right to use the land for 50 years and amortizes the Right on a straight-line basis over the period of 50 years.

 

    June 30, 2016     June 30, 2015  
Land use rights   $ 1,674,053     $ 1,820,832  
Less: accumulated amortization     (265,288 )     (252,131 )
Land use rights, net   $ 1,408,765     $ 1,568,701  

 

For the years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company incurred amortization expense of $34,592 and $36,239, respectively.

 

The estimated future amortization expenses are as follows:

 

Twelve months ending June 30:      
       
2017   $ 33,481  
2018     33,481  
2019     33,481  
2020     33,481  
2021     33,481  
Thereafter     1,241,360  
Total   $ 1,408,765  

 

NOTE 6- INVESTMENTS

 

A) Investments in unconsolidated entities

 

On September 27, 2012, Ankang Longevity Group entered into two equity investment agreements with a third party, Shaanxi Pharmaceutical Group Pai’ang Medicine Co. Ltd., a Chinese state-owned pharmaceutical enterprise to invest a total of RMB 6.8 million (approximately $1.0 million) to form a joint venture pharmacy retail company called Shaanxi Pharmaceutical Sunsimiao Drugstores Ankang Retail Chain Co., Ltd. (“Sunsimiao Drugstores”), and a joint venture pharmaceutical wholesale distribution company named Shaanxi Pharmaceutical Holding Group Longevity Pharmacy Co., Ltd. (“Shaanxi Longevity Pharmacy”). Ankang Longevity Group obtained 49% interest in each of these two new joint venture companies. These two joint ventures are formed as new business entities to collaborate with Shaanxi Pharmaceutical Group to expand sales to regional hospitals and clinics and to establish the presence of retail pharmacies under the Brand name “Sunsimiao”. These two companies started business operations in May 2013. The investments were accounted for using the equity method because Ankang Longevity Group has significant influence, but no control of these two entities. Ankang Longevity Group recorded a net income of $532,320 and $599,118 for the years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, from the investment, which was included in “Income from equity method investments” in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.

 

In September 2013, Ankang Longevity Group entered into a supplemental agreement with Shaanxi Pharmaceutical Group Pai’ang Medicine Co. Ltd. (“Shaanxi Pharmaceutical Group”). According to the supplemental agreement, the new joint-venture companies established by Shaanxi Pharmaceutical and Ankang Longevity Group are required to exclusively purchase certain raw materials and drug products from Shaanxi Pharmaceutical Group. In return, Shaanxi Pharmaceutical Group has agreed to compensate Ankang Longevity Group with a preferred distribution equal to 7% of the total purchases made from Shaanxi Pharmaceutical Group. For the years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, a total of $1,124,258 and $1,124,010 were recognized by Ankang Longevity Group from this supplemental agreement in addition to its 49% share of the net income of the joint ventures, respectively.

 

   F- 17  

 

 

Shineco, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

 

NOTE 6 - INVESTMENTS (Continued)

 

On each of April 6, 2013 and June 2, 2013, Tenet-Jove entity invested RMB 1.5 million each (approximately $0.23 million) into two new companies: Nanjing Kang Tian Yi Dressing & Adornment Co., Ltd (“Nanjing Kangtianyi”) and Tianjin Ou Feng Biotechnology Co., Ltd (“Tianjin Ou’Feng”), to obtain non-controlling interests of 30% and 40%. Both companies have not been able to generate profits. Tianjin Ou’Feng has gone out of business as of June 30, 2015. As a result, the Company recorded impairment of $244,350 on these investments in unconsolidated entities for the year ended June 30, 2015. In November 2015, Tenet-Jove entity collected RMB 100,000 ($16,370) from Nanjing Kangtianyi as investment income. In June 2016, the Company withdrew its investments in both companies and received RMB 3.0 million (approximately $0.45 million) of its original investment amount. As a result of the withdrawal, the Company recognized a gain of approximately $233,000 for the year ended June 30, 2016.

 

On October 21, 2013, the Company, through its controlled subsidiaries, Zhisheng Freight and Zhisheng Agricultural, entered into an agreement with an unrelated third party, Zhejiang Zhen’Ai Network Warehousing Services Co., Ltd. (“Zhen’Ai Network”), and invested RMB 14.5 million (approximately $2.2 million) into Tiancang Systematic Warehousing project (“Tiancang Project”) operated by Zhen’Ai Network. Tiancang Project is an online platform established to provide comprehensive warehousing and logistic solutions to companies involved in E-commerce. The Company is entitled to a profit sharing of 29% of Tiancang Project’s after-tax net income annually, less 30% statutory reserve and 10% employee welfare fund. When the amount of the accumulated statutory reserve reaches 30% of the total investment for the Tiancang Project, no additional appropriation of the statutory reserve is required. The Tiancang Project is currently up and running. For the year ended June 30, 2016, Zhisheng Freight received investment income distribution of $139,949 from Zhen’Ai Network.

 

The Company’s investments in unconsolidated entities consist of the following:

 

    June 30, 2016     June 30, 2015  
             
Shaanxi Pharmacy Holding Group Longevity Pharmacy Co., Ltd ( Ankang Longevity Pharmacy )   $ 2,091,531     $ 1,797,814  
Shaanxi Pharmacy Sunsimiao Drugstores Ankang Chain Co., Ltd     493,008       452,939  
Nanjing Kang Tian Yi Dressing & Adornment Co., Ltd     -       245,550  
Zhejiang Zhen’Ai Network Warehousing Services Co., Ltd.     2,182,308       2,373,650  
Total   $ 4,766,847     $ 4,869,953  

 

Summarized financial information of unconsolidated entities is as follows:

 

    June 30, 2016     June 30, 2015  
             
Current assets   $ 28,450,106     $ 26,768,724  
Noncurrent assets     386,764       547,736  
Current liabilities     23,577,799       22,739,953  
Noncurrent liabilities     -       -  

 

    For the years ended June 30,  
    2016     2015  
Net sales   $ 25,456,718     $ 35,891,304  
Gross profit     3,382,468       3,233,879  
Income from operations     1,071,742       1,857,819  
Net income     1,086,377       1,856,794  

 

   F- 18  

 

 

Shineco, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

 

NOTE 6 - INVESTMENTS (Continued)

 

B) Investments in real estate project

 

On January 28, 2014, the Company, through one of its VIEs, Ankang Longevity Group, entered into an agreement (“Agreement”) with an unrelated third party, Shaanxi Xunyang Hongye Real Estate Co., Ltd. (“Xunyang Hongye”), to jointly invest a total of RMB 60.0 million (approximately $9.0 million) to build a site for planned Chinese herbal medicine exchange market (the “Exchange”) in Ankang City, China. The Exchange intends to provide services to Chinese herbal medicine traders and wholesalers by incorporating physical trading spaces, an online trading platform and logistic services into one-stop shop. Ankang Longevity Group contributed RMB 40.0 million (approximately $6.0 million) for this project, which, in return, entitles Ankang Longevity Group to 60% ownership of the real estate properties that are being constructed. Xunyang Hongye is an experienced real estate developer which is contributing its expertise and license to develop this project. The building has been completed and put in use during the last quarter of the fiscal 2016 after being granted the Certificate of Occupancy. Pursuant to the allocation agreement signed between Ankang Longevity Group and Xunyang Hongye initially signed on October 30, 2015, the Chinese herbal medicine trading hall on the 1st and 2nd floor of the building (total area of 1,720 square meter), the apartments on 3rd floors (total area of 820 square meter) and 4 underground parking spots were allocated and transferred to the Company. Thus the Company reclassified RMB 40.0 million investment in real estate project (approximately $6.0 million) to property and equipment.

 

The Company’s investments in real estate project consist of the following:

 

    June 30, 2016     June 30, 2015  
Shanxi XunyangHongye Real Estate Co., Ltd   $ -     $ 6,548,000  
                 
Total investments (A+B)   $ 4,766,847     $ 11,417,953  

 

NOTE 7 - PREPAID LEASES

 

One of the Company’s controlled subsidiaries, Zhisheng Group entered into several farmland lease contracts with farmer cooperatives to lease farmland in order to plant and grow organic vegetable, fruit and Chinese yew trees. The lease term varies from 5 years to 24 years. The aggregate lease payments on these leases amounted to RMB 36.8 million (approximately $5.54 million). Zhisheng Group paid off the entire required lease amount plus transfer fees at the beginning of the lease.

 

These leases are accounted for as operating leases and will be amortized each year on a straight-line basis over the lease terms. The amortization expense is initially recorded as work in process under inventory account during the growing period and then transferred to harvested crops costs at the time of harvest and then allocated to cost of sales when they are sold.

 

The prepaid leases consist of the following:

 

    June 30, 2016     June 30, 2015  
Current   $ 478,565     $ 521,235  
Non-current     3,860,327       4,719,320  
Total   $ 4,338,892     $ 5,240,555  

 

   F- 19  

 

 

Shineco, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

 

NOTE 7 - PREPAID LEASES (Continued)

 

Further amortization expense is as follows:

 

Twelve months ending June 30:      
       
2017   $ 478,565  
2018     475,304  
2019     475,304  
2020     475,304  
2021     475,304  
Thereafter     1,959,111  
Total   $ 4,338,892  

 

NOTE 8 - SHORT-TERM LOANS

 

Short-term loans consist of the following:

 

Lender   June 30, 2016     Maturity
Date
      Int. 
Rate/Year
 
Chongqing Alibaba Micro-Credit Company-a   $ 36,873     2016-9-9   *     15.21 %
Agricultural Bank of China-b     301,008     2016-9-24   *     5.52 %
Agricultural Bank of China-d     451,512     2016-8-9   *     5.82 %
Agricultural Bank of China-c     451,512     2016-10-27         5.27 %
Agricultural Bank of China-c     1,204,032     2016-11-18         5.22 %
Agricultural Bank of China-c     301,008     2017-4-7         5.22 %
Total   $ 2,745,945                  

 

Lender   June 30, 2015     Maturity
Date
      Int. 
Rate/Year
 
Beijing Rural Commercial Bank Donghua Branch   $ 111,006     Due on demand   *     7.97 %
Agricultural Bank of China-b     327,400     2015-8-25   *     7.20 %
Agricultural Bank of China-c     491,100     2015-7-29   *     7.20 %
Agricultural Bank of China-c     327,400     2015-10-14   *     7.80 %
Agricultural Bank of China-c     491,100     2015-10-16   *     7.20 %
Agricultural Bank of China-c     1,309,600     2015-10-30   *     7.20 %
Agricultural Bank of China-c     327,400     2016-2-16   *     6.42 %
Total   $ 3,385,006                  

 

The loans outstanding were guaranteed by the following properties, entities or individuals:

 

a. Not collateralized or guaranteed.

 

b. Collateralized by the building owned by Xiaoyan Chen and Jing Chen, who are both the related parties of the company. Xiaoyan Chen is one of the shareholders of Ankang Longevity Pharmaceutical (Group) Co., Ltd. Jing Chen is the sister of the Xiaoyan Chen but not a shareholder of Ankang Longevity Group.

 

c. Guaranteed by commercial credit guaranty companies unrelated to the Company.

 

d. Guaranteed by a commercial credit guaranty company, unrelated to the Company and also the loan guaranteed by Jiping Chen, a shareholder of the Company.

 

* The Company repaid the loans in full on maturity date.

 

   F- 20  

 

 

Shineco, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

 

NOTE 8 - SHORT-TERM LOANS (Continued)

 

The Company recorded interest expense of $171,827 and $238,265 for the years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The annual weighted average interest rates are 5.96% and 7.24% for the years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

NOTE 9 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

DUE FROM RELATED PARTIES

 

The Company had previously made temporary advances to certain shareholders of the Company as well as several other entities that are either owned by directors or family members of those directors. Those advances are due on demand, non-interest bearing, except for advance to Xinyang Yifangyuan Garden Technology Co., Ltd., which bears fixed monthly interest rate of 4.17% and advance to Shanxi Pharmacy Holding Group Longetive Pharmacy Co., Ltd., which bore a fixed annual interest rate of 5.1%, and was paid in full in December, 2015.

 

As of June 30, 2016 and 2015, the outstanding amounts due from related parties consist of the following:

 

    June 30, 2016     June 30, 2015  
Shanxi Pharmacy Holding Group Longetive Pharmacy Co., Ltd   $ -     $ 1,158,764  
Xinyang Yifangyuan Garden Technology Co., Ltd     500,784       593,413  
Shaanxi Pharmaceutical Group Pai’ang Medicine Co. Ltd     820,728       144,830  
Yang Bin     150,504       163,700  
Zhang Xin     93,312       101,494  
Chang Song     85,035       64,662  
Wang Qi Wei     8,279       9,005  
Tian Shuangpeng     11,288       -  
Zhang Yuying     -       3,624  
Qi Qiuchi     1,505       171,885  
KuerLe Tenet Jove Business & Trading Co., Ltd     -       163,700  
Huiyin Ansheng     -       48,092  
    $ 1,671,435     $ 2,623,169  

 

For the year ended June 30, 2016, interest income of $261,015 recognized on these loans was included in “Interest income, net” on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. For the year ended June 30, 2015, interest income of $260,874 recognized on these loans was included in “Interest income, net” on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

 

DUE TO RELATED PARTIES

 

As of June 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company has related party payables of $244,915 and $137,508, respectively, mainly due to the principal shareholders or certain relative of the shareholder of the Company who lend funds for the Company’s operations. The payables are unsecured, non-interest bearing and due on demand.

 

    June 30, 2016     June 30, 2015  
Wang Sai     120,854       -  
Wu Yang     96,398       137,508  
Zhang Yuying     26,769       -  
Huiyin Ansheng     894       -  
    $ 244,915     $ 137,508  

 

   F- 21  

 

 

Shineco, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

 

NOTE 9 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Continued)

 

SALES TO AND PURCHASES FROM RELATED PARTIES

 

For the year ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company recorded sales to Shaanxi Pharmaceutical Group Pai’ang Medicine Co., Ltd, a related party, of $3,014,198 and $3,176,386, respectively. There were no purchases from related parties for years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015.

 

NOTE 10 - TAXES

 

(a) Corporate Income Taxes

 

The Company is subject to income taxes on an entity basis on income arising in or derived from the location in which each entity is domiciled.

 

Shineco is incorporated in the United States and has no operating activities. Tenet-Jove and its VIEs entities are governed by the Income Tax Laws of the PRC, and are currently subject to tax at a statutory rate of 25% on net income reported after appropriated tax adjustment. Two VIE entities receive a full income tax exemption from the local tax authority of PRC as agricultural enterprises as long as the favorable tax policy remains unchanged.

 

i) The components of the income tax (benefit) expense are as follows:

 

    For the years ended 
June 30,
 
    2016     2015  
Current income tax provision   $ 1,298,472     $ 1,189,135  
Deferred income tax benefit     (120,765 )     (64,419 )
Total   $ 1,177,707     $ 1,124,716  

 

ii) The following table summarizes deferred tax assets resulting from differences between the financial reporting basis and tax basis of assets and liabilities:

 

    June 30, 2016     June 30, 2015  
Allowance for doubtful accounts   $ 123,818     $ 22,612  
Inventory reserve     203,674       145,073  
Impairment of investment     -       61,387  
Net operating loss carry-forwards     114,122       108,932  
Total     441,614       338,004  
Valuation allowance     (114,122 )     (108,932 )
Deferred tax assets, net   $ 327,492     $ 229,072  

 

As of June 30, 2016 and 2015, net operating loss carry-forwards allowed by PRC tax authorities was $456,477 and $435,728, respectively. These carryforwards will expire, if not utilized by June 2021 and June 2020, respectively.

 

Movement of valuation allowance:

 

    June 30, 2016     June 30, 2015  
Beginning balance   $ 108,932     $ 313,342  
Current year addition     13,971       -  
 Current year reversal     -       (206,724 )
 Exchange difference     (8,781 )     2,314  
Ending balance   $ 114,122     $ 108,932  

 

   F- 22  

 

 

Shineco, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

 

NOTE 10 - TAXES (Continued)

 

  iii) The following table reconciles the PRC statutory rates to the Company's effective tax rate for the years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015:

 

    For the years ended
June 30,
 
    2016     2015  
PRC statutory tax rate     25.00 %     25.00 %
Exemption rendered by local tax authorities     (12.56 )%     (11.87 )%
Effective tax rate     12.44 %     13.13 %

 

(b) Value Added Tax

 

The Company is subject to a value added tax (“VAT”) for selling merchandise. The applicable VAT rate is 17% for products sold in the PRC. The amount of VAT liability is determined by applying the applicable tax rate to the invoiced amount of goods sold (output VAT) less VAT paid on purchases made with the relevant supporting invoices (input VAT). Under the commercial practice of the PRC, the Company pays VAT based on tax invoices issued. The tax invoices may be issued subsequent to the date on which revenue is recognized, and there may be a considerable delay between the date on which the revenue is recognized and the date on which the tax invoice is issued.

 

In the event that the PRC tax authorities dispute the date on which revenue is recognized for tax purposes, the PRC tax office has the right to assess a penalty based on the amount of the taxes which are determined to be late or deficient, and will be expensed in the period if and when a determination is made by the tax authorities.

 

(c) Taxes Payable

 

Taxes payable consists of the following:

 

    June 30, 2016     June 30, 2015  
             
Income tax payable   $ 1,201,641     $ 982,532  
Value added tax payable     69,955       93,292  
Business tax and other taxes payable     6,546       429  
    $ 1,278,142     $ 1,076,253  

 

NOTE 11 - STATUTORY RESERVE

 

The Company is required to make appropriations to reserve funds, comprising the statutory surplus reserve and discretionary surplus reserve, based on after-tax net income determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles of the PRC (“PRC GAAP”).

 

Appropriations to the statutory surplus reserve is required to be at least 10% of the after tax net income determined in accordance with PRC GAAP until the reserve is equal to 50% of the entities’ registered capital. Appropriations to the discretionary surplus reserve are made at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

 

   F- 23  

 

 

Shineco, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

 

NOTE 12- EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

The following table presents a reconciliation of basic and diluted net income per share:

  

    For the years ended June 30,  
    2016     2015  
Net income   $ 8,292,822     $ 7,440,400  
Net income attributable to common stock holders     8,136,896       7,280,278  
Weighted average shares used in basic computation     19,320,882       19,320,882  
Diluted effect of contingently redeemable convertible preferred stock     -       -  
Weighted average shares used in diluted computation     19,320,882       19,320,882  
Earnings per share – Basic and diluted:                
Net income     0.43       0.39  
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interest     (0.01 )     (0.01 )
Net income attributable to controlling interest     0.42       0.38  

 

NOTE 13 - CONCENTRATION AND RISKS

 

The Company maintains certain bank accounts in the PRC which are not protected by Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance or other insurance. The cash balance held in the PRC bank accounts was $21,986,817 and $4,683,945 as of June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

During the years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, almost 100% of the Company's assets were located in the PRC and 100% of the Company's revenues were derived from its subsidiaries located in the PRC.

 

For the year ended June 30, 2016, one customer accounted for approximately 40% of the Company’s total sales. For the year ended June 30, 2015, two customers accounted for approximately 33% and 10% of the Company’s total sales, respectively.

 

For the year ended June 30, 2016, three vendors accounted for approximately 25%, 13% and 11% of the Company’s total purchases, respectively. For the year ended June 30, 2015, one vendor accounted for approximately 42% of the Company’s total purchases.

 

NOTE 14 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

The Company leases eight main office spaces under non-cancelable operating lease agreements through February 28, 2019. The Company also leases farmland under non-cancelable operating lease agreement through April 26, 2041. Most of those operating lease payments are scheduled on a quarterly basis. The future minimum rental payments are as follows:

 

Twelve months ending June 30:

 

2017   $ 563,084  
2018     467,832  
2019     240,501  
2020     223,920  
2021     223,920  
Thereafter     4,441,080  
Total   $ 6,160,337  

 

Rent expense totaled $434,475 and $388,544 for the years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

In addition, due to the shift of business focus, the Company sublets the above-mentioned farmland to a third party under non-cancelable operating lease agreement through May 31, 2020. The future minimum sublease rental income to be received are as follows:

 

Twelve months ending June 30:

 

2017   $ 233,920  
2018     233,920  
2019     233,920  
2020     205,260  
Total   $ 907,020  

 

Sublease rent income totaled $233,920 and $234,576 for the years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

  

   F- 24  

 

 

Shineco, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

 

NOTE 15 - SEGMENT REPORTING

 

ASC 280, “Segment Reporting”, establishes standards for reporting information about operating segments on a basis consistent with the Group's internal organizational structure as well as information about geographical areas, business segments and major customers in financial statements for details on the Group's business segments.

 

The Company's chief operating decision maker has been identified as the Chief Executive Officer who reviews the financial information of separate operating segments when making decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance of the Group. Based on management's assessment, the Company has determined that it has three operating segments according to the major products and locations as follows:

 

Ø Developing, manufacturing and distributing of specialized fabrics, textile products and other by-products derived from an indigenous Chinese plant called Apocynum Venetum, commonly known as “Bluish Dogbane” or known in Chinese as “Luobuma” (referred to herein as Luobuma):

 

The operating companies of this segment, namely Tenet-Jove and Tenet Huatai, specialize in Luobuma developing and manufacturing of relevant products. With rich experience and broad channels in domestic market, the Group is leading in Luobuma textile production and other by-products.

 

This segment’s operations are focused in the north region of Mainland China, mostly carried out in Beijing and Tianjin City.

 

Ø Planting, processing and distributing of traditional Chinese medicinal herbal products as well as other pharmaceutical products (“Herbal products”):

 

The operating companies of this segment, namely AnKang Longevity Group and its subsidiaries, plant and process more than 600 kinds of Chinese medicinal herbal products with an established domestic sales and distribution network.

 

Ankang Longevity Group is also engaged in retail pharmacy business and the operating revenue is also included in this segment due to immaterial amount. Ankang Longevity Group also started a joint-venture pharmacy retail and wholesale distribution business in the second quarter of 2013 with a large Chinese pharmaceutical company, Shaanxi Pharmaceutical Holdings Group, aiming to expand its pharmacy retail and wholesale business. The operations of this segment are mainly located in the Mid-western region of Mainland China.

 

Ø Planting, processing and distributing of green and organic agricultural produce as well as growing and cultivating of Chinese Yew trees (“Agricultural products”):

 

The operating companies of this segment, the Zhisheng Group, engage in the business of growing and distributing green and organic vegetables and fruits as well as providing logistics services for distributing agricultural products. This segment has been focusing its efforts on the growing and cultivating of Chinese yew tree (formally known as “taxus media”), a small evergreen tree whose branches can be used for the production of anti-cancer medication and tree itself can be used for ornamental indoor bonsai tree, which are known to have the effect of purifying air quality.

 

The operations of this segment are located in the East and North regions of Mainland China, mostly carried out in Shandong Province and in Beijing where the Zhisheng Group has newly developed over 100 acres of modern greenhouses for cultivating yew trees and other plants.

 

   F- 25  

 

 

Shineco, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

 

NOTE 15 - SEGMENT REPORTING (Continued)

 

The following table presents summarized information by segment for the year ended June 30, 2016:

 

    For the year ended June 30, 2016  
    Bluish     Herbal     Agricultural        
    dogbane     products     products     Total  
Segment revenue   $ 4,387,060     $ 14,031,955     $ 16,787,837     $ 35,206,852  
Cost of goods     1,974,182       10,990,162       11,072,897       24,037,241  
Business and sales related tax     20,711       64,327       -       85,038  
Gross profit     2,392,167       2,977,466       5,714,940       11,084,573  
Gross profit contribution %     21.6 %     26.9 %     51.5 %     100.0 %

 

The following table presents summarized information by segment for year ended June 30, 2015:

 

    For the year ended June 30, 2015  
    Bluish     Herbal     Agricultural        
    dogbane     products     products     Total  
Segment revenue   $ 3,530,807     $ 13,858,949     $ 15,240,746     $ 32,630,502  
Cost of goods     1,349,520       10,982,826       9,872,387       22,204,733  
Business and sales related tax     12,624       65,624       14       78,262  
Gross profit     2,168,663       2,810,499       5,368,345       10,347,507  
Gross profit contribution %     21.0 %     27.2 %     51.8 %     100.0 %

 

Total Assets as of

 

    June 30, 2016     June 30, 2015  
             
Bluish Dogbane or “Luobuma”   $ 6,963,093     $ 6,308,727  
Herbal products     28,088,515       25,001,487  
Agricultural products     21,997,180       20,821,910  
    $ 57,048,788     $ 52,132,124  

 

NOTE 16 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

On September 23, 2016, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a stock incentive plan (“Plan”). Pursuant to the Plan, the Company plans to file a registration statement on Form S-8 as soon as practicable after the closing of its initial public offering to register up to 2,103,407 of the Company’s shares of common stock. As of the date of this report, the Company has not issued any options to purchase the Company's shares of common stock.

 

On September 27, 2016, the Company completed an initial public offering of 1,713,190 shares of common stocks at a $4.50 offering price. Our common stocks started trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol of TYHT on September 28, 2016.

   

   F- 26  

 

Exhibit 10.60

 

[        ]

 

Engagement Letter

 

Dear [        ]

 

This letter will confirm our understanding concerning your service as a member of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Shineco, Inc. (the “Company”). This letter supersedes all prior written and oral discussion and agreements between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and contain the sole and entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.

 

1.           TERM . Your tenure on the Board began in [        ], when you accepted our offer to serve on the Board and will continue until your resignation or removal or until your successor is duly elected and qualified. We expect that you will be a member of the Board for at least the period from [        ] to the annual shareholders meeting in [        ] and that you will notify the Company at least one month before resigning from the Board, subject to compliance with the Company’s Director Resignation Policy.

 

2.           TITLE AND PRIMARY SERVICES . You have agreed to serve as a Director of the Board, and [        ].

 

3.           COMPENSATION . In consideration of your services as a director of the Company and your participation in each of the Board’s regular meetings and additionally called special meetings and conference calls, the Company will pay you a Board Fee of [        ] in cash per year starting from the first year after the closing of the Initial Public Offering of the Company. You will also attend Committee Meetings for which you will not receive additional fees.

 

4.           EXPENSES . The Company will pay or reimburse you for all authorized and approved out-of-pocket expenses actually incurred in the course of your performance of services pursuant to this letter in a manner consistent with the Company’s policies with respect to reimbursement of such expenses for its Board members generally. Such expenses shall be approved in advance.

 

5.           REGULATORY AND LEGAL COMPLIANCE . The Company does not anticipate that you will perform any services for the Company which will require reporting, registration, licensing or other compliance activities under any federal, state or municipal laws and regulations relating to lobbying, contact with government officials or similar matters. However, should any such regulatory compliance be required, you shall be solely responsible for complying at your expense with such regulatory requirements as may be applicable to you personally and the Company shall be solely responsible for complying at its expense with such regulatory requirements as may be applicable to the Company. You and the Company shall each provide the other with such information as either may request in order to prepare any reports or other documents required for any such regulatory compliance.

 

  1  

 

 

6.           REPRESENTATIONS . You warrant and represent to the Company that (a) you are not prohibited by any law or regulation or by the terms of any contract or agreement from performing services for the Company as contemplated by this letter, and (b) as of the date hereof, you are not aware of any situation that would pose a conflict of interest with respect to your performance of services for the Company as contemplated hereby. You agree to promptly inform the Company of any situations that may pose a conflict of interest which may hereafter come to your attention.

 

7.           CONFIDENTIALITY . During your tenure on the Board, you shall not directly or indirectly use or disclose any Confidential Information (as defined below) or Trade Secrets (as defined below) of the Company or the Company’s affiliates except in the interest and for the benefit of the Company. After the end, for whatever reason, of your tenure on the Board, you shall not directly or indirectly use or disclose any Trade Secrets of the Company or the Company’s affiliates. Similarly, you shall not directly or indirectly use or disclose any Confidential Information following your tenure on the Board. For purposes hereof, the term “Confidential Information” means all non-Trade Secrets or proprietary information of the Company or the Company’s affiliates which has value to the Company or the Company’s affiliates and which is not known to the public or the Company’s competitors, generally. Confidential Information includes but is not limited to: (i) inventions, product specifications, information about products under development, research, development or business plans, production know-how and processes, manufacturing techniques, equipment design and layout, test results, financial information, customer lists, information about orders and transactions with customers, sales and marketing strategies and plans, pricing strategies, information relating to sources of materials and production costs, product samples, technical information and know-how, personnel information and all business records; (ii) information which is marked or otherwise designated as confidential or proprietary by the Company; and (iii) information received by the Company from others which the Company has an obligation to treat as confidential. For purposes hereof, “Trade Secrets” has the meaning set forth under applicable law.

 

8.           RETURN OF RECORDS . Upon the end, for whatever reason, of your tenure on the Board or upon request by the Company at any time, you shall immediately return to the Company all documents, records and materials belonging and/or relating to the Company, and any copies of such materials and destroy any such documents, records or materials maintained on you own computer equipment.

 

9.           INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR . You are an independent contractor and not an employee or agent of the Company. You shall be solely responsible for the payment of any taxes or contributions applicable to your performance of services under this letter. You acknowledge that you shall not participate in, or receive any benefits provided by, any of the Company’s retirement, health, welfare or other employee benefit plans or programs.

 

  2  

 

 

10.          ASSIGNABILITY . All services to be provided hereunder shall be performed by you personally and you shall not assign, subcontract, delegate or otherwise transfer this letter or the performance of services hereunder without the prior written consent of the Company.

 

11.          GOVERNING LAW . This letter shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Delaware without regard to the principles of choice or conflicts of law thereof.

 

12.          SEVERABILITY . The invalidity, illegality or enforceability of any provision of this letter shall not affect the other provisions hereof, which shall remain in full force and effect.

 

If you are in agreement with the above, kindly so indicate by signing and dating the enclosed copy of this letter in the space provided below and returning it to the Company.

 

  Very truly yours,
   
   
  Yuying Zhang
  Chief Executive Officer

 

Acknowledged and agreed  
   
as of the date indicated above.  
   
   
[                        ]  
Director  

 

  3  

 

Exhibit 14.1 

 

 

 

CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS

 

“The Company and each of its directors, officers and employees are expected to comply with all laws that apply to the Company, its personnel and its and their activities, both in letter and spirit, to adhere to the highest standards of ethical conduct and to avoid even the appearance of improper conduct.”

 

This fundamental principle governs all of our activities. Ethical conduct and business success are inseparable, and no important business objective can be achieved without following this fundamental principle. This Code is intended to help implement this fundamental principle and enable better ethical decision making.

 

This fundamental principle applies to and must be observed by Shineco, Inc. (the “ Company ”) and its subsidiaries and controlled affiliates and related parties (together with Company, the “ Group ”), and the directors, officers and employees (including all senior or management personnel and all financial or investor relations personnel) of the Company (collectively, our “personnel,” “we,” “us” and similar words).

 

This Code should be provided to our agents, representatives and consultants, and they should be asked to follow the principles and standards set out herein.

 

This Code covers a wide range of business activities and is supplemented by Company policies and procedures covering specific functions and activities which should be read in conjunction with this Code. Of course, neither this Code nor those policies and procedures cover every situation that may arise. Rather, they set out principles and standards to guide us.

 

If a law (which term includes governmental, regulatory and judicial regulations, rules and orders) conflicts with this Code or Company policies or procedures, you must of course comply with the law. If a local custom or practice conflicts with this Code or Company policies or procedures, however, you must comply with this Code and Company policies and procedures. Regardless of whether a situation is covered by the law, this Code or a Company policy or procedure, you must at all times conduct yourself in accordance with the fundamental principle set forth above.

 

Most importantly, if you have a question or need an interpretation of this Code or Company policies or procedures or if you are in doubt as to the best course of action in a particular situation, ask for help. In addition, if you believe that the current or likely future conduct of any other director, officer or employee or any Company agent, representative or consultant violates or could reasonably be expected to violate this fundamental principle, this Code or Company policies or procedures or could reasonably be expected to expose the Company or any of us to legal problems, it is your duty to notify the appropriate Company authority. Talk with your manager, a member of THE COMPANY’s Audit Committee or counsel for the Company. When questions arise relating to THE COMPANY’s internal accounting controls or other auditing or accounting matters, you also may talk with the Company’s principal financial officer or any member of THE COMPANY’s Audit Committee. You also may anonymously submit to THE COMPANY’s Audit Committee any concerns you have regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters. All necessary contact information is set forth under the section of this Code entitled COMPLIANCE PROGRAM, under the heading Reporting Procedures.

 

Retaliation for reports of actual or potential misconduct made in good faith is prohibited. Among other things, U.S. and other laws protect against retaliation against persons who provide information to (or otherwise assist in) investigations by their supervisors or the federal government as to possible securities law violations or fraud. Employees are expected to cooperate in internal investigations of misconduct.

 

Ethical principles are often easy to state but difficult to apply. An analytic framework is set forth in the Company procedure that relates to this policy statement. Nonetheless, living up to this Code must be a way of life at work. Integrity is not an occasional requirement. It erodes when it is not reinforced by practice and weakens if it is not continually and consistently applied to all situations. This Code will be vigorously enforced at every level within the Company at all times. Those who violate this Code will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

 

 

 

 

This Code and the policies and procedures described in it do not constitute or create an employment contract or employer-employee relationship between the Company and any other person, including its agents, representatives, consultants, contractors or their personnel. This Code and the Company’s policies and procedures are subject to change at any time.

 

This Code will be placed and maintained on the Company website for easy access and reference.

 

Date: August 28, 2015

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

  Page
   
INTRODUCTION 4
ANALYTIC FRAMEWORK 4
CONDUCT AS AN EMPLOYEE 5
Living Company Values 5
Avoiding Conflicts of Interest 5
Working in a Positive Environment 6
Safeguarding Company Information and Property 7
Compliance with Law and Reporting with Integrity 8
CONDUCT WITH OTHER EMPLOYEES 9
Honoring the Individual 9
Inviting Full Participation 9
Respecting Each Other’s Privacy 10
Our Obligation 10
CONDUCT WITH CUSTOMERS AND COMPETITORS 10
Providing Quality Products and Services 10
Seeking Business Openly and Honestly 10
Safeguarding the Property of Others 11
Complying with Antitrust Laws 11
CONDUCT WITH SUPPLIERS 11
Seeking Long-Term Relationships 11
Avoiding Influence by Gifts 12
CONDUCT WITH OTHERS 12
Avoiding Political Contributions 12
Payments to Government Personnel 13
Complying with Antibribery Laws 13
Health, Safety and Environmental Protection 13
Requiring Ethical Behavior of Outside Consultants, Representatives and Agents 14
Complying with Antiboycott Laws 14
Complying with Export Control Laws 14
Complying with Insider Trading Laws 14
Memberships 14
Family Relationships 15
COMPLIANCE PROGRAM 15
The Audit Committee 15
Managers and Supervisors 15
All Employees, Directors and Officers 16
Reporting Procedures 16
Investigations and Employee Protection 16
Disciplinary Action 17
WAIVERS AND AMENDMENTS 17
CODE OF ETHICS FOR CEO AND SENIOR FINANCIAL OFFICERS 18
EFFECTIVE DATE 18

 

  - 3 -  

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

These procedures set forth in more detail some of the important practical applications of the fundamental principle set forth in the Code of Conduct and Ethics.

 

It is important to read this Code and to develop a working knowledge of the laws and regulations that directly affect your job. Neither the Code or these procedures nor other Company policies and procedures cover every situation that may arise. Rather, they set out principles, standards and analytic frameworks to guide us. Accordingly, this procedure first sets forth an analytic framework for applying these principles and standards, and then sets forth select practical applications.

 

ANALYTIC FRAMEWORK

 

You may face difficult situations in which you must identify various alternatives, determine which ones are right and which ones are wrong, and decide what to do.

 

Since we cannot anticipate every situation that will arise, it is important to have a process for analyzing new situations. The following process will help with that analysis.

 

The Company expects you to be guided by this Code, by Company policies and procedures, by your personal sense of right and wrong, and by the answers to the following questions:

 

· Do I have all of the important facts ? In order to reach the right solutions, you must be as fully informed as possible.

 

· What specifically am I doing or being asked to do ? This will enable you to focus on the specific question that you face and the alternatives that you have.

 

· Is this conduct legal ? When in doubt, consult counsel for the Company.

 

· Does this conduct comply with Company policies and procedures ?

 

· Is this conduct fair or does it seem unethical or improper ? Use your judgment and common sense; if something seems wrong, it probably is.

 

· What is my responsibility ? In most situations, there is shared responsibility. Are your colleagues informed? It may help to get others involved and discuss the situation.

 

· Did I ask for help from an appropriate source ?

 

· Did I discuss the problem with my supervisor or manager ? In many cases, your supervisor or manager will be more knowledgeable about the situation, and will appreciate being brought into the decision-making process. Remember that it is the responsibility of your supervisor or manager to help solve problems.

 

· Did I seek help from Company resources ? In cases where it may not be appropriate to discuss a situation with your supervisor or manager or where you do not feel comfortable approaching your supervisor or manager, discuss it with a member of the management team. If that also is not appropriate, use the other resources described below as a means for raising your concerns.

 

· If my conduct were videotaped and broadcast on television, would I still feel good about myself ?

 

  - 4 -  

 

 

· You may report suspected ethical violations in confidence and without fear of retaliation . If your situation requires that your identity be kept secret, your anonymity will be protected to the extent possible, consistent with applicable law and policy. The Company does not permit retaliation of any kind against employees for good faith reports of ethical violations.

 

· Always ask first, act later . If you are unsure of what to do in any situation, seek guidance before you act .

 

CONDUCT AS AN EMPLOYEE

 

Living Company Values

 

As representatives of the Company to the outside world, and regardless of the pressures inherent in conducting business, each of us must endeavor to:

 

· Act responsibly and in a manner that reflects favorably upon the Company as a whole and us individually.

 

· Carry out our assignments guided by the principles set forth in this Code and other Company policies and procedures.

 

To help us meet our ethical obligations, the Company will:

 

· Endeavor to maintain a workplace environment that does not create pressures that would encourage any departure from the principles and standards set forth in this Code.

 

· Endeavor to provide educational materials, including this Code, so that all of us are informed of the ethical, legal and other standards applicable to our conduct.

 

· Endeavor to provide an organizational structure and reporting channels through which we are able to report suspected violations of this Code without fear of reprisal.

 

· Keep reports about suspected violations that are made in good faith confidential, except where the law may require otherwise.

 

Avoiding Conflicts of Interest

 

A conflict of interest exists when the private interest of a director, officer or employee, or one of his or her family members (which term includes parents and children, brothers and sisters, and parents and children of brothers and sisters, whether by birth, adoption or marriage, or an enterprise or organization with which any of them is associated (collectively “related parties”), could reasonably be expected to be adverse to or interfere with the interests of the Company (or appear to be adverse) or the objective and effective performance by the director, officer or employee of his or her duties, responsibilities or work for the Company. A conflict of interest also exists when any employee, director or officer (or a member of his or her family) receives improper personal benefits as a result of his or her position with the Company. Loans to, or guarantees of obligations of, such persons are of special concern.

 

Examples of conflicts of interest include situations where an employee:

 

· Accepts a gift (other than a de minimis gift permitted as described elsewhere herein) or receives personal discounts or other benefits as a result of the employee’s position with the Company, from a current or potential customer, supplier or competitor.
  - 5 -  

 

 

· Owns a substantial financial interest in or serves in a business capacity with another enterprise that does or wishes to do business with, or is a competitor of, the Company (not including routine investments in publicly traded companies and non-material passive investments in other companies).

 

· Serves as an intermediary for the benefit of a third party in transactions involving the Company.

 

· Uses confidential or proprietary information of the Company or its suppliers or customers for personal benefit or benefit of another person.

 

· Uses Company funds or assets for personal benefit or benefit of another person (not including incidental personal use that does not interfere with use by the Company and does not impact the Company or its business).

 

· Conducts business for another enterprise during normal working hours.

 

· Simultaneously serves or works for or provides consulting services to a competitor, customer or supplier.

 

Each of us must avoid, and must not permit our family members or enterprises or organizations with which we or they are associated to have, a conflict of interest (or even the appearance of a conflict of interest), unless first approved by the appropriate Company authority. See WAIVERS AND AMENDMENTS.

 

The best policy is to avoid any direct or indirect business connection with customers, suppliers or competitors, except on our behalf.

 

Conflicts of interest may not always be obvious. Each of us has a duty to report any actual or potential conflicts of interest to the appropriate Company authority as soon as they are recognized. See COMPLIANCE PROGRAM – Reporting Procedures.

 

Working in a Positive Environment

 

The Company will endeavor to:

 

· Provide a healthy and safe work environment that is conducive to conducting business and allows us to exercise self-initiative, innovative thinking and full participation through self-directed teams and other means.

 

· Encourage us to act and lead with passion, energy, intelligence and respect for others, to follow safety and health rules and practices and to report to the appropriate Company authority all accidents, injuries, and unsafe equipment, practices and conditions. See COMPLIANCE PROGRAM – Reporting Procedures.

 

· Provide for open, timely, interdependent communications that help achieve organizational goals, share information, increase understanding and participation in the decision-making process, enhance pride in the Company and provide recognition for work-related successes.

 

· Provide a work environment that is not hostile or offensive and that is free from illegal discrimination or intimidation or harassment of any person for any reason.

 

Harassment includes conduct that is intended to or that has the effect of unreasonably interfering with a fellow employee's work performance or creating an environment that is intimidating, hostile, or offensive to the employee. Harassment may take many forms. Sexual harassment includes:

 

  - 6 -  

 

 

· Unwelcome sex-based conduct that is so severe and pervasive that it creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment (for example, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, unsolicited physical contact, propositions, unwelcome flirtations, or offensive verbal, visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature such as suggestive or lewd remarks, unwanted hugs, touches or kisses, or graphic or visual displays such as posters, pin-ups, or electronic pictures, video clips, or e-mail messages).

 

· Sex-based conduct by someone’s supervisor or manager that tangibly affects the employee’s job (for example, affects discipline, rejection for promotion, or loss of pay or benefits).

 

The Company's policies for recruitment, advancement and retention of employees forbid discrimination on the basis of any criteria prohibited by law, including but not limited to race, sex and age. Our policies are designed to see that employees are treated, and treat each other, fairly and with respect and dignity. In keeping with this objective, conduct involving any illegal discrimination or harassment of others will not be tolerated. Copies of our policies are available from our human resources personnel.

 

In this environment, we, as leaders, must:

 

· Aspire to develop a winning strategy, build a great management team, inspire the best from others, create a flexible and responsive enterprise, and act and live with the utmost integrity and professional dignity.

 

· Report to work in condition to perform our duties, free from the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol.

 

· Adhere to all laws and Company policies and practices related to workplace safety.

 

Unacceptable behavior includes:

 

· Use of illegal drugs or alcohol in the workplace.

 

· Violence or threatening or intimidating behavior.

 

· Use of Company-provided email and Internet access for pornographic, harassing, abusive or offensive purposes, or for personal purposes that are substantial.

 

· Harassment or intentional insult of any form.

 

· Illegal discrimination, including discrimination as to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, veteran status or physical or mental disability.

 

Safeguarding Company Information and Property

 

The Company’s ability to conduct its activities requires the efficient and proper use of Company assets and resources, including confidential and proprietary information, technology, software, land, buildings, equipment, components, raw materials and cash. Those of us with knowledge of or access to proprietary or confidential information must not disclose it to others, except to those of us who need to know it and are informed of its confidential or proprietary nature or as otherwise authorized by appropriate Company authority, and must not use it for our own personal benefit or the benefit of our related parties. These requirements apply even after we cease to be employed by or associated with the Company.

 

  - 7 -  

 

 

Confidential information includes information such as new business strategies, potential transactions, pending contracts, unannounced earnings, prospective new products, salary information, financial data, and research results which have not been disclosed to the public as well as other non-public information that might be of use to competitors or harmful to the Company or customers if disclosed. Confidential information also includes information of others, such as suppliers, with whom the Company has agreed to hold such information in confidence.

 

Proprietary information includes intellectual property such as trade secrets, patents, trademarks and copyrights as well as business, marketing and service plans, engineering and manufacturing ideas, designs, databases and records.

 

Each of us must use these assets and resources according to Company policies and procedures, comply with security programs that help prevent their unauthorized use or theft, and abide by laws and contractual agreements governing their use. Any suspected loss, misuse or theft should be reported to a manager or an officer or to counsel for the Company.

 

Each of us owes a duty to the Company to advance its legitimate interests when the opportunity to do so arises.

 

In furtherance of these requirements:

 

· Each of us must safeguard all passwords and identification codes to prevent unauthorized access to Company computerized data.

 

· The reproduction of software licensed to or developed by the Company for personal use is prohibited.

 

· We must not use Company information, or our position with the Company, for improper gain by us or our related parties, or take for ourselves personally or our related parties opportunities that are discovered through the use of Company property or information because of our position with the Company.

 

· Whenever we cease to be employed by or associated with Company for any reason, we must not copy or take with us any Company confidential or proprietary information and we must provide the Company with any passwords necessary to access computer files.

 

· Company equipment must not be used for non-Company activities (not including incidental personal use that does not interfere with use by the Company and does not impact the Company or its business).

 

Compliance with Law and Reporting with Integrity

 

Obeying the law, both in letter and in spirit, is the foundation on which the Company’s ethical standards are built. All of us must respect and obey the law of the cities, states and countries in which the Company conducts business. Although employees are not expected to know the details of the law, it is important to know enough to be able to determine when to seek advice from the appropriate Company authority.

 

To comply with the law as well as maintain credibility with investors, lenders, customers, suppliers, regulators and others, we must consistently prepare financial and other reports accurately and fully and fairly disclose all pertinent information.

 

To implement these standards:

 

· Each of us must seek to ensure that Company financial, accounting and other books, reports and records accurately and fairly reflect the transactions of the Company in reasonable detail and in accordance with the law and the Company’s system of internal controls.

 

  - 8 -  

 

 

· The taking of any action to fraudulently influence, coerce, manipulate or mislead an auditor during an audit for the purpose of rendering the financial statements materially misleading is prohibited.

 

· The execution of Company transactions must only be undertaken in accordance with management’s general or specific authorizations and administrative and accounting controls.

 

· The taking of any action to circumvent the Company’s system of internal controls is prohibited.

 

· The authorization of payment knowing that any part of the payment will be used for any purpose other than that described in documents supporting the payment is prohibited. Of course if we incur legitimate expenses in connection with Company business, we will be reimbursed upon the filing of completed and accurately documented expense reports.

 

· The destruction, alteration or concealment of a document with the intent to impede an investigation, or the tampering with or destruction of a document with the intent to impair its availability in an official proceeding, is prohibited.

 

· The establishment or maintenance of unrecorded or “off the books” funds or assets for any purpose is prohibited.

 

In addition, each of us must:

 

· Report only the true and actual number of hours worked.

 

· Record all Company funds and assets on the books of the Company at all times.

 

· Retain Company records according to Company record retention policies and procedures.

 

Business records and communications often become public, and each of us must avoid exaggeration, derogatory remarks, guesswork or inappropriate characterizations of people, activities or companies that can be misunderstood. This applies equally to e-mails, internal memoranda, slides and other presentations and formal reports.

 

The Company has a responsibility to communicate effectively with stockholders by disclosing to them, on a timely basis, complete and accurate information, in all material respects, about the Company and its financial condition and results of operations. Employees are encouraged to advise the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Financial Officer of information processes that would improve such disclosure.

 

CONDUCT WITH OTHER EMPLOYEES

 

Honoring the Individual

 

The Company will endeavor to recognize the dignity of the individual, respect and trust each employee, pay for performance with compensation and benefits that are competitive, and promote self-development through training that broadens work-related skills.

 

Inviting Full Participation

 

The Company believes that the diversity of its employees is a tremendous asset, and will endeavor to provide challenging, meaningful and rewarding opportunities for personal and professional growth to all employees without regard to race, religion, color, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, or veteran status.

 

  - 9 -  

 

 

Respecting Each Other’s Privacy

 

The Company will endeavor to:

 

· Respect the privacy of each of us.

 

· Encourage employees to have interests outside of the workplace.

 

· Not interfere in employees’ personal lives off the job unless their conduct impairs their work performance or adversely affects the Company.

 

The Company will seek to maintain only those historical and current employee personnel and medical records needed for business, legal or contractual purposes and restrict access and knowledge of the contents of those records to those with a legitimate need to know.

 

Every employee has the right of access to his or her own personnel records upon request during normal business hours.

 

Our Obligation

 

Each of us must apply these principles to all phases of the employment relationship, including hiring, training, development, compensation, promotion, demotion, transfer, layoff, termination, use of facilities and selection for special programs.

 

CONDUCT WITH CUSTOMERS AND COMPETITORS

 

Providing Quality Products and Services

 

The Company is committed to providing products and services that meet or exceed customer expectations for quality, integrity and reliability and to satisfying their requirements with on-time deliveries and at competitive prices.

 

The Company is also committed to providing products and services that meet or exceed all applicable standards and regulations.

 

Seeking Business Openly and Honestly

 

Each of us must endeavor to market Company technologies, products and services fairly and vigorously based on their proven quality, integrity, reliability and price. In the context of ethics, quality requires that Company products and services be provided to meet Company obligations to customers.

 

The Company will endeavor to obtain competitive advantages through superior performance, never through unethical or illegal business practices. Prohibited unethical or illegal business practices include:

 

· Bribes, kickbacks and every other form of improper payment, direct or indirect, to any representative of any government, labor union, customer or supplier in order to obtain a contract, commercial benefit or government action.

 

  - 10 -  

 

 

· Acceptance of any such payment from anyone.

 

· Taking unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts or any other intentional unfair-dealing practice.

 

· Offering existing or potential commercial customers gifts of more than nominal value ($100 or less), unless the gift has been previously approved by THE COMPANY’s Audit Committee after review with counsel for the Company. Gifts of less than $100 in value may also be improper under some circumstances, and the Company expects employees to use their good judgment in deciding whether and when to offer or accept such gifts. Gifts or entertainment in any form that would likely result in a feeling or expectation of personal obligation should not be extended or accepted. Marketing-sponsored and similar events are permitted up to expenditure limits pre-approved by the Chief Executive Officer.

 

· Theft of proprietary information, possession of proprietary information (including trade secrets) obtained without the owner’s consent, or inducement of disclosure of any of such information by past or present employees of other companies.

 

The purpose of business entertainment in a commercial setting is to create goodwill and sound working relationships, not to gain unfair advantage. Thus, reasonable business entertainment is permitted, including promotional events, so long as what is offered is not illegal, is consistent with usual and customary business practices, does not compromise or appear to compromise the recipient’s impartiality, places the recipient under no obligation for a “quid pro quo” or agreement to do anything in return, is not a cash gift, is not unsavory or sexually oriented and does not otherwise violate our commitment to mutual respect, and will not embarrass the Company or any of us if disclosed publicly.

 

Safeguarding the Property of Others

 

The Company will endeavor to protect the tangible and intellectual property of customers and suppliers, which may be used in fulfilling work assignments. Each of us must comply with all laws or contractual requirements governing their use.

 

Complying with Antitrust Laws

 

Antitrust laws prohibit any formal or informal understanding, agreement, plan or scheme among competitors that involves prices, territories, market share or customers to be served.

 

Each of us must comply with all applicable antitrust laws.

 

CONDUCT WITH SUPPLIERS

 

Seeking Long-Term Relationships

 

Each of us must:

 

· Strive to build long-term relationships with Company suppliers and award business based on their ability to meet Company requirements for cost, quality and delivery.

 

· Provide the same information and instructions to each competing supplier for a proposed purchase.

 

· Protect all proprietary data that our actual or potential suppliers provide to the Company as reflected in agreements with them.

 

  - 11 -  

 

 

· Avoid, and not permit our related parties to have, any significant outside business or financial interests in any Company supplier, unless we have the prior express written approval of appropriate Company authority.

 

Company purchasing personnel and others who may use goods or services of other companies are encouraged to be receptive to new ideas, techniques and materials and to make reasonable efforts to evaluate new offerings and give them due consideration.

 

The copying or other reproduction of software that is licensed to the Company by a supplier, and the incorporation of such software into Company developed software, is prohibited unless the Company is permitted to do so.

 

Avoiding Influence by Gifts

 

The acceptance of gifts of any kind from suppliers, potential suppliers or others is prohibited, except for:

 

· Items of nominal value ($100 or less), or if the gift has been previously approved by THE COMPANY’s Audit Committee after review with counsel for the Company.

 

· Unsolicited promotional materials of a general advertising nature, such as imprinted pencils, memo pads and calendars.

 

· Presentations of a ceremonial nature in keeping with national custom, or an occasional meal, promotional event or entertainment (such as theatrical performances or sporting or cultural events) in the normal course of business relations, so long as what is accepted is not illegal, is consistent with usual and customary business practices, does not compromise or appear to compromise the recipient’s impartiality, places the recipient under no obligation for a “quid pro quo” or agreement to do anything in return, is not a cash gift, is not unsavory or sexually oriented and does not otherwise violate our commitment to mutual respect, and will not embarrass the Company or any of us if disclosed publicly. For example, an occasional meal with a business partner, or tickets to ordinary theater, sports or other cultural events are generally acceptable. If you have any doubts about the appropriateness of a gift or entertainment, check with counsel for the Company.

 

CONDUCT WITH OTHERS

 

Avoiding Political Contributions

 

Use of Company funds to make direct or indirect contributions in support of any party or candidate in any election on the international, federal, state or local level is prohibited unless first approved by THE COMPANY’s Board of Directors or first approved by counsel for the Company as described below.

 

To the extent lawful and first approved by counsel for the Company, the Company may contribute (up to an annual maximum of $10,000) to an occasional local initiative or referendum campaign where the Company’s interests are directly involved.

 

This policy applies solely to the use of Company assets and is not intended to discourage or prevent individual employees, officers or directors from making political contributions or engaging in political activities on their own behalf. As interested citizens, each of us is free to make individual personal contributions to parties and candidates of our own choice.

 

  - 12 -  

 

 

Payments to Government Personnel

 

The direct or indirect offer, promise, delivery, transfer, payment, contribution or gift of anything of value (including business gratuities and favors) to governmental officials or political candidates in order to obtain or retain business is prohibited. Illegal payments of any kind to governmental officials of any country are prohibited.

 

In addition to the preceding prohibitions, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other U.S. and international laws contain similar prohibitions. A violation of those prohibitions is, in many cases, a crime. When in doubt as to whether a contemplated payment or gift may violate applicable laws, contact counsel for the Company before making such payment or giving such gift.

 

Complying with Antibribery Laws

 

In furtherance of obligations to comply with applicable law, including antibribery law, the following activities are prohibited:

 

· Use of Company funds or assets for any unlawful purpose or to influence others through bribes.

 

· Rewards, gifts or favors bestowed or promised with the view of perverting the judgment or corrupting the conduct of a person in a position of trust.

 

To the extent not unlawful, the following activities are allowed:

 

· Offering or accepting properly recorded business meals, entertainment or token gifts intended and understood as simple courtesies meant to foster understanding and communication with suppliers, customers and public officials.

 

· Token tips or minor payments to governmental, institutional, vendor or customer service personnel that:

 

Ø Simply facilitate service.

 

Ø Are traditional in the country or locality.

 

Ø Are nominal in amount.

 

Ø Do not involve a perversion of judgment or corruption of conduct.

 

Ø Are properly recorded.

 

Token payments meet this test only if, through the generation of goodwill, and not by any other means, they encourage timely performance of an act which the recipient already has a duty to perform because of some legal or job responsibility.

 

Health, Safety and Environmental Protection

 

The Company will endeavor to:

 

· Conduct its activities responsibly and in a manner designed to prevent accidents and pollution, and to protect the health and safety of our employees, vendors, customers and the public.

 

  - 13 -  

 

 

· Continually improve health, safety and environmental protection, to integrate applicable health, safety and environmental considerations into business decisions and planning activities and to design and implement policies and procedures that provide reasonable assurance that these principles are implemented.

 

Requiring Ethical Behavior of Outside Consultants, Representatives and Agents

 

When the Company engages a consultant, representative or agent, special consideration must be given to avoiding conflicts of interest between the Company and the consultant, representative or agent.

 

Consultants, representatives and agents of the Company must not act on the Company’s behalf in any manner that is inconsistent with this Code, Company policies or procedures or applicable laws.

 

Complying with Antiboycott Laws

 

The Company will comply with laws that prohibit cooperation with economic boycotts.

 

Complying with Export Control Laws

 

The Company will comply with export control laws that govern the export of commodities and technical data, including items that are hand-carried as samples or demonstration units in luggage.

 

Complying with Insider Trading Laws

 

All non-public information about the Company should be considered confidential information. Confidential information that may be considered material by investors may be disclosed to the public only by an authorized representative of the Company. Until such disclosure, material information, often called “inside information,” must be held in confidence.

 

We must not:

 

· Disclose any inside information to any outside person or group until the information has been released to the public.

 

· Disclose inside information to any other employee except on a need to know basis.

 

· Take any economic or personal advantage of any inside information, such as buying or selling stock or other securities of the Company or of any other company to which the inside information may pertain.

 

· Use non-public information for personal financial benefit or to “tip” others who might make an investment decision on the basis of inside information.

 

Memberships

 

Corporate memberships, and memberships paid by the Company, should only be used to serve legitimate business needs. They are appropriate only in organizations whose objectives and activities are lawful and ethical and fit within the framework of broadly accepted social values.

 

  - 14 -  

 

 

Employment of Spouses and Other Family Members

 

For reasons of supervision, safety, security and morale, and to avoid conflicts of interest, an officer or employee generally should not supervise a family member or exercise direct or indirect influence over other employment decisions involving a family member. Employees who marry or who become related by marriage during their employment will become subject to the same restriction. Such arrangements are discouraged and will require the approval of the Chief Executive Officer (or the Board of Directors, if it involves an executive officer).

 

COMPLIANCE PROGRAM

 

The Audit Committee

 

The Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors:

 

· Has direct oversight responsibility with respect to the adoption, improvement and implementation of this Code, and its duties include monitoring activities of the Company with respect to:

 

Ø distributing and periodically updating this Code;

 

Ø educating employees about their responsibilities under this Code;

 

Ø establishing and periodically updating procedures for reporting violations and responding to suggested changes and inquiries;

 

Ø identifying managers and supervisors who will have the responsibility for ongoing compliance training for employees; and

 

Ø monitoring the training conducted by such managers and supervisors.

 

· Is comprised of “outside” directors who are not associated with management of the Company and who are “independent” within the meaning of applicable laws and rules.

 

· Has established procedures for the confidential, anonymous submission of reports of actual or potential violations of this Code or other Company policies or procedures, including confidential anonymous submission by employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters, and confidential anonymous submission of suggested changes to this Code or other Company policies or procedures. Those procedures are described under “ – Reporting Procedures” below.

 

Managers and Supervisors

 

Managers and supervisors have key roles in connection with implementing this Code, and are expected to:

 

· Demonstrate their personal commitment to this Code and to act and manage their direct reports accordingly.

 

· Maintain a workplace environment that complies with this Code.

 

· Use diligence and discretion, and consider such employee’s ethics and integrity, before appointing any employee to any position of authority and responsibility.

 

  - 15 -  

 

 

All identified managers and supervisors must certify annually that:

 

· They have read and understand this Code.

 

· They have personally complied with this Code.

 

· They have monitored the acts or omissions of their direct reports for compliance with this Code.

 

· They have brought this Code to the attention of everyone under their supervision whose act or omission could reasonably be expected to contribute to a violation of this Code.

 

· They know of no violations of the Code (or have described any known violations).

 

· They have created and maintained a record as to compliance training.

 

All Employees, Directors and Officers

 

All of us must comply with the letter and spirit of this Code and Company policies and procedures, and must promptly communicate to the appropriate Company authority any suspected violations.

 

Reporting Procedures

 

All actual or potential violations of laws, this Code or Company policies or procedures may be reported to any of the following:

 

· To any one of the following individuals at counsel for the Company:

 

[Bin Zhou]

 

[Van Carter or M. Ridgway Barker]

 

· To any one of the following individuals on the Audit Committee:

 

[To be inserted]

 

Investigations and Employee Protection

 

The Audit Committee or counsel for the Company, as appropriate, will investigate all reports of actual or potential violations.

 

No director, officer, employee, contractor, subcontractor or agent of the Company shall discharge, demote, suspend, threaten, harass or in any other manner discriminate against an employee in the terms and conditions of employment because of any lawful act done by the employee:

 

· To provide information, cause information to be provided or otherwise assist in an investigation regarding any conduct that the employee reasonably and in good faith believes constitutes a violation of law, or any provision of law relating to fraud against stockholders, when the information or assistance is provided to or the investigation is conducted by (i) a regulatory or law enforcement agency, (ii) any member of Congress or any committee of Congress or (iii) a person with supervisory authority over the employee (or such other person working for the Company who has the authority to investigate, discover or terminate misconduct).

 

  - 16 -  

 

 

· To file, cause to be filed, testify, participate in or otherwise assist in a proceeding filed or about to be filed (with any knowledge of the Company) relating thereto.

 

· To report in good faith any actual or potential violation of this Code or Company policies or procedures.

 

Disciplinary Action

 

Violation of this Code will lead to disciplinary action. Discipline could include:

 

· Forfeiture (including a requirement to return or pay over to the Company) of previously vested or paid equity, bonus or incentive compensation or realized gains on such equity compensation.

 

· Forfeiture or loss of unvested, unearned or earned but unpaid equity, bonus or incentive compensation.

 

· Non-receipt of or exclusion from future salary or wage increases or future awards of equity, bonus or incentive compensation.

 

· Elimination of or reduction in duties, responsibilities and authority, and concomitant reduction in salary or wages.

 

· Receipt of a letter of reprimand or censure, with a copy filed in the personnel file.

 

· Reassignment to a different work location, in the same or a different facility.

 

· Reimbursement of the Company and third parties for all losses, damages, expenses or penalties incurred by the Company or third parties.

 

· Suspension or termination of employment.

 

· Any other action that the Company deems necessary or appropriate.

 

· Commencement of a lawsuit or other proceeding to recover damages or enjoin acts or omissions.

 

· Referral of any matter to governmental or regulatory authorities, in the case of violations of the Code that involve illegal behavior.

 

Discipline may also be imposed in situations that violate the spirit of this Code but that are not specifically addressed in this Code or any Company policy or procedure. An employee who knowingly makes false allegations will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination of employment, in accordance with Company policies and procedures and applicable law. In addition, the Company will not indemnify any employee making such a false allegation to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

 

WAIVERS AND AMENDMENTS

 

Any waiver of this Code may be granted:

 

  - 17 -  

 

 

· For executive officers or directors, only by the Company’s Board of Directors. Each such waiver will be disclosed, along with the reasons for such waiver, as required by law or stock exchange rules (including, to the degree required by the Listing Market’s rules, in an SEC Form 8-K within four (4) business days after the occurrence of the event (and if the event occurs on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday on which the SEC is not open for business, then the four (4) business day period shall begin to run on, and include, the first business day thereafter)).

 

· For other employees, only by the Chief Executive Officer. Each such waiver shall be promptly reported to the Audit Committee.

 

Amendments to this Code must be approved by the Board of Directors and amendments of the provisions in this Code applicable to the Chief Executive Officer and the senior financial officers will also be promptly disclosed as required by law or stock exchange rules.

 

Code of Ethics for CEO and Senior Financial Officers

 

Attached to this Code is a Code of Ethics for CEO and Senior Financial Officers, which is incorporated herein and shall apply to the officers covered thereby in addition to the requirements of this Code.

 

Effective Date

 

This Code was adopted by the Board on August 28, 2015.

 

  - 18 -  

 

 

CODE OF ETHICS FOR CEO AND SENIOR FINANCIAL OFFICERS

 

The Company has a Code of Conduct and Ethics applicable to all directors, officers and employees of the Company. The Chief Executive Officer (“ CEO ”) and all senior financial officers, including the principal financial officer and principal accounting officer, are bound by the provisions set forth therein, including those relating to ethical conduct, conflicts of interest and compliance with law. In addition to the Code of Conduct and Ethics, the CEO and senior financial officers are responsible for:

 

· full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in the periodic reports required to be filed by the Company with the SEC, so that the CEO and each senior financial officer must promptly bring to the attention of the Board any material information of which he or she may become aware that affects the disclosures made by the Company in its public filings and to otherwise assist the Company in fulfilling its disclosure responsibilities;

 

· acting with honesty and integrity, and avoiding actual or apparent conflicts of interest involving personal and professional relationships, as described in the Code of Conduct and Ethics;

 

· disclosing to the Audit Committee or counsel for the Company any material transaction or relationship that could reasonably be expected to give rise to such a conflict;

 

· ensuring that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures function properly and providing other employees of the Company with information that is full, fair, accurate, complete, objective, timely, and understandable for inclusion in filings with the SEC and in other public communications;

 

· complying with applicable laws, rules and regulations of all U.S. and non-U.S. governmental entities, as well as other private and public regulatory agencies to which the Company is subject; and

 

· promptly reporting to the Audit Committee or counsel for the Company any violations of the Code of Conduct and Ethics of which he or she is aware.

 

  - 19 -  

Exhibit 31.1  

 

Certification of Principal Executive Officer

Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

and Securities and Exchange Commission Release 34-46427

 

I, Yuying Zhang, certify that:

 

  (1) I have reviewed this Form 10-K of Shineco, Inc.;

 

  (2) Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

  (3) Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

  (4) The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

 

  (5) The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: September 28, 2016

/s/ Yuying Zhang
  Yuying Zhang
  Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

     

Exhibit 31.2

 

    Certification of Principal Financial Officer

Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

and Securities and Exchange Commission Release 34-46427

 

I, Sam Wang, certify that:

 

  (1) I have reviewed this Form 10-K of Shineco, Inc.;

 

  (2) Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

  (3) Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

  (4) The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

 

  (5) The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: September 28, 2016 /s/ Sam Wang
  Sam Wang
  Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

 

     

Exhibit 32.1

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

In connection with this Form 10-K report of Shineco, Inc. for the period ended June 30, 2016 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof and pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, I, Yin Shenping, certify that: 

 

  (1) This report containing the financial statements fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

  (2) The information contained in the this period report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Shineco, Inc.

 

Date: September 28, 2016 /s/ Yuying Zhang
  Yuying Zhang
  Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of section 1350, chapter 63 of title 18, United States Code) and is not being filed as part of a separate disclosure document.

 

     

Exhibit 32.2

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

In connection with this Form 10-K report of Shineco, Inc. for the period ended June 30, 2016 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof and pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, I, Liu Jia, certify that: 

 

  (1) This report containing the financial statements fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

  (2) The information contained in the this period report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Shineco, Inc.

 

Date: September 28, 2016 /s/ Sam Wang
  Sam Wang
  Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

  

The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of section 1350, chapter 63 of title 18, United States Code) and is not being filed as part of a separate disclosure document.

 

 

     

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

SHINECO, INC.

 

2016 SHARE INCENTIVE PLAN

 

1. Purpose and Effective Date .

 

(a) The purpose of the Shineco, Inc. 2016 Share Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) is to further the long term stability and financial success of Shineco, Inc. (the “Company”) by attracting and retaining personnel, including employees, non-employee directors, and consultants, through the use of stock incentives. It is believed that ownership of Company stock will stimulate the efforts of those employees upon whose judgment, interest and efforts the Company is and will be largely dependent for the successful conduct of its business.

 

(b) The Plan was recommended for approval by the Board of Directors on September 23, 2016 (the “Effective Date”).

 

2.  Definitions .

 

(a)  Act . The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

(b)  Affiliate . The meaning assigned to the term “affiliate” under Rule 12b-2 of the Act.

 

(c)  Applicable Withholding Taxes . The aggregate amount of federal, state and local income and payroll taxes that the Company is required to withhold (based on the minimum applicable statutory withholding rates) in connection with any exercise of an Option or the award, lapse of restrictions or payment with respect to Restricted Stock.

 

(d)  Award . The award of an Option or Restricted Stock under the Plan.

 

(e)  Beneficiary . The person or persons entitled to receive a benefit pursuant to an Award upon the death of a Participant.

 

(f)  Board . The Board of Directors of the Company.

 

(g)  Cause . Dishonesty, fraud, misconduct, gross incompetence, gross negligence, breach of a material fiduciary duty, material breach of an agreement with the Company, unauthorized use or disclosure of confidential information or trade secrets, or conviction or confession of a crime punishable by law (except minor violations), in each case as determined by the Committee, which determination shall be binding. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if “Cause” is defined in an employment agreement between a Participant and the Company, “Cause” shall have the meaning assigned to it in such agreement.

 

(h)  Change of Control .

 

(i) The acquisition by any unrelated person of beneficial ownership (as that term is used for purposes of the Act) of 50% or more of the then outstanding common shares of the Company or the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors. The term “unrelated person” means any person other than (x) the Company and its subsidiaries, (y) an employee benefit plan or related trust sponsored by the Company or its subsidiaries, and (z) a person who acquires stock of the Company pursuant to an agreement with the Company that is approved by the Board in advance of the acquisition. For purposes of this subsection, a “person” means an individual, entity or group, as that term is used for purposes of the Act;

 

 

 

 

 

(ii) Any tender or exchange offer, merger or other business combination, sale of assets or any combination of the foregoing transactions, and the Company is not the surviving corporation; and

 

(iii) A liquidation of the Company.

 

(i)  Code . The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

(j)  Committee . The Compensation Committee of the Board.

 

(k)  Company . Shineco, Inc.

 

(l)  Company Stock . The common shares of the Company. In the event of a change in the capital structure of the Company (as provided in Section 12 below), the shares resulting from such a change shall be deemed to be Company Stock within the meaning of the Plan.

 

(m)  Consultant . A person rendering services to the Company who is not an “employee” for purposes of employment tax withholding under the Code.

 

(n)  Corporate Change . A consolidation, merger, dissolution or liquidation of the Company, or a sale or distribution of assets or stock (other than in the ordinary course of business) of the Company; provided that, unless the Committee determines otherwise, a Corporate Change shall only be considered to have occurred with respect to Participants whose business unit is affected by the Corporate Change.

 

(o)  Date of Grant . The date as of which an Award is made by the Committee.

 

(p)  Disability or Disabled . As to an Incentive Stock Option, a Disability within the meaning of Code Section 22(e)(3). As to all other Incentive Awards, the Committee shall determine whether a Disability exists and such determination shall be conclusive.

 

(q)  Fair Market Value .

 

(i) If Company Stock is traded on a national securities exchange, the average of the highest and lowest registered sales prices of Company Stock on such exchange;

 

(ii) If Company Stock is traded in the over-the-counter market, the average between the closing bid and asked prices as reported by the NASDAQ Stock Market; or

 

(iii) If shares of Company Stock are not publicly traded, the Fair Market Value shall be determined by the Committee using any reasonable method in good faith.

 

Fair Market Value shall be determined as of the applicable date specified in the Plan or, if there are no trades on such date, the value shall be determined as of the last preceding day on which Company Stock is traded.

 

(r)  Incentive Stock Option . An Option intended to meet the requirements of, and qualify for favorable Federal income tax treatment under, Code Section 422.

 

(s)  Nonstatutory Stock Option . An Option that does not meet the requirements of Code Section 422, or that is otherwise not intended to be an Incentive Stock Option and is so designated.

 

(t)  Option . A right to purchase Company Stock granted under the Plan, at a price determined in accordance with the Plan.

 

(u)  Participant . Any individual who receives an Award under the Plan.

 

 

 

 

 

(v)  Restricted Stock . Company Stock awarded upon the terms and subject to the restrictions set forth in Section 7 below.

 

(w)  Rule 16b-3 . Rule 16b-3 of the Act, including any corresponding subsequent rule or any amendments to Rule 16b-3 enacted after the effective date of the Plan.

 

(x)  10% Shareholder . A person who owns, directly or indirectly, stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or an Affiliate. Indirect ownership of stock shall be determined in accordance with Code Section 424(d).

 

3.  General . Awards of Options and Restricted Stock may be granted under the Plan. Options granted under the Plan may be Incentive Stock Options or Nonstatutory Stock Options.

 

4.  Stock . Subject to Section 12 of the Plan, there shall be reserved for issuance under the Plan a total of 2,103,407 shares of Company Stock. Shares allocable to Options granted under the Plan that expire or otherwise terminate unexercised and shares that are forfeited pursuant to restrictions on Restricted Stock awarded under the Plan may again be subjected to an Award under this Plan. For purposes of determining the number of shares that are available for Awards under the Plan, such number shall, if permissible under Rule 16b-3, include the number of shares surrendered by a Participant or retained by the Company (a) in connection with the exercise of an Option or (b) in payment of Applicable Withholding Taxes.

 

5.  Eligibility .

 

(a) Any employee of, non-employee director of, or Consultant to the Company or its affiliates, who, in the judgment of the Committee, has contributed or can be expected to contribute to the profits or growth of the Company is eligible to become a Participant. The Committee shall have the power and complete discretion, as provided in Section 14, to select eligible Participants and to determine for each Participant the terms, conditions and nature of the Award and the number of shares to be allocated as part of the Award; provided, however, that any award made to a member of the Committee must be approved by the Board. The Committee is expressly authorized to make an Award to a Participant conditioned on the surrender for cancellation of an existing Award.

 

(b) The grant of an Award shall not obligate the Company to pay an employee any particular amount of remuneration, to continue the employment of the employee after the grant or to make further grants to the employee at any time thereafter.

 

(c) Non-employee directors and Consultants shall not be eligible to receive the Award of an Incentive Stock Option.

 

6.  Stock Options .

 

(a) Whenever the Committee deems it appropriate to grant Options, notice shall be given to the Participant stating the number of shares for which Options are granted, the Option price per share, whether the options are Incentive Stock Options or Nonstatutory Stock Options, and the conditions to which the grant and exercise of the Options are subject. This notice, when duly accepted in writing by the Participant, shall become a stock option agreement between the Company and the Participant.

 

(b) The Committee shall establish the exercise price of Options. The exercise price of an Incentive Stock Option shall be not less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of such shares on the Date of Grant, provided that if the Participant is a 10% Shareholder, the exercise price of an Incentive Stock Option shall be not less than 110% of the Fair Market Value of such shares on the Date of Grant. The exercise price of a Nonstatutory Stock Option Award shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of the shares of Company Stock covered by the Option on the Date of Grant.

 

 

 

 

 

(c) Options may be exercised in whole or in part at such times as may be specified by the Committee in the Participant’s stock option agreement. The Committee may impose such vesting conditions and other requirements as the Committee deems appropriate, and the Committee may include such provisions regarding a Change of Control or Corporate Change as the Committee deems appropriate.

 

(d) The Committee shall establish the term of each Option in the Participant’s stock option agreement. The term of an Incentive Stock Option shall not be longer than ten years from the Date of Grant, except that an Incentive Stock Option granted to a 10% Shareholder may not have a term in excess of five years. No option may be exercised after the expiration of its term or, except as set forth in the Participant’s stock option agreement, after the termination of the Participant’s employment. The Committee shall set forth in the Participant’s stock option agreement when, and under what circumstances, an Option may be exercised after termination of the Participant’s employment or period of service; provided that no Incentive Stock Option may be exercised after (i) three months from the Participant’s termination of employment with the Company for reasons other than Disability or death, or (ii) one year from the Participant’s termination of employment on account of Disability or death. The Committee may, in its sole discretion, amend a previously granted Incentive Stock Option to provide for more liberal exercise provisions, provided however that if the Incentive Stock Option as amended no longer meets the requirements of Code Section 422, and, as a result the Option no longer qualifies for favorable federal income tax treatment under Code Section 422, the amendment shall not become effective without the written consent of the Participant.

 

(e) An Incentive Stock Option, by its terms, shall be exercisable in any calendar year only to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined at the Date of Grant) of Company Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable by the Participant for the first time during the calendar year does not exceed $100,000 (the “Limitation Amount”). Incentive Stock Options granted under the Plan and all other plans of the Company and any parent or Subsidiary of the Company shall be aggregated for purposes of determining whether the Limitation Amount has been exceeded. The Board may impose such conditions as it deems appropriate on an Incentive Stock option to ensure that the foregoing requirement is met. If Incentive Stock Options that first become exercisable in a calendar year exceed the Limitation Amount, the excess Options will be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options to the extent permitted by law.

 

(f) If a Participant dies and if the Participant’s stock option agreement provides that part or all of the Option may be exercised after the Participant’s death, then such portion may be exercised by the personal representative of the Participant’s estate during the time period specified in the stock option agreement.

 

(g) If a Participant’s employment or services is terminated by the Company for Cause, the Participant’s Options shall terminate as of the date of the misconduct.

 

7.  Restricted Stock Awards .

 

(a) Whenever the Committee deems it appropriate to grant a Restricted Stock Award, notice shall be given to the Participant stating the number of shares of Restricted Stock for which the Award is granted and the terms and conditions to which the Award is subject. This notice, when accepted in writing by the Participant, shall become an Award agreement between the Company and the Participant. Certificates representing the shares shall be issued in the name of the Participant, subject to the restrictions imposed by the Plan and the Committee. A Restricted Stock Award may be made by the Committee in its discretion without cash consideration.

 

(b) The Committee may place such restrictions on the transferability and vesting of Restricted Stock as the Committee deems appropriate, including restrictions relating to continued employment and financial performance goals. Without limiting the foregoing, the Committee may provide performance or Change of Control or Corporate Change acceleration parameters under which all, or a portion, of the Restricted Stock will vest on the Company’s achievement of established performance objectives. Restricted Stock may not be sold, assigned, transferred, disposed of, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise encumbered until the restrictions on such shares shall have lapsed or shall have been removed pursuant to subsection (c) below.

 

 

 

 

 

(c) The Committee may provide in a Restricted Stock Award, or subsequently, that the restrictions will lapse if a Change of Control or Corporate Change occurs. The Committee may at any time, in its sole discretion, accelerate the time at which any or all restrictions will lapse or may remove restrictions on Restricted Stock as it deems appropriate.

 

(d) A Participant shall hold shares of Restricted Stock subject to the restrictions set forth in the Award agreement and in the Plan. In other respects, the Participant shall have all the rights of a shareholder with respect to the shares of Restricted Stock, including, but not limited to, the right to vote such shares and the right to receive all cash dividends and other distributions paid thereon. Certificates representing Restricted Stock shall bear a legend referring to the restrictions set forth in the Plan and the Participant’s Award agreement. If stock dividends are declared on Restricted Stock, such stock dividends or other distributions shall be subject to the same restrictions as the underlying shares of Restricted Stock.

 

8.  Method of Exercise of Options .

 

(a) Options may be exercised by giving written notice of the exercise to the Company, stating the number of shares the Participant has elected to purchase under the Option. Such notice shall be effective only if accompanied by the exercise price in full in cash; provided that, if the terms of an Option so permit, the Participant may (i) deliver Company Stock that the Participant has owned for at least six months (valued at Fair Market Value on the date of exercise), or (ii) exercise any applicable net exercise provision contained therein. Unless otherwise specifically provided in the Option, any payment of the exercise price paid by delivery of Company Stock acquired directly or indirectly from the Company shall be paid only with shares of Company Stock that have been held by the Participant for more than six months (or such longer or shorter period of time required to avoid a charge to earnings for financial accounting purposes).

 

(b) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Awards shall always be granted and exercised in such a manner as to conform to the provisions of Rule 16b-3.

 

9.  Applicable Withholding Taxes . Each Participant shall agree, as a condition of receiving an Award, to pay to the Company, or make arrangements satisfactory to the Company regarding the payment of, all Applicable Withholding Taxes with respect to the Award. Until the Applicable Withholding Taxes have been paid or arrangements satisfactory to the Company have been made, no stock certificates (or, in the case of Restricted Stock, no stock certificates free of a restrictive legend) shall be issued to the Participant. As an alternative to making a cash payment to the Company to satisfy Applicable Withholding Tax obligations, the Committee may establish procedures permitting the Participant to elect to (a) deliver shares of already owned Company Stock (subject to such restrictions as the Committee may establish, including a requirement that any shares of Company Stock so delivered shall have been held by the Participant for not less than six months) or (b) have the Company retain that number of shares of Company Stock that would satisfy all or a specified portion of the Applicable Withholding Taxes. Any such election shall be made only in accordance with procedures established by the Committee and in accordance with Rule 16b-3.

 

10.  Nontransferability of Awards .

 

(a) In general, Awards, by their terms, shall not be transferable by the Participant except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution or except as described below. Options shall be exercisable, during the Participant’s lifetime, only by the Participant or by his guardian or legal representative.

 

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of (a) and subject to federal and state securities laws, the Committee may grant Nonstatutory Stock Options that permit a Participant to transfer the Options to one or more immediate family members, to a trust for the benefit of immediate family members, or to a partnership, limited liability company, or other entity the only partners, members, or interest-holders of which are among the Participant’s immediate family members. Consideration may not be paid for the transfer of Options. The transferee of an Option shall be subject to all conditions applicable to the Option prior to its transfer. The agreement granting the Option shall set forth the transfer conditions and restrictions. The Committee may impose on any transferable Option and on stock issued upon the exercise of an Option such limitations and conditions as the Committee deems appropriate.

 

 

 

 

 

11.  Termination, Modification, Change . If not sooner terminated by the Board, this Plan shall terminate at the close of business on the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date. No Awards shall be made under the Plan after its termination. The Board may terminate the Plan or may amend the Plan in such respects as it shall deem advisable; provided that, if and to the extent required by Rule 16b-3, no change shall be made that increases the total number of shares of Company Stock reserved for issuance pursuant to Awards granted under the Plan (except pursuant to Section 12), expands the class of persons eligible to receive Awards, or materially increases the benefits accruing to Participants under the Plan, unless such change is authorized by the shareholders of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board may unilaterally amend the Plan and Awards as it deems appropriate to ensure compliance with Rule 16b-3 and to cause Incentive Stock Options to meet the requirements of the Code and regulations thereunder. Except as provided in the preceding sentence, a termination or amendment of the Plan shall not, without the consent of the Participant, adversely affect a Participant’s rights under an Award previously granted to him.

 

12.  Change in Capital Structure .

 

(a) In the event of a stock dividend, stock split or combination of shares, spin-off, reclassification, recapitalization, merger or other change in the Company’s capital stock (including, but not limited to, the creation or issuance to shareholders generally of rights, options or warrants for the purchase of common shares or preferred stock of the Company), the number and kind of shares of stock or securities of the Company to be issued under the Plan (under outstanding Awards and Awards to be granted in the future), the exercise price of options, and other relevant provisions shall be appropriately adjusted by the Committee, whose determination shall be binding on all persons. If the adjustment would produce fractional shares with respect to any Award, the Committee may adjust appropriately the number of shares covered by the Award so as to eliminate the fractional shares.

 

(b) In the event the Company distributes to its shareholders a dividend or sells or causes to be sold to a person other than the Company or a Subsidiary shares of stock in any corporation (a “Spinoff Company”) which, immediately before the distribution or sale, was a majority owned Subsidiary of the Company, the Committee shall have the power, in its sole discretion, to make such adjustments as the Committee deems appropriate. The Committee may make adjustments in the number and kind of shares or other securities to be issued under the Plan (under outstanding Awards and Awards to be granted in the future), the exercise price of Options, and other relevant provisions, and, without limiting the foregoing, may substitute securities of a Spinoff Company for securities of the Company. The Committee shall make such adjustments as it determines to be appropriate, considering the economic effect of the distribution or sale on the interests of the Company’s shareholders and the Participants in the businesses operated by the Spinoff Company, and subject to the proviso that any such adjustments or new options shall not be made or granted, respectively, that would result in subjecting the Plan to variable plan accounting treatment. The Committee’s determination shall be binding on all persons. If the adjustment would produce fractional shares with respect to any Award, the Committee may adjust appropriately the number of shares covered by the Award so as to eliminate the fractional shares.

 

(c) To the extent required to avoid a charge to earnings for financial accounting purposes, adjustments made by the Committee pursuant to this Section 12 to outstanding Awards shall be made so that both (i) the aggregate intrinsic value of an Award immediately after the adjustment is not greater than or less than the Award’s aggregate intrinsic value before the adjustment and (ii) the ratio of the exercise price per share to the market value per share is not reduced.

 

(d) Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, the Committee may take the foregoing actions without the consent of any Participant, and the Committee’s determination shall be conclusive and binding on all persons for all purposes. The Committee shall make its determinations consistent with Rule 16b-3 and the applicable provisions of the Code.

 

13.  Change of Control . In the event of a Change of Control or Corporate Change, the Committee may take such actions with respect to Awards as the Committee deems appropriate. These actions may include, but shall not be limited to, the following:

 

 

 

 

 

(a) At the time the Award is made, provide for the acceleration of the vesting schedule relating to the exercise or realization of the Award so that the Award may be exercised or realized in full on or before a date initially fixed by the Committee;

 

(b) Provide for the purchase or settlement of any such Award by the Company for any amount of cash equal to the amount which could have been obtained upon the exercise of such Award or realization of a Participant’s rights had such Award been currently exercisable or payable;

 

(c) Make adjustments to Awards then outstanding as the Committee deems appropriate to reflect such Change of Control or Corporate Change; provided, however, that to the extent required to avoid a charge to earnings for financial accounting purposes, such adjustments shall be made so that both (i) the aggregate intrinsic value of an Award immediately after the adjustment is not greater than or less than the Award’s aggregate intrinsic value before the Award and (ii) the ratio of the exercise price per share to the market value per share is not reduced; or

 

(d) Cause any such Award then outstanding to be assumed, or new rights substituted therefore, by the acquiring or surviving legal entity in such Change of Control or Corporate Change.

 

14.  Administration of the Plan .

 

(a) The Plan shall be administered by the Committee, who shall be appointed by the Board. The Board may designate the Compensation Committee of the Board, or a subcommittee of the Compensation Committee, to be the Committee for purposes of the Plan. If and to the extent required by Rule 16b-3, all members of the Committee shall be “Non-Employee Directors” as that term is defined in Rule 16b-3, and the Committee shall be comprised solely of two or more “outside directors” as that term is defined for purposes of Code section 162(m). If any member of the Committee fails to qualify as an “outside director” or (to the extent required by Rule 16b-3) a “Non-Employee Director,” such person shall immediately cease to be a member of the Committee and shall not take part in future Committee deliberations. The Board of Directors may from time to time may appoint members of the Committee and fill vacancies, however caused, in the Committee.

 

(b) The Committee shall have the authority to impose such limitations or conditions upon an Award as the Committee deems appropriate to achieve the objectives of the Award and the Plan. Without limiting the foregoing and in addition to the powers set forth elsewhere in the Plan, the Committee shall have the power and complete discretion to determine (i) which eligible persons shall receive an Award and the nature of the Award, (ii) the number of shares of Company Stock to be covered by each Award, (iii) whether Options shall be Incentive Stock options or Nonstatutory Stock Options, (iv) the Fair Market Value of Company Stock, (v) the time or times when an Award shall be granted, (vi) whether an Award shall become vested over a period of time, according to a performance-based vesting schedule or otherwise, and when it shall be fully vested, (vii) the terms and conditions under which restrictions imposed upon an Award shall lapse, (viii) whether a Change of Control or Corporate Change exists, (ix) the terms of incentive programs, performance criteria and other factors relevant to the issuance of Incentive Stock or the lapse of restrictions on Restricted Stock or Options, (x) when Options may be exercised, (xi) whether to approve a Participant’s election with respect to Applicable Withholding Taxes, (xii) conditions relating to the length of time before disposition of Company Stock received in connection with an Award is permitted, (xiii) notice provisions relating to the sale of Company Stock acquired under the Plan, and (xiv) any additional requirements relating to Awards that the Committee deems appropriate. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no “tandem stock options” (where two stock options are issued together and the exercise of one option affects the right to exercise the other option) may be issued in connection with Incentive Stock Options.

 

(c) The Committee shall have the power to amend the terms of previously granted Awards so long as the terms as amended are consistent with the terms of the Plan and, where applicable, consistent with the qualification of an option as an Incentive Stock Option. The consent of the Participant must be obtained with respect to any amendment that would adversely affect the Participant’s rights under the Award, except that such consent shall not be required if such amendment is for the purpose of complying with Rule 16b-3 or any requirement of the Code applicable to the Award.

 

 

 

 

 

(d) The Committee may adopt rules and regulations for carrying out the Plan. The Committee shall have the express discretionary authority to construe and interpret the Plan and the Award agreements, to resolve any ambiguities, to define any terms, and to make any other determinations required by the Plan or an Award agreement. The interpretation and construction of any provisions of the Plan or an Award agreement by the Committee shall be final and conclusive. The Committee may consult with counsel, who may be counsel to the Company, and shall not incur any liability for any action taken in good faith in reliance upon the advice of counsel.

 

(e) A majority of the members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum, and all actions of the Committee shall be taken by a majority of the members present. Any action may be taken by a written instrument signed by all of the members, and any action so taken shall be fully effective as if it had been taken at a meeting.

 

15.  Issuance of Company Stock . The Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any certificate for shares of Company Stock before (i) the admission of such shares to listing on any stock exchange on which Company Stock may then be listed, (ii) receipt of any required registration or other qualification of such shares under any state or federal securities law or regulation that the Company’s counsel shall determine is necessary or advisable, and (iii) the Company shall have been advised by counsel that all applicable legal requirements have been complied with. The Company may place on a certificate representing Company Stock any legend required to reflect restrictions pursuant to the Plan, and any legend deemed necessary by the Company’s counsel to comply with federal or state securities laws. The Company may require a customary written indication of a Participant’s investment intent. Until a Participant has been issued a certificate for the shares of Company Stock acquired, the Participant shall possess no shareholder rights with respect to the shares.

 

16.  Rights Under the Plan . Title to and beneficial ownership of all benefits described in the Plan shall at all times remain with the Company. Participation in the Plan and the right to receive payments under the Plan shall not give a Participant any proprietary interest in the Company or any Affiliate or any of their assets. No trust fund shall be created in connection with the Plan, and there shall be no required funding of amounts that may become payable under the Plan. A Participant shall, for all purposes, be a general creditor of the Company. The interest of a Participant in the Plan cannot be assigned, anticipated, sold, encumbered or pledged and shall not be subject to the claims of his creditors.

 

17.  Beneficiary . A Participant may designate, on a form provided by the Committee, one or more beneficiaries to receive any payments under Awards of Restricted Stock or Incentive Stock after the Participant’s death. If a Participant makes no valid designation, or if the designated beneficiary fails to survive the Participant or otherwise fails to receive the benefits, the Participant’s beneficiary shall be the first of the following persons who survives the Participant: (a) the Participant’s surviving spouse, (b) the Participant’s surviving descendants,  per stirpes , or (c) the personal representative of the Participant’s estate.

 

18.  Notice . All notices and other communications required or permitted to be given under this Plan shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered personally or mailed first class, postage prepaid, as follows: (a) if to the Company—at its principal business address to the attention of the Secretary; (b) if to any Participant—at the last address of the Participant known to the sender at the time the notice or other communication is sent.

 

19.  Interpretation . The terms of this Plan and Awards granted pursuant to the Plan are subject to all present and future regulations and rulings of the Secretary of the Treasury relating to the qualification of Incentive Stock Options under the Code or compliance with Code section 162(m), to the extent applicable, and they are subject to all present and future rulings of the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to Rule 16b-3. If any provision of the Plan or an Award conflicts with any such regulation or ruling, to the extent applicable, the Committee shall cause the Plan to be amended, and shall modify the Award, so as to comply, or if for any reason amendments cannot be made, that provision of the Plan and/or the Award shall be void and of no effect.